These Test and Measurement Tools Are Innovating the Way We Work in Some of the Most Innovative Industries
One of the coolest parts about working in this industry is that we get exposed to hundreds of tools over the course of the year. Some of the most specialized products are in the test and measurement category. Here’s a quick look at three super-niche test and measurement tools working behind the scenes as 2025 rolls in!
Fluke EV Charging Station Analyzer FEV 150
As the world of EVs (electric vehicles) continues to grow and expand, so does the need for new and innovative repair solutions. To help meet the need, Fluke developed the FEV150 EV Charging Station Analyzer.
Similar in concept to an OBD II reader for modern vehicles, this scanner connects directly to Type 1 or Tesla-type connectors to test and diagnose issues. It includes advanced features like auto control pilot (CP) waveform analysis, which helps assess and optimize the autopilot systems in applicable vehicles.
In plain speak, the Fluke FEV150 is designed to simplify testing and troubleshooting for EV charging station technicians. Its Protective Earth (PE) pre-test ensures you’re safe around higher voltages, along with integrated GFCI tests for 6mA and 20mA circuits. All this comes together and fully meets SAE J1772 compliance standards.
Additionally, this analyzer features visual indicators on the display and integrated Bluetooth TruTest EV Charging software for quick and easy reporting.
The Fluke FEV150 retails for $3,000.
Bosch 12V Max Connected Thermal Camera GTC600C
In late 2023, I had the tremendous pleasure of getting my home repiped thanks to a micro pinhole in an underground copper pipe (yay!). However, this unfortunate situation did afford me the opportunity to put the Bosch 12V Max Connected Thermal Camera to use in locating the leak!
This thermal camera makes it easy to detect temperatures and document results thanks to its one-click operation and intuitive interface. The high-res display and camera provide sharp, clear thermal images with temperatures ranging from -4°F to 1112°F (-20 °C to +600 °C). Along with capturing images, the GTC600C takes voice notes using the integrated mic and speaker, and Bosch’s straightforward controls make it easy to navigate the menu and settings.
Adding to its versatility, you can also connect this camera to Bosch’s ThermalOn App via WiFi so you can transfer and store data and analyze images. Wrapping it up in a jobsite-ready housing, it features a rugged reinforced rubber housing and an IP54 ingress rating.
The Bosch GTC600C retails for $1,799.
Fluke PVA-1500 Series I-V Curve Tracer
Solar fields are popping up all over the country. There are even efforts to lease unused acreage for more solar installations. From initial construction to regular maintenance checks and troubleshooting, Fluke’s PVA-1500 Curve Tracer is purpose-built to help techs keep solar fields operating at their maximum efficiency.
While basic voltage and current testing can tell you some things, it leaves holes in your ability to evaluate how efficiently that panel is running. I-V testing gives you a much more complete picture of what’s going on, helping you make more informed decisions to keep arrays working at their peak performance.
To deal with the larger scale of commercial installations, the PVA-1500 can test up to 1500V and 30A. Plus, the HE2 model is capable of dealing with the high inrush current on high-efficiency systems that have the potential to overheat other testers.
At nearly $16,000 for the unit, it’s certainly not an inexpensive diagnostic tool (and it’s a lot more complex than what I’ve described here).
