When undertaking any electrical work, there are must-have electrical tools that electricians need to deliver a safe and reliable solution. Such devices include wire cutters, steel fish tape, power drills, and many more.
Besides, having the ideal electrical tools makes a difference when it comes to completing a project. In fact, the better the tools you work with, the better the outcome. This article will enlighten you on the top electrical tools you will need for electrical projects. Further, we will highlight the electrical tools use.
The following are ten electrical tools that any electrician should have.
1. Voltage Tester Pen
A voltage tester pen is a handheld device that is an essential piece of equipment for testing connections and shorts in a cable. Simply a voltage tester pen tests whether there is a live current in a particular location.
The devices are primarily used for safety purposes. A voltage tester pen is easy to use. It has an in-built sensor at the tip that lights up when it detects the presence of voltage.
Here is a list of activities that a voltage tester pen can be helpful in;
- Testing ground wires
- Testing live wires
- Testing light fixtures
- Testing metal boxes
- Testing switches and cables
2. Receptacle Tester with GFCI
A receptacle tester with GFCI is another vital electrical safety tool you should never lack in your home, more so when you have ongoing electrical work. This tool enables you to assess your home’s electrical wiring and detects any leakage of electric current.
A receptacle tester works by comparing the current leaving the hot terminal and one entering the neutral terminal. If there is a big difference, the tool will automatically shut down the circuit. Spike or uneven current can result in electrical shock or fire. The device also tests;
- GFI outlets and confirm how the ground fault protective device is operating
- Detects the most common wiring problems such as reversed polarity in GFCI receptacles
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3. Rotary Laser Level
A rotary laser lever is another indispensable tool on the electrical tools list. This device is usually fixed on a tripod and creates a beam of light that forms a 360 -degree reference level that helps level or makes precise angles in construction.
A rotary laser level is vital for electrical works around the house and even on professional electrical sites. Before installing any lighting fixture using a rotary laser level, ensure you line up everything as per the design.
Here are some of the activities of the rotary laser level that can be useful.
- Installing downlights
- Fitting new sockets onto walls
- Installing other ceiling fixtures such as fans
4. Wirecutter Pliers
Wirecutter pliers are essential on any electrical tools list. These tools are mainly used to cut, grip, twist, bend or straighten wires.
Many electricians stock a variety of pliers in their toolbox, including side-cutting pliers, needle nose pliers, and reaming pliers. Below is a list of activities wire cutter plier can be helpful to on;
- Cutting electrical wires
- Bending and twisting wires whenever you are making screw terminal connections
- Holding and attaching wires
- Cutting
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5. Battery-Powered Roto-Split
A battery-powered roto split is one of the top electrical tools. This device saves your time and improves safety. It is mainly used to strip the casing of MC cable.
The Roto split usually eliminates hazardous hacksaw cutting and helps avoid nicked wires inside the cable. Here are two main activities that use a battery-powered roto split.
- Stripping the casing of armor cable
- It spells the ends of nicked wires
6. Digital Volt Meter
A digital voltmeter (DVM) is indispensable electrical tools use. This tool is used to test, diagnose and troubleshoot electrical devices and circuits.
A digital voltmeter measures the potential voltage differences between two points in a circuit and displays the reading in digital form.
- Testing batteries
- Testing electrical outlets
- Testing extension cords
- Testing a wall switch
7. Cut-Resistant Gloves level 5 or higher
Cut-resistant gloves are a must-have while undertaking any electrical work. These gloves prevent your hands from cuts, abrasions, or scratches while working. Also, these gloves provide a barrier against electrocution.
Generally, gloves with a cut resistance of level 5 or higher are ideal as they guarantee your safety. Also, ensure you choose gloves with a close-fitting and superb grip.
The gloves should also be anti-static or ones that provide voltage protection. Here are some of the uses of cut resistant gloves
8. Digital-Circuit-Breaker-Finder
This tool is a highly electrical tool that uses useful equipment when undertaking commercial or residential electrical works. Trying to identify manually what is wired to every circuit breaker can take you hours, but it will be a matter of minutes with a digital circuit breaker finder.
This tool helps you find the correct circuit breaker to which a particular receptacle is connected without necessarily switching off each breaker. Some of the uses of digital circuit breaker finders are
- It identifies fuses and breakers.
- It traces wires
- It pinpoints opens and shorts.
9. Power Drills
A power drill is a hand electrical tool for electricians and DIYers. Regardless of the kind of electrical work an electrician is undertaking, they will need a power drill at one point. In fact, on some occasions, you will need to have multiple drills.
A hammer drill is handy while working on concrete, while a low voltage cordless model is best in fastening work. Furthermore, a power drill is a versatile device. You can alternately install a screwdriver tip and use it in turning screws. Here are two main activities you can use a power drill.
- It helps in drilling anchors into stones, concretes, or another masonry
- It helps in turning screws
10. Steel Fish Tape
The last top electrical tool that is important in electrical tools use is list is a steel fish tape. A steel fish tape is usually a flat, thin long steel wire wrap up inside a donut-shaped wheel.
The wheel usually has a handle the makes it easy to carry around. This tool makes it easy to route electrical cables in electrical tubes.
Here are some of the areas you can use a steel fish tape
- It is used in routing new electrical tools use connections through walls, pipes, or any other location.
- It is helpful in areas with exposed wires, such as tight spaces.
Electrical work is not doable without the right tools. Furthermore, having the right tools makes the difference between a job done and being done right. The above top ten electrical tools use will facilitate your safety and ensure the work is well done and completed on time.
