Safety is a crucial part of electrical work. Whether you're building basic electrical circuits or more complex equivalents with electric circuit breakers, understanding the significance of employing the right tools is non-negotiable.
That's why we're here to help. This blog explores the essential tools required to construct a secure electrical circuit so you can do so safely for your clients, customers or home.
Wire Strippers
A fundamental electrical circuit tool is the wire stripper. These invaluable devices remove the insulation from electric wires, revealing the essential metal core. By slicing through plastic tubing and other insulating materials, wire strippers expose the conductive core, ensuring a flow of electricity.
Widely used by electricians and DIY enthusiasts alike, wire strippers are indispensable for crafting reliable connections. Their popularity comes from their precision and efficiency, enabling professionals and hobbyists to work swiftly and safely.
Voltage Tester
This tool assesses and evaluates equipment, wiring, and devices; the voltage tester is vital for building electrical circuits as it ensures safe installation and maintenance. By detecting the electrical presence and voltage levels, the voltage tester provides crucial insights into the integrity of an electrical device, which is paramount when testing electrical circuits.
Hammer
While hammer tools are universally associated with carpentry, professionals should still recognise their significance in electrical work. In constructing a safe electrical circuit, hammers are vital in securing electrical boxes.
Hammers are equipped with nail-on brackers for wall studs, and alternating framing members. This ensures hammers can firmly anchor these crucial components, providing a stable foundation for your electrical setup. Additionally, when installing new electrical cables, wire staples secure the cables to framing members when driven in with the precision of a hammer, further reinforcing the circuit's integrity.
Tape Measure
Precision is paramount in electrical work, and tape measures help to achieve this by ensuring accuracy. Various professionals, including electricians and IT professionals, rely on this essential tool to measure power points, wire length, and even the size of the circuit installation itself.
From ensuring wires fit snugly within conduits to precisely positioning power points, the tape measure's role is irreplaceable. Its measurements allow for effective installations, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring the circuit functions as it should.
Flashlight
Though we assume the flashlight to be a simple tool, it is vital for those who interact with electric circuits. This tool lets professionals discern specific areas within a circuit by illuminating its surroundings. In the dim recesses of electrical panels or the tight confines of wiring spaces, a flashlight becomes essential, enhancing visibility and ensuring precision during construction. By illuminating the electric circuit components, electricians can work with heightened accuracy, minimising the risk of errors and improving the circuit's safety.
Utility Knife
For those requiring a versatile tool, the utility knife is crucial in cable management and helps bring precision. Professionals and hobbyists use this tool to split cables and strip wires, and its sharp blade and ergonomic design make it an excellent alternative to a wire stripper, especially when specialised tools are unavailable. By adeptly slicing through cable sheaths, the utility knife ensures wires are exposed uniformly, facilitating secure connections.
Phillips Screwdriver
Screws help to hold everything together precisely, but you require the relevant tools to ensure they are secure. With its distinctive cross-shaped tip, the Phillips screwdriver becomes a valuable option for people building their electrical circuits.
While it may seem like a tool for finishing touches, its role extends far beyond. From securing components within the circuitry to fastening casings that encapsulate vital components, screws are everywhere. The Phillips screwdriver ensures you tighten these crucial elements securely, guaranteeing the stability of the entire setup.
Allen Key Set
Tightening components is a crucial part of the reliability and safety of electrical circuit assembly. For this reason, an Allen key set is a collection of versatile tools that are the perfect addition to any electrician's toolkit.
These keys play a dual role: tightening specific components and securing hex-head screws. Their unique design ensures a snug fit, eliminating the risk of loose connections, which could compromise the integrity of the circuit. From adjusting components within intricate devices to fastening hex-head screws in various applications, the Allen Key Set becomes indispensable.
Needle Nose Pliers
Many individuals rely on these slender, specialised pliers for bending and twisting wires, especially during screw-terminal connections. Their slim, elongated jaws provide unparalleled control, making them excellent for intricate, detailed electrical work. Whether neatly bending wires around terminals or delicately twisting connections into place, needle nose pliers ensure every element fits accurately.
Digital Multimeter
The digital multimeter is an ideal electrical circuit testing tool. This sophisticated device goes beyond simple measurements; it reads voltage levels, verifies circuits, and determines if the electricals are live or off, providing invaluable insights into the circuit.
The digital multimeter can measure voltage levels, amperage, resistance, and DC voltage. While primarily utilised by advanced DIYers and professional electricians, its significance resonates across the spectrum of electrical work.
Lineman’s Pliers
In an electrician's toolkit, Lineman's pliers are essential. These robust pliers, a standard fixture for professionals, excel in stripping wires with precision and ease. Their design incorporates blades close to the pivot point, providing extra cutting power and making them ideal for various wire gauges. Beyond their strength, these pliers offer control, allowing electricians to strip wires cleanly and efficiently.
If you need supplies to build your circuits, Heamar is here to help. We have various tools, from circuit wire connectors to pliers, so you can find all the tools you need to build your circuits safely. See how Heamar can help with your electrical tasks today!
