Trystan Casey
Electrical tools are used for repairs and improvement projects. Some of the most common electrical tools include wire strippers, voltage testers, hammers, tape measures, and screwdrivers. Electricians also use a variety of pliers, such as water pump pliers, side-cutting pliers, and mole grips/locking pliers. Other tools used by electricians include spanners, voltage indicators, and safety knives. These tools help ensure safety and accuracy when working with electrical systems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To ensure safety and efficiency when handling electrical work, repairs or improvement projects |
| Variety | Basic hand tools, specialist tools, software tools |
| Examples of basic hand tools | Hammer, tape measure, laser level, flathead, Phillips screwdrivers |
| Examples of specialist tools | Voltage testers, wire strippers, linesman pliers, coaxial cable crimper, water pump pliers, socket set, hex keys |
| Examples of software tools | Apps to manage and grow electrical businesses |
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What You'll Learn
Screwdrivers
Electricians typically use insulated screwdrivers or screwdriver sets with varying sizes and types of screwdrivers. Electric screwdrivers, powered by electricity or battery, can increase efficiency and reduce fatigue. They are useful for assembling furniture or screwing into softwood. Impact drivers are a heavy-duty type of electric screwdriver used for tightening or loosening fasteners in denser materials.
Precision screwdrivers are ideal for delicate electronic work, with small heads that fit appliances, computers, and other electronics with tiny screws. These can have flathead, Phillips, or Torx heads. Triangle-head screwdrivers are less common but are more secure and tamper-proof, often used with appliances, toys, and electronics. Tri-point screwdrivers, similar to Phillips screwdrivers but with three points, are also used with electronic hardware.
Some other types of screwdrivers include offset screwdrivers, ideal for tight spaces, and ratcheting screwdrivers, which allow force to be applied in one direction while permitting free movement in the other. Magnetic screwdrivers, with magnetized tips, are useful for electronics work as they prevent screws from being dropped into hard-to-reach places. Spanner screwdrivers, with opposing pinholes, are used to secure license plates and other outdoor fixtures, deterring vandalism.
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Pliers
Diagonal cutting pliers, also known as side snips or dikes, are used to cut wires in tight areas. They have a sharp, angled head and a cutting edge that goes down to the tip of the jaws. Side-cutting pliers are also used for cutting wires and cables with minimal damage to insulation or internal conductors. Reaming pliers are used for tightening locknuts, fittings, and caps. Electricians also use pliers to splice wires and strip insulation. For this task, lineman's pliers are a popular choice as they can cut through the insulation of a wire and strip off a small section to reveal the bare wire inside.
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Tape measures
When working with electrical installations, precision is key. Tape measures come in a variety of lengths, with options for single or double hooks, and some have large, bold numbers for easy readability. For example, the Klein Tools tape measure is designed with impact-resistant housing and heavy-duty blades to withstand job site conditions.
STANLEY® also offers a range of tape measures, including their FATMAX® and CONTROL-LOCK™ series, which provide fast and accurate measurements. The FATMAX® tape measures come in various lengths, from 16 ft to 35 ft, while the CONTROL-LOCK™ series offers lengths from 12 ft to 30 ft. STANLEY® also has high-visibility LEVERLOCK® tape measures, some with magnetic tips, for added convenience and ease of use.
When choosing a tape measure for electrical work, consider the specific features that will make your measurements more precise and efficient. The right tape measure will help ensure that your electrical installations are accurate and safe.
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Levels
There are various types of levels available, each with distinct features and advantages. Standard levels, often referred to as torpedo levels, are the most commonly used in electrical work. They are characterised by their compact and portable design, making them ideal for tight spaces. Torpedo levels typically range in price from $20 to $35.
Laser levels are another variety that electricians may find useful. They project a bright laser line onto a surface, allowing for quick and accurate levelling. Laser levels are especially handy when working in low-light conditions or when a continuous reference line is required. They can be more expensive than standard levels, but their convenience and accuracy often justify the additional cost.
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Electrical tape
The standard electrical tape roll is 66 feet long, but lengths can vary from 30 to 108 feet depending on the type. The most common width for electrical connection work is 3/4 inch tape, which provides sufficient coverage for standard applications. Electrical tape is designed to protect electrical wires and components from moisture, dust, oil, and other contaminants, ensuring a safe and secure connection.
When using electrical tape, it is crucial to choose the right type for the task at hand. While friction tape is similar to electrical tape in function, providing electrical insulation, it is made with a cotton backing instead of plastic or vinyl. Therefore, while it can be used alongside electrical tape for extra protection, it should not be used as a substitute.
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Frequently asked questions
Basic electrical tools include a hammer, tape measure, laser level, flathead, and Phillips screwdrivers.
Professionals use wire strippers, voltage testers, and linesman pliers. They also use more advanced tools such as multimeters to read voltage levels, amperage, resistance, and DC voltage and amperage.
Wire cutters and cable cutters are used to cut wires and cables. Water pump pliers, also known as slip joint pliers or tongue-and-groove pliers, are adjustable and can also be used for this purpose.
Electrical tape, also known as insulation tape, is used to insulate wires and other items that conduct electricity. It is self-adhesive and pressure-sensitive, and it protects the conducting core within electrical wiring.
A specialised tool exists to help remove individuals who have been incapacitated by electrical shock from the hazardous area.
