Hardware and Construction Selection Guide
Hardware and construction covers hand tools, measuring instruments, batteries, workplace safety, hose reels and maintenance products; for measuring instruments, the measurement category matters.
This guide covers what to look at when choosing products in the Hardware and Construction category.
Subcategories and their contents
- Hand tools: crimping pliers, pliers and chisels, wrench and screwdriver sets, cable cutting and stripping tools, soldering materials.
- Measuring instruments: multimeters and clamp meters, insulation and earthing testers, thermal cameras, temperature meters, oscilloscopes and laboratory power supplies.
- Batteries: alkaline and manganese AA and AAA batteries, lithium button cells, rechargeable NiMH batteries and a battery charger.
- Electrical workplace safety: insulating mat, medium-voltage insulating gloves, hot stick, insulating stool and warning sign.
- Hose reels: automatic-rewind reels for transferring air, water, gas, oil and grease.
- Maintenance products: oiled and oil-free contact spray, anti-rust spray.
How to read the measurement category on a measuring instrument
On multimeters, clamp meters and testers, a CAT II, CAT III or CAT IV marking appears together with a voltage value; in the Unit multimeter and clamp meter records, this information is written in the "Safety Category" field of the technical specifications. Defined in the IEC 61010 series of standards, these categories show for which part of a low-voltage installation the instrument is designed to take measurements:
- CAT II: Circuits connected directly to points of use such as sockets; measurements on household appliances and portable hand tools.
- CAT III: The distribution part of the building installation; distribution panels, circuit breakers, cables, busbars and sockets in the fixed installation.
- CAT IV: The source of the building's low-voltage installation; equipment located before the main fuse or main circuit breaker.
The category of the point to be measured must not exceed the category written on the instrument.
Insulated tools and insulating equipment in electrical work
For pliers and side cutters to be used in electrical work, look for the wording "1000V Insulated" in the product name and the IEC 60900 marking (double triangle and 1000 V) on the tool; a plastic-coated handle alone does not mean this.
Insulating mats are listed by thickness and by the insulation voltage stated by the manufacturer. Because the manufacturer's catalog does not separately state whether this kV value is a working voltage or a test voltage, mats and other medium-voltage equipment (insulating gloves, hot stick, insulating stool) are selected according to the operating instructions and project data.
What to look at when choosing batteries
First size, then chemistry and voltage are matched. Alkaline and manganese batteries in AA and AAA size are 1.5 V, and rechargeable NiMH batteries in the same size are 1.2 V; for NiMH batteries, the capacity in mAh is written in the product name. Button cell batteries are identified by code: in CR2032, CR indicates lithium chemistry, 20 the diameter in millimeters, and 32 the height of 3.2 mm. To fit the battery holder, the whole code must match.
Values to compare in hose reels
Reels are divided by the fluid transferred. For the same fluid, hose length, hose inner diameter, pressure resistance and hose material (rubber, polyurethane, PVC, polypropylene) are given in the technical specifications; the pressure resistance must not be lower than the working pressure of the line. The protection rating (IP55) appears in the product name.
Brands in this category
- Unit: multimeters, clamp meters, thermal cameras, LCR meters and other measuring instruments.
- İzeltaş: pliers, chisels, wrench sets, screwdriver sets and bench vises.
- Isıso, Konsan and Gwest: ferrule, cable lug and terminal crimping pliers; Isıso and Gwest also list cable shears.
- Varta lists batteries, Bemis hose reels, and MAS electrical workplace safety products.
Order notes
Products are sold by the piece. Thermal cameras, oscilloscopes, laboratory power supplies and most electrical workplace safety products are listed as made to order; for these products the lead time is confirmed before ordering. Manufacturer model codes appear in the product names (for example UTi260B, BHA-3113-0009, FT-B6); you can reach a product directly by typing the code into the search box. For batteries, the pack contents (2-pack, 4-pack) are written in the product name.
Hardware, Test Instruments and Field Equipment Comparison Table
| Equipment Group | Key Technical Criterion | Safety and Durability Rating | Typical Application | Category Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Multimeters & Clamp Meters | True RMS, AC/DC current and voltage range | CAT III 600 V / CAT IV 1000 V | Panel troubleshooting, load current and voltage verification | Measuring Instruments |
| Insulation, Earth & Line Testers | 250 V – 1000 V test voltage, MΩ/GΩ range | IEC 61557 field testing standard | Cable and motor insulation testing, earth resistance and commissioning | Electrical and Electronic Test Instruments |
| Insulated Hand Tools & Crimpers | Cross-section range (0.25–120 mm²), tip profile | VDE 1000 V (EN 60900) | Panel assembly, ferrule/lug crimping and electrical maintenance | Hand Tools |
| Insulating Tapes, Soldering & Consumables | Dielectric breakdown, temperature rating, alloy | Flame-retardant PVC / Self-amalgamating | Splice insulation, PCB repair, wire marking and bundling | Tapes |
Frequently asked questions
Where is a multimeter marked CAT II 1000 V / CAT III 600 V used?
This marking gives two separate limits of the instrument: it is designed for use up to 1000 V in CAT II measurements at the level of sockets and devices plugged into them, and up to 600 V in CAT III measurements at the level of distribution panels and the fixed installation. CAT IV points before the main fuse or main breaker are not covered by this marking. If the category of the point to be measured exceeds the category on the instrument, that instrument is not used.
Can CR2025 or CR2016 be used in place of CR2032?
All three are 3 V rated lithium button cells and all are 20 mm in diameter; the difference is in height: CR2032 is 3.2 mm, CR2025 2.5 mm, CR2016 1.6 mm. The last two digits of the code give the height in tenths of a millimeter. A thinner battery may not make contact in the holder, and a thicker one may not fit the holder. For this reason, the same code as written on the device or on the old battery is chosen.
Can a rechargeable NiMH battery be used in place of an alkaline battery?
In terms of size, yes: an AA or AAA NiMH battery fits the holder of an alkaline battery of the same size. The rated voltage, however, is 1.2 V instead of 1.5 V; whether the device is suitable for use with rechargeable batteries is checked from the user manual. The capacity of NiMH batteries is written in mAh in the product name, and these batteries are charged with a NiMH charger.
What is the difference between an alkaline battery and a manganese battery?
Both are 1.5 V and made in the same sizes; batteries with manganese in the product name are the zinc-carbon type. An alkaline battery has higher energy density and a longer shelf life; for this reason, in devices with high current draw or frequent use, an alkaline battery lasts longer. In low-draw devices such as remote controls and wall clocks, a manganese battery is also used.
What does IP55 mean on a hose reel?
The IP code is defined in the IEC 60529 standard. The first digit, 5, indicates that the housing is protected against dust: dust ingress is not completely prevented, but dust does not enter in an amount that would affect operation. The second digit, 5, shows that water jets sprayed from any direction have no harmful effect. The code describes only the protection of the housing; the hose's pressure resistance is a separate value.