Essential Tools for Electricians: A Comprehensive Guide
Electricians are professionals who work with electricity on a daily basis, ensuring the safe installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems. To perform their tasks efficiently, electricians rely on a wide range of power and hand tools. These tools not only make their work easier but also enhance safety and productivity. In this blog post, we will explore some of the essential tools that electricians use to excel in their field.
Essential Elecricians’ Tools
Combi Drill
Combi drills are versatile tools that find extensive use in electrical work. Electricians rely on drills to create holes for running wires, installing electrical boxes, and mounting fixtures. A good-quality corded or cordless drill with variable speed settings and multiple drill bit options is a must-have for any electrician.
DeWalt DCD796N 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill (Body Only)
The DeWalt DCD796N 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill is a powerful and versatile tool designed for professional use. It features a brushless motor, which provides increased efficiency and longer runtime compared to traditional brushed motors. The drill offers a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to handle and manoeuvre in tight spaces. It is a body-only version, meaning it does not include batteries or a charger, allowing users to utilize their existing 18V XR DeWalt batteries. Overall, the DeWalt DCD796N is a reliable and high-performance combi drill for various drilling and screw-driving applications.
Max Torque (Hard): 70 Nm
Max Torque (Soft): 27 Nm
Power Output: 460 Watt
No Load Speed: 0-550/2000 rpm
Beats per Minute: 0-9350/34000 bpm
Chuck Capacity: 1.5-13 mm
Max. Drilling Capacity [Wood]: 40 mm
Max. Drilling Capacity [Metal]: 13 mm
Max. Drilling Capacity [Masonry]: 13 mm
Sound Pressure: 89 dB(A)
Sound Pressure Uncertainty: 3 dB(A)
Sound Power: 100 dB(A)
Sound Power Uncertainty: 3 dB(A)
Hand/Arm Vibration – Drilling into metal: <2.5 m/s²
Uncertainty K 1 (Vibration): 1.5 m/s²
Hand/Arm Vibration – Hammer drilling into concrete: 11.5 m/s²
Uncertainty K 2 (Vibration): 1.6 m/s²
Hand/Arm Vibration – Screw driving without impact: <2.5 m/s²
Uncertainty K 3 (Vibration): 1.5 m/s²
Weight: 1.8 kg
Makita DHP458Z 18V LXT Cordless Combi Drill (Body Only)
The Makita DHP458Z 18V LXT Cordless Combi Drill is a rugged and powerful tool designed for demanding professional applications. It features a high-torque motor that delivers impressive performance, enabling efficient drilling and fastening tasks. The drill offers a compact and ergonomic design, making it comfortable to use even for extended periods. As a body-only version, it does not include batteries or a charger, allowing users to utilize their existing Makita 18V LXT batteries. Overall, the Makita DHP458Z is a durable and versatile combi drill that provides excellent power and reliability on the job.
Electric Brake: Yes
No Load Speed: 0-2000/400 rpm
Max Torque S/H: 44 / 88 Nm
Torque Settings: 21 + drill
Variable Speed Control Trigger: Yes
Max. in masonry: 16 mm
Max. in steel: 13 mm
Max. in wood: 65 mm
Fastening machine screw: 6mm
Blows per Minute: 0-30000/6000 bpm
Voltage: 18V
Weight: 2.3 kg
Wire Stripper
Wire strippers are designed to remove the insulation from electrical wires without damaging the conductive material. Electricians frequently use wire strippers to prepare wires for connections, ensuring proper conductivity and reducing the risk of electrical faults. Look for wire strippers that offer different gauge settings to accommodate various wire sizes commonly found in electrical installations.
Knipex 11 06 160 VDE Insulation
Strippers 160mm
Wiha 42062 Automatic
Stripping Tool
Multimeter
A multimeter is an indispensable tool for electricians, allowing them to measure voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits. It helps diagnose electrical issues, check continuity, and ensure the proper functioning of various components. A reliable digital multimeter with a clear display and multiple testing capabilities is a crucial tool for troubleshooting and maintenance tasks.
Sealey TM100
Professional Digital Multimeter
Faithfull DETPOCKET
Pocket Portable Multimeter
Fish Tape
Fish tapes, also known as draw wires, are used to pull electrical cables through conduits, walls, or ceilings. These flexible and sturdy tapes enable electricians to route wires accurately and efficiently, minimizing the need for invasive methods. Look for fish tapes with ergonomic handles and durable construction for seamless wire pulling.
Milwaukee M18 FPFT-0 Fuel Fish Tape (Body Only)
The Milwaukee M18 FPFT-0 Fuel Fish Tape is a powerful and innovative tool designed for electricians and installers. It offers a cordless and compact design, making it highly portable and easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces. With its high torque and variable speed functionality, it enables efficient and quick wire pulling. As a body-only version, it does not include batteries or a charger, allowing users to utilize their existing Milwaukee M18 Fuel batteries. Overall, the Milwaukee M18 FPFT-0 Fuel Fish Tape is a reliable and efficient tool that simplifies wire-pulling tasks for professionals.
- Voltage (V): 18
- Weight with Battery Pack (EPTA) (kg): 6.4 (M18 B2)
- Sound Power Level (LWA)(DB(A)): 82.45
- Sound Power Level Uncertainty (DB(A)): 3
- Sound Pressure Level (LPA)(DB(A)): 71.45
- Sound Pressure Level Uncertainty (DB(A)): 3
- Vibration Level (M/S²): 0.64
- Vibration Uncertainty (M/S²): 1.5
Conduit Bender
Conduit benders are essential for electricians working with rigid or flexible conduits. These tools allow electricians to create accurate bends in conduits to navigate around obstacles or follow specific routes. Benders are available in different sizes to accommodate various conduit diameters. Electricians should choose benders suitable for the specific conduit material and size they commonly work with.
Sealey PCB25 Professional Conduit Bender
The Sealey PCB25 Professional Conduit Bender is a high-quality tool designed for electricians working with conduit pipes. It features a sturdy construction and precision engineering, allowing for accurate and smooth bending of conduit pipes. The bender is equipped with various size guides and angle markings, making it versatile and suitable for a range of conduit sizes and bending angles. Overall, the Sealey PCB25 Professional Conduit Bender is a reliable and professional-grade tool that helps electricians achieve precise and efficient conduit bending results.
Die Sizes: Ø20, Ø25mm
Extended (W x D x H): 510 x 1030 x 1115mm
Folded (W x D x H): 510 x 145 x 1210mm
Maximum Pipe Diameter: Ø32mm (Die not included)
Nett Weight: 19.06kg
Cable Cutter
Electricians often encounter situations where they need to cut cables or wires to specific lengths. Cable cutters are specialized tools designed for the clean and precise cutting of various cable types, including electrical cables, armoured cables, and more. Opt for cable cutters with sharp blades and comfortable handles for efficient cutting and reduced fatigue.
Irwin Vise-Grip 10505518 Cable Cutter
200mm (8in)
Knipex 95 16 165 VDE Cable Shears
165mm
Knockout Punch Set
When electricians need to create openings in electrical boxes or panels for conduit entry, knockout punch sets are their go-to tools. These sets include punches and dies that enable clean and precise cutting of holes, ensuring proper conduit fitting. Electricians should invest in knockout punch sets that match common conduit sizes in their work environment.
Sealey AK709 Gasket Punch Set (10 Pieces)
The Sealey AK709 Gasket Punch Set is a versatile toolset designed for punching precise holes in gaskets and other soft materials. It includes ten different punches of varying sizes, allowing for flexibility in hole diameter selection. The punches are made of durable chrome vanadium steel, ensuring long-lasting performance and accuracy. The set comes in a convenient storage case, making it easy to organize and transport. Overall, the Sealey AK709 Gasket Punch Set is a reliable and handy tool set for various applications requiring clean and precise hole punching.
Electrical Tape
Electrical tape is a type of adhesive tape specifically designed for electrical applications. It is made of a flexible material, typically vinyl or PVC, which provides electrical insulation and protection. Electrical tape is commonly used to insulate and secure electrical wires, splices, and connections, helping to prevent short circuits and electrical hazards. It comes in various colours, with black being the most common, and is an essential tool for electricians and DIY enthusiasts working on electrical projects.
Black Electrical Tape TP1933BLK 19x33mtrs – Flame Retardant
Red Electrical Tape TP1933RED 19x33mtrs – Flame Retardant
Electricians rely on a variety of power tools to carry out their work with precision, efficiency, and safety. The tools mentioned in this blog post are just a few examples of the essential power tools electricians use regularly. Having the right set of tools not only enhances their productivity but also ensures high-quality workmanship and adherence to safety standards. If you are an aspiring electrician or simply curious about the tools behind their trade, this guide should provide you with valuable insights into the power tools electricians depend on to get the job done right.
FAQS:
Why is a voltage tester important?
A voltage tester is used to check if electrical circuits are live or de-energized, ensuring the safety of the electrician before working on them.
Are there any safety tools electricians should have?
Yes, safety tools are crucial for electricians. They should have insulated gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, hard hats, and non-conductive footwear to protect themselves from electrical hazards.
Are there any specific tools for working with live electrical wires?
Yes, electricians use tools like insulated screwdrivers, insulated pliers, and insulated nut drivers when working with live electrical wires. These tools have insulated handles to prevent electrical shocks.