Electrical Engineering Tools and Devices

Electrical Engineering Tools and Devices: . Electrical engineering is a cornerstone of modern technology, focusing on the design, testing, and maintenance of electrical systems. To perform their tasks effectively, engineers rely on an array of specialized tools and devices. These essential instruments enhance precision, safety, and efficiency. Whether you’re a student or a seasoned professional, understanding the function and importance of basic electrical engineering tools is vital.

In this article, we’ll explore 15 essential tools, their uses, and how they support the work of electrical engineers.

The basic tools every electrician needs:

Found in every electrician’s tool bag and van, this is the list of basic tools every electrician should be using to complete jobs and keep up with their workload.

Pliers

Used to straighten, cut and strip wire. Lineman’s pliers are commonly used by electricians and are found in every tool kit. The main difference between a normal set of pliers and linesman pliers for electricians are the ability to strip wire back. These will also help join two pieces of wire and ductile material together – these are essential.

Tape Measure

An electrician will need to be able to accurately measure lengths of wiring before cutting or stripping. A basic measuring tape is another essential tool for an electrician.

Electric Drill

Electricians need to get into tight, hard to reach spaces and a handy electric drill is just the tool they need when accessing hardware or electrical components. Most electricians will opt for a model with speed control and a long life battery.

Screwdriver

A basic tool but it’s important for electricians to use the correct type of screwdriver. To protect themselves against a nasty shock they need to use one specifically designed for electrical work.

The correct type of screwdriver is an Insulated Screwdriver. These are designed with non-conductive plastic coatings. Only the tip of the screwdriver is exposed meaning the operator is protected from an unexpected live wire of the open circuit.

Level

Electricians often need to replace hardware and they know the customer will need perfect placement of electrical sockets and light fittings. They use a Level to make sure everything lines up.

Electrical Tape

Electrical tape is an essential item. It has excellent resistance to moisture and corrosion and is often used to insulate electrical wiring and perform minor repairs to damaged wires. Electrical tape comes in various grades depending on how it’s being used for example cold weather tape better adhesion in lower temperatures.

Cable Ties

Another item found in every electrician’s tool kit are cable ties. These handy ties also known as zip ties, help electricians fasten electrical cables or wires together. Using them creates a neater, more organised wiring bundle.

Essential Tools for the modern Electrician

Here’s is a list of essential tools for the modern electrician, from heavy duty wire shears to tools that allow seamless connection of wiring. The Modern Electrician is expected to not only create a safe installation or repair of electrical equipment but meet their customers ever-growing demands.

These essential tools help electricians achieve a professional and neat finish.

Heavy Duty Cable Cutters

When Linesman Pliers aren’t enough an electrician may opt for Cable Cutters or Shears. These are also insulated to around 10,000 volts and insulated to 1000 AC. They allow the electrician to safely cut cable without crushing it.

Fish Tape

If you’ve ever tried to draw a wire from behind a wall or across a ceiling you’ll know how tricky that can be. Fish Tape or Electricians snake as it’s also known helps them draw the cable quickly.

Read More : Types of Electrical Wires and Cables

Coax Connector

When an electrician needs to link two cables or a cable to a device while also protecting the wire from damage such as shredding they would use a Coax Connector. These handy tools are commonly found in most hardware stores in a variety of cable sizes.

Cable Lugs

These are connectors added to the end of cables or wires to allow you to easily connect them to other appliances, surfaces or equipment. These lugs come in three different variants, basic type used on electrical terminals with varying pad widths, type with a sight hole used at a cable intersection and the Connector type which are commonly used with flared or chamfered barrels.

Terminal Block

A Terminal block is used to terminate a single wire or connect it to another circuit or system. Electricians use a Terminal Block rather than bonding two wires because its modular design and insulated frame safely secures two wires or more together.

Flashlight

Electricians often have to work in poorly lit locations. A flashlight allows them to continue working safely, some may wear a head touch to allow them to continue to use their hands.

Reaming Bit

An Electrician may need to widen the size of a pre-existing hole and they do this with a Reaming Bit. It’s a drill bit which leaves a smooth finish and allows for a higher degree of accuracy when they need the right width.

Conduit Bender

A Conduit Bender acts as a lever to bend angles in conduit with a measurement guide to achieve the designed angle. This allows electricians to curve conduit to accommodate a route around a wall or hidden space.

Splicing Connector

When an electrician needs to quickly and easily connect two or more pieces of wire they may use a splicing connector. They can use these for electrical cables, phone lines and electrical device wiring.

Tools to keep an Electrician Safe

Not all tools on this list are there to improve the efficiency or make a job easier. The following tools are designed to keep electricians safe, the usage of many of these tools are situation dependent and aren’t required for all jobs, but where they are needed they could be life saving.

Insulated Gloves

Electricians need to protect themselves against the dangerous and powerful currents found in the live wiring, cabling and electrical equipment they work with. Insulated gloves will offer various levels of protection based on the class of equipment. This ranges from 00 protecting up to 500 AC to Class 4 which is approved up to 36,000 AC.

Read More : Electrical Machinery

Fire Proof clothing

Flame resistant or flame retardant clothing allows electricians to comfortably operate dangerous equipment. These are available in various sizes and grades but all will help prevent serious burns or injuries.

Safety Glasses

Safety Glasses are becoming an important part of keeping workers safe. These provide protection to the eyes from dirt, dust and splashed chemicals.

Rescue Rod/hook

A rescue hook is used to safely move unconscious people or remove large items or equipment from a hazardous area. Emergency services will first need to protect themselves from an area that could still have an electrical current so they use this equipment to move an individual from the source of the danger.

Tools to keep you safe while working at height

When electricians are required to work at height it adds another level of risk that needs to be assessed and specialist equipment can be used to keep electricians safe in these conditions. These tools and equipment help to achieve a safer working environment while working at height.

Safety Harness

A safety harness covers the chest, lower and upper body and is designed for people who are working at height. It allows the user to be secured to a cabling or anchor system. These are highly durable and are mandatory on locations where the risk of a fall is high.

Fall Arrest Blocks

Fall Arrest Blocks act as shock absorbers when an electrician is working from height and experiences a fall. They allow some slack while working but are designed to reduce a fall when it is detected.

Karabiners and Hooks

These hooks are nearly always used with safety equipment when working at height. They act as a secure hook to cabling equipment and can be safely released when needed. Anyone familiar with climbing equipment will have used these clips before.

Ladder Wall Anchors

Removable wall anchors allow an electrician to securely fix a ladder to a wall. They attach flush with the wall then using the lever they are able to lock the anchor into position. Moving the lock into the unlock position allows the release of the anchor.

High-tech tools for the modern electrician

This list of tools takes your business to the next level. These more high tech options speed up processes and create a more efficient and effective workforce.

Multimeters

When you need to take a more accurate measurement of currents and voltage you need a Multimeter. These are designed to safely inspect the voltage in electrical equipment and speed up the process of measuring it.

Circuit Analyzers

This fancy piece of electrician kit allows them to test AC low-voltage distribution. It speeds up fault finding and allows an accurate measurement of multiple problems on a line. Using this equipment can help avoid electric shocks, electrical fires and identify wear and tear.

Read More : What Does 200kA Mean on a Fuse?

Circuit Finders

Circuit Finders are small battery operated tools which have two parts, a transmitter and a receiver. They are designed to identify which circuit breaker in a main service panel provides a particular electrical outline or light fixture with power.

FAQs

1. What is the most important tool for an electrical engineer?

The multimeter is one of the most important tools due to its versatility in measuring voltage, current, and resistance.

2. Can I use a clamp meter instead of a multimeter?

A clamp meter is ideal for non-invasive current measurements but lacks the versatility of a multimeter for voltage and resistance testing.

3. How do insulation testers improve safety?

Insulation testers ensure that electrical equipment is properly insulated, reducing the risk of electrical shocks and failures.