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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#electrician #electrical #electricity

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!).

[dFriendlyTyke]

As a retired UK electrician I was a little surprised at a couple of your comments. The ends of the handles on insulated tools like pliers, side cutters etc. Are to prevent your hand slipping onto the the exposed metalwork when using them on live circuits. Also no matter what the rating of the tools I would never use them on anything higher than 415 volt 3 phase circuitry which limits the single phase to earth voltage to around 250 volts. I was surprised to hear you talking about fibres lining up when you magnetise something when it's actually the spin of electrons which align when magnetised and randomise when demagnetised.

[tedbyron]

23 years in and I still work around live stuff all of the time.
I work in Building Automation and I install, maintain and repair alot of HVAC VFDs. You're always working on those hot, to prevent taking the pumps or AHUs off line.
When I do, all I use are insulated tools.

[beardo_M.D.]

I got 2 of those red handle Klien wire cutters because an apprentice cut a live 220v Romex cable with one. It says it won't protect from electric shock, but it did. It made a blinding flash of light, loud pop sound and destroyed the cutter blades in an instant. That is why I had to buy another, but he did not even feel a tingle.

[qapla]

Thanks for this video/reminder/instruction.

Utility companies/suppliers work on energized circuits all the time - with the proper PPE and safety steps in place. It doesn't take a commercial setting to have the "need" to work on an energized circuit or distribution/breaker panel. This condition could occur in a private home if you are replacing a single breaker in an energized box, especially if there is some type of medical or computer equipment that needs to stay operating while repairing a circuit that is not directly connected to said equipment. Not to mention the DIYers who work on energized stuff because they "can" or don't know better - knowing about insulated tools is helpful to them, also.

[dylandrew]

Irish here, insulated cutters, needle nose and screwdrivers are a basics, most use them as their daily tools. Easy to prove dead in industrial and new builds, but rewire, fault finding, minor works, you can never be sure there is no back feed, alternate supplies, ect.

[SkippyGranolaSA]

Way I see it, if there is any single possible way to avoid working hot, don't work hot. I've seen plenty of guys complaining that their foreman asked them to work hot "to save time", which is crap.

[metskipper]

Yes! But I got a shock every day. ( 220, 380 V ). To much trouble to turn off the power. Almost stabbed a apprentice standing beside me, though!

[jonathancall]

Can you wear insulated gloves to protect against electric shock?

[Stewbphoto]

My boss always runs around telling guys not to carry tools in their pockets

[steveg]

Is it ever likely you may find a live wire when you thought everything was turned off? Because if that can ever happen, insulated tools are de facto valid.

[dustin]

Nope, Even when it was live we used those exact non insulated tools. They are actually insulated pretty good. Lol. Never had a problem. Also don't get into residential they are some of the most dangerous electricians.

[chrissilva]

Lmao I just wrap my screw drivers in electrical tape.I’d only pull my insulated tools out if I was working on something over 1000 amps live or like industrial work.I’ve heard that argument many times about them not being rated or designed but the thing is they just weren’t tested and certified they just don’t want liability if they have thick rubber and handles they won’t shock you also like if you put electrical tape on bare wire it’s not not conductive so poof

[justinkiehlmeier]

Well if your working on high voltage, high current sht. It's pretty simple, it would b insane not to use double insulated tools