Everyone needs a solid electrical supply kit, whether you’re a homeowner or a professional electrician. Since we constantly interact with electronics, you must be prepared to handle any malfunction or emergency. 

Having the right electrical supplies will help you conduct maintenance efficiently and safely. But with so many options to choose from, finding the right tools can be difficult. To simplify things, here’s a beginner’s guide to choosing the right electrical supplies. 

Tips for Choosing the Best Electrical Supplies

Finding the right electrical tools is more than just comparing various price points. 

Before purchasing the supplies, you must look at the specifications and understand your electrical needs. This will help you avoid unnecessary expenditures in the long run. 

Here are some great tips for selecting the right electrical supplies. 

Set Up A Budget

The first step to choosing the right electrical tools includes creating a budget. It’s best to start with a reasonable budget if you're an apprentice. While you might be tempered to splurge on some items, you must stick to a set amount. 

While creating a budget, always keep quality in mind. If you don’t want a strict budget, leaving some room for any price adjustment is always a good idea. When purchasing your electrical equipment, you will notice that the price of one product might vary according to the manufacturer. 

For example, Pliers and screwdrivers from manufacturer A might be more expensive than those from manufacturer B. Research the supplier to ensure you are paying for the best product in this situation. 

In short, your budget should always consider the product's quality and safety. Some low-quality electrical products can cause danger to you and the electrical systems. 

There are several great electrical tools at an affordable price range, so you won’t have to break your budget to get them. 

Read Reviews

The best way to know if a product works is by checking with others who have used them. Make sure to research reviews and user experiences before purchasing an electrical tool. 

You can check online forums for helpful reviews or visit websites with customer feedback and comments. You can also ask your colleagues and friends for recommendations. This will help you choose the most reliable product without wasting your money. 

Research the Product

Make sure to get to know the electrical supply better. Nowadays, getting important information about a product online is so easy. Many such websites provide detailed information that will help you determine if a product is right for you. 

If you’re a homeowner, make sure to consult with a qualified electrician, as they will provide expert advice on your home’s electrical systems and how best to maintain them. 

Make a Price Comparison

Aside from setting a budget, you can also compare product prices to find the right one. You can find several electrical supply options and their corresponding rates. This information lets you easily compare and contrast multiple options to find the right tools. 

If you’re an electrician looking for a supply contract, compare the rates and fees of multiple supply manufacturers.  

Look For Brand New Electrical Supplies

Make sure you don’t compromise on the quality of electrical tools and supplies by choosing second-hand products. While these items can help you save on upfront costs, they don’t always guarantee your safety. 

In most situations, the electrical equipment’s safety level has already deteriorated, and it wouldn’t offer the same quality of service as a newer one. 

Additionally, these products could have a shorter lifespan than newer ones. You don’t want to go through the hassle of frequently replacing these products. Still, if you wish to purchase used supplies, thoroughly check if it's in good condition and work properly. 

Getting them from a reputable brand or manufacturer is also best if you want to buy used electrical supplies. These companies will offer better warranties and support for their supplies, including second-hand ones. 

Check The Warranty

Whenever you purchase electrical supplies, always check the warranty. This will give you a better understanding of a product's length. The warranty period will allow you to stay prepared in case the tool doesn’t work as well anymore. 

The general period for an electrical supply warranty is one year. If there are any defects or malfunctions in your supplies during this period, you can have them repaired or replaced through the company. 

Find The Best Electrical Supplies At Meteor

Not sure where to find the best electrical tools and equipment? Visit Meteor Electrical. 

At Meteor, you can browse through high-quality tools that will prepare you for any situation. With our industry-backed knowledge, we provide electricians with only the most excellent gear available. So visit Meteor today to create your ideal toolbox. 

Considering Quality vs. Quantity for Electrical Supplies

When researching electrical products, you might often come across this question. Some experts say having several items in case one or two break down is better. This way, you’ll have several options. 

On the other hand, some believe it’s better to have few but high-quality items because it improves electrical maintenance, therefore, less chance of anything breaking down. 

The correct answer is that you must balance quantity and quality when purchasing the right electrical supplies. This way, you’ll ensure you always have what you need without compromising quality. 

To create the right balance, you need to:

• Think about how you use the supplies. If you only use them for simple tasks, you don’t need to invest in the highest quality tools. But if you’re working on complex projects, always opt for top-of-the-line equipment. 
• Think about how often you will use the tools. If you frequently use electrical supplies, investing in quality products makes sense. 
• Think about your skill level. You might not need a large collection of electrical supplies if you're a beginner. A simple kit of essentials could work just as well for you. 

The Essential Electrical Tools Everyone Needs

The choices are endless when it comes to electrical tools and equipment. Keeping a toolkit well-stocked is crucial if you’re a homeowner or a professional electrician. Here’s a list of some of the most important items you need. 

Wire Strippers

The first tool you should invest in is wire strippers. Most electricians have a basic pair of wire strippers, but nowadays, you can find advanced models that work with various cables. These devices look like pliers and remove the insulation sheath from wires. 

Wire strippers allow you to attach the cables to connectors and terminals with the central core without damaging the outer sheathing. With this device, you can either solder or crimp the cable. But some strippers let electricians cut through the conduit or copper in a cable or wire. 

Different Varieties Of Wire Strippers

When choosing the correct wire strippers, there are several designs and models to browse from. These include:

• Triple Action Wire Strippers: These devices are designed for thicker cables with a tough insulation layer. They have a unique spiral-cutting method for manoeuvring these wires. 
• Adjustable Wire Strippers: Apart from stripping, these devices allow crimping and snipping abilities.
• Sheath Strippers: If you want a neat wire cut use this tool. Sheath strippers use a rotary action for clean cuts.
• Pistol Wire Strippers: With a self-adjusting blade, these devices provide a firm grip with compound stripping.
• Wire Stripper Pliers: This tool has a V-shaped claw design to cut thicker cables with multiple cores.
• Manual Wire Strippers: These are standard stripping devices with a safety lock and spring-loaded handle. 
• Automatic Wire Strippers: With a single application of pressure, these tools quickly cut the wire and insulation. 

A High-Quality Torch

Torches are another essential piece of equipment that is always great to keep in close reach. Modern torches come in various designs and functionality, but the most innovative option is the LED light. 

LED torches provide bright, clear illumination that doesn't burn out over long-term use. The LED component makes the torch lightweight and easy to manage. 

Insulated Screwdrivers

Even though you can complete the task with just one insulated screwdriver, having a complete set can help. Modern insulated screwdrivers have advanced capabilities and functionality. These tools make installation quicker while protecting you and the circuits. 

These highly versatile tools can work with anything. You can’t go wrong with a set of insulated screwdrivers, from mounting junction boxes to installing wall plates to repairing light fixtures. 

No electrician’s toolbox is complete without a screwdriver. Commonly you would use them for accessing electrical boxes with sealed screws. But newer models offer more functionality.  

A set of insulated screwdrivers is far more helpful than just one, as you can choose from various sizes and shapes. This will allow you to work on any electrical system. 

Insulated screwdrivers give you better protection if your tool slips and accidentally touches an energised component or circuit. The insulated handle and dielectric blade coating create a buffer between you and direct electrical contact.  

These screwdrivers can offer protection up to 1000V; you might feel a slight jolt, but you wouldn’t get electrocuted. Always check for VDE approval before purchasing insulated screwdrivers. 

If you don’t want to get a full set of insulated screwdrivers, here are a few important ones to keep in your toolbox.

• Small Straight Blade: Great for small set screws and cover plates
• Medium Straight Blade and Phillips Screwdriver: Works well for general use. 
• Large Straight Blade: Good for larger electrical components and systems. 

Voltage Testers

If you’re an electrician, this is a crucial tool. Before working on a circuit, you must ensure it’s not live. If you fail to do this, you could get injured or electrocuted. Voltage testers or multimeters are handheld tools that test whether live current exists in a specific location. 

You can use them in circuits, switches, junction boxes, etc. It’s worth remembering that if the area you’re testing has faulty wiring or is damaged, you could get a false negative result. 

Make sure to assess this problem before you use a voltage tester. If this device detects voltage, a small bulb on the tool will light up. 

When this happens, you should shut off the current before starting your work. This is a must-have tool required by many health and safety guidelines. 

Apart from testing circuits, these devices protect against electrical surges and work with redundant circuits. 

Utility or Safety Knife

Another handy tool that all electricians must have is a utility or safety knife. This highly versatile tool can be used for multiple jobs while doing your electrical work. 

Since the knife is a shield when unused, you don’t have to worry about the blade getting damaged or becoming blunt. This also reduces the risk of possible injuries. 

Like all electrical tools, utility knives come in various sizes and shapes to work in different situations. The standard size is good enough for almost any job, so go with this one. 

Professional utility knives for electricians generally use steel, plastic or aluminium handles. The blade is often carbon, stainless or tool steel for better cutting power. If the knife breaks or the blade becomes blunt, you can easily switch the blade to a newer one. 

Insulated Pliers

Pliers are another tool that many electricians commonly use. Electricians can use these highly versatile devices to complete a variety of tasks. 

Usually, you would use this in jobs where bare hands alone wouldn’t be enough. These days you can find insulated pliers made from steel to provide extra strength to the device’s grip.    

As with other tools, there are several models of pliers to choose from. These include: 

• Side Cutting Pliers: If there’s one plier every electrician needs in their tool kit, it’s this one. This tool is easy to handle and can help with multiple repair jobs. The sleek blades quickly snip through cables and wires while providing excellent grip for safe handling. 
• Long Nose Pliers: These pliers have a long tapered blade making them best for handling small objects. 
• Water Pump Pliers: You might also see them called slip joint pliers or adjustable pliers. This tool has a movable jaw on the lower half, which lets you adjust its grip. You should ideally use them with bolts, nuts and fasteners. 
• Locking Pliers/Mole Grips: If you’re working with metal during your electrical job, use these pliers. These make it easy to grip tougher materials, unlike other pliers. 

These tools will help you create a functional toolkit that will help you conduct electrical maintenance safely and efficiently.