What are the tools used in electrical wiring? This is a question that I encounter when working in the field.
In order for any electrical wiring installation in-house or project to be completed successfully, you need to have proper and correct tools for the job. I am going to list basic electrical tools that will help you in electrical wiring installation from start to complete house wiring.
- Measuring tape
- hammer
- chisel
- screwdriver
- multimeter
- Drilling machine
- Angle grinder.
- Fishing wire or tape
- Chalk line
- Pliers.
- Wire stripper.
This is a list of basic tools that I personally use in residential house wiring.
The uses of the above-listed tools
Measuring tape.
A measuring tape is a very useful tool in electrical house wiring. This is a tool that you use to measure the heights of your switches, sockets, meter boxes and distribution boards.
- You can use it to mark the positions of your security lights.
- When you use a measuring tape in combination with a spirit level, this ensures that your sockets outlet switches and distribution boards are at the same height and are well levelled.
2. Hammer.
A hammer is a multi-purpose tool. In-house electrical wiring, you use it basically for two major works. That is, for chiselling and fixing saddles.
For fastening saddles and cable clips, you use a claw hammer while for chiselling you use a bigger size hammer like a 4 pounds hammer.
3. Chisels.
Basically, there are two types of chisels that I use when I am doing electrical wiring in the house and related important points. The pointed chisel and the flat one. This tool helps when installing conduit pipes in walls and concretes.
4. Screwdriver.
A screwdriver is used for screwing and unscrewing screws. There are a lot of screwdriver types that are out there.
When doing single-phase wiring in houses, I use three types of screwdrivers for most of the installations.
- Philips or star screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Terminal screwdriver.
- It is good to point out that a terminal screwdriver can either be flathead or Philips. The only difference is that a terminal screwdriver is small in size.
When you have these three screwdrivers, you can literally do any basic electrical installation work.
For simple maintenance and testing, I would advise that you include a neon test screwdriver as one of the necessary screwdrivers to have.
5. Multimeter.
This is a very useful tool in domestic electrical wiring. You can use a multimeter to do various tests like continuity. And many more tests.
6. Drilling machine.
When doing house installation wiring and fixing light fixtures on walls and ceilings, you will need a drilling machine. The drilling machine is handy when you are mounting chandeliers, Hand dryers and many other home appliances.
7. Angle Grinder.
A grinder is a multipurpose tool. It can help you to do a lot of tasks with ease. I personally use it in cutting walls and concrete.
I cut walls because before I do house tubing and wiring or fix conduit pipes into walls and concretes, you need to chisel the walls.
Therefore, you first cut the walls with a grinder, then use a chisel and hammer to remove the cutting. Then you put your conduits in the wall.
8. Fishing wire or tape.
This tool is the one that you use when drawing electrical wires for the home into conduit pipes. It is a handy tool when you are wiring a house and pulling multiple cables through a conduit.
9. Chalk line.
A chalk line is a tool that is useful in making straight lines. I particularly use it for marking the positions for downlights and other light fittings that I install on the ceiling.
Pliers.
There are three types of pliers commonly used in electrical wiring. These are combination pliers, long nose pliers and side cutter pliers.
Combination pliers are so named because they are capable of multiple tasks.
They are frequently employed to grasp, compress, bend, twist, remove, and cut different materials.
How to use long-nose pliers properly: Use them to hold wires, bend loops, attach wires, and grasp small things or to reach tricky locations. work employing wire of a smaller gauge.
How to use side-cutting (lineman’s) pliers correctly: many uses, such as electrical, communication, and building work. Use to grasp, splice, cut, or peel insulation off wires.
Wire stripper.
Electric wire insulation can be removed with a wire stripper, a compact hand instrument.
When replacing or repairing wires, electricians and even do-it-yourselfers frequently use these portable, hand-held tools to remove the insulation.
Do you have questions or comments? Do so in the comments section below.
