Using Common Electrical Tools Safely

To do electrical work at home correctly, you have to understand common electrical tools and how to use them safely. In this blog, you will learn about some of the hand and power tools electricians have to perform their job. Knowing these will help you do home electrical repairs safely and correctly.

Pliers

Generally, pliers are used for bending, twisting, cutting, or gripping electric wires. They are also used to reach into confined spaces or pull wires and hard-to-reach objects. Pliers are some of the most common and vital tools that any licensed electrician in Arvada use.

There are various kinds of pliers, including needle-nose pliers, diagonal-cutting pliers, and tongue-and-groove pliers.

• Needle-nose pliers are used when doing detailed work or when trimming wires for new screw terminal connections.
• Tongue-and-groove pliers are designed to adjust bolts and nuts, tighten clamps, or keep objects from moving.
• Diagonal cutting pliers are commonly used to cut screws, nails, and soft and medium wires.

When using pliers, remember these:

• Pieces of wires or objects could fly when cut using a plier, so always protect your eyes.
• Only use the plier for its designed use. Using pliers incorrectly can damage them and cause accidents.
• Even pliers have varying capabilities. Some pliers are intended for light use, so never force them beyond their level of capability.
• Live wires and pliers do not go together. Contact a professional and licensed electrician in Arvada to deal with live wires.

Plug-In Circuit Analyzer

A circuit analyzer is a device used to test circuit and wiring problems. It can also determine voltage levels and check for missing ground fault protection. Some circuit analyzers comprise different buttons to test GFCIs and toggle between functions. Others simply have neon lights that will light up to show specific results.

The primary purpose of a circuit analyzer is to test outlets after installation. Using a plug-in circuit analyzer is easy, but you need to understand standard and GFCI outlets.

A typical outlet has three holes. The smaller one is for the hot wire, which can really hurt you. The larger hole is common, which means it is not hot until a current passes through it, and then below that is the hole for the ground wire.

Multimeter

This device is more sophisticated than a plug-in circuit analyzer. It is capable of reading AC and DC voltage, frequency, resistance, capacitance, and continuity. 

• Remember to do safety precautions when using a multimeter. This device can cause electrical shock when handled incorrectly.
• Never touch the probe tips of the multimeter when reading, especially when testing with a live current.
• Before using it, check the meter for signs of physical damage that may cause faulty results or accidents.
• Never adjust the settings of the device while it is in use or while the metal tips are connected to a circuit.

After using the device, store it in a dry and safe place where it will not get damaged. If it is not going to be used for a long period, remove its batteries to prevent corrosion at the battery connections.

Fish Tape

Other electrical tools that are in an Arvada electrician’s tool belt is fish tape or draw tape. The fish tape is used to pull electrical wires through holes in studs, electrical conduits, floor-to-floor, or room-to-room.  If you need to fish electrical or other wires through a wall, you must have this tool. Here is how to use fish tape correctly and safely:

• Prepare the area where you will be carrying out the electrical work. Turn off the power and use a current tester to see if the power is off.
• Seal the end of the fish tape with electrical tape then extend it from one opening of the conduit to another.
• Strip off about six inches of insulation from the wire and then install it into the end of the fish tape. Make a hook and crimp to hold the wire and fish tape together.
• If pulling multiple wires, make sure to stagger for about two or three inches. Using the electrical tape, secure the wires and work your way to the fish tape.
• Reverse the fish tape with the wires in the conduit, at least past the tape before starting to pull.

These are just some of the electricians who will need to work and perform the basic electrical tools at home. Knowing the common tools and how to use them correctly will help prevent accidents from happening.

Prevent Hazards, Call Your Local Arvada Electrician

If you are looking for local electrical services, give ElectriCall a call. We are an electrical service company based in Arvada that you can trust. We carry out our electrical services such as wire installation, electrical repair, and rewiring jobs as safely as possible.

Our Arvada electricians observe all necessary precautions. We follow codes and procedures to ensure the safety of our expert electricians and other people involved. You can count on us to fix your electrical problems correctly and safely.