15 Basic Electrical Tools which are used by an Electrician
- What are Electrical Tools?
- Importance of Using Electrical Tools
- Electrical Work Safety Issues
- What are Hand Tools?
- What is the difference between Hand Tools and Machine Tools?
- Difference Between Hand Tools and Power Tools
- Hand Tools vs Power Tools
- Factors to be considered for Choosing Electrical Tools
- Safety Features
- Longevity and Durability
- Comfort in Long-Term Use
- What are Tools in Electricity?
- Which Tool is used by Electrical?
- What are the Best Electrician Hand Tools?
- What is a Wire Splicer Tool?
- Which tool is used to cut wires?
- What are the Basic Electrical Tools?
- 1). Pliers
- 2). Wire Strippers
- 3). Electrician Knife
- 4). Screwdrivers
- 5). Hammers
- 6). Electric Drill
- 7). Wirepullers
- 8). EMT Bender
- 9). Soldering Tools
- 10). Wire Gauge
- 11). Hacksaw
- 12). Voltage Tester
- 13). Multi-meter
- 14). Micrometer
- 15). Wrenches
Electrical work is essential in a variety of industries, including building, manufacturing, and household maintenance. The safety and efficiency of electrical work are highly dependent on the use of the proper tools. This post will go into the key aspects of 15 basic electrical tools, highlighting their vital function and the primary concern for safety.
What are Electrical Tools?
Electrical tools are used to do the electrical work like electrical wiring installations. By using this tool we can do the installation of electrical wire properly and quickly. We must be able to choose the right equipment or tools to do the electrical work then only the quality of our work will improve. By using electrical Tools we could do the electrical tasks effortlessly.
Importance of Using Electrical Tools
Precision and precision: Using the proper tools ensures accuracy & efficiency in electrical installations & maintenance.
Different tools correspond to specific electrical activities, increasing productivity.
Using the proper tools reduces the likelihood of errors (or) malfunctions, assuring quality work.
Electrical Work Safety Issues
- Inadequate tools (or) malfunctioning equipment might put workers at danger of electrocution.
- Using the wrong tools can result in short circuits (or) electrical fires.
- Considering the need for suitable PPE to be used during electrical work
Understanding the various electrical tools is necessary for any type of electrical work. This post defines different tool categories and their respective functionality.
What are Hand Tools?
Any tool used by skilled workers for manual tasks is referred to as a hand tool.
Simple tools that have been utilized with the hands that are typically not powered are called hand tools. Any tool that is powered by hand instead of a motor is referred to as a hand tool.
The following are some examples:
- Screwdrivers,
- Vises,
- Clamps,
- Snips,
- Drills,
- Cutters,
- Striking tools and
- Struck (or) Hammered tools.
What is the difference between Hand Tools and Machine Tools?
Hand tools are tools that can be used or operated by our hands without using electrical energy; it doesn’t need any external power. While machine tools are tools that require electrical energy and they are operated by our hands too.
Difference Between Hand Tools and Power Tools
Hand Tools vs Power Tools
Category | Hand Tools | Machine Tools (Power Tools) |
Power Source (Energy Source) | Hand tools are controlled by the user’s hand, either with mechanical advantage or physical force. | Power tools are usually motor-driven and run on batteries (cordless) (or) electricity from a corded source. |
Operational Functionality | These tools are operated manually and do not require electricity or other external power sources. | When compared to manual tools, these motor-driven tools are more efficient and frequently operate faster because they run on a power source. |
Example | Hand tools include things like screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and hammers. | This category includes tools such as power drills, angle grinders, circular saws, & others. |
Advantages (Benefits) | Hand tools are easier to utilize in a variety of settings because they are typically more lightweight and portable. In conditions where power tools would not be available or appropriate, hand tools can be employed. | Power tools speed up work, making it less stressful on the body and quicker. Power tools, with their controlled mechanics, frequently yield more accurate results. |
Disadvantages (Limitations) | When compared to power tools, they frequently need more physical exertion & may take longer to complete tasks. With hand tools, accuracy may be more difficult to attain than with powered tools. | Because they are dependent on a power source, they may not be able to move around or be used in some locations if there is inadequate power access. |
Factors to be considered for Choosing Electrical Tools
Choosing the correct electrical tools necessitates careful consideration of a number of criteria in order to ensure safety, efficiency, & performance in their use.
Safety Features
Grounding and Insulation
- Understanding the significance of insulation in electrical shock prevention.
- Grounding systems are used to securely redirect excess electrical current.
Overload Protection
- Exploration tools that include overload protection measures.
- The significance of preventing tool damage & ensuring user safety.
Longevity and Durability
Material Quality
- Testing the materials utilized in tool manufacturing for toughness and wear resistance.
- Understanding the impact of material quality on tool longevity.
Reputation of the Manufacturer
- Evaluating a manufacturer’s reputation and dependability in manufacturing sturdy and long-lasting instruments.
- Analysis and perspectives from other users regarding tool durability.
Comfort in Long-Term Use
Pro-Longevity
- Understanding how design concepts can lessen user stress throughout prolonged use.
- Grip, weight distribution, & handle design all have an impact on comfort.
Effect on Efficiency
- Check their design concepts that improve workplace efficiency and productivity.
- Reduces strain & potential injuries, resulting in smoother workflows.
Precision and Accuracy
- The importance of calibrated measurement instruments for reliable readings.
- Ensure that tools give accurate measurements for work.
What are Tools in Electricity?
Electrical tools are those that are used to work on electrical systems.
- Wire
- Cable cutters,
- Wire strippers,
- Coaxial compression tools,
- Telephony tools,
- Wire cutter/strippers,
- Cable tie tools,
- Accessories, and
- Other tools
may be included.
Which Tool is used by Electrical?
- Voltage testers,
- Wire strippers, and
- Linesman pliers
are examples of specialty electrical tools that may be found in most household facilities, hardware retailers, electrical supply stores, and online sellers.
What are the Best Electrician Hand Tools?
- Pliers
- Wire strippers
- Electrician Knife
- Screwdrivers
- Hammers
- Electric drill
- Wirepullers
- EMT bender
- Soldering tools
- Wire gauge
- Hacksaw
- Voltage tester
- Multi-meter
- Micrometer
- Wrenches
are the best electrician hand tools
What is a Wire Splicer Tool?
A small, handheld tool called a wire stripper is utilized for removing the insulation from electrical cables. When replacing or repairing wires, electricians and individuals use these lightweight, portable hand tools to remove insulation.
Which tool is used to cut wires?
Wire is cut with diagonal cutting pliers. They cut wire through indenting & wedging the cables apart (rather than shearing as scissors can).
What are the Basic Electrical Tools?
1). Pliers
Pliers can be used for cutting, twisting, bending, holding, and gripping of wires and cables. The handles of the pliers will be insulated and it can’t be considered as sufficient protection. There are different types of pliers
Side cutting pliers can be used for cutting electrical wires and small nails. Longnose pliers can be used for cutting and holding of fine wires and they can be used in tight space, these types of pliers are commonly used for making terminal loops in copper wire. Diagonal pliers are used for cutting medium or fine wires; they are also used in bending small faces of soft metal.
2). Wire Strippers
Wire strippers are used to remove the insulation of wires, mostly medium-sized wires ranging from gauge 10 to gauge 16. Wire strippers are also used to remove the insulation of rubber covered wires from gauge 26 to gauge 10.
3). Electrician Knife
These knives are used by lineman to remove the insulation of big cables in high and low voltage transmission lines
4). Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers can be used to loosen or tighten screws with slotted heads, screwdrivers are in various sizes and shapes. Screwdrivers are made up of steel and they are tempered at the tip. According to the size and shape of screw different types of screwdrivers are used.
5). Hammers
Hammers are tools which are used for pounding and pulling out of nails, there are soft and hard-faced hammers. Hard faced hammers can be used to strike hard objects and they have a cylindrical-shaped head. The soft-faced hammer is used for the rewinding process. Mostly soft-faced hammers are made up of rubber or plastic. There are different types of hammers like a claw hammer, ball peen hammer and mallet.
6). Electric Drill
These devices are used to drill holes in metal sheets and concrete walls, they can be used to make holes in building structures for the passage of wires and conduit. They can be useful for indoor and outdoor wiring.
7). Wirepullers
Wire Pullers are used to pull wires into conduit or raceways, these devices will be very helpful for wire pulling.
8). EMT Bender
EMT bender can be used to bend electrical metal tubing, it could be able to do back to backbend in conduits, they can also do saddle bend and can be used to straighten the conduit.
9). Soldering Tools
Soldering tools can be used to make splices and tap connections in wires. Many connections can be done with the help of this device. Soldering must be done perfectly in order to get a better connection.
10). Wire Gauge
Wire gauge can be used to measure the thickness or diameter of the wires, it can be used in sizing conductors. The wire gauge can be used to measure from gauge 0 to 36.
11). Hacksaw
Hacksaws can be used to cut metal conduit and armored cable, it can also be used to cut the small and medium-sized metals.
12). Voltage Tester
Voltage tester can be called as a major tool for an electrician, a voltage tester is used to check if there is voltage in a wire or in a conductor before using it. Digital voltage testers are available which shows the presence of an electric field. Voltage testers are not used to measure high-level voltages, usually they are not used to measure voltages exceeding 250 volts.
13). Multi-meter
A multimeter can be used to measure voltage, current, resistance, and capacitance, conductance, and frequency so this instrument could measure almost all things which is needed for an electrician. This meter can show the exact reading too. There are digital and analog multimeters available in the market.
14). Micrometer
A micrometer can be used to measure small and large sizes of wires, it is also used to remove the diameter of circular wires. A micrometer can measure the diameter of thin wire accurately or thickness of sheet metal.
15). Wrenches
Wrenches are instruments that can be used to turn nuts or hold the piece of stock when tightening screws, nuts, and bolts. There are different types of wrenches like adjustable wrenches, pipe wrench, vise grip wrench.