In 2026 the electrical (T&M) industry this is naked regarding product support

[Kiriakos GR]

Few weeks before the new year of 2026, I thought to pass a reminder to any alive ITTSB Blog visitor.

This entire ITTSB Blog Specific » Test & Measurement / Market / News »
Its now full of recorded latest facts, regarding product support per brand.

Anything new, when this is out of warranty, this is considered as "throw-away".
Anything used, this is also considered as "throw-away".

New Year and Holidays season, this is not any more, a period for fishing of used equipment opportunities, due eBay.
Long story in sort, retail market of new and used products, both hiding traps and both they are ready to punish any spontaneous buyer. 

Electrical (T&M) equipment, these are tools for work, they do not include any fun factor.
Especially for working professionals, emotionally driven purchasing decisions these has a higher negative impact.
Because nowadays its more difficult, selling something as used with out losing 60% of it retail price.   

Here I have one fresh example of a scam at used Tektronix Oscilloscopes, Tektronix delivers five years of warranty at medium priced oscilloscopes.
Suddenly every scope this getting out of warranty,  this were purchased at 2400 Euro price range, this is now sold to 400 Euro.   

New arising question, how much you are willing to pay for a "throw-away" oscilloscope?

Keysight, R&S and Tektronix, all have now make known their policies.
About GW Instek, I am unaware of what they changed at product support.
All 100% Chinese owned brands, they do something worst, they keep hiding their product support strategy.
Micsig, Rigol, Siglent, I am totally unaware if someone can buy a single spare part from them.

Long story in sort, spontaneous buyer this is now a dead concept.
History this has proven, that electrical (T&M) gear, this is considered as investment, for you alone and for as long you are working professionally.

[Kiriakos GR]

It seems that I forgot to mention product support status, regarding Fluke Corporation within EU.

Within EU we never had the chance talking directly with Fluke Corporation offices,  we had to deal instead with any local authorized FLUKE tools distributor.
This option it is still active, if you need to seek replacement spare parts for your DMM.

Unfortunately there is no possible, of you finding spares availability, and pricing information due an internet search.
If you dare to send an email at Fluke Corporation USA, by 99% this will not help much if you are a retail customer and not a major business.