What Tools Does an Electrician Need?
Whether you are a licensed electrician or a homeowner who wants to perform electrical work, there are a few tools that can make quick work of your project. Since electricity can be deadly, be sure to follow all safety rules and turn off power sources while working.
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Test Your Wiring
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The most important tool you can buy is a voltage and/or current tester. Hold this simple tool next to a wire or receptacle and, if electricity is present, the tester beeps or lights up. This inexpensive tool can literally save your life by making sure that wires you are working on are not "live." Probing multimeters allow you to check how much voltage is present which can help diagnose many common wiring problems. It also allows you to check polarity, to make sure wires were connected properly. A megohmmeter tests the insulation on wires. Wires not properly insulated can lead to heat buildup and fire.
Safety
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Testing tools can be used both before and after a repair or installation to make sure the circuit is installed in a safe and proper manner. There are many other specialty tools that can be used for an electrical job, but the testing tools listed above are essential to both safety and performing the job correctly. You may want to scrimp on this tool or that, but when it comes to your safety and your home's electrical integrity, it is a good idea to make sure you have the right tools.
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Analyze
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Circuit analyzers can measure the voltage when the power outlet is under load to determine if anything is hindering the electricity from reaching the outlet. These can also test if the circuit is properly grounded. An underground wire detector allows you to find buried wires. This allows safe digging and prevents service interruption and injuries due to accidental cutting of underground wires.
Essential Tools
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Several types of pliers are helpful when doing electrical work. Needlenose pliers allow extra reach in tight spots. Diagonal pliers allow you to cut wire. Cable cutters allow you to cut both small-gauge and large-gauge wire, as well as cable TV, phone wire, copper and aluminum tubing. Crimpers make the job easier when attaching wires together with a crimp fitting. Lineman's pliers are similar to regular pliers, but they also have a cutting area in the crook and a crimping area below the crook. Wire strippers allow you to cut the casing off of wire and leave the rest intact. This is necessary when applying a wire to a receptacle or fixture.
Running Wire
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Whether you are retrofitting or wiring a new home, you will need a few tools to run wire. In a retrofit, you will need a fish tape to run wires through existing walls. This is a flexible, stiff wire that you attach new wiring to that allows you to pull it through the wall. If the walls are open, it is far easier to run new wire. You will need a drill with either a butterfly bit or hole saw to make a hole large enough for the number of wires you wish to run. A hammer or special stapler is also required to attach wire staples which hold the wire in place against the studs, and to install the electrical boxes in which receptacles are installed. A screwdriver finishes out the job, allowing you to attach wiring to your switches and outlets, and to attach them to the electrical boxes.
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