Working effectively as an electrician means having the right skills and knowledge. But it also means having the right tools. In the modern age, electricians have access to an impressive array of items designed to make the job easier. But which are worth knowing about? Let’s take a closer look at a few of the most important ones.
The Essential Hardware: Multimeters, Testers, and Beyond
Arguably the most important tool for any electrician or electrician is a voltmeter, or a multimeter. These devices allow the user to test the electric potential present in a given circuit. They’re essential for troubleshooting problems. You might also find more specialized tools designed specifically to test whether a voltage is present but which don’t report the strength of the voltage.
Among the more commonly used items, of course, are wire strippers. If you want to make fixed electrical connections, then these are essential. The same goes for cable rods, which are essential if you want to thread cables through walls and other enclosed spaces. These are inexpensive enough that it’s worth buying several of them, in case you get caught out and need to thread a very long cable – or, if you lose one set.
Digital Tools for Planning and Precision
Any sufficiently complex electrical installation will require extensive planning and preparation. This might be done with the aid of the right digital software, and other tools. Project management apps can be useful in any trade, including this one.
Veteran electricians might prefer to stick to older, tested methods. But the advantages of modern digital tools are difficult to dispute, especially after you’ve spent a few months working with those tools.
Advanced Solutions: Testing and Simulation Software
If you want to determine exactly how a given circuit will behave in the real world, but you don’t want to go to the trouble of building it, then the right testing software can be critical. Circuit simulation software enables electricians to test and visualize circuits. It’s not just for engineers – it’s for electricians, too.
The right software can also be great for building your technical knowledge, and allowing you to place orders and manage your inventory. If you know that you’re going to need a given component for a given job, then you might use an app to determine how many you have left, and even have the order placed for you automatically.
