If you are considering becoming an electrician, there are essential electrician tools that you should always have in your kit. In this blog post we have compiled our list of top 10 tools for every electrician! These tools will enable you to work both safely and effectively.

1. Voltage Tester

First on the list is a voltage tester. This is a must-have for every electrician as this tool can potentially be life-saving. It is used to detect the presence or absence of electricity, measuring the voltage of sockets, switches, outlets and more. This is important as it can determine whether the power has been switched off before beginning electrical work. This LaserLiner ActiveTester AC / DC Voltage Tester 12v – 400v is a universal voltage tester for the entire electrical system of buildings. It features twin probes that provide fast and reliable readings with the most commonly used nominal voltages. This tester provides automatic AC and DC voltage testing and automatic range and function changeover for direct testing and measurement.

Or you can consider this KnightsBridge CAT III IP64 2 Pole Voltage Tester, with an LED and LCD display. This voltage tester features a self-proving function with built-in LED torch, and can measure a voltage range of 12-690v.

2. Insulated Screwdrivers

Another essential for your toolbox are insulated screwdrivers. You will require a variety of sizes as you will be dealing with different types and sizes of screws on a daily basis. You should make sure that the screwdrivers you use are insulated up to 1,000 volts to protect yourself from electric shock. This Wera 12 Piece Kraftform Plus VDE Insulated 2Go Screwdriver Set is a good option. This set comes with 11 VDE insulated screwdrivers for safe work at 1,000 volts. The screwdrivers feature a multi-component micro handle for quick and ergonomic screwdriving, and an anti-roll design. Or you can opt for this Draper Expert 11 Piece Insulated Screwdriver Set. This screwdriver set is tested to 10kV, suitable for working on live circuits of 1kV AC and 1.5kV DC. The handles are fully insulated and soft grip for comfort, with a deep set blade sheath for enhanced safety.

3. Insulated Wire Strippers

Wire strippers are essential tools used for stripping the insulation from a cable, whilst ensuring that the copper cable is not damaged. This CK RedLine VDE Insulated Wire Stripper has been tested to 10,000V for complete safety when working on live equipment up to 1,000V. It features induction hardened and precision ground cutting, along with micro adjustment for damage free and repeatable results. Or you can consider these ITL Insulated Wire Strippers 150mm, built for durability with a lifetime warranty.

4. Insulated Pliers

Pliers are another essential tool for electricians, useful for gripping, twisting and clipping wires. They are versatile and you can utilise them for many tasks which require “torque”. There are different types of pliers available, but the most common types for an electrician are combination pliers, long nose pliers and side cutters. Combination pliers feature wire cutting, insulation stripping and gripping functions in a single tool. Long nose pliers are ideal for gripping small objects due to the long, tapered design. Lastly, side cutters are used for cutting wire to a specific length. This Avit Insulated Pliers 3 Piece Set comes with combination pliers, long nose pliers and side cutters. They are suitable for live working up to 1,000V, and the hardened jaws ensure lasting durability.

5. Hacksaw

A hacksaw is another essential electrician tool, used for cutting through metal conduits. This Bahco 325 Professional Hacksaw is a good option, ergonomically designed with high blade tension for straight and accurate cuts. The centred blade provides good balance and the supplied shatterproof blade gives great cutting performance. Alternatively you can consider this Stanley Fatmax 5 in 1 Hacksaw. This hacksaw features a large throat depth and can be swiftly positioned to 45 degrees for making flush cuts. You can also remove the front section and use it as a jab saw when you are working in small spaces.

6. Electrical Tape

Another must-have is electrical tape, which you can use to insulate wires or other items that conduit electricity. Electrical tape comes in different colours, with each colour serving a different purpose. Black is the most commonly used colour, used for insulation, however it is handy to have a variety of colours in your kit. This Diall Multicolour Electrical Tape (L)10M (W)15mm, Pack Of 10 comes with black, blue, brown, green, grey, red, white and yellow tape. The tape is highly adhesive, remaining in place when repairing, sealing and wrapping.

7. Spanner

A spanner is a must-have for electrical work that involves loosening or tightening nuts and bolts. The most common types are open ended spanners and the adjustable spanner. An adjustable spanner features a moveable jaw which you can adjust to fit different sized nuts or bolts. This ITL Insulated Adjustable Spanner is ideal, built to be indestructible with a lifetime warranty on the tool and insulation. You should also have open ended spanners in your toolkit. Open ended spanners come in a variety of sizes and are ideal when space is limited. This Bahco 6 Piece Double Open Ended Spanner Set is a good option. This set comes with 6 spanners from 8 – 19 mm in size, and they are made from high grade chrome-vanadium steel for durability and tolerance.

8. Cable Cutters

Cable cutters are essential for your toolbox. They are versatile and you can use them for bending, holding, twisting or stripping small gauge wires with precision. These CK RedLine VDE Insulated Cable Cutters are a good option to consider. They are safe to use on live equipment up to 1,000v, and are made from chrome vanadium steel for durability. The shearing action cuts through cables cleanly and effortlessly.

9. Electricians Hammer

An electrician hammer is similar to a claw hammer except they are constructed with an insulated fiberglass handle and a rubber-coated grip, which allows them to be used for electrical work. This Vaughan Electricians Hammer is worth considering, with a round extra-long pole. This makes it ideal for reaching into electrical junction boxes. The hammer also has a patented hollow core in its fibreglass handle to absorb shock and provide balance. Or you can consider this Hultafors EL Electricians Hammer. This hammer is ideal for working in confined spaces due to its U-shaped face, and its ergonomic handle provides good grip.

10. Head Torch

A head torch is handy to have, as an electrician you are likely to be working in dark environments where the power is turned off. A head torch offers a great hands-free option so that you have both your hands for working. This LED Lenser iH9R Rechargeable Industrial LED Head Torch is a great option. This head torch features five different lighting modes and a choice of red, green and blue lights alongside the standard bright white LED. In boost mode the head torch can produce a 600 lumen beam for up to 200 metres. In low power mode the torch projects a 20 lumen light, which can last for up to 60 hours.

Alternatively, if you are looking for something more affordable you can consider this LED Lenser H3.2 LED Head Torch. This head torch features an advanced focus system and an integrated dimmer switch, providing comfortable nearfield lighting when required. It also has a pivoting head which enables the light to be angled up to 90 degrees.

Don’t Forget: Safety First

As well as having these essential tools on-hand, it is always important to take a safety first approach. The main hazard you will face as an electrician is the risk of electric shock, so it is important to take all of the necessary safety precautions. You may require certain PPE, dependant on whether you are working in domestic or industrial environments. Insulated gloves are necessary if you are working on high voltage installations, and to protect against hazards like exposed wires. These Sealey High Voltage Electricians Safety Gloves are suitable for working on systems up to 1kV AC. You may also require insulated matting when working at switchboards, transformers and other high-voltage areas. It can prevent electricity from traveling up from the floor and into a persons body. This Sealey Electrician’s Insulating Rubber Safety Mat offers safe protection up to 17kV AC.

We hope that you have found this blog helpful and that you’ve found all of the electrician tools you need! You can browse electrician tools on our website here. You can also follow us over on our social media accounts where we share industry-related news, products, events and more. Find us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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