Electricians rely on their tools for safety, accuracy, craftsmanship and comfort. Typically, you’ll see electricians with power tool kits. It is the electrician’s primary responsibility to assemble and maintain this kit with the proper tools and equipment. Each job you perform may require different electrical components, so it’s critical to make sure you have the right tools in your kit.
Here are 14 common tools that are essential to have in your electrician’s belt.
1. Pliers
Pliers are important for electricians who regularly use and cut wires. The most common pliers used by electricians include sharp-nose pliers, side-cutting pliers and reaming pliers.
2. Screwdriver
Electricians always have a variety of screwdrivers to loosen and tighten various hardware. Many professionals carry adaptable screwdrivers with interchangeable tips so they won’t get stuck without the electric hand tools they need.
3. Tape Measure
When an electrician handles wiring, it’s important to know the length of the parts you’re cutting and stripping. A simple retractable tape measure can do most of the work in the field, but there are advanced tape measures on the market that can make the process easier.
4. Power Drill
Electricians will use an electric drill to help them install new lighting or remove installed hardware to access wires and other electrical components. This tool is often used because installing lighting or accessing electrical wiring is a common task for electricians.
5. Grades
When installing fixtures, finding the exact placement point is key. Standard grades help electricians ensure that fixtures, screws and other installations are where they need to be. Some grades are magnetized for convenience and more accurate readings.
6. Wire strippers
Wire strippers are essential for professional electricians who often need to strip the plastic coating from wires to expose the copper and make custom connections to other wires or components. There are many wire stripping pliers types and most electricians have various versions that can be used on their next job.
7. Fish Tape
Fish tape is used to route wire between different electrical components through conduit. The fish tape is kept in a retractable coil that can be conveyed through the installed conduit. Once the end of the fish tape appears on the other side, the wiring can be hung on the tape, which can then be retracted.
8. Voltage Tester
Electrical work cannot safely begin until power is cut to some part of the property. A handheld voltage tester allows an electrician to test if an outlet is active and when power is properly restored for the homeowner.
9. Reamer
To install new conduit or replace old conduit, connect different conduit segments together to create wiring paths between electrical components. The reamer bit is attached to an electric drill, which widens the opening at one end of the conduit and allows it to connect to another section of conduit and complete a secure conduit.
10. Pipe Bender
When determining wiring routes, most electricians plan to route the conduit along the corners of their work area. A conduit bender allows the electrician to bend conduit piping so the electrician can use these routes and ensure the conduit is out of the way.
11. Flashlights
As an electrician, sooner or later you will have no choice but to work in the dark. Many electricians will prepare for this situation by carrying a flashlight or other work light in their truck.
12. Insulated Gloves
Electrocution is defined as death or serious injury due to electric shock. Since this is a possibility on any given job site, electricians need to take precautions. Electricians should wear insulated gloves on every job.
13. Safety glasses
Electricians on their first job or a lifetime of work should have a pair of safety glasses on every job site. Whether they are checking wiring or using power tools, protecting your eyes should be a top priority.
14. Circuit Finder
Sometimes it can be difficult to know which outlets are connected to which circuits in a house. Electricians now use a circuit finder with two main components: a handheld digital transmitter and a small receiver that plugs into an outlet in your home. It will indicate which outlet belongs to which circuit.
