Tools in Electrical Engineering

These are general-purpose tools commonly used by electricians and electrical engineers for manual tasks.

• Screwdrivers (Insulated):

  1. Flat/Slotted Screwdriver:

     • Description: A single flat blade tip that fits slotted screws.

     • Common Sizes: 3 mm to 10 mm blade widths.

     • Applications: Used in basic applications where slotted screws are common, such as furniture, appliances, and electrical panels.

  2. Phillips Screwdriver:

     • Description: Cross-shaped tip designed to fit into Phillips screws.

     • Common Sizes:

       • PH0: Small electronics.

       • PH1: Electronics, household appliances.

       • PH2: Most common size for general purpose.

       • PH3: Heavy-duty applications (construction, automotive).

     • Applications: Found in electronics, household items, automotive work, and more.

  3. Pozidriv Screwdriver:

     • Description: Similar to Phillips, but with additional notches to provide more torque and reduce cam-out.

     • Common Sizes: PZ0, PZ1, PZ2, PZ3.

     • Applications: Often used in European manufacturing, especially in woodworking and assembly lines.

  4. Torx Screwdriver:

     • Description: Star-shaped tip that provides more torque without stripping.

     • Common Sizes: T5 to T60 (e.g., T10, T25, T30).

     • Applications: Frequently used in electronics, automotive industries, and hard drives, due to better torque transfer.

  5. Hex/Allen Screwdriver:

     • Description: Hexagonal tip that fits hex head screws.

     • Common Sizes: 0.7 mm to 19 mm.

     • Applications: Used in furniture assembly, automotive parts, and bicycle maintenance.

  6. Square/Robertson Screwdriver:

     • Description: Square tip for Robertson screws.

     • Common Sizes: #0, #1, #2, #3.

     • Applications: Commonly found in Canadian manufacturing and woodworking.

  7. Tri-Wing, Security Torx, and Other Specialty Drivers:

     • Description: Uncommon driver shapes used in tamper-resistant screws.

     • Applications: Used in aerospace, electronics, and security-sensitive areas.

  Screwdriver Handle Sizes:

  • Small handles for precision work, like electronics or watch repair.

  • Medium handles for general use.

  • Large handles for high torque applications in construction or automotive work.

• Needle-nose pliers: For precise handling in tight spaces.

• Lineman’s pliers: For cutting, twisting, and gripping wires.

• Wire strippers: To strip insulation from electrical wires.

• Cable cutters: For cutting through cables and wires.

• Crimping tools: For crimping terminals onto wires.

• Diagonal pliers (Side cutters): For cutting wire and removing pins or fasteners.

Types of Wrenches

1. Open-End Wrench:

   • Description: A wrench with U-shaped openings at both ends, each of a different size.

   • Common Sizes: Metric (6 mm to 32 mm), Imperial (1/4 inch to 1 1/4 inch).

   • Applications: Ideal for use in tight spaces where one side of the fastener is exposed.

2. Box-End Wrench:

   • Description: Enclosed circular ends that fully surround the fastener, providing a better grip.

   • Common Sizes: Metric (6 mm to 32 mm), Imperial (1/4 inch to 1 1/4 inch).

   • Applications: Preferred for high-torque applications, especially when you need a stronger grip.

3. Combination Wrench:

   • Description: Open-end on one side and a box-end on the other, both of the same size.

   • Common Sizes: Metric (6 mm to 32 mm), Imperial (1/4 inch to 1 1/4 inch).

   • Applications: A versatile tool used in automotive and machinery maintenance.

4. Adjustable Wrench (Crescent Wrench):

   • Description: An open-end wrench with an adjustable jaw to fit various fastener sizes.

   • Common Sizes: 4-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, 12-inch.

   • Applications: Common for plumbing, home repairs, and automotive work.

5. Socket Wrench (Ratchet):

   • Description: Wrench with a ratcheting mechanism and detachable sockets to fit various bolt heads.

   • Common Sizes: 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch drive (socket sizes: 6 mm to 32 mm).

   • Applications: Used for quickly fastening or loosening bolts, especially in automotive repair.

6. Torque Wrench:

   • Description: A wrench designed to apply a specific amount of torque to a fastener.

   • Common Sizes: 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch drive (torque range varies).

   • Applications: Critical for applications requiring specific torque settings, like automotive engines.

7. Pipe Wrench:

   • Description: An adjustable wrench with serrated jaws for gripping pipes.

   • Common Sizes: 6-inch to 36-inch.

   • Applications: Used in plumbing to grip and turn pipes.

These are specialized tools for diagnosing, measuring, and testing electrical systems and components.

• Multimeter (Digital or Analog): For measuring voltage, current, resistance, and continuity.

• Clamp meter: To measure current without disconnecting circuits.

• Voltage tester (Non-contact): To detect the presence of live voltage in cables or outlets without direct contact.

• Megger (Insulation resistance tester): To test insulation resistance in electrical cables and equipment.

• Oscilloscope: For visualizing and analyzing electrical signals, especially waveforms of AC signals.

• Phase rotation meter: To check the phase sequence in three-phase electrical systems.

• Ground resistance tester: To measure the resistance of the grounding system to ensure proper earthing.

• Power quality analyzer: For measuring and analyzing power quality issues like harmonics, transients, and sags.

• Loop tester: To measure earth fault loop impedance in wiring circuits.

• Continuity tester: To check if a circuit or cable is complete (continuous).

• Capacitance meter: For measuring the capacitance of capacitors and components.

• Frequency counter: To measure the frequency of an electrical signal.

• Tachometer: For measuring the rotational speed of motors and other rotating electrical devices.

Tools used for installing, terminating, and handling electrical wiring.

• Fish tape (Cable puller): To pull wires through conduits and walls.

• Cable ties (Zip ties): For securing and organizing wiring in panels or along surfaces.

• Conduit bender: To bend electrical conduits for routing wires neatly.

• Heat shrink tubing: For insulating wires and providing a protective covering after making electrical connections.

• Electrical tape: For insulating electrical wires and components.

• Cable lugs: For terminating heavy-duty electrical cables and connecting them to components or panels.

• Splicing tools: To join two electrical conductors together securely.

• Soldering iron: For soldering wires and components together.

• Heat gun: To shrink heat-shrink tubing or to soften materials for wire handling.

Power tools are often used for installing electrical equipment, panels, and wiring.

• Drill (Corded or Cordless): To drill holes in walls, panels, or enclosures for mounting electrical components or routing wires.

• Rotary hammer drill: For drilling into concrete and masonry when installing conduits or fixtures.

• Electricians' hole saw kit: For making precise holes in panels, boxes, and other surfaces to install electrical equipment.

• Reciprocating saw: For cutting through pipes, cables, or other materials during installation or removal.

• Impact driver: For driving screws or bolts into tough materials.

• Circuit tracer: To trace and locate wiring paths or electrical faults in circuits.

• Cable fault locator: For locating breaks or faults in underground or hidden cables.

• Wire label maker: To create clear, durable labels for marking electrical wires and components.

• Time-domain reflectometer (TDR): For locating faults and breaks in long cables by sending electrical pulses.

• Cable tension meter: To measure the tension in cables, useful for overhead or suspended electrical wires.

• Voltage detector: To detect live electrical currents without contact, useful for safe electrical work.

• Signal generator: To generate AC, DC, or pulse signals for testing circuits or systems.

• Insulation piercing connector: For connecting new electrical cables without cutting existing wires.

Safety tools are critical for protecting engineers and electricians while working on live systems or handling hazardous materials.

• Insulated gloves: Protect hands from electrical shocks when working with live circuits.

• Insulated matting: For standing on to insulate the worker from ground potential.

• Arc flash protection gear: Includes face shields, flame-resistant clothing, and safety glasses to protect against arc flash hazards.

• Lockout/tagout (LOTO) kits: For safely locking off electrical equipment during maintenance to prevent accidental re-energization.

• Safety glasses/goggles: To protect eyes from sparks or debris during electrical work.

• Ear protection: For environments where loud electrical equipment is in operation.

• Headlamp or work light: To provide illumination in dark or confined spaces.

These tools assist with diagnosing and maintaining data and communication systems integrated into electrical networks.

• Network cable tester: To check continuity, open circuits, or incorrect wiring in data communication cables like Ethernet.

• Tone generator and probe: To trace network cables and check for faults in data lines.

• Fiber optic tester: For testing fiber optic cables, often used in modern electrical and communication systems.

• Wiretap analyzer: For testing the integrity and signal quality of communication lines.

• Multifunction cable tester: To test a variety of cables such as coaxial, Ethernet, and telephone wiring.

• Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software: Used for designing electrical systems, layouts, schematics, and circuit diagrams (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).

• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming tools: Used to design, troubleshoot, and program PLC systems for automation.

• Simulation software: Tools like MATLAB or Simulink are used for simulating electrical circuits and systems.

• Magnet wire stripper: For stripping insulation from magnet wire used in motors or transformers.

• Temperature gun (Infrared thermometer): For measuring surface temperatures, useful for identifying overheating components.

• Borescope: To inspect hard-to-reach areas in electrical panels, conduit runs, or machines.

• Digital level: For ensuring that electrical enclosures, conduits, or equipment are installed level.

• Laser distance meter: For measuring distances during installations, useful for precise layout and alignment of equipment.