Electric Tools and Associated Hazards
What are Electric Tools?
Electrical tools are tools used to work on an electrical system. These can include a wide range of tools such as wire and cable cutters, wire strippers, coaxial compression tools, telephony tools, wire cutters/strippers, cable tie tools, accessories, and even more. You need the right tools for many types of crimp connectors. We all know that the right tool can make all the difference when completing a project.
They make the difference between done and done right. The bottom line is, the better the tool, the better the outcome. We stock the best brand of electrical tools in the industry at the best prices. This way you can get to work and get the job done correctly.
The first step in determining the electrical tools you will need is to decide which task needs to be completed. Not every job will require specialty tools but using the right tool for the job will make all the difference. Please take a look below to find out the basic types of electrical tools we carry and learn more about tools every electrician should have.
Electrical Tools Safety
Employees using electric tools must be aware of several dangers. Among the most serious hazards are electrical burns and shocks.
Electrical shocks, which can lead to injuries such as heart failure and burns, are among the major hazards associated with electric-powered tools. Under certain conditions, even a small amount of electric current can result in fibrillation of the heart and death. An electric shock also can cause the user to fall off a ladder or other elevated work surface and be injured due to the fall.
To protect the user from shock and burns, electric tools must have a three-wire cord with ground and be plugged into a grounded receptacle, be double insulated, or be powered by a low-voltage isolation transformer. Three-wire cords contain two current-carrying conductors and a grounding conductor. Any time an adapter is used to accommodate a two-hole receptacle, the adapter wire must be attached to a known ground. The third prong must never be removed from the plug.
Double-insulated tools are available that provide protection against electrical shock without third-wire grounding. On double-insulated tools, an internal layer of protective insulation completely isolates the external housing of the tool.
The following general practices should be followed when using electric tools:
- Operate electric tools within their design limitations.
- Use gloves and appropriate safety footwear when using electric tools.
- Store electric tools in a dry place when not in use.
- Do not use electric tools in damp or wet locations unless they are approved for that purpose.
- Keep work areas well lighted when operating electric tools.
- Ensure that cords from electric tools do not present a tripping hazard.
In the construction industry, employees who use electric tools must be protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters or an assured equipment-grounding conductor program.
