Every Insulated Tool Electricians Need!!!

Do electricians really need to use electrically insulated tools? A topic of debate depending on whom you talk to! In the latest episode of Electrician U, Dustin explores the subject and shows some of the electrically insulated tools from one of the top tool manufacturers Klein Tools.

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To establish a baseline for the question, lets explore some scenarios first. Should we be working on live circuits at all? That is really the whole debate! For most of the time, we can AND should shut the power off before working on something. It is safer and we can generally perform the work much faster and more efficiently with it off as we don’t have to tip toe around energized components. So, if someone wants to add a can light or a receptacle in their house, we can shut the circuit off and turn it back on once the work is complete. Same could be said for replacing the service/panel at a residence. BUT, if we are attempting to troubleshoot a particular system to see why something isn’t operating properly, we may actually NEED the power to be on for us to test and diagnose the problem. Or if us turning off the circuitry could result in a more dangerous condition (say, in a hospital where patients are relying on certain equipment to be healthy) we may need to work on said circuitry energized. And it’s the last couple of scenarios that lead to manufacturers designing and producing PPE and tools for electricians to use in these conditions.
Klein Tools is one of the best manufacturers of electrical tools in the industry. Almost all of us in the industry know who Klein is and use their tools. In addition to making tools for everyday usage, they also make quite an extensive line of electrically insulated tools. While most electrical tools (even if they have some type of insulation on the handles) are not rated for any protection while working on live circuits and will have markings on the tools stating such. Tools designed for work on energized circuits will have a rating on the tool of its voltage capacity and is usually distinguishable by a bright orange (or other bright color) coating on the normally exposed metallic surface. These types of tools should be carried by electricians who may be required to work on energized circuits and should NOT be used unless its in an exposed workspace. The tools should be kept separate from our normal tools, in a separate case and be really taken care of as our lives depend on those tools performing as intended!
Kleins line of insulated tools can be found in almost all the flavors we normally see. From screwdrivers, to nut drivers and most of the plier type tools, they produce every tool we would need to do our job safely in an energized environment. Klein even produces multi screwdrivers that allow you to change between flat head, Phillips, square tips, etc. to save some space in your kit! You can purchase the tools individually or various sets are available as well. The line of insulated tools is quite extensive ranging from standard to slim drive screwdriver tips to help in fitting in small holes like breakers. Definitely something that an experienced electrician should add to their kits if they may be required to work on energized circuits (and are trained to do so!).
We hope this shed some light on the topic of when we should be using tools rated for energized circuits and some of the tools available. Remember, these tools are designed to keep us safe so should be taken care of. Better than our normal everyday tools! This includes hot work PPE (gloves, suits, etc.) as well as our meters! Keep them clean, dry and in separate bags/cases from our standard tools. Is there a topic you would like to see discussed? Leave your comments in the comment section below and let us know! Please continue to follow Dustin and Electrician U as we are constantly updating our content to provide the best electrical education to our followers to help them in their careers!