Basic Electrical Hand Tools - Introduction to Electrical Wiring - Trades Training Video

Summary

This training video is the first part of a two-part series on electrician's hand tools. It provides a comprehensive overview of essential tools used by electricians, including insulated screwdrivers, nut drivers, wire strippers, pliers, multimeters, circuit testers, and conduit benders. The video demonstrates their functions, such as cutting, bending, routing, and testing wires, as well as working with conduit and drywall. Practical safety features and tips for accurate and efficient work are emphasized throughout. By the end, viewers gain a solid understanding of the tools, their purposes, and how they help electricians install and troubleshoot electrical circuits effectively.

Takeaways

• 🛠️ Electricians use a wide variety of hand tools to install, modify, and test electrical systems safely and efficiently.
• 🔌 Insulated screwdrivers are essential for safety, preventing electrical current from passing through the user while working on live circuits.
• 🔧 Nut drivers are specialized screwdrivers designed for hex head fasteners, commonly used in electrical installations.
• ✂️ Wire strippers perform multiple functions: stripping insulation, bending wire, and cutting wires of different gauges.
• 🔩 Lineman's pliers and diagonal/side cutters are used for heavy-duty cutting, twisting multiple wires, and making precise flush cuts.
• 📏 Fish tape and fish rods help electricians route cables through structures, with rods allowing extension for straight runs.
• 🔍 Multimeters, circuit testers, and proximity testers are crucial for diagnosing circuits, verifying correct wiring, and detecting nearby electricity safely.
• 🪚 Tools like keyhole saws, hacksaws, tubing cutters, and PVC cutters allow electricians to cut drywall, conduit, and piping for proper installation.
• 📐 Conduit benders enable electricians to make precise angled bends in metal conduit for routing wires effectively.
• 🔦 Headlamps, flashlights, tape measures, and torpedo levels are essential for visibility, measurement, and alignment in electrical work.
• ⚡ Safety and precision are central in all electrical tasks, with tools often designed to be multi-functional to increase efficiency and reduce tool swapping.
• 📚 Learning the proper use and terminology of these tools is vital for both safety and professionalism in the electrical trade.

Q & A

Why is an insulated screwdriver important for electricians?

An insulated screwdriver is important because it electrically isolates the handle and shaft from the metal tip, protecting the user from live electricity while working on circuits.

What types of screwdrivers are commonly used by electricians?

Common screwdrivers used by electricians include Phillips head, flathead, square drive, and nut drivers, each suited for different fasteners.

What three functions can wire strippers perform?

Wire strippers can strip insulation from wires, bend wires precisely, and cut wires, making them a versatile tool for electricians.

How do lineman's pliers differ from standard wire strippers?

Lineman's pliers are heavier duty with broad tips and flat faces, designed for twisting multiple wires together and cutting bundles of wires, while wire strippers are for lighter, precise work.

What is the purpose of needle nose pliers?

Needle nose pliers have fine pointed tips for detailed wire bending and gripping, and many also have integrated cutters for small wire cuts.

How does a fish tape help electricians?

A fish tape is a stiff coiled wire used to pull electrical cables through walls or conduit by guiding and dragging the cable over a distance.

What are the functions of a multimeter in electrical work?

A multimeter measures voltage, current, and resistance, helping electricians diagnose problems, verify correct installation, and test circuits safely.

How does a conduit bender assist electricians in routing wires?

A conduit bender allows electricians to create precise bends in metal conduit, ensuring that cables follow the required path without kinking or damage.

Why are tools like keyhole saws and hacksaws important for electricians?

Keyhole saws are used to cut or adjust drywall for cable routing in finished spaces, while hacksaws cut metal or plastic materials, including conduit, for installations.

What is the difference between a single-action PVC cutter and a ratcheting PVC cutter?

A single-action PVC cutter cuts the pipe in one motion, suitable for smaller tasks, while a ratcheting PVC cutter advances the blade incrementally, offering more leverage for larger or tougher materials.

How do circuit testers and proximity testers differ in function?

Circuit testers plug into outlets to quickly verify proper wiring and identify issues, while proximity testers detect nearby electricity without contact, providing a preliminary safety check.

Why are headlamps or flashlights essential for electricians?

Headlamps and flashlights are essential because electricians often work in dark or unpowered areas, allowing them to see clearly while performing precise tasks.