Electricians are people who specialize in installation, maintenance and repair of electrical systems. They are skilled professionals who work with complex electrical components, power tools and various hand tools to ensure safety and efficiency of electrical systems. Hand tools are an essential part of an electrician’s arsenal. In this article, we will discuss five basic hand tools used by an electrician.
1. Pliers
Pliers are a versatile hand tool used by electricians to grip, bend and cut wires. They come in various sizes, shapes and types, including long-nose, diagonal and lineman’s pliers. Long-nose pliers are used to reach into tight spaces, while diagonal pliers are used for cutting wires. Lineman’s pliers are most common type of pliers used by electricians. They are designed to grip and bend wires, and they also come with a wire-cutting feature.
2. Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers are a must-have tool for any electrician. They are used to loosen and tighten screws and other fasteners. Electricians use both flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers. Flathead screwdrivers have a flat, straight blade and are used for slotted screws. Phillips-head screwdrivers have a cross-shaped tip and are used for Phillips-head screws.
3. Wire strippers
Wire strippers are used to remove insulation from electrical wires. They come in various sizes and are designed to work with different wire gauges. Electricians use wire strippers to strip wire without damaging conductors inside. Wire strippers have a cutting edge, which is used to cut wire to desired length.
4. Voltage tester
A voltage tester is a hand-held device used by electricians to determine whether an electrical circuit is live or not. They come in two types, namely non-contact and contact voltage testers. Non-contact voltage testers are used to detect live wires without touching them. Contact voltage testers, on other hand, must be placed in direct contact with electrical circuit to determine if it is live.
5. Fish tape
Fish tape is a long, flexible tool used by electricians to pull wires through walls, ceilings and other tight spaces. Fish tape is made of steel, fiberglass or nylon and comes in various lengths. The tape is threaded through a conduit or other confined space and used to pull wires through space.
Conclusion
In conclusion, electricians require various hand tools to work efficiently and effectively. These five basic hand tools - pliers, screwdrivers, wire strippers, voltage testers and fish tape - are essential for any electrician. When working with electrical systems, it is important to use right tools for job and to take appropriate safety precautions to prevent injury or damage to electrical system.