The classic image of the electrician is someone using a screwdriver to fix an outlet. The truth, however, is more complicated.
Electricians use a variety of tools to fix and maintain electrical systems. The tools that an electrician uses to construct the wiring of a building are not the same tools that an electrician uses to maintain a solar power system or troubleshoot an electrical outage. Having the correct tools for the electrical systems makes a significant difference.
If you are thinking about becoming an electrician, hiring an electrician, or are just interested in the electrical trade, understanding the tools that an electrician uses will help you understand the complexities of the trade.
Why Electricians Use Trade Tools
Electricity offers no guessing. A small oversight can lead to the destruction of equipment, the loss of power, a fire, or serious injury. For this reason, trade tools that an electrician uses are designed to help the electrician accomplish a task with more precision, more efficacious, and with more safety.
Tools Used by Electricians
The best electricians use the best tools. The best tools also help the best electricians maintain their reputations, as their work is a reflection of the tools that they use.
1. Screwdrivers
The insulated screwdriver is a basic but important trade tool that every electrician uses.
Insulated screwdrivers are safer versions of standard screwdrivers. Electricians can use insulated screwdrivers around live circuits without the risk of being shocked. Insulated screwdrivers, like regular screwdrivers, come in many different sizes and types. They can be flat head, or Phillips head.
Electricians typically have more than one insulated screwdriver, as the electrical systems that they work with have different screw designs and sizes.
2. Wire Strippers
Wire strippers help electricians get wires ready for making connections inside of devices such as switches and sockets. Wire strippers help remove the insulation from the wire without damaging the conductor inside. Many of the new wire strippers have the ability to cut and even crimp wires.
3. Pliers
Pliers are commonly used and can be any of the following:
- Needle-nose
- Lineman’s
- Diagonal-cutting
- Combination
They all help twist and grip wires, but Lineman’s pliers are a fan favorite because of their versatility and ability to perform multiple tasks.
4. Voltage Tester
When it comes to working with electricity, safety is always the number one priority. A voltage tester is a device that indicates if electricity is present in wires, outlets and circuits. Electricians will always use a voltage tester on the component before touching it. This can help prevent life threatening accidents.
5. Digital Multimeter
The digital multimeter is one of the most excellent tools an electrician can own. It measures and tests multiple things including voltage, current, resistance, and even frequency. When a problem is present in an electrical system, a multimeter is indispensable because it helps identify the problem.
6. Cable Cutters
Standard tools are not always able to cut electrical cables, because of their tough nature. Cable cutters are meant specifically to cut cables without damaging the wires.
7. Fish Tape
Running wires to different places through walls can be difficult. Fish tape is used to help with this.
Fish tape is used to help electricians run wires through walls and hard to reach areas. The tool can help reduce time during the installation.
8. Crimping Tools
Electric connections are often made with the use of terminals and connectors.
Crimping tools help make a reliable connection with a crimped metal connector. The chances of a connection becoming loose is greatly reduced with the crimped connector.
9. Measuring Tape
Measuring is important in the electrical trade.
Measuring tapes are used when an electrician is:
- Positioning sockets
- Installing switch boxes
- Routing conduits
- Planning cable routes
Measuring helps with the turnaround time of an installation and give a professional appearance.
10. Power Drill
Electricians usually have a cordless power drill.
Electricians use drills for:
- Installing electrical panels
- Installing junction boxes
- Drilling walls
- Installing Fixtures
A quality drill helps finish a job faster.
11. Conduit Benders
In a commercial and industrial setting, wires are often surrounded by metal conduits.
Conduit benders help make smooth accurate bends and preserve the integrity of the conduit. Proper bending helps with professional appearance.
12. Circuit Finder
In larger commercial buildings it can be difficult to locate the correct circuit breaker.
A circuit finder helps locate a circuit easier to trace and helps save time in the electrical trade during installation.
13. Electrical Tape
Nearly all electricians use tape in their trade.
Electrical tape can be used for:
- Insulating a wire
- Bundling wires together
- Marking wires
- Repairs
A quality roll of electrical tape helps in the trade and keeps wiring safe.
14. Headlamp or Work Light
Electric work often needs to occur in poorly lit environments such as ceiling spaces, basements, utility rooms, and crawl spaces.
Electricians can safely and accurately perform their work in poorly lit environments using a work light or headlamp.
15. Safety Equipment
While safety equipment is not exactly a tool, it is still just as important.
- Insulated gloves
- Safety glasses
- Hard hats
- Safety boots
- Arc-flash protective apparel
are all routinely used by professional electricians.
The best electricians know that personal safety is always paramount and never optional.
Modern Tools Used by Electricians Today
The electrical industry is at the forefront of technology.
Electricians are now using:
- Thermal imaging cameras
- Smart circuit analyzers
- Laser distance meters
- Digital inspection devices
- Mobile apps for diagnostics and project management
All of these tools have been developed and improved to increase accuracy and reduce the time spent on troubleshooting.
How to Find a Qualified Electrician
Having the right tools is a must, but there is also a need for experience and know-how.
When hiring an electrician, look for someone who:
- Has relevant experience
- Uses professional-grade tools
- Follows safety standards
- Has good prior customer reviews
- Can explain the job in detail
Worker.ng has made finding skilled electricians easy. The website directly links homeowners, businesses, and property managers to local electricians and other trusted crafts people in their communities. Whether you need wiring, repairs, installations, maintenance, or emergency electrical services, finding your local experts is fast.
Final Thoughts
Electricians actually use a great deal of tools beyond screwdrivers and pliers. From voltage testers and multimeters to conduit benders and thermal cameras, each tool serves its own purpose.
These tools allow electricians to perform their jobs safely, as well as diagnosing issues and doing quality installations. The next time you come across an electrician, you will be more informed to appreciate their skills and training and the tools they need to keep places up and running safely.
If you need a reliable electrician in Nigeria, look to Worker.ng and find professionals in your area. You can contact these workers directly.