Ecmweb 17849 Service Secrets Talbot Pr
Ecmweb 17849 Service Secrets Talbot Pr
Ecmweb 17849 Service Secrets Talbot Pr
Ecmweb 17849 Service Secrets Talbot Pr
Ecmweb 17849 Service Secrets Talbot Pr

What’s in Your Tool Pouch?

March 17, 2018
Carrying the correct tools enhances not only your safety, but also your credibility as a professional.

What do you keep in your tool pouch? Do its contents help make your job easier? More importantly, are they helping to protect you? A tool kit is a critical part of an electrician’s work and can play a huge role in keeping you safer on the job. Having the right tools also can make your job easier and more efficient. Let’s explore the contents your tool bag should ideally contain.

Insulated tools

These types of tools can help prevent you from being shocked while working in an energized panel. They can also tremendously reduce the chances of an arc flash event occurring. No electrician wants to be injured on the job or look like he lacks the proper training and experience. Keep in mind that your creditability could plummet if you don’t have the right tools for the job.

A few years ago, I worked with an electrician who refused to trace a circuit down to turn off the power. He would just touch two wires together, and it would trip. This method may have worked, but the customer always seemed concerned that this electrician didn’t know what he was doing. Having something as simple as the right tester can make you look like the true professional you’re striving to be.

Correct selection

In addition to insulated tools, every electrician should have a wide selection of tools, such as 9-in. side cutters, crimping tools, screwdrivers, wire strippers, and channel locks. When I was an apprentice, my journeyman told me to make sure I used the correct tool for the job. What does this mean? Don’t use your channel locks for something that requires a wrench, don’t use your screwdriver as a chisel, and definitely don’t use your side cutters as a hammer. Sounds like my journeyman was taking all the fun out of it, but he was right on many levels.

The tools you have could make all the difference in each job you complete. As a residential electrical service contractor, I have had to use tools to effectively show my clients what is going on with their electrical system — tools like infrared imagers, multimeters, and pictures. Pictures? Yes, even pictures. Being able to show a potential customer a picture of the wires chewed by squirrels in his attic speaks volumes over you simply telling him what you saw.

Unconventional tools

Tools don’t just have to be made of metal and used to make a mechanical connection. Tools can also be anything you use to sell a job, make your business more efficient, cause a client to keep coming back, or to remind your clients that safety is important in their electrical system. I’ve even used a website to educate a client on a certain dangerous type of panel. I also kept a burned receptacle in my van to show helpers what one looks like after it fails — and why it’s so important to always size your wire correctly and make good connections.

Following are a few examples of tools you should have readily accessible:

  • Infrared thermometer and imager
  • Ohmmeter
  • Noncontact voltage detector
  • Polarity meter
  • Phase rotation meter
  • True rms meter
  • Circuit breaker tracer
  • Voltage-rated screwdrivers and nut drivers
  • GFCI tester
  • Irreversible ground crimps
  • 1,000V gloves and arc flash gear
  • Clamp meter
  • Arc-fault tester
  • 7-in-one nut driver
  • LED head lamps
  • Tablet computer (to show clients educational information on their system)
  • Oscillating saw
  • Ground rod driver

These are just a few of the items that should always be at your fingertips. And remember, you won’t be able to afford to upgrade your tools if you’re constantly replacing your current ones. Take care of your tools, and they will take care of you.  

Talbot is a licensed, master electrician in Georgia, where he was born and raised. He has been in the industry for 17 years and is currently the operations manager for Mister Sparky Atlanta, where he manages a team of technicians. In his spare time, he plays with his kids, volunteers, and is flipping his fourth house. He can be reached at [email protected].

About the Author

Gerald Talbot | Operations Manager

Gerald is a licensed, master electrician in Georgia, where he was born and raised. He has been in the industry for 17 years and is currently the operations manager for Mister Sparky Atlanta, where he manages a team of technicians.

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