Amazon has set their sights on the electrical testing tool industry with a new line of Amazon Commercial digital multimeters, testers, thermometers, and more.
This is a very quiet but also very serious effort.
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I have posted about AmazonBasics tools and products before, and AmazonCommercial is their relatively new brand aimed at providing business, commercial, and industrial-focused products.
Amazon says that AmazonCommercials brand focuses on:
High-quality, commercial-grade equipment and supplies to keep your business running.
And they have recently set their sights on the electrical testing, measurement, and troubleshooting industry.
Some of you might be saying “but AmazonCommercial isn’t new!,” and you’re right, it isn’t. I landed on one of the multimeter product pages a few weeks or months ago, and was shocked that this series of tools appeared out of nowhere and had been flying under my radar.
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There are a range of products, and with very different price points. With respect to digital multimeters, they have quite a few options, from a more basic weather-resistant auto-ranging model that’s priced at $36.44, to a “heavy duty” model with color LCD display and more premium features, priced at $235.07.
There is really an astonishing number of different products.
For instance, AmazonCommercial has even entered the laser distance measuring tool market.
Amazon tries a lot of new things, and quite frequently too. Their “editorial recommendations” program is still ongoing, and nearly two years later, the quality is still terrible. If only there were people who actually knew about tools and didn’t just write fluffy marketing copy based on Amazon’s bestsellers’ lists…
Surprisingly, Amazon’s Car and Truck Store is still an active… customer research experiment?
It appears that Amazon is no longer selling their AmazonBasics hearing protection earmuffs.
Amazon getting into the commercial tool industry, producing (or putting their name on) tools that I – and you – might actually be interested in – this is a big deal.
They even have an entire line of AmazonCommercial electrical tape. At the time of this posting, a 12-pack of 3/4″ x 60′ of 7-mil black vinyl tape is priced at $16, which Amazon says is the lowest price in 30 days.
This AmazonCommercial tool and supply brand could make some waves.
I scrolled down on the multimeter page, to take a look at its features and specs, and how it’s marketed, and this is what I found.
What’s that about the test leads? Durably made, the hand towels resist tearing during use and are highly absorbent.
This was the first page I saw, and after checking some of the others I was relieved to find minimal errors beyond this one.
Some of the AmazonCommercial testing tools are already on their bestsellers list.
- #16: AmazonCommercial 2000 Count Manual Ranging ($18.07)
- #31: AmazonCommercial 6000 Count, True RMS, CATIV 600V ($87.34)
- #33: AmazonCommercial 1000A AC/DC Clamp Meter ($62.23)
- #64: AmazonCommercial 600A AC/DC Clamp Meter ($65.26)
- #97: AmazonCommercial Heavy Duty 50000 Count ($235.07)
I’m going to be frank – some of these tools have appealing feature sets and compelling pricing. But I’m also not convinced that these are really aimed at commercial users.
There are FAQ-type questions, where they are asked and answered by AmazonCommercial. One such question asks What is NCV and how it [sic] used? That makes sense, but this strikes me as a question that commercial users and pros won’t need to ask.
Another question asks Does this meter measure AC an [sic] DC current? and they answer it with: No. It does not measure DC current. It measures AC current up to 1000A. But, this is an AC/DC clamp meter where they specifically advertise its AC/DC current-measuring functionality!
Getting a full listing of all the AmazonCommercials test equipment was a challenge, but I found an MRO (maintenance, repairs, operations) category in their main brand store.
This will be an interesting development to follow, but only if they put more effort into it. Then again, they’re clearly selling some of these tools and supplies, and so their goal is already being accomplished.
The question is, are they taking sales away from industry standards such as Fluke, Amprobe, Klein, and Ideal?
Buy Now: AmazonCommercial Tools
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Tom D
I wonder who they’re rebranding – it’s probably possible to find the exact same items elsewhere.
Chris
It seems to be CEM Instruments (according to a reddit thread from last year, and just looking at the product photos as comparison).
JoeM
About all I can say is the colourscheme, and white-on-black readouts are very nicely done, hitting all my happy notes for my eyes.
All of that said… No… Just No. These are no threat to Fluke, Klein, or even Fisher Price. Nicely designed on the outside, sure. But they’re no substitute. Especially with the badly deformed language used in their Q&A section there. It reeks of Knockoff territory, in all the worst ways. Somehow I picture Hamsters and Gerbils on the inside, with tiny keyboards, in place of electronics.
This sounds offensive, but it’s just honesty here. I’m sure Amazon tried something. I’m not sure this was worth the investment they made.
Albert
Those prices are really good. I bought a Klein AC/DC clampmeter a few weeks ago. I really like it, but I’m pretty sure Klein rebranded it from some offshore company. I would have given one of these a try if I had known. I wish someone would rebrand a decent scope meter. I really like Fluke but just can’t afford their scope meters. I like my Fluke 101 — even Fluke rebranded!
Peter Fox
That’s a hard nope right there.
Not a chance in hell that I would ever trust my safety and well being to Amazons lowest bidder. There are many tools that low cost versions can offer a reasonable trade-off multi-meters are generally on one of them. If you are working on or near circuits of higher energy than residential 120 volt branch circuits stick to know and trusted brands period.
There are tons of good choices from Fluke, Flir, Amprobe, Extech, AEMC, Keysight (formerly Agilent, formerly HP, or whatever new name they have today), Megger, or any of the other longstanding reputable brands. Why would anyone even consider fly by night junk branded by Amazon. I would love to see the look on a calibration tech’s face when he is given one of these by a customer.
Hell the 2000 count manual ranging one looks just like the one that harbor freight used to give away free just with an updated housing. The range positions are just about the same as one have have form about 20 years ago. Who would even want a manual range only meter in 2021? Certainly not a commercial grade product.
These might be OK but hey might not and my life is not worth the risk. If you only work on low voltage or low energy stuff it may be just fine but this cheap junk has no place in a commercial of industrial setting.
Fazal Majid
They are rebadged CEM meters from China, a company that doesn’t have a sterling reputation for quality, even compared to other Chinese makers like UNI-T. When you factor in AmazonBasics’ shocking safety record (pun intended), it’s a hard pass for me. Metrology and safety is not an area where you want to cut corners.
EEVBlog has an interesting thread:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/amazon-do-multimeters-now/50/
MM
I think the LCD displays look great, they are very clear and look like they’d be easy to read in less than ideal conditions. But as others already mentioned I have serious concerns about their durability and their trustworthiness. There are places where cutting corners on tools can make sense but this is not one of those places. I’ll stick with my Fluke and Wavetek.
Skye A Cohen
Wow there are so many types of multimeters. I had no idea.. Also $235 for the most expensive amazon one.. I didn’t realize that was cheap.
What makes a high end one so costly? Are there a range of categories?
JoeM
Well… You’ll see the name “Fluke” mentioned many times in this thread… They are… Probably? The top end manufacturer of digital test equipment. They have really tiny Multimeters that can cost $80, or their full sized clamp or data recording models that hit the $300+ range. I think the one that puts everyone’s jaw on the ground is the Fluke 289, which is a data-analysis based Multimeter. It can show you the basic voltage in AC or DC, sure… Amperage and Resistance as well… But it can also store that result at the tap of a button, let you move on to the next measurement, and show you the two results next to eachother, allowing you to diagnose any issues. It can also connect to your smartphone using software, and in turn work with other wireless-readout meters like one of their higher end clamp meters… but after you’ve listed all it can do, you have to realize they cost between $800-$1000, and that’s without buying the Leads for them. And the kits of leads for Fluke meters range from $80-$500, and are, equally, the best on the market. Though, their lead kits do justify their price by the numbers of different types, sizes, and connection types for the leads. When you’re working on Electronics, and you have 15 pairs of different sizes, types, and methods of tracking volts, ohms, and amps, on a board? You realize that $500 kit paid for itself.
Yes. There are most certainly different levels of Multimeter. Depending how many types of readings are included in the “Multi” part of the meter, and how highly regarded the Company is, that price just goes way up. But at least with Fluke, you know you are getting quality, and from the original manufacturer.
Jason
Amazon for basic stuff (AmazonBasics), but nothing more. They’re trying to be the only game anywhere and no one can maintain quality when they try to do everything. Jack of all trades, master of none.
JoeM
I dunno… I don’t think they’re trying to be everything to everyone… I think they’re probably just trying to act like a full-fledged retail store, but online.
So just like all the other Retail chains, I think Amazon just wants to have their “Store Brand” on things. But I do agree with your assessment about them becoming a Jack of all Trades, Master of None situation.
The Marketplace, and the ‘Store Brand’ items are starting to take over all of Amazon, at least here in Canada. Trying to get what you genuinely need is getting harder to find, and you might as well be using AliExpress/Alibaba for the items you find. They’re literally the same stores selling on Amazon, at an increased price.
Kent Skinner
I haven’t found Amazon Basics products to be that good. The ones I have used seem like cheap knockoffs.
No way would I buy a nice meter from that brand.
You can’t be the cheapest while being “professional grade” at the same time.
Jim Felt
Marketing 101: go for the oxymoronic and some, for at least a while, will buy into the story.
And with Amazon’s presumed margins “some” is a lot of casual buyers.
IronWood
Yikes, no, no, no. What’s next, Amazon discount fall protection outlet? I use Fluke, Extech, Klein, Amprobe, and that won’t change. This is just junk that some DIY consumer can buy to feel like they have a good-enough tool without actually doing any research. Those Q&A examples probably sum up what you can expect from these units: an AC/DC clamp meter that won’t measure DC!! And a “Commercial” manual ranging meter?? It better be an analog Simpson…
The price point isn’t even that great. I mean Klein makes some very good sub-$100 multimeters, so what are we even talking about here? Can you imagine showing up at a job with your shiny new Amazon-branded meters to do some trouble shooting? Oh man, throw some dime store wire strippers in your Wally-World tool pouch and you’ll be a superstar!
But, no matter how much we complain here, Amazon is going to have an out-sized impact on the tool industry. And it will not be pretty.
David Zeller
Has anyone used Hantek? Any comments?
MattT
Never had an Amazon branded item that didn’t turn out to be junk. Pass.
David Zeller
In their defense, their gift cards work well.
PW
When the AmazonBasics line came out, they seemed to be more focused on things an average Amazon procurement employee might be expected to know – cables, for example or electronic accessories. I found the quality to be fair and the prices to be really good.
Over the years the quality seems to have dropped. Like they didn’t even wait to get a decent reputation before excessively price pressuring their suppliers, resulting in quality fade. This was noticable in some items I repeat purchased (like batteries).
I would definitely NOT buy safety critical measuring equipment from them. I’d be concerned about an outfit that did. It would show a concerning lack of interest in quality and workmanship.
And I’m NOT one of those people who normally gets judgy about contractors based on their toolbag, I don’t care if your have a no name hammer. But this is safety critical…
Travis
Correct, buying anything safety critical from Amazon is not the best idea. USB cords, ok but not electrical test equipment. There are too many better built options available.
Andrew McDaniel
Slightly off topic, but does anyone have an opinion on the Triplett brand of electrical Testers in general? Before Frys went out of business, I had my eye on their multimeter with environmental testing capabilities and their network tester/tracer that Frys periodically put on sale. Was just wondering if they are a worthwhile brand. I have electrical test equipment from Klein, Extech and Southwire, but can’t afford the Fluke stuff as a homeowner/hobbyist.
DRT42
I have several digital multimeters – one of which is made byTriplett. These are all used for hobbyist-level work. I have owned the Triplett 9045 for five or six years and have had no problems with it. It’s probably the highest quality meter that I own. The rotary knob works fine, battery life is good, display easy to read, case is reasonably rugged and rubber-coated for some degree of impact resistance. Easy to set ranges. I used it just last week to check frequency of an audio signal – worked fine. I have no way of checking accuracy, but I never found a reason to doubt it.
Corey Moore
I used Triplett for CCTV for years, and found them to be quality and very reliable. Never used a multimeter of theirs but the brand has a good rep in my mind and I wouldn’t be against trying one.
Tim B.
Actually, Triplett has been around since the early 1900’s, and hit their stride mid-century during the WWII era, if I recall correctly. I own a couple of their older (now considered “vintage”) models of analog meters… and they certainly still work great. Very solidly built. Unfortunately, don’t know much of anything about their recent or current generation equipment… but if it is anything like their “old” stuff, it can’t be that bad!
Rick
I use my free Harbor Freight multimeter to check voltage in batteries, 1.5v to 12v, that’s it.
dave
I don’t know of anyone who would use anything but quality 33+ vinyl tape. Most of the china stuff is too stiff. Nope.
For hand held meters, fluke has been not keeping market share, not keeping up with quality and there is less reason to stay with them than ever before. That said, those meters look cheap, light duty and would bet, slow.
Robin
Having been in Amazon Warehouses as a Vendor, they use Fastenal or Grainger to supply their employees with PPE. They also use Fastenal and Grainger for Maintenance Supplies in their warehouses.
That being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if eventually they try to get into the industrial supplier business (ie Fastenal) and supply other businesses with their own branded merchandise.
This could be a way that Amazon saves money by cutting ties with other vendors for their warehouses.
Travis
I could totally see them doing that. I assume that is what they are doing with their commercial lighting products. Making them for themselves and then selling some to the public.
Tom D
Or it could be that they know enough not to use Amazon Basics products in their own business.
Troy
For what it’s worth, Amazon’s first-party products are pretty sketchy ethically, in line with many of their other business practices.
This particular domain (electrical tools) may not be their worst offender, but their modus operandi is usually something like:
1. Copy a popular product from a vendor they already carry.
2. Undercut that vendor’s prices by leveraging Amazon’s huge retail clout to secure cheaper manufacturing (sometimes even initially selling at a loss).
3. Promote their own products above the original vendors.
4. Disincentivize, or even downright block those vendors’ products on Amazon.
Unfortunately, that’s something you can do when you control both manufacturing and the market, and they’re taking full advantage.
I’m not an idealist, and I know Amazon isn’t the only ethically dubious business on the planet. I do a lot of shopping there. But, I’d at least recommend not supporting this particular practice by buying products only from third-party (non-Amazon) brands.
Fortunately, it seems like Amazon’s first-party offerings aren’t very competitive, anyways, so it’s not a hard decision.
Gordon
I have the 600A ac/dc, true RMS, clamp meter. I bought it because I wanted to be able to measure the inrush current of my AC unit on startup. It does it well. The inrush function is actually the only reason I bought the amazonbasics version. You can’t find that on clamp meters under $100.
But I can emphatically confirm what many people suspect; This is no Fluke (or even an Amprobe or Klein). This should never be used by a professional, it’s hobbiest/DIY level only. Even then, I think there is a certain risk to using it. It’s cheap, the leads are cheap, the case is cheap. Everywhere you look it feels like a place they cut corners. I don’t really have any way to test the accuracy or True RMS, but compared to the $12 DMM’s I have, it’s accurate enough.
Nathan
This is aimed and marketed at schools unfortunately. See many schools will have tax exempt amazon credit accounts. and if you’re the science teacher that needs to get new parts for your physics lab. well the easiest to get and most liked by your district supervisor is to order off the school amazon website.
So that’s the first thing I see here.
the second is that these are reasonable devices that many people without much knowledge will happily buy. Now they appear to be rebranded somethings – and perhaps that not a terrible thing. I bought a number of amazon basics office crap because it was cheaper than the office depot chinese crap (take a shredder for example). I see the same here.
And I see it cutting into anything HF sells.
nate
I bought an amazon comercial multimeter a couple years ago. It was DOA when I received it. I returned it and bought a Fluke set.
If I couldn’t trust a meter to function until it arrived at my house, I definitely couldn’t trust it to make it to a job site or tell me whether a 480v circuit was safely disconnected.
After some research, I found that it was just a rebranded obscure chinese brand. If you want to go the cheap route, you could save some money and just buy the obscure branded meter rather than the marked up amazon rebrand. It’s exactly the same thing.
I should say that amazon has in the past stood behind their products and issued full refunds without returning the item if I had an issue. So it may be worth it for some things, but not electrical testing equipment.