A list of the tools most commonly used by electricians.
Commonly used tools of an Electrician
Despite the fact that almost every electrical job you can think of should be done by no one but a professional electrician, you still need to be knowledgeable of the common tools and equipment used in carrying out an electrical job. Eventually, different electrical jobs would normally require different tools and equipment, too. Below is the basic list of the most commonly and widely used tools and equipment for electrical projects in homes and workplaces.
Tape Measure
A tape measure is not only used by tailors and dressmakers. Tape measures are used to measure heights and widths for power points and installation of switches. Eventually, it is also used to measure whenever electrical devices, appliances and equipment are mounted and installed. The use of a tape measure is practically unlimited thus, it is necessary to have one around.
Fish tape
Fish tape is another very commonly used tool in almost every electrical job. Electricians make use of fish tape often because it enables a solid or stranded wire to be pulled from end to end of a conduit made from PVC or metal. For further facilitation, a specifically designed lube for cables is used which provides efficient assistance when pulling up wires through pipes.
Wire strippers
Electrical wires are always surrounded and protected by insulation. Thus, a device that can cut this insulation open is needed. To fulfill this purpose, an electrician would need wire strippers. Wire strippers are available in different sizes of teeth, each of which is designed to work on wires which also have different sizes. These tools also include a wire cutter thus making it a very useful and handy tool.
Hammer
Another very useful tool is a hammer. It serves many purposes other than providing assistance in electrical jobs and projects. A hammer is useful for securing different elements involved in wiring installations. Electricians also use hammers to secure boxes that feature studs and brackets.
Voltmeter or other testing units
When an electrician needs to work on electrical devices and circuits, it is of course an important rule that the power is turned off before any job commences. However, to make sure, the lines should be checked to ensure that no current is running through the wires and devices.
Voltage detector (non-contact)
As what it is called, a voltage detector is a device used to check if current or electric power runs through a wire, device or equipment, without the need to put anything onto the subject to be checked. Other types of voltage detector are made automatic while some still require turning on through a switch. Basically, this device is utilized by looking for the tracer’s end near the wire, cord or circuit breaker. It will then display if current or voltage is running and present.
All electricians can tell you what tools and devices are needed for them to be able to carry out their jobs. You may want to have these tools handy in case an emergency occurs.