The basic tools every electrician needs:
- 1. Pliers Used to straighten, cut and strip wire. Lineman’s pliers are commonly used by electricians and are found in every tool kit. ...
- 2. Tape Measure An electrician will need to be able to accurately measure lengths of wiring before cutting or stripping. ...
- 3. Electrical Job Management Software ...
- 4. Electric Drill ...
- 5. Screwdriver ...
- 6. Level ...
- 7. Electrical Tape ...
- 8. Cable Ties ...
Full Answer
What kind of tools does an electrician need?
Two of the most common tools an electrician can't work without are side-cutting pliers and long-nose or needle-nose pliers, Rees said. According to Rees, Klein is the most recognized hand tool name in the electrical industry, and Graybar stocks several models of Klein pliers to suit individual preferences and tasks.
What are the basic tools for electrical work?
What are the basic electrical tools
- Pliers. Pliers can be used for cutting, twisting, bending, holding, and gripping of wires and cables. ...
- Wire strippers. Wire strippers are used to remove the insulation of wires, mostly medium-sized wires ranging from gauge 10 to gauge 16.
- Electrician Knife
- Screwdrivers. ...
- Hammers. ...
- Electric drill. ...
- Wirepullers. ...
- EMT bender. ...
- Soldering tools. ...
- Wire gauge. ...
What skills does an electrician need?
- Important soft skills for electricians include communication, problem-solving, and customer service.
- These professionals should be able to work individually and as part of a team.
- Electricians need strong math skills to make measurements and calculate electrical current values.
What tools should an apprentice electrician have?
- Traditional Pliers – cutting/stripping wires and handy for removing nails
- Long Nose Pliers – the thin, grasping ends make it easy to hold or grab when fishing cable.
- Side-Cutters – great for when you need to cut wires to specific lengths
What tool does an electrician use?
The most commonly used pliers used by an electrician can include needle-nose pliers, side-cutting pliers, and reaming pliers. Electricians will always have a variety of screwdrivers for loosening and fastening various pieces of hardware.
What is the most useful electrical tool?
Top Ten Essential Tools for ElectriciansApproved Voltage Indicator (AVI) This device is an absolute must as it determines the presence/absence of electricity. ... Insulated Screwdrivers. A tool box staple. ... Side Cutters/Pliers. ... Wire Strippers. ... Multi Functional Tester. ... Battery Drill. ... Electrical Wall Chaser. ... Multi Tool.More items...
What are 5 things electricians do?
DutiesRead blueprints or technical diagrams.Install and maintain wiring, control, and lighting systems.Inspect electrical components, such as transformers and circuit breakers.Identify electrical problems using a variety of testing devices.Repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures using handtools and power tools.More items...
What are four tools specific to electrical?
These four types of tools form the basis of any electrical work and are essential for any beginner or experienced electrician. It's a good idea to have a variety of pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, and wire strippers available to handle different types of cable or wiring.
What tools does a 1st year electrical apprentice need?
Cable Knives.Cable Shears & Cutters.Cable Strippers.Cable Stripper Blades.Crimping Tools.Wire Strippers.
What skills do electricians need?
Important soft skills for electricians include communication, problem-solving, and customer service. These professionals should be able to work individually and as part of a team. Electricians need strong math skills to make measurements and calculate electrical current values.
Is being an electrician hard?
Electrical work is hard and can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. This is why it's so important to have extensive training and experience working under a licensed contractor before you can be licensed to work on your own.
Is being an electrician hard on your body?
Being an electrician can be hard on your body. Electricians spend long hours on their feet or in tight spaces. If you work in construction, you may be outside in the heat and elements. All electricians must take care to prevent injury from electric shock.
How long is electrician training?
On average, it can take around three years to complete an apprenticeship program, which typically involves four days working in a related role and one day a week at college. Many colleges also provide a fast-track option for more experienced students, which can take around two years to complete.
What tool is used to cut wires?
wire cuttersUse the correct pliers or wire cutters for the job. Proper use of side cutting (lineman's) pliers: Many applications including electrical, communications and construction work. Use to grip, splice or cut wires, and strip insulation.
What tools do you need to wire a house?
Electrical Tools You Need to Do Your JobPliers. Pliers — often referred to as cutting pliers or lineman's pliers — are a staple on any electrician's tool belt. ... Screwdrivers. ... Tape Measure. ... Electrical Tape. ... Cable Ties. ... Electric Drills. ... Level. ... Wire/Cable Lugs.More items...•
What tools are needed to wire a plug?
You will need a few basic tools. If you are just replacing a damaged plug you will probably only need a screwdriver. If you need to strip back the insulation and trim the wires you will also need a sharp knife and side cutters, or a wire stripping tool.
What is the importance of electrical tool?
They let you carry out more specialized tasks and work with a wide variety of materials. These tools offer steadfast consistency and produce highly accurate results. Finally, they perform the same functions as hand tools with considerably more efficiency and less effort.
What do you think is the most essential tool in electrical installation and maintenance?
1. Pliers. Pliers — often referred to as cutting pliers or lineman's pliers — are a staple on any electrician's tool belt. They are mainly used for cutting wire, or gripping, twisting, bending, or straightening wires.
Which of the following electrical tools is useful in cutting or bending wires?
Use the correct pliers or wire cutters for the job. Proper use of side cutting (lineman's) pliers: Many applications including electrical, communications and construction work. Use to grip, splice or cut wires, and strip insulation.
Why are electrical tools and equipment important in performing electrical task?
Tools are valuable items that make work become quicker, simpler, and more convenient. They have made tasks like repairing and building much easier, turning some of the most tedious projects into something that only takes a short while to accomplish.
How Much Should an Apprentice Electrician Pay for Tools?
You don’t need to run out and buy all the tools today. But, as you grow in experience and skill, and your work becomes more diverse, your tool needs will grow as well.
What are side cutters used for?
Some guys call these side cutters- others use the term Linesman’s Pliers. They’re great for cutting through Romex wire and single conductor cable up to about 4 gauge. The flat jaws are handy for grabbing things that need to be grabbed. One example is steel fish tape – but for the most part this is a cutting tool.
What is a volt meter?
The volt meter is to an electrician what a stethoscope is to a doctor. When you learn to use it, you can measure voltage, current, frequency, and continuity. It’s indispensable for testing, diagnostics and troubleshooting. The absolute best training in the electrical contracting field is troubleshooting.
What is a deburring tool?
Also known as a de-burring tool, this little guy is part of the process in cutting conduit. This process protects the wires from being damaged as they’re pulled through the conduit. Insert into the freshly cut end and twist to clean off the sharp edges left behind. Works on 1/2″ thin wall conduit.
What is a chirp tester?
In the same vein as the “Chirp Tester” (aka Voltage Tester), this is specifically designed to check receptacle outlets. Plug it in and the lights (or lack thereof), will tell you if the plug is working.
Do you need a framing hammer?
I use my hammer every day. There are plenty of things to secure and plenty more to tear apart. You don’t need an expensive framing hammer. I’m happy with a simple 16-inch one; especially when I have to staple Romex in tight places. It also makes a nice measuring stick when putting up outlet boxes around a house. Just stand the hammer up on the floor and set the box on top of it. Hold and nail in place.
Do electricians need a hole saw?
Sometimes you just need to make a hole. From getting cables through walls to punching into homes from the outside, or installing recessed lights in existing ceilings – hole saws are a must for every electrician’s truck.
What tools do electricians use?
Electricians use a variety of screwdrivers, another toolbox necessity, for loosening and fastening various pieces of hardware. Many professionals now carry versatile and adaptable screwdrivers with interchangeable bits, so they're never stuck without the proper electrical maintenance tool.
Why do electricians need tools list?
An electrical tools list isn’t complete without a standard level, as it helps electricians ensure fixtures, screws, and other installations are placed exactly where they need to be .
How do electricians know which outlets are connected to which circuits?
When an electrician holds up the transmitter to circuits in the breaker, the device sends a signal to the receiver to indicate which circuit the outlet belongs to.
Where do electricians run conduit?
When determining a wiring route, electricians often run wiring along the corner of the wall or in other mostly hidden areas . Conduit benders are electrician tools used to curve conduit piping to accommodate these routes and ensure the conduits remain nonintrusive and efficiently placed in the customer’s home.
How does a handheld voltage tester work?
A handheld voltage tester allows electricians to test outlets for power, so they know when they’re safe to work on. Electricians also use this tool to confirm power has been restored.
What do electricians rely on?
Workers rely on tools for accuracy, resiliency, craftsmanship, comfort, and safety. This includes electricians who keep our homes illuminated, connected, and energy efficient. Below, we review the must-have electrical maintenance tools for the modern electrician's tool belt.
What are the basic electrical maintenance tools?
Basic Electrical Maintenance Tools. 1. Pliers. Pliers —often referred to as cutting pliers or lineman pliers—are a staple on any electrical tools list. They are mainly used for cutting wire, or gripping, twisting, bending or straightening wires.
What tools do electricians need?
Electricians also need personal protective equipment, and energized work requires properly rated insulated tools. That said, these are the literal tools of the trade. 1. Screwdrivers and nut drivers. Screwdrivers and nut drivers should always be within easy reach.
What kind of saw do electricians use?
One thing you can say about saws is that electricians need a variety. Thanks to their versatility, many electricians invest in a handheld reciprocating saw, though spiral saws (which rely on a bit rather than a blade) are common as well. And don’t forget to include a sheetrock knife with a stiff blade that won’t bend while cutting.
What is a labeler for electricians?
A well labeled, clearly marked jobsite is a safe and efficient jobsite. That’s why a labeler is an electrician’s best friend. Labeling machines that can print simple graphics and bar codes in addition to plain text are essential for many tasks. A labeler may be used to label wires, cables, panels, switches and more.
Why do electricians use pipe reamers?
Electricians depend on pipe reamers to smooth out the edges of cut conduit. This prevents wires from getting snagged on them. 6. Wire strippers. There was a time when every electrician carried a standard-issue manual wire stripper with a slew of slots for various wire gauges.
What is the most important tool?
2. Pliers . Perhaps the single most important tool is a simple pair of pliers. Of course, no single pair of pliers is going to cover all situations, so you’ll need to invest in a variety of sizes. Make sure to include needle-nose pliers, handy for holding small fasteners and retrieving dropped items in small spaces.
What is a side cutting plier?
Side-cutting pliers are used for cutting wires to a specific length as well as for crimping connectors, ripping out staples, and performing other miscellaneous tasks.
Can an electrician use a measuring tape?
No electrician would be caught on the job without measuring tools. First and foremost, that means having a 6-foot wooden rule for work in energized environments. You should also have a traditional metal band measuring tape, but these days, laser measuring tools are increasingly popular because they’re fast, accurate, have memory to store multiple measurements and can do measurement calculations as well.
What are the tools used by electricians?
1. Pliers. Pliers are one of the vital tools for electricians. It has various kinds including tongue-and-groove pliers, needle nose pliers, linesman pliers, and diagonal cutting pliers. Pliers are used for twisting, bending or straightening, cutting, and gripping wires. Tongue-and-groove pliers or groove joint is commonly employed in plumbing, ...
What are the tools that electricians use to manage their projects?
With the help of project management tools such as Pro Crew Schedule, tasks, and various parts of the process to that are vital finish projects such as team communication, multiple task scheduling, and crew management can now be done efficiently. 1. Pliers. Pliers are one of the vital tools for electricians.
Why do electricians strip wires?
Electricians strip coating on the wires to bring out the copper and create a connection with other electrical components. Wire strippers consist of a row of gauged holes that can be used to strip wires of a variety of sizes, and it also commonly has cutting jaws that can be used to trim the wire ends.
How do electricians reduce risks?
One way to reduce these risks is by making sure that they know each tool’s purpose and that they are aware of the tools that they can use to protect themselves.
What is a diagonal plier?
Diagonal Cutting Pliers. Diagonal Cutting Pliers or snips or dikes are used in cutting wires. These pliers have a cutting edge that goes down the jaws’ tip, which enables an electrician to reach tight areas and trim the wires. 2.
What are screwdrivers used for?
Screwdrivers are also used by electricians when installing or detaching switches, cover plates, outlets, etc. There are also screwdrivers available that have handles with insulating rubber jackets which improve safety when conducting electrical tasks. 6. Labelling Machines.
What is a long nose plier used for?
Most long-nose pliers also have cutting jaws that are used to trim wires. Its narrow and long tip is especially useful when doing detailed work. Linesman pliers with its squared-off end are used to twist wires together. Its center cutting blade is good when trimming wires, while its grip area is useful when pulling.
What size nut do electricians use?
Nut drivers. Electricians come across 3/8 and 3/4 nu ts most often. The 6-in-1 (etc.) screwdrivers often have these two sizes embedded in their design. However, a full set of standalone nut drivers certainly can’t hurt. Precision screw drivers. As an electrician, you’ll often have to work in tight spaces.
Why do you need a cordless drill?
Consider a cordless drill, because the power will likely be shut off wherever you work.
What is a Robertson screwdriver?
A Robertson screwdriver. Also called a square driver, this tool will allow you to open various electrical panels, which often have square-head screws.
What is wire stripper?
Wire strippers to remove the rubber insulation from a wire before rewiring.
Why wear safety glasses when drilling?
Safety glasses to avoid debris from drilling or even sparks from hot wires.
What tools do electricians need?
Electricians need many tools and the demand for tools depend on the job undertaken. A sturdy tool belt, cut resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a headlamp are equally important for an electrician tools list.
What is a good drill for electricians?
A good drill is a great addition to an electrician’s bag. You will be drilling or fastening screws all the time. A good hammer could do the job, but a good drill will make your work easier and faster. Drills come corded or cordless. A corded drill has power all the time since it’s attached to a power source.
What is the best drill for a tight space?
A cordless drill works with rechargeable batteries. A cordless drill is the right choice when working in tight spaces. A hammer drill is even better because it will work with both wood and concrete. Long battery life is necessary for you to work longer without having to recharge.
What size conduit bender do electricians need?
or this job. Electricians need to have conduit benders in ½” and ¾” sizes in the tool bag.
What type of screwdriver do electricians use?
As an electrician, you need several screwdrivers to work with many types of fasteners for different nuts and enclosing. Choose a screwdriver with chrome plated and heat-treated shaft to last longer.
Which is better: corded or cordless power saw?
A corded power saw performs better because a lot of power and speed is needed when cutting through metal, concrete, and cutting studs. A cordless power saw is great when cutting drywall from above because it offers flexibility. Another important feature you need to look out for is sturdiness.
What is a non contact tester?
A non-contact tester is a necessary tool. This small tool is very important; it can actually save you from electrocution. Testers that use removal batteries are easy to use. Another tester that needs to be in your kit is the plug tester. They are inexpensive and easy to get in any hardware.
1. Safety Gear
The very first thing any electrician needs is safety gear. Electricians deal with a lot of potentially dangerous scenarios. Without proper safety gear, you can easily get injured on the job, which no one wants.
2. Tape Measure
One of the most frequently used tools by electricians and other handymen is the tape measure. The tape measure will ensure that everything you are cutting and doing is just the right size. Most likely, you already have this tool in your garage. For electricians specifically, tape measures are used for cutting and stripping wire.
3. Hammer
Another basic tool electricians need is a hammer. Hammers are used for a variety of jobs including fixing brackets, driving wire staples, and anchoring frames. Without a hammer, you won’t get far as an electrician.
4. Torpedo Level
Torpedo levels are convenient tools that are used for a variety of purposes. As an electrician, you want to install straight switches and level boxes; torpedo levels make sure that happens. If you have a tape measure and hammer, you likely have a torpedo level too.
5. Flashlight
More than likely, you have multiple flashlights ready to go in your home. It’s important that you have a working flashlight so that you can see in the dark and tight spaces you will most likely be working in as an electrician.
6. Utility Knife
Utility knives are often used for cutting sheathing, removing electrical tape, and opening various boxes. These are all tasks that you will do frequently as a professional technician. Keep a utility knife on hand so that you don’t have to struggle with any of these tasks.
7. Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers are tools electricians always need. They’re used for removing or installing outlets, switches, cover plates, and other items. You need screwdrivers that are effective and comfortable for electrical work. Rubber jackets are best.
Electrical tool basics
Electricians’ may work with electricity, but many of the tools you use are low-tech, handheld basics found in most tradespeople’s toolboxes.
High-tech electrical tools
While basic tools are essential, you’ll likely want a few tools that are more high-tech when you’re working with electricity.
Safety equipment
When you’re working with electricity, safety is crucial. Wearing protective equipment helps keep you protected on the job.
Small business tools
There’s more to being an electrician than just working with electricity. These electrician tools can make it easier to run your business.