A typical electrician's kit includes VDE insulated screwdrivers in slotted and Pozi tips, combination pliers, cable cutters, a wire stripper, an electrician's knife, a tape measure, a spirit level and a two-pole voltage tester. Many add a non-contact voltage detector, a junior hacksaw and a draw tape for pulling cable through conduit. Keep everything in a tool case so it stays protected between jobs.

VDE-marked tools have insulation that has been individually tested to a high voltage and is rated for working near live parts up to 1000V AC. They add a layer of protection against accidental contact, but they are not a substitute for safe isolation. Always isolate, lock off and prove dead before starting, and follow current wiring regulations and your company's safe working procedures.

Use concrete screws, drop-in anchors or shield bolts for solid concrete and dense brick, plastic wall plugs with woodscrews for light loads in masonry, and spring toggles or cavity fixings for plasterboard. Timber can take screws directly. Check the manufacturer's load data and recommended drill size, and allow for the weight of the equipment plus any cables or containment it supports.

Yes, the ladders and platforms section includes fibreglass step ladders from four to seven treads, fibreglass platform ladders with handrails and a multi-purpose ladder from Jefferson Tools. Fibreglass stiles are non-conductive, which is why they are widely chosen for electrical work. Inspect any ladder before use and check its rating suits the user and the load being carried.

For masonry, use SDS bits in an SDS hammer drill or tungsten carbide-tipped masonry bits in a percussion drill. Match the bit diameter to the plug or anchor you are using, usually printed on the packaging. HSS twist bits are for metal and plastics, and auger or flat wood bits are for timber, so it pays to carry a mix.

In-stock tools and fixings ordered by 5pm Monday to Friday are delivered the next working day across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, using Meteor's own vans and DPD. Delivery to England, Scotland and Wales takes 3–5 working days. Orders over £30 or €35 ex VAT qualify for free delivery, and Click & Collect is available at Cookstown.

A VDE screwdriver is an insulated tool individually tested to 10,000V and rated for live working up to 1,000V AC, in line with IEC 60900. The insulation is moulded to the blade to protect the user if they accidentally touch a live part. VDE tools are standard kit for electricians, but they are not a substitute for safe isolation before work.

Most electricians carry a two-pole voltage tester and proving unit for safe isolation, a socket tester, and a multifunction tester for insulation resistance, continuity, loop impedance and RCD tests. A non-contact voltage detector is useful for quick checks but should not be relied on to prove a circuit is dead. Keep test equipment calibrated and in good condition.

Standard plastic plugs grip poorly in plasterboard, so use cavity fixings designed for hollow walls, such as self-drill plasterboard fixings, spring toggles or metal cavity anchors. Choose a fixing rated for the load, and fix heavier items to timber studs or noggins where possible. Always follow the fixing manufacturer's load ratings and instructions.

Typical PPE includes safety boots, hi-vis clothing, eye protection, gloves suited to the task and a hard hat where required by site rules. Dust masks or respirators are needed when drilling or chasing masonry. Specific tasks, such as live working, may need additional arc-rated equipment. Follow the site risk assessment and any principal contractor requirements.