Every electrician knows the importance of good tools and equipment. These components are crucial for completing a job safely and successfully. Nowadays, electricians can find a wide range of high-quality products thanks to technological advancement. 

These modern tools are far more efficient and improve worker safety. What’s more, advanced tools also positively impact the environment. If you want to upgrade your toolkit, here’s a look at the latest electrical tools and equipment advances. 

The Latest Trends in Electrical Technology

The electrical industry is rapidly evolving, and this change has brought out innovative products that make your life easier. The revenue of the electronic product market is expected to reach 1.1 billion USD in 2023. 

The predicted growth rate for this industry is expected to be around 2% until 2027. With this figure, we can predict the landscape of the electronic product market in the upcoming year. 

As the revenue for this industry increases, manufacturers are more likely to produce high-quality products to meet the consumers’ growing demands.  With innovative products hitting the market, electricians must find the right tools to repair and maintain them.  

Modern Tools Every Electrician Needs

As we’ve said, modern appliances require modern tools. Make sure to get your hands on the latest tools and components to make electrical jobs safer. Let’s look at some of the most innovative tools available on the market.    

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. 

On this tool, you will see small holes along the length of its claw. You must match the hole to the wire size you’ll be stripping. 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: This tool is a must-have for those wanting neat cuts with wiring. 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. 

Electrical Work Management Software

Currently, most workplaces use online software or apps to manage work details, and electricians can also benefit from this.  

Job management apps help contractors manage their business, store customer records, make scheduling easier and quickly send and receive invoices. With this software, you won’t have to worry about losing important papers or notes. 

Voltage Testers

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. 

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 streamline future repair jobs. 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 complete 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 complicated systems. 

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. Ideally, you should 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. 

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 make sure to 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. 

Factors To Consider When Buying Electrical Tools

Even with a list of all the right electrical tools, you’ll be overwhelmed by the choices available. To make your purchase stress-free, here are some factors to consider when buying electrical tools. 

Create A Budget

The first step to choosing the right electrical tools includes creating a budget. When thinking of the 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. 

Set Up A Plan

You’ll probably hear this tip a lot, but that's because it’s so effective. Planning before shopping for professional electrical supplies is crucial. This makes the process much quicker and more organised. 

When planning, think of all the necessary factors in getting electrical supplies. These include their purpose and how you will use them. Use our list of essential electrical tools as the starting point, and add more gear if needed.

A carefully built plan will ensure you only buy the product you need in the correct quantity. A plan will also help you remove any extra electrical items you may have no use for. In this way, planning becomes almost cost-effective. 

Your plan doesn’t have to be too detailed, so you can get by with a checklist. But jot down any important information to help you make the right decision. 

Consider Their Environmental Impact

When purchasing electrical tools and equipment, try looking for sustainably created ones. The latest electrical equipment is built in an environmentally conscious way to reduce waste, 

Unsustainable products made from harmful materials can significantly increase your carbon footprint, so invest in green tools if you can. 

Look Up 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 also ask your colleagues and friends for recommendations. This will help you choose the most reliable product without wasting your money.  

Go 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 want to purchase used supplies, thoroughly check if it's in good condition and works 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. 

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. Meteor Electrical offers next-day delivery of electrical supplies throughout the island of Ireland. 

If you want your electronic supplies immediately, Meteor also provides same-day delivery on items such as Tools & Hardware, LED Lighting, Heating & Ventilation, Electrical cables, and more. 

For consumers outside Ireland, Meteor also offers highly competitive delivery options for you. Consumers in the UK can use the 2-day delivery services to get their innovative products as soon as possible. 

With these delivery options, you don’t have to spend time travelling to your nearest store.  So visit Meteor today to get your hands on the latest electrical tools and equipment.