All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
If you run a lab, you know that the obvious kit — microscopes, pipettes, and centrifuges — gets all the attention. But what about the “other” items that quietly keep experiments honest: panel meters, ammeters, environmental controllers, and niche electrical instruments? These components are the unsung heroes of measurement integrity and infrastructure reliability. This guide walks you through where to find them in the UK, highlights a few standout suppliers, and gives practical buying tips so you spend smart and get kit that lasts.
Before you buy, pause and consider what you actually need. Electrical lab instruments vary by mounting style, input type, accuracy class, and compatibility with current transformers (CTs). For example, many panel ammeters come in a standard front panel size of roughly 2.83 in square, making them easy to retrofit into control panels. Think of these choices like picking the right wrench — the wrong size won’t just be inconvenient, it can damage your setup or give misleading data.
Always check the instrument’s measurement range, input type (direct or CT), front cutout size in inches, and accuracy rating. If you’re integrating into existing switchgear, note bezel dimensions and mounting depth. Also look for certifications such as CE or UKCA — they indicate the product meets basic safety and performance norms in the region.
One supplier that often appears when shopping for electrical lab instruments is Expert Electrical. They commonly stock brands like Taiwan Meters, which produce compact panel ammeters and multifunction meters. Taiwan Meters models such as the Be48 series are known for their cost-effectiveness and are often specified for 2.83 in square cutouts, making them practical for retrofits in existing panels.
Look for ammeters with CT input designed for control panels, often described as 2.83 in x 2.83 in front panels. These models typically support a range of current inputs and provide clear digital readings. For labs that require a balance of affordability and reliability, devices like Taiwan Meters ammeters with CT inputs are a strong starting point.
Beyond specialist electrical outlets, there are several broad-spectrum UK suppliers that service laboratories and industrial customers. These vendors stock a mix of branded laboratory instruments and electrical measurement gear, often with technical support and calibration services. Shopping across a few of these firms will help you benchmark price and aftercare options.
Fisher Scientific has a deep catalogue spanning bench equipment and specialised electrical instruments. Their strength is technical backing and an established science-focused supply chain, which is useful if you want bundled procurement and calibration services in one place.
RS Components is a go-to if you want a huge selection of meters, switches, and panel instruments. They serve engineers and labs alike, making them ideal for one-stop shopping when you need both lab consumables and electrical control gear. Delivery speed and stock depth are usually strong points.
Cole-Parmer specialises in laboratory and industrial instruments, often focusing on measurement accuracy and lab-grade build quality. If your lab’s work hinges on precise electrical parameters, Cole-Parmer is worth a look for higher-spec meters and accessories.
VWR (part of Avantor) is another major science supplier in the UK. Their offering blends laboratory essentials with instrumentation and life-science focused equipment. They’re particularly useful for labs that want procurement aligned with regulatory and documentation needs.
SLS and LabFriend cater well to academic and industrial labs on a budget. They often stock commonly used instruments and an array of electrical accessories, making them good for quick replacements or when you’re outfitting multiple benches without a large capex.
When you’re comparing prices for “other” laboratory equipment, don’t look at sticker price alone. Factor in compatibility (will it mount in your panel?), whether calibration is included, and lead time. A slightly pricier meter that arrives calibrated and with a documented traceable certificate can save hours of setup time and avoid costly measurement errors — like buying a Swiss watch that’s already set to your timezone.
Compare: 1) product model and specs, 2) whether seals or calibration certificates are provided, 3) warranty length and what’s covered, and 4) shipping or handling charges. Also ask if the vendor offers technical support for installation — this can be worth its weight in gold when integrating meters with CTs or PLCs.
Installing panel meters is often straightforward, but a few missteps can compromise readings or safety. Always match the meter’s input type to your system — don’t connect a CT-input meter directly to a high current source without the correct transformer. Think of CTs as translators; connect the wrong dialect and you won’t get meaningful language back.
Measure your panel cutout twice in inches before ordering. Securely fasten the unit to avoid vibration, and keep signal wiring away from high-current cables to reduce interference. If the instrument has a dedicated earth terminal, use it — grounding issues are a common cause of noisy measurements and equipment faults.
A meter is only as good as the last time it was calibrated. Many UK suppliers offer calibration services or can point you to accredited labs. For critical measurements, obtain a traceable calibration certificate that references national standards. Regular maintenance schedules — cleaning contacts, checking connectors, and verifying zero offsets — will keep the device trustworthy, much like regularly tuning a piano keeps music in tune.
For instruments used in quality control or regulated testing, annual calibration is common; for heavy-use workshop equipment, consider every six months. Keep a simple logbook with dates, results, and any adjustments. This documentation pays dividends during audits and helps spot drift trends early.
Safety should never be an afterthought. Verify that electrical meters meet UK safety standards and carry proper markings. If the device will be used in potentially explosive atmospheres or near flammable solvents, check for suitable hazardous-area ratings. Also, ensure that any CTs and enclosures meet ingress protection needs for your environment — you don’t want a tiny splash to end a measurement chain.
Consider ambient temperature, humidity, and vibration when selecting equipment. Many meters operate best within a narrow temperature range; place them where they won’t be baked or frozen. If the lab environment is harsh, choose meters with robust housings or protective panels to extend service life.
Buying used instruments can be cost-effective, but it’s a risk-reward game. A used, well-maintained ammeter from a reputable brand can serve non-critical tasks well. However, you may lose warranty protection and face unknown calibration histories. If accuracy and traceability matter, opt for new units that come with calibration certificates and support.
Consider used purchases for training rigs, student labs, or temporary setups where absolute traceability is not required. For final product testing, regulatory work, or safety-critical systems, new and certified instruments are usually the safer choice.
When replacing instruments, think about responsible disposal. Many suppliers and manufacturers offer take-back or recycling schemes. Removing old meters and properly recycling electronic components keeps hazardous materials out of landfills and can sometimes qualify your organisation for sustainability credits.
Keep an inventory with purchase dates and typical life expectancy. Plan replacements in cycles to avoid all critical instruments aging out at once. This staggered approach spreads cost and reduces the risk of simultaneous failures — like not replacing all the lightbulbs in a hall in one go so you’re never left in the dark.
Buy with the end-use in mind. If you need a panel ammeter that retrofits into a 2.83 in square cutout and accepts CT inputs, confirm those specs in writing. Ask the vendor about calibration options and lead times. Use suppliers like Expert Electrical for niche electrical meters, and cross-check prices and service options with large science suppliers like Fisher Scientific, RS Components, Cole-Parmer, and VWR to get the best overall value.
“Other” laboratory equipment may not make the headlines, but the right panel meters, ammeters, and controllers are essential to sound science and safe operations. In the UK market you have a healthy mix of specialist sellers and major lab suppliers — Expert Electrical and Taiwan Meters for compact, practical panel gear; RS, Fisher, Cole-Parmer, VWR, SLS, and LabFriend for breadth, support, and calibration services. Buy with attention to specs, calibration, and environmental fit; think in inches when checking panel cutouts; and prioritise traceability for critical measurements. With a bit of care and smart comparison shopping, you’ll find instruments that keep your lab running accurately and reliably for years.
| Laboratory Equipment - Other | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan Meters Be48-d-10f2-90 Ammeter | £ 12,23 | |
| Taiwan Meters Ammeter With Ct Input 72x72mm | £ 12,55 |
