Reliable instruments for teaching, testing and the lab bench.
Bench meters, oscilloscopes, power supplies and component testers for classrooms and labs. Tap a problem to jump to it.
Measuring circuits
Why it happens
Students need readings they can trust and record.
How to tell it apart
If a reading drifts, check the leads and range before suspecting the circuit.
How to test
- Choose the right range and socket for volts, amps or ohms.
- Measure current in series and voltage in parallel.
- Record readings with units.
A bench meter such as the ZT-5566SE can log readings over Bluetooth.
What next
Check calibration regularly. We don't quote accuracy figures here; see each product page.
Common mistakes
Leaving leads in the current socket when measuring voltage.
Instrument for this step
ZT-5566SE Bench Multimeter, Bluetooth Digital Multimeter 19999 Count, 20A£75.99
Seeing waveforms
Why it happens
A multimeter shows one number; an oscilloscope shows how a signal changes over time.
How to tell it apart
Use a scope when timing, shape or noise matters.
How to test
- Compensate the probe on the scope's calibration output.
- Set the timebase and volts per division.
- Trigger on the signal edge.
Oscilloscopes such as the 1014D (bench) or 2C53T (handheld) suit different labs.
What next
Save screenshots for lab reports.
Common mistakes
Uncompensated probes; connecting the ground clip to a non-ground point.
Safe bench power
Why it happens
Experiments need a stable, limited supply.
How to tell it apart
If the output drops when connected, the current limit may be active.
How to test
- Set the voltage with the output off.
- Set a current limit suited to the circuit.
- Switch on and watch for constant-current mode.
A programmable supply such as the DPS-150P gives adjustable voltage and current limits.
What next
Keep current limits low for student work.
Common mistakes
No current limit set.
Instrument for this step
FNIRSI DPS-150P DC Power Supply, 0–30V 0–5A£132.99
Testing components
Why it happens
Component values drift or are mislabelled.
How to tell it apart
Measure out of circuit; in-circuit readings are affected by other parts.
How to test
- Discharge capacitors before testing.
- Select the test frequency.
- Measure L, C or R and compare with the marking.
An LCR meter such as the LC1020E measures inductance, capacitance and resistance.
What next
Replace parts outside their tolerance.
Common mistakes
Testing in circuit.
Instrument for this step
LC1020E LCR Meter, Digital Inductance Capacitance Resistance Bridge, 100Hz-100kHz, 4.5 Digit£68.99
FAQs
Bench or handheld scope?
Bench scopes suit fixed stations; handheld units suit fieldwork and small labs.
Do you supply schools?
Yes. Ask us for a quote.
Can I get a VAT invoice?
Yes. All prices include VAT and VAT invoices are available.
Need help choosing?
Contact us and tell us what you need to measure.