TRADE NEWS: Agilent Technologies Launches New Clamp Meters; Updates Handheld Instruments with Safety-Conscious Color Scheme

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today introduced the U1210 series handheld clamp meters, with up to 1000 A of high-current measurement capability for cables up to 2 inches in diameter. Agilent also announced an updated range of handheld instruments clad in vivid orange to highlight the company’s commitment to user safety. The bright color provides greater visibility and is in line with conventional color coding that indicates “caution” in typical industrial settings.

“For the other models, the bright color highlights investment protection through feature sets that go beyond those of typical handhelds—and put our customers a step ahead in troubleshooting, maintenance and repair in electronic, electrical and industrial applications.”

To provide greater safety protection for engineers and technicians working with high voltages and currents, the Agilent U1240B and U1250B series digital multimeters (DMMs) and U1210A clamp meters carry CAT III 1000 V, CAT IV 600 V safety ratings. The DMMs are certified to IEC 61010 and CSA standards and have passed additional high voltage (“hipot”) tests that exceed the standards.

In addition, Agilent’s handheld DMMs and U1210A clamp meters include 4-mm-tip probes. The reduction in the length of the exposed tip is especially important in CAT IV environments, and the additional insulation further prevents dangerous arc flash if the tips are inadvertently shorted together during probing. The U1240B and U1250B DMMs also include a 30 kA high energy fuse to further protect the user against violent fuse failures during high-current measurements.

“For DMM users, the bright orange enclosures are meant to serve as a vivid reminder that they have an extra layer of protection against the unknown,” said Ee Huei Sin, vice president and general manager of Agilent’s Basic Instruments Division. “For the other models, the bright color highlights investment protection through feature sets that go beyond those of typical handhelds—and put our customers a step ahead in troubleshooting, maintenance and repair in electronic, electrical and industrial applications.”

Agilent’s updated range of compact and robust handheld test tools includes the U1210A series clamp meters, U1240B series DMMs, U1250B series DMMs, U1401B multi-function calibrator/meter, U1600B series oscilloscopes, U1701B capacitance meter and U1730B series LCR meters. Model-specific capabilities include a data logger, frequency counter, temperature and capacitance measurements, switch counter and square-wave generator.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

Prices range from $150 to $1695. All models are now available in Japan, Asia Pacific and Europe; and in the Americas on March 1, 2010.

More information about the full range of Agilent handhelds can be found at www.agilent.com/find/handheld-tools_pr. High-resolution images are available at www.agilent.com/find/handheld-tools_images.

About Agilent Technologies’ Low-Cost Instruments (LCI)

An increasing number of field engineers and technicians worldwide are asking for measurement instruments that can be easily transported for installation and maintenance activities. To meet these needs, instruments must have three key attributes: mobility, accuracy and affordability.

Agilent’s low-cost instrument initiative is focused on providing high-value test equipment in these key areas. Products include bench, handheld and modular devices such as basic power supplies, benchtop and handheld digital multimeters, handheld oscilloscopes, USB data acquisition devices, display testers, Agilent VEE software, and connectivity gateways.

The industry has taken note: These products have won numerous awards over the years. The awards include Design News’ 2009 Golden Mousetrap Award for Best Products, Elektronik magazine’s Product of the Year, EDN’s Hot 100 Product, analogZONE’s Best Value Portable Test Equipment, Test & Measurement World’s Best in Test category winner and Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M) magazine’s Product of the Year category winner.

More information about Agilent LCI is available on the Web at www.agilent.com/find/lci_backgrounder.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world’s premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company’s 17,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenues of $4.5 billion in fiscal 2009. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

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