Electrical measuring instruments, from the name itself, refer to devices used for

measuring various electrical aspects such as the presence and amount of current, voltage, resistance
and power through installation. Measuring these aspects is important to determine if the electrical
system is installed appropriately. Some electrical measuring instruments that measure one of the
electrical aspects mentioned are ammeters, voltmeter and ohmmeters.

Ammeters

Ammeters are electrical instruments utilized to measure current in a circuit. The evaluation it does in
the flow of current is read in amps as the unit. Ammeters are available in various designs which
allow them to test the presence and amount of current in electrical devices of different sizes. They are
used in various applications both residential and commercial use. The wiring system of new buildings
needs to be checked to make sure they are properly working. This can be done with the use of
ammeter. It is also used by electricians to see if there are problems on the wiring system of older
buildings. Manufacturing companies involve in the production of electrical equipment also utilize this
electrical measuring instrument to test the products before they are supplied to the market for sale.
There are ammeters that can measure direct current, alternating current or both. They have to be
properly set to avoid short circuit or the device to malfunction as ammeters tend to have low
resistance.

Voltmeter

Voltmeters are electrical devices that measure the voltage or potential difference between two points
in a circuit. The units of measure of voltmeters are expressed in volts. Voltage works by connecting it
parallel to the circuit. There are analog and digital voltmeters which difference can be distinctly
recognized by how the readings are presented. Analog voltmeters show the voltage through a pointer
that moves across the scale while digital voltmeters provide a numerical display of voltage. Voltmeters
are also made available in a variety of styles. There are portable voltmeters, also known as multimeter
for its ability to measure current and resistance, applied in testing electrical and electronics work. The
ability of multimeter to measure voltage, resistance and current is made possible by Ohms Law. Fixed
apparatus such as generators need instruments that can be mounted in a panel permanently.

Ohmmeter

Ohmmeters, which uses ohm as unit of measurement, are devices that measure the electrical
resistance through a circuit. These equipment are important on installations that require correct
resistance in order to function properly such as speakers. Ohmmeters also check the flow of current to
make sure that it is running continuously. Today, ohmmeters come with digital displays which can
provide much more accuracy on the readings. To ensure the precision of the result, an ohmmeter
should be used on checking the resistance of a device that generates its own current. For this
electrical measuring instrument to work properly, it should measure resistance according to the flow of
current coming from its own battery. Interference from an external current source may result to false
readings.

Multimeters
Multimeters are a popular type of electrical measuring instrument because of its versatility. It works
like an ammeter, ohmmeter and voltmeter for it can measure current, voltage as well as resistance.
Similar to other electrical measuring instruments, multimeters are available in analog and digital
types.

Electrical Tools and Equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Your personal safety should be the most important consideration. Goggles and safety glasses, gloves, long-sleeve
shirts, long pants or bluejeans, hard hat, etc. A large dose of common sense is required here. Think about the
hazards and protect yourself accordingly before taking on any task.

Circuit Testers

You need to have a voltage tester of some type for electrical work, and one that you trust is working properly! This
can be anything from a $2 neon voltage check, to a $2000 digital multi-meter, or anything in between. The important
thing is to ensure that it is working so you can verify that you have the power off on any circuit you may be working
with. Check it on a known live source before trusting it to determine if your circuit is dead.

Screwdrivers

It is essential to have a good quality set of screwdrivers. It is best to purchase them in a complete set rather than
individually, as this will save you money, and increase the chances that you will have the driver that best fits the need.

A basic set of screwdrivers should include the 3 main types of screwdriver heads.

1. The Standard blade tip

You need at least two sizes of each, but a full set would include:

1. Standard blade
a) 3/16 Cabinet Tip 4shaft
b) 3/16 Cabinet Tip 6shaft
c) 1/4 Keystone Tip 4shaft
d) 5/16 Keystone Tip 6shaft
2. Phillips Tip
a) #1 Phillips Tip 4shaft
b) #2 Phillips Tip 4shaft
c) #3 Phillips Tip 6shaft
3. Square Recess Tip (Robertson)
a) #0 yellow 4shaft
b) #1 green 4shaft
c) #2 red 4shaft
d) #3 black 4shaft
The square recess screwdriver system is used extensively in Canada, but not so much in the U.S.A. In the opinion of
anyone who has used them, they are a superior system to the Phillips tip, but for reasons that involve some patent
dispute or disagreement, they are not common in the States. They work on most combination head receptacles,
switches, and panel screws.

Cordless Screwdriver/Drill

If you are going to take on any project beyond the most basic of jobs, such as, for example, changing out an
individual receptacle or switch, you should have a good cordless drill and driver tool, along with a complete set of
screwdriver bits and drill bits. This will save you a lot of time and when used properly, a power driver can be used in
place of a screwdriver for most jobs.

I recommend purchasing a driver and drill instead of a basic cordless screwdriver as the quality is usually better, and
one tool will perform both functions. Get the best quality you can afford, and make sure it has a 1/2drive, and that is
has sufficient power to drill a 1 hole using an auger bit.

If you will be using it a lot as a screwdriver, then give some consideration to the weight and size when selecting the
tool.

Electric Drill

For larger projects, with a lot of drilling required (wood studs, etc.), then an electric drill is more practical. A 1/2
medium duty drill is a minimum for driving a wood auger bit.

Knife

You will need to have a good knife, and I prefer a standard utility knife for stripping the PVC jacket from Romex,
stripping large gauge wire, and for many other jobs as well.

Wire Strippers

Have a good quality wire stripper. I prefer a T-Stripper with a wire cutter, light-duty plier nose, and holes for bending
termination loops on wires for most home electrical work. A combination crimper, cutter, stripper, bolt cutter and
more, like those found in automotive electrical repair kits can be very handy as well, but the multi-purpose aspect
means that the wire stripping function is compromised.

A mechanical wire stripper does a really good job, especially for commercial or industrial applications, but is not really
necessary for the novice DIYr.

Linemans Plier

A linemans plier, or a bull nose plier with a wire cutter, and at least 8or 9 handles is also an essential part of the
electrical tool list. We use these for cutting, bending, twisting wires, etc.

Standard, Long-Nosed Pliers

Also known as needle-nosed pliers. These tools are also very handy to have as a part of your electrical tool kit. They
should have wire cutting knives as well.
Diagonal Pliers

Also known as side-cutters. A standard duty diagonal plier should also be a part of your kit.

Hammer

Have a good quality, 16oz. claw hammer. You will need this for driving staples, nails, etc.

Nut Drivers

A good set of nut drivers is not essential, but come in very handy for certain jobs where a wrench or a socket set isnt
practical.

Tape Measure

Have a good quality, locking tape measure and a 25length, 1 blade is maybe over-kill, but will come in handy for
other projects around the home.

Level

A 6 plastic torpedo level is essential for levelling outlet boxes, cover plates, wall fixtures, etc. A plastic level is less
likely to leave marks.

Always check to make sure the level is indeed level. Before purchasing, check on a flat surface and note the
position of the bubble, even if not quite at center. Then flip the level end for end in the exact same location and see if
the bubble is in the same spot. You would be surprised how many you will find that dont pass this test. Especially in
the lower quality price range.

Crescent wrench

Have one or two sizes of crescent wrenches in your kit.

Pump Pliers

Very handy, and essential if you are working with conduit, such as EMT, flexible conduit, or teck cable.

Pipe Wrench
Essential if working with conduit, especially rigid or EMT conduit.

Electrical Tape

Every electrical tool kit should have at least a roll of black electrical tape, and having a few colours like red and blue
helps as well for identifying wires, etc.

Duct Tape

Every tool kit, electrical or otherwise, must have the universal repair tool that is a roll of duct tape!
A Tool Pouch

Not essential, but unless you have big baggy pockets, this is a very handy thing to have, especially if you will be
working off ladders, or your work area is spread out. This can save you a lot of trips by having the essential tools
strapped onto your body.

Tool Box or Chest

You need something, even if its just a big pail, to keep everything together, and to have a place to put all your tools
away. Its nice to have a good tool box with many compartments to help you keep organized.

Ladders and Step Stools

They wont fit in your toolbox, but you will need the appropriate size for the height you will be working at.

Notebook or Notepad

Great idea to have a notepad in your toolbox to make diagrams, to take notes or reminders of how things were before
disconnecting them, etc.

Pen, Pencil, Felt Pens, etc.

For obvious reasons.

Bandages

No matter how careful you are, accidents happen. Just do all you can to protect yourself and to minimize the
potential for injury. Have a first aid kit handy, just in case!

Keyhole saw

Great for cutting out openings for outlet boxes in drywall, panelboard, etc.

Hacksaw

Critical if working with EMT conduit, flex, etc. If cutting a lot of metal, then an electric reciprocating saw will save you
time.

Power Saw or Skill Saw

For cutting studs, blocking and reinforcing boxes, etc.

Wood Chisel

Many uses when working with wood construction.

Conduit Bender
If working with conduit, you will need a hickey bender or any bending tool designed for the conduit you are working
with.

Fish Tape, and/or Fishing Tools

A fish tape is very handy, and essential if working with conduit. A fish tape or fishing tools are required if you are
installing electrical in existing walls or ceilings and are trying to minimize the damage you may cause by cutting as
few access holes as possible.

Flashlight/Headlamp

For when you need some extra light for dark places, or when the power is off while working on existing systems.

I have given you a list of many electrical tools and equipment here that you may need; some are absolutely essential,
and some that will not be required or are just nice to have, depending on the complexity of the job at hand. There are
many more electrical tools available, and lots of gadgets that are designed to make the job easier. Some work well,
some not.

I will be adding more articles taking a closer look at some of the electrical tools and equipment listed here in the near
future. Plus, watch for my upcoming video where I showcase my personal toolbox and its contents.