Tradesmen in the electrical industry evaluate issues and diagnose problems using math, technical knowledge, blueprints and hands-on training. However, they require basic electrical tools to perform and complete installations and repairs. Discover how common tools for electrical work help many individuals diagnose and correct electrical problems in homes and businesses.
Common Electrical Equipment List
The right electrical tools are important to performing safe installation, maintenance and repair work. While technology and innovation have greatly improved electrical wiring tools over the years, there are some basic electrical tools tradesmen need, regardless of the work they do. These tools help individuals in the electrical industry work smarter, simpler and safer:
- Digital multimeter
- Tape measure
- Fish tape
- Wire stripper
- Wire crimper
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
Before you choose your tools, consider how each tool functions, its range of use and other components that make it a valuable item in your tool belt.
Digital Multimeter
A digital multimeter is an all-in-one tester for measuring voltages, currents and resistance in an electrical circuit. It helps tradesmen locate fluctuations in power due to bad wiring and prevent unintended electrical shocks. Individuals in the electrical industry consider this a standard diagnostic tool for taking electrical measurements.
Tape Measure
Many individuals in the electrical trade carry one or more tape measures. Tape measures help determine accurate heights for outlet and switch placement, assist with centering light fixtures and much more.
Fish Tape
Also known as draw wire or draw tape, fish tape routes new wiring through walls and electrical conduits. Tradesmen maneuver its narrow band of steel—along with a guide string—through tight spaces inside walls. Eventually, the guide string pulls wires and cables through the wall cavity.
Wire Stripper
Electrical tradesmen often need to strip or cut off insulation wires. Wire strippers are designed with various-sized teeth for cutting a variety of wire sizes. Some wire strippers feature ergonomically designed handles and curved blades that provide clean, precise cuts through tough wire and cable.
Wire Crimper
When an individual joins two pieces of metal wire, he or she generally uses a wire crimper to deform the pieces so they hold together. Wire crimpers allow electrical tradesmen to repair wires causing faulty circuit connections by providing a long-lasting seal.
Screwdrivers
Most individuals in the electrical industry need a variety of screwdrivers, including Phillips 1 and 2, straight blade screwdrivers, magnetic screwdrivers and screwdrivers with interchangeable tips.
Pliers
A set of pliers is one of the most common tools of the electrical trade. Diagonal pliers specifically cut wires in tight spaces, while a set of do-it-all pliers with a squared-off tip are ideal for twisting, cutting and pulling wires.
Want to learn more about electrical? Explore the Electrical program at Apex.
*Apex Technical School and its instructors are licensed by the New York State Education Department.
Disclaimer: Apex Technical School provides training for entry-level jobs. Not everything you may read about the industry is covered in our training programs.
