Electrical work may not be the foremost thing that springs to mind regarding home DIY tasks. While an electrical job is known for its technical and dangerous work, the truth is that there are a few house electrical tasks that homeowners can tackle with the proper know-how, caution, and a few basic electric tools.
Below is a list of some essential electrical tools that'll make undertaking a DIY electrical task — like replacing that outdated lamp fixture or adding a darker to a light switch — safer and easier without breaking the bank.
Multimeter
In simplest words, a multimeter is a tool that measures electricity. More specifically, it measures various electrical components and circuits' voltage, continuity, and resistance. Although they may appear complicated, multimeters are essential electrical tools to have on hand, even for the less electrical-savvy DIYer. For example, you can use a KM601 (multimeter) to test old batteries, spot faulty electrical outlets, and test surge protectors.
Voltage Tester
Let's be honest here: Electrical work can be difficult. When doing anything that involves electrical wiring near the house, you'll need to understand whether or not a wire is live. This is where electrical testing devices like voltage testers come into play. A voltage tester, no matter the kind you get, tells you if there's an electrical current in the wire. To use it, touch the tip of the tester to the wire, and you'll see the tester light up if there's power. You can also test outlets and the cables inside light switches with voltage testers. It's a simple but beneficial test instrument that should be included in any DIYer's toolset.
Laser Level
Once you find a stud to nail that mirror or wall collage into, you'll have to ensure everything is balanced and level. Instead of breaking out the chalk, measuring tape, and a bubble level, use a laser level beam of light to help create a straight line. Don't stop there. If you plan on putting in tile, wood, or vinyl flooring, drywall, or cabinets of any kind, buy a laser framing square and a laser T-square. Your projects will come out right every time with less math work, fewer hassles, and less waste.
Wire Strippers
If you have spent time attempting to strip the plastic layer of the ends of wiring, then you'll understand that it can be a frustrating, time taking process — that is, if you don't own the right tool.
Enter wire strippers. A wire stripper is an electrical wiring device that removes the protective coating from electrical wires. To strip the wire, insert the wire into the proper hole, squeeze the handles, and the layer will be cut and released without damaging the copper wire underneath. Even the easiest electrical projects, like installing light fixtures, can be much less of a headache if you have this device on hand.
Clamp Meters
A clamp meter (or current clamp/clamp-on ammeter) is an electrical meter with an integral AC current clamp. An obvious advantage of this tool is that it allows you to measure current without deactivating or disconnecting a device or circuit. The tool is designed to be placed around a single conductor. For example, you can use an HT208D (clamp meter) to determine the current or amperage of a given wire or cable. If more than one conductor is passed through, the measurement would be the vector totality of the currents flowing in the conductors.
A Bright Idea
Having an electrical toolkit on hand to assist manage basic DIY electrical works doesn't need a huge investment, and it won't take up much space in the shed. But the profit of having these electrical tools and equipment on hand is that you'll be capable of tackling projects safely and efficiently while saving money by not contacting an electrician. Do not forget to check Kaiweets to get high-quality electrical testing tools at a remarkably affordable price. Safe, easy, and affordable: It's the holy trinity of DIY projects!
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