
When you’re standing on a hot Sydney rooftop with the summer sun bouncing off sheet metal, or under a damp Brisbane awning fighting humidity that clings to every hose, you quickly learn that not all manifolds — or bundle deals — are built equal.
For Aussie HVAC tradies, gear needs to be reliable, accurate, and ready for any climate curveball. The Testo 557 and its newer cousin, the Testo 557s, have become staples across Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane worksites — while the Fieldpiece SM480V remains the big-league competitor for those who want heavy-duty power.
This guide dives into what each bundle includes, how to connect and use the Testo 557 properly, and why buying from a local retailer like HVACSHOP can save time, stress, and dollars long-term.
Why It Matters for Aussie HVAC Techs
Every tradie knows the wrong manifold can make or break your day. Australia’s wild mix of climates puts extra pressure on your tools:
-
Brisbane’s humidity can throw off sensors and slow down vacuums.
-
Sydney’s salt air eats away at cheaper couplers and O-rings.
-
Melbourne’s cold mornings can test your patience — and your micron gauge.
Choosing the right digital manifold bundle isn’t just about price; it’s about reliability, calibration support, and how each tool handles the real-world jobs we face daily.
How the Testo 557 Works

The Testo 557 Digital Refrigeration Gauge with Vacuum Probe has been a trusted tool for Aussie technicians for years. It’s accurate, quick to set up, and built for our conditions.
Here’s how to get the best out of it:
🔵 How to Connect Testo 557 Bluetooth
-
Power on the manifold and your smartphone.
-
Open the Testo Smart App.
-
Tap Connect → Testo 557.
-
Wait for the blue light to flash — that’s your confirmation.
Once paired, you can monitor pressure, temperature, and micron readings right from your phone. Perfect when you’d rather stay under the shade than hover over the unit.
🟡 How to Use the Testo 557 Vacuum Probe
The external probe lets you measure a deep vacuum without breaking the seal.
Attach it to the service port and start pulling down — the manifold displays live micron readings.
Need a spare? The External Vacuum Probe for Testo 557 clips straight in.
🟢 How to Pull a Vacuum with Testo 557
-
Connect the manifold to both low- and high-pressure sides.
-
Hook your vacuum pump to the service port.
-
Start pulling down and watch the microns drop in real time.
-
Once you hit ~500 microns, isolate and run a standing test.
Because the 557 tracks microns digitally, you get instant leak feedback — no guesswork.
🔴 How to Use the Testo 557 Micron Gauge
Built into the vacuum probe, it gives readings down to ±10 microns.
Set alerts in the app (e.g., notify at 500 microns) so you can check another unit while it finishes.
Introducing the Testo 557 Bundle Deals
When you buy the 557 from reputable Aussie retailers like HVACSHOP, it usually arrives as a bundle — not just the gauge.
Here’s what’s typically included:
-
Testo 557 digital manifold
-
External vacuum probe
-
Temperature clamp sensors
-
Carry case for transport and storage
-
Batteries and user manual
For the newer Testo 557s Smart Digital Manifold, you’ll often find these extras in its bundle:
-
Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity (100 m range)
-
Dual temperature inputs for wireless probes
-
Cloud data logging and graph view
-
IP54 weather-resistant housing
These upgrades make the 557s ideal for bigger or multi-split jobs around Melbourne or Brisbane where techs move between condensers during testing.
Aussie Tradie Tips & Buyer’s Guide
Melbourne Techs — Cold Starts and Tight Spaces
Cold air and early starts can slow down vacuum pulls. The 557s’ updated sensors handle low-temp conditions better than the original 557, so you can monitor micron stability even during frosty mornings.
Sydney Techs — Salt Air and Corrosion Control
Near the coast, durability matters more than ever. Both the 557s and the Fieldpiece SM480V boast IP54 housings, but the Testo’s rubber armour grips well on slick rooftops.
Brisbane Techs — Humidity and Heat
Queensland humidity can skew cheap sensors. The 557’s double-sealed ports protect against moisture while the 557s adds faster Bluetooth syncs — saving time during sweaty pull-downs.
Testo 557 vs 557s vs Fieldpiece SM480V Comparison
| Feature | Testo 557s | Testo 557 | Fieldpiece SM480V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Range | ~100 m (Bluetooth 5.0) | ~30 m (Bluetooth 4.2) | ~100 m (Job Link® App) |
| Micron Gauge Accuracy | ±5 microns | ±10 microns | ±15 microns |
| Display | Large backlit LCD + graph | Dual-line LCD | Large multi-line LCD |
| Build Quality | IP54 weather-resistant body | Rubber-armoured | IP54 heavy-duty housing |
| App Integration | Testo Smart App (cloud storage) | Testo Smart App (basic) | Job Link® App (remote logging) |
| Refrigerant Support | 120 + types (R32, R410A, R22 etc.) | 100 + types | 140 + types (incl. R1234yf) |
| Battery Life | 250 hrs (AA batteries) | 250 hrs (AA batteries) | 350 hrs (Li-ion rechargeable) |
| Weight | 1.3 kg | 1.2 kg | 1.4 kg |
| Local Support | Testo Australia / HVACSHOP | Testo Australia / HVACSHOP | Fieldpiece Australia |
| Best For | Fast multi-unit installs & reporting | Reliable residential work | Coastal or commercial sites |
Why Buy Your Testo Bundle from HVACSHOP?

Buying direct from a specialist retailer like HVACSHOP comes with benefits beyond price:
✅ Aussie Stock & Warranty
Every Testo bundle sold through HVACSHOP is genuine Australian stock backed by Testo Australia’s manufacturer warranty — not grey imports.
✅ Fast Shipping Nationwide
Orders ship quickly from local warehouses to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and beyond.
✅ Calibration Access
HVACSHOP partners with authorised calibration centres, so you can schedule annual checks easily.
✅ Bundle Inclusions & Advice
Each product page clearly lists what’s in the box, so you know exactly what you’re getting before checkout.
✅ After-Sales Support
If you ever have a vacuum probe or hose issue, their local support team can sort replacements or guidance right away.
Compatibility Snapshot
-
Refrigerants: R32, R410A, R22, R407C and more
-
Hose Threads: 1/4" SAE with optional 5/16" adapter for R410A
-
Accessories: Compatible with Testo Smart Probes, adapters, and most vacuum pumps sold in Australia
Explore all available accessories and kits via the Testo Collection on HVACSHOP.
Maintenance Must-Knows
To keep your manifold performing like new:
-
Clean the Ports Regularly – Wipe off oil and debris after every few jobs.
-
Schedule Calibration Yearly – Both Testo and Fieldpiece gear need annual checks.
-
Update Firmware – The Testo Smart App pushes Bluetooth and refrigerant updates.
-
Store Properly – Keep it dry and cool; don’t leave it baking on the dashboard.
When to Upgrade Your Manifold
You’ll know it’s time when:
-
Bluetooth pairing gets slow or drops out
-
Sensors start drifting after calibration
-
App compatibility lags on new phones
-
Housing cracks or O-rings wear out
That’s where the 557s really shines — modern firmware, smoother app pairing, and wireless probes mean fewer frustrations in the field.
Real Aussie Story – Ben from Sydney
Ben, a refrigeration tradie in Parramatta, ran his trusty Testo 557 for nearly five years before upgrading.
“I grabbed the 557s bundle from HVACSHOP because it came ready to go — probes, case, everything. Now I log my micron readings through the app and send reports straight to clients. Way less paperwork.”
He reckons the upgrade has saved him an hour a day and fewer callbacks — proof that the right tool pays for itself.
ARCtick Licensing & Safety Reminder
Under Australian law, any work involving refrigerants like R32 or R410A requires ARCtick certification.
This isn’t red tape — it’s environmental and safety compliance.
You can check your licence anytime through the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARCtick) site.
Key Takeaways
-
Testo 557 Bundle: Reliable classic with vacuum probe and case — great value for residential work.
-
Testo 557s Bundle: Modernised Bluetooth, IP54 housing, and cloud logging for techs on the move.
-
Fieldpiece SM480V: Heavy-duty choice for commercial or coastal environments.
-
HVACSHOP: Local retailer offering fast shipping, calibration support, and after-sales service.
FAQs
How do I connect my Testo 557 to Bluetooth?
Open the Testo Smart App, select Connect → Testo 557 or 557s, and wait for the blue LED to flash.
What’s the difference between the 557 and 557s?
The 557s adds Bluetooth 5.0, wireless probes, and an IP54 housing for tougher conditions.
Which is better for commercial work — Testo or Fieldpiece?
Fieldpiece SM480V handles bigger jobs and harsh sites well, but the 557s is faster for everyday split-system installs.
Can I measure microns accurately with the 557?
Yes — to ±10 microns; the 557s improves this to ±5 microns.
Are these units ARCtick compliant?
Yes — they meet Australian standards for refrigerant service work.
How often should I calibrate my manifold?
Every 12 months is ideal to maintain accuracy.
Where can I buy replacement probes or hoses?
Find genuine Testo accessories direct through HVACSHOP Australia.
References
-
Testo Australia – Official Product Specifications for 557 and 557s
-
Fieldpiece Australia – SM480V Digital Manifold Information
-
Australian Refrigeration Council (ARCtick) – Licensing and Compliance Guidelines
Written by Rica Francia Macaspac, content writer at HVACSHOP.
Rica makes HVAC know-how easy for Aussie tradies and homeowners. While not a technician, she works with industry experts to ensure accuracy and relevance for Australians.
(Reviewed 6 Nov 2025)

