Common Types of Electrician Tools

1.Wire Strippers

Wire strippers are plier-like tools used to remove the insulating outer sheath from cables in order to attach terminals or connectors to the central core via crimping or soldering. Some strippers also allow electricians to cut right through the copper or conduit in a wire or cable.

2. Insulated Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers are one of the most traditional of tools but are still indispensable for most electricians who frequently require access to electrical containers sealed with screws. There are multiple sizes and shapes available for compatibility with the abundance of screw designs.

Screwdrivers work through the simple application of torque – rotational force – when the head of the screwdriver has been inserted into the slot on the screw. Electrician’s screwdrivers feature carefully designed, insulated handles to provide protective electrical resistance. This will be indicated by VDE approval.

3. Insulated Pliers

Pliers are another tool that has been with us for a long time. Their versatility means they can be used to accomplish a multitude of tasks requiring ‘torque’, working in a much more robust manner than would be possible with the use of bare hands alone.

Nowadays pliers are usually made from steel to provide additional strength to the grip exerted by the jaws.

4. Electrical Tape

Electrical tape is used to insulate wires or other items that conduct electricity. Also known as insulation tape or electrical insulation tape, it is self-adhesive and pressure-sensitive, built to resist abrasion, heat and liquids in order to protect the sensitive conducting core within electrical wiring.

It is also made from different materials, including PVC, vinyl, copper foil and glass cloth. Different varieties feature varying colours, widths, thicknesses, temperature tolerance, adhesion strength and insulating capabilities.

The colours help electricians select the correct type and also enable them to colour code the wires they are working with.

Black tape is the most widely used colour - for general insulation and in order to indicate the low voltage neutral point in a circuit. Meanwhile, in the UK green and yellow tape typically indicate the protective earthing point. Blue tape is usually used to colour code low voltage neutral wires and red marks low voltage AC wires.