Whether its electric wire pulled through conduit or wall space or voice/data/video cable placed below subfloors or above a suspended ceiling, special tools simplify the work. Today’s fish tapes don’t look much different than...
Getting wire and cable from the warehouse to the job site and installed to a project’s specifications requires logistical planning, execution and a variety of equipment and tools. Wire can be transported by several methods...
The impact of brushless DC motors for battery-powered hand tools is often compared to the lithium-ion battery revolution. Together, these two technologies have changed cordless tools used by electricians and those in other...
Monitoring power quality becomes increasingly imperative as the modern power grid changes with the addition of green energy sources and as coal-fired generating plants continue to be taken out of service. “As loads increase...
Electricians mainly use reciprocating saws, band saws and circular saws with metal cutting blades. Cutting accessories play a critical role in saw efficiency (see sidebar). For years, hand power saws were corded. Battery...
To use a baseball analogy, the infrared (IR) thermometer is a true “utility player” for electricians, believes Richard Wexler, director of instrument marketing at Flir. IR thermometers are useful for identifying abnormal...
Clamp meters provide a convenient way to measure current without breaking the circuit, which is ideal for troubleshooting. The user simply clamps the meter around cables, wire or other conductors at any point in an electrical...
Many tools electricians use, such as rotary hammers, demo hammers, drills, saws, grinders and more, create dust, which is distracting and can be unhealthy. Occupational Safety and Health Administration now mandates control of...
A well-appointed work truck can save an electrician frustration and uncountable hours of wasted time looking for tools and material, and upfitters have done a good job keeping pace with changing truck designs with an...
Every construction company—no matter its size or specialty—depends on computers and the software installed on the machines. Computing manages office operations, finances, company assets, field operations—everything. If you...
Few would argue that lithium-ion batteries have not significantly changed the power hand tool market. Not only have lithium-ion cordless tools replaced nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries for professional users, but they also...
Remotely monitoring or controlling tools isn’t new, but with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies and special apps, they have become easier to implement. Tool manufacturers are finding more ways to use them to make their products...
Thermal imagers have become a basic tool for many electricians. These infrared cameras detect and document abnormal temperatures of electrical equipment such as motors, electrical cabinets and wiring, alerting technicians to...
Since the first crude ladder-like climbing device was used thousands of years ago, there have been fall hazards. Ladder manufacturers today make safety a top priority, and their products include multiple design features to...
Demolition hammers are one power tool category that hasn’t been taken over by lithium-ion batteries. Even though cordless demo hammers are available, electricians still depend on corded models to do difficult, repetitive...
Crimping is an effective and efficient method of making electrical and voice/data/video (VDV) connections. Properly used with correctly matched connector and wire, a crimped connection will meet applicable industry standards...
Working around or on live electric circuits exposes electricians to serious risks, and few today would disagree that power should be deactivated before performing any type of work. Even so, electricians often must work in...
Fire and safety issues, wasted energy, unexpected breakdowns, unnecessary wear on equipment, early replacement—these are some of the serious and costly problems that can result from improperly operating electric motors. To...
Self-contained portable light towers are widely used on commercial projects for outside construction at night and inside large structures before power is available. Light towers that are easy to transport and set up are...
The hole saw is an essential tool for installing a variety of fixtures. Although today’s hole saws look much like those sold for years, manufacturers have made continuous improvements for cleaner cutting and increased...
