DIY Electrical Tools to Have at Home (More than Just Electrical Tape)
Are you always tackling a DIY electrical project around the home? Then you’ll want to have an electrical toolkit that will make wiring, installing new ceiling fans, and upgrading task lighting a breeze! When you are an avid DIYer it is important to have all the electrical tools and supplies on hand when you need them so you can get the job done.
When gearing up for a DIY electrical project, look beyond the electrical tape, and make sure that you have these five tools on hand!
Non-Contact Voltage Detector
The first thing that you should do before starting any electrical job is to make sure that the power is off by switching off the circuit at the main electrical panel.
Unfortunately, sometimes circuits are mislabeled, and in some cases, there might be more than one circuit spliced into a junction box. That’s where this handy tool, a non-contact voltage detector, comes in handy!
Unlike traditional testers, these devices can sense any power without the need to touch wires or terminals. This means that electricians and DIY enthusiasts can test for live electrical current without risking electrocution, making it an essential tool for anyone working with electricity.
When it senses voltage, it lights up or makes a sound. This makes it easy to check for power and ensure that the power is turned off before you begin.
Messing with electricity is dangerous if you are not a licensed expert. Some things should only be done by a professional. Make sure to call Axiom Power and let us do the job for you!
Circuit Tester
A simple circuit tester with two probes is designed to identify whether or not the circuit being tested is live, indicating if there are any faults in the wiring. It can help you find out:
Is the wire hot?
Is this outlet wired correctly?
Where is a reliable ground?
These simple circuit testers test for AC voltage and can detect two voltage levels, 120V, and 240V.
Wire Strippers
There are many kinds of wire strippers out there, but most DIYers and pros alike prefer to use basic wire strippers. They not only strip wires, but they can also cut wire or cable and hook wires for screw terminals. Quite the versatile tool!
A good pair of wire strippers should include a stripping gauge that fits all common types and sizes of electrical wire. Integrated wire cutters and needle-nosed plier-type wire strippers are helpful to cut and bend the end of wires as well.
Cable Ripper
A plastic-coated electrical cable comes with three layers of protection that have to be removed before you can get to the copper wire inside. First, an outer plastic casing, then paper, and then another layer of plastic must be removed. The action of cutting the plastic casing off of electrical wires is known as ripping.
To remove this outer casing or sheathing on a cable, you use a cable ripper. When you remove the colored casing from inner wires, this is called stripping. For that, you would use a wire stripper like the one above.
A cable ripper is basically a U-shaped metal tool with a tiny cutting head inside of it. When you pull the cable ripper down the length of a piece of cable, the cutting head will penetrate and cut the outer plastic casing, but leave the inner wires untouched. Amazingly, the cutting head inside is barely sharp enough to cut your finger, but with pressure, it makes quick work of ripping cable casings.
Getting ready to renovate? Getting Electricity to a Kitchen Island
Screwdrivers
When tackling an at-home electrical project, you will need both flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers. A screwdriver with interchangeable bits will work great too. A light-duty screwdriver set will work just fine for your DIY projects. Insulated screwdrivers are nice, but if you’re careful to use your voltage teaser, you should be fine!
In over your head with your DIY electrical project? If you’re lost or your project is taking forever, call in a professional from Axiom Power: (813) 308-9328!
Don’t Have Time to DIY? Call on the Pros at Axiom Power
While it can be fun to DIY a ceiling fan install or a small light fixture project, leave the more complex and extensive electrical projects like rewiring and lighting retrofits to the pros at Axiom Power!
Axiom Power is a full-service commercial and residential electrical contractor servicing the Tampa Bay area. With over 25 years of experience as well as training through the IEC program, we are capable of handling all of your commercial/residential electrical needs. Contact us today for an electrical consultation!