When it comes to trades, it’s a common truth that the work you do will only be as good as the tools you have on hand. And when it comes to the equipment that maintenance electricians use, the list of what you’ll need to do a job properly can be long.

Whether you choose to work in manufacturing or electrical contracting companies, there are some specialized tools you’ll need for your role, and others that you’re bound to use quite often. From electrical tape to wire strippers, these are the essentials for any electrical repair job, and should be a part of every good professional’s toolkit.

Read on to learn more about the different kinds of tools and equipment that maintenance electricians commonly use during their careers.

It’s All About Having the Right Hand Tools at Your Disposal

When it comes to performing the simplest repairs and installations of electrical equipment, maintenance electricians will usually be relying on hand tools. These tools need to be safe to use for electrical work, and you will also want to make sure that they’re comfortable enough to use so that you aren’t straining your wrists and hands.

Professional maintenance electricians will need a wire stripper, as well as a solid wire cutter in the event that you have to sever part or all of any wires that have become split or broken. Of course, graduates of electrician college can always look for wire strippers that double as a wire cutter, which could save money and space in your toolbox.

In addition, maintenance electricians will always carry a pair of pliers and a screwdriver, which are essential to every job they do. You should check to make sure that both of these tools are insulated so that they are guarded from electric shock while performing repairs and installations. Pliers may often be used for the purposes of cutting and bending electrical wire, so they should be of the needle nose or side-cutting variety. Screwdrivers will need to be able to fit to a variety of different screw heads, so it’s best to use ones with changeable bits.

Pliers are a staple for any maintenance electrician job

Powertools Can Prepare You for Any Maintenance Job

Powertools are particularly important when maintenance electricians have to install wiring or other electrical devices and systems. Depending on the job, an electrician may need to use a power drill to pass a wire through a wall, through the floor, or into another room. It may also be needed to help attach electrical devices to a variety of different surfaces. Maintenance electricians should be mindful of what kind of drill and drill bit they need when dealing with different surfaces like cement or brick to make sure they are using the right one for the job.

Professionals with electrician certification may also need to use power saws for some jobs that require cutting through a client’s drywall or floorboards to install cables. There are a variety of different power saws available for maintenance electricians today, including spiral, reciprocating, and cut-off saws, to name just a few. Some can be cordless, and others may come fitted with powerful motors. Choosing between them may depend on which best meets your requirements, as well as your personal preferences.

Graduates of Electrician College Should Ensure They Have Electrical Testing Equipment

Electrical testing equipment is crucial to properly diagnosing electrical problems. A digital electrical testing device like a multimeter allows maintenance electricians to test things like current and voltage to help locate the cause of power fluctuations in an electrical circuit. Maintenance electricians can also use battery testers to check for faulty batteries, and to check if others still carry a charge.

Multimeters are considered one of the most important tools for electricians

Voltage detectors are important for maintenance electricians to carry for safety reasons as it lets them know whether power is still being run to the circuit. A good voltage tester can protect the maintenance electrician by indicating whether a wire or a circuit is live, usually by lighting up or by making a loud noise when slipped into an outlet.

Are you ready to become a maintenance electrician?

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