Assembling and maintaining electrical tool kits using the appropriate tools and gear is one of the primary responsibilities of an electrician. As electrical components become increasingly diverse, making sure you have the right tools in your kit is crucial.
Many new electricians may feel like they need to buy top-of-the-line tools, but if your tools are sturdy and in good working order, you don't have to spend a fortune. Most employers will provide a range of hand tools, while some may even provide you with a basic starter kit. Whatever the case, the following list will provide any new electrician with a good starting point.
What you bring with your new power tool kit matters!
Today, with new electrical components, maintenance, and repairs, it's crucial to make sure you have the right tools in your kit.
Electricians design, install and maintain electrical systems. Many new electricians feel they need to buy top-of-the-line tools, but as long as your tools are sturdy and in good working order, you don't have to spend a fortune. It is recommended to start by setting up a basic electrical tool kit.
Apprentices have a long way to go before becoming a certified electrician, but still need the right tools without having to buy additional tools that they eventually need. Whether you're a residential, commercial or industrial electrician, your apprenticeship typically lasts four years and combines classroom and on-the-job training.
The perfect electrical tool kit for new electricians
Someone once said: "It is always recommended to treat your new power tool bag like a woman would treat her purse. Even when you loan something out, always know where it is and cherish its contents." Apprentices as well as some professionals Tools may be left behind and if they move from one place to another, they never get their tools back.
If you plan on leading tools on the job site, you may want to put your name on your personal tools.
Your tool belts and tool bags will keep your electrician's tools organized, easy to find, and keep you within reach of what you need. There should be another pouch on your belt for screws and other small parts. Try to have at least three pockets.
Electrician tasks require specific tools
Electrical systems are becoming increasingly complex, and employers are constantly looking for professionals who are trained to handle these complex issues.
Repairing and maintaining electrical infrastructure involves many different tasks. Depending on the job at hand will often determine which tools you need to get the job done safely and efficiently. This raises the bar for power tool kits. Some example tasks you must be able to perform:
- Install, test, assemble or maintain electrical equipment, wiring, appliances and fixtures using power and hand tools.
- Diagnose malfunctioning machinery, systems and components, find cause and correct using hand tools and test equipment.
- Ability to correct circuit breaker wires or transformers.
- Inspect equipment, components and other electrical systems according to all specifications to identify hazards and defects. Provides recommendations to management regarding equipment safety.
- Ability to plan the layout and installation of all electrical wiring, fixtures and equipment in accordance with job codes and specifications. Train or instruct workers to perform maintenance, installation, or repair of equipment, wiring, and fixtures.
- Follow blueprints or prepare sketches to determine the location of wiring and equipment to ensure safety and building regulations are followed.
- Ability to use a variety of tools from an electrical tool box, such as measuring equipment, electrical construction equipment, and test equipment.
- Install the ground wire and connect the motor power wire.
- Possess knowledge of business management responsibilities for preparing reports, maintaining records and supplying equipment.
- Know how to use power and hand tools to repair wiring, equipment and fixtures.
- Perform repair, installation or maintenance work on scaffolding, roofs and ladders.
- Build a complete pallet run.
- Cut and install various electrical equipment.
- Place pipes or pipes within partitions or walls and place wires or cables in complete circuits between boxes.
- Make or construct parts to specifications using hand tools.
- A small plastic or metal box attached to the wall to hold a household electrical outlet or switch.
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks such as digging trenches to lay conduit and lifting and moving heavy objects. Work safety is crucial, and even simple ladder safety requires your attention.
- Learn how to operate generators and floodlights to help in an emergency.
- Keep a current electrician's license or identification card that meets government regulations.
There are many employment opportunities in industries that rely on domestic demand, such as metal products manufacturing, high technology, transportation, electrical equipment and food, and parts and appliance manufacturing.
By specializing in as many different fields as possible, you'll have more options to enter different fields and get the career you want.
As demand from businesses hiring electricians changes, so will job growth in each market. When becoming an apprentice electrician, do some research to guide you in the right direction as you begin training to become a certified electrician.
Lineman's Pliers
Heavy-duty pliers generally used for cutting and twisting electrical wires. They are great for twisting solid wire or twisting off Ty-Rap ends when engaged with wire nuts. Sometimes called "electrician's hammers," they can also cut small gauge steel wire.
If handled correctly, this tool can last your entire electrical career. Even for a new electrician, it's worth the extra cost to get the best brand.
Side milling cutter
They are used for cutting smaller gauge wire and are also great for cutting hard to reach areas. Next to your edge pliers, this will be one of your most used tools, so spending a little extra on a quality tool will go a long way.
cable cutter
More powerful than regular pliers for cutting large conductors and smaller cables. Make sure to use them only on copper and aluminum. Also known as "Eagle Beak".
crimping pliers
For installing butt joints. No need to spend a fortune on a high end brand for this tool, as long as you have a pair that can crimp insulated and non-insulated maxpower tools.
Needle nose pliers
For clamping in tight spaces, I find these work best when the pliers have rough ends. Likewise, the cheapest tools you can find will work just as well as expensive brands, and having a few different styles can come in handy.
Wire strippers
Used to strip insulation from electrical wires, even apprentice electricians use them every day.
channel lock
For fastening conduit, conduit fittings, junction boxes and connectors. Having a few on hand in different sizes is a must.
Allen wrench
For tightening electrical terminal lugs, look for kits available in a variety of sizes. An inexpensive set will work just fine, so consider buying both standard and metric sizes.
screwdriver
You'll be tightening thousands of screws over the course of your career, so it's important to have a high-quality tool that lasts longer and strips fewer screws. Multi-drivers are perfect for new builders on a budget, but the quality of the heads is not as good as individual drivers. As you work, you'll discover which ends you need most - usually a #2 Robertson end, a flat end, and a Phillips end. I recommend choosing a single drive in these sizes since you can afford it.
If you are using small terminal blocks or panels, consider selecting a set of appropriately sized terminals. Using the correct size terminator for the terminal will ensure that your termination is tight without having to remove the screws.
wrench set
A speed wrench is well worth the extra cost. The most common sizes in Canada are 7/16, 1/2 and 9/16, so make sure the set you are looking at has these sizes. The United States will use different sizes. If budget is an issue, look for a cheap set of regular wrenches
Crescent wrench
When nut sizes are unknown or for those rare metric sizes, finding a mid-range kit with good jaws can be handy. There are ratcheting crescent wrenches, but they are more trouble than they are worth.
Hacksaw
These feature metal blades designed for cutting conduit, cable armoring, pallets, and (if your foreman is a jerk) struts. Stick with an inexpensive hacksaw frame, and keep a pack of replacement blades with you.
Cable stripping tool
Used for stripping cables and insulation and as a general tool for opening boxes and packaging.
Importantly, many employers and clients may have restrictions on the types of knives allowed in the workplace. Be sure to check with your supervisor to see if they have any restrictions on knives.
tape measure
Used for measuring pillars, conduits, pallets, lumber and many other objects. A 25-foot tape measure is enough for any task. Look for models with magnets built into the end, which can be helpful when measuring yourself.
torpedo class
Their small size makes them perfect for any tool bag. Look for heavy-duty brands with magnets for easy and accurate readings.
hammer
Hammers are most commonly used for residential or commercial jobs and don't need to be fancy. The most common use of a hammer is to secure wire nails and nails. If you're an industrial electrician, a hammer isn't usually a priority.
mark
For marking cut materials or marking drilled holes, there's nothing wrong with an old-fashioned marker. They work on dusty, damp materials and retain their shape longer than markers.
nut driver
Used where wrenches cannot be used, the most common sizes are 1/4, 5/16, 7/16, 1/2 and 9/16. Don't waste your money on expensive Klein suits. Instead, look for brands that have a hollow shaft so you can rotate the nut onto a longer prep rod or longer bolt.
