T6-1000 PRO Electrical Tester

10/10

First of all I'd like to say for the past few years I've been using a fluke T5 - 1000 meter for my everyday basic testing, which had been useful and reliable (if somewhat limited and basic in its options...)This one was a hopeful replacement - better ohm range, the back-light and improved screen size rated highly on my reasons for buying this one as a upgrade.The fact it came with a holster and alligator clip seemed like a fantastic set to have in my tool bag.On opening the box it's clear the quality is there, the test probes fit far more securely into the rear terminals than the T5 and initially I felt I'd made a good purchase.Fieldsense whilst being a nice addition isn't something I could see myself using a great deal, they also appear to have removed the small metal touch point on the rear of this meter compared to the T6-1000 standard version.Sadly before I even peeled the film off I'm having to send it back to amazon who graciously offered me a free return and very helpful assistant that was available immediately even at half 11 at night.Reason?This meter relies on a ground connection using the negative lead to a earth reference point for the amp readings/Fieldsense to work.Sadly when you're testing double insulated appliances or using this meter on a ladder and checking amps one handed - the last thing you need is to be attaching crocodile clips to ground points (I'm assuming you'd need to use the neutral on a double insulated appliance which sort of makes the whole idea of non contact testing a bit redundant)The jaw gap is also far wider than the T5 which would make it difficult in small spaces. It's clear the wire must also be insert fully to the bottom line of the jaws before it recognises anything.Sadly there was no information to tell you this before purchase so it's a bit disappointing.Because the quality is good and amazon have been helpful allowing me to return this quickly and without issue - I have given this 3 stars.Hopefully this will help you a little in making a better informed decision prior to buying this meter.

At first I thought the field sensing readings were inaccurate but then noticed my hand was touching the cable near the jaws and this was causing the problem. When I moved my hand away the reading was spot on which is incredible for a contactless reading of voltage. This potential problem should be emphasised in the instructions. Reading both current and voltage simultaneously without contact with the circuit is such a useful feature. The probe storage feature is also great. The instrument is auto ranging so only three switch positions are required making it very easy to use. All in all a fantastic general purpose instrument to carry on your belt. The only possible problem I can see is getting the open jaw over large cables such as tails which are too close together.