What are the industrial electrician tools?

1. Multimeters

A multimeter is one of the most fundamental diagnostic tools for electricians, allowing them to measure voltage, current, and resistance. Industrial electricians use multimeters to troubleshoot and test electrical systems, helping ensure safety and efficiency in their work.

Popular Brands and Models:

• Fluke 87V: Fluke is a leading brand in multimeters, and the Fluke 87V is highly regarded for its accuracy and durability. It is capable of measuring AC and DC voltage, current, resistance, and more. It is also CAT III and CAT IV rated, making it suitable for industrial environments.
• Klein Tools MM700: Known for producing reliable hand tools, Klein Tools’ MM700 offers accurate readings and a rugged design. It is auto-ranging and offers a range of functions like temperature measurement.
• Amprobe AM-570: This model provides accurate data for industrial-grade systems, with features like true RMS, a low pass filter, and dual display for easy reading in the field.

2. Voltage Testers

Voltage testers are used to check whether a wire is live. For industrial electricians, it’s crucial to ensure circuits are de-energized before beginning work to avoid electrical shock hazards.

Popular Brands and Models:

• Fluke T6-1000: This voltage tester can measure voltage up to 1000V without making direct contact with the wire, making it both convenient and safe to use.
• Klein Tools NCVT-3: This model is a non-contact voltage tester, allowing users to detect the presence of voltage without touching the electrical components. It’s also rated up to 1000V, ideal for industrial work.
• Southwire 40136N: This dual-range voltage tester features both audible and visual indicators, making it user-friendly in high-noise industrial settings.

3. Wire Strippers and Crimpers

Wire strippers are necessary for removing insulation from electrical wires, while crimpers are used to secure wire connectors. Both tools are vital for efficient and safe wiring tasks.

Popular Brands and Models:

• Klein Tools 11055: A combination wire stripper and cutter, the 11055 is ideal for industrial electricians who need to strip and cut solid or stranded wire quickly.
• IRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078309: Known for its durability, this model offers adjustable stripping lengths and built-in crimpers, combining multiple functions into one tool.
• Greenlee 1955: Greenlee produces high-quality crimpers like the 1955, which allows electricians to crimp various sizes of connectors and is especially useful for industrial control panels.

4. Fish Tapes and Cable Pullers

Fish tapes are essential for running wires through conduits, while cable pullers assist in pulling heavy-duty cables in industrial settings. They are critical in large installations and wiring systems that require long runs.

Popular Brands and Models:

• Klein Tools 56059: Klein Tools offers a fiberglass fish tape that’s lightweight and ideal for longer pulls. Its non-conductive properties make it safer for electricians working in live environments.
• Greenlee FTS438: This steel fish tape is designed for heavy-duty use, capable of pulling wires through large conduits. It is a go-to tool for electricians working in complex industrial installations.
• Ideal 31-544: This is a durable, non-conductive fish tape designed for industrial applications. It also comes with a Tuff-Grip Pro case to provide durability in harsh environments.

5. Conduit Benders

Conduit benders are tools used to bend conduit pipes to protect electrical wiring. Industrial electricians often deal with various sizes and materials of conduits, making it crucial to have a reliable bender for each type of pipe.

Popular Brands and Models:

• Klein Tools 56207: Known for its durability, this bender is designed for EMT conduits and has easy-to-read markings for precision bends.
• Greenlee 1818: This hydraulic conduit bender is ideal for heavy-duty use in industrial environments. It can bend rigid and EMT conduits up to 1 ¼ inches, making it suitable for large-scale electrical installations.
• Gardner Bender B2000 Cyclone: An electric-powered conduit bender, this model is designed for industrial settings where large quantities of conduit need to be bent efficiently and accurately.

6. Insulated Screwdrivers

Insulated screwdrivers protect electricians from electric shock while working on live circuits. These are crucial in environments where electricians might come into contact with energized parts.

Popular Brands and Models:

• Wiha 32092: Wiha is known for its high-quality insulated hand tools, and the 32092 set is ideal for industrial electricians. It offers protection up to 1000V and is ergonomically designed for comfort during extended use.
• Klein Tools 85078: This 8-piece set is designed for electricians, offering protection from live circuits and a range of screwdriver sizes to fit different types of fasteners.
• Wera 05032068001: This German-made screwdriver set features multi-component handles that offer a comfortable grip and are VDE certified up to 1000V.

7. Pliers

Pliers are a versatile tool used for cutting, twisting, and holding wires or other small objects. Industrial electricians use various types of pliers, such as lineman’s pliers, needle-nose pliers, and diagonal cutters.

Popular Brands and Models:

• Klein Tools D213-9NE: These lineman’s pliers are a staple for electricians, known for their high-leverage design that makes cutting and twisting wires easier.
• Knipex 2611200: Knipex offers precision needle-nose pliers that allow electricians to work in tight spaces, which is often necessary in industrial settings with dense wiring.
• Channellock 338: These diagonal cutting pliers are designed to cut through tough materials like wire, cable, and even steel strapping, making them ideal for industrial applications.

8. Cable Cutters

Cable cutters are used to cleanly cut through electrical cables, which can vary greatly in size and thickness in industrial settings. Electricians need tools that can handle anything from small gauge wires to large industrial cables.

Popular Brands and Models:

• Klein Tools 63060: These heavy-duty cable cutters can cut aluminum, copper, and communication cables up to 600 MCM, making them suitable for large-scale industrial projects.
• Greenlee 727: This cable cutter is designed for heavy-duty applications, capable of cutting copper cables up to 500 MCM.
• Milwaukee 48-22-4210: Known for its durability, this model features a one-handed design and can cut through thick cables up to 600 MCM, making it ideal for industrial electricians working on high-voltage installations.

9. Electrician’s Work Belts and Pouches

Work belts and pouches allow electricians to carry their tools efficiently, ensuring they have the necessary equipment at hand when working on industrial projects.

Popular Brands and Models:

• Klein Tools 55427: This electrician’s tool belt offers multiple pockets and compartments, allowing industrial electricians to organize and access their tools easily.
• Occidental Leather 5590: Known for its high-quality leather construction, this belt provides comfort and durability, with specialized compartments for various tools used by industrial electricians.
• DEWALT DG5103: This tool pouch is a smaller, lightweight option that still offers ample storage for essential tools like screwdrivers, pliers, and voltage testers.

10. Digital Clamp Meters

Clamp meters are used to measure current in a circuit without having to disconnect wires. For industrial electricians, clamp meters are vital for troubleshooting high-voltage systems safely.

Popular Brands and Models:

• Fluke 376 FC: Fluke’s clamp meter is highly rated for industrial applications, with the ability to measure AC/DC current up to 1000A. It also features wireless connectivity, allowing electricians to log data remotely.
• Klein Tools CL800: This digital clamp meter is designed for industrial use, offering a range of features including AC/DC current measurement, temperature readings, and a backlit display for easy reading in low-light environments.
• Amprobe AMP-310: This model is built for industrial settings and offers true RMS measurements, along with a non-contact voltage detector for enhanced safety.

11. Industrial Electrician Tool Kits

For efficiency, many industrial electricians prefer to have comprehensive tool kits that include a variety of essential tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, wire strippers, and more. These tool kits save time by keeping all necessary tools in one place, allowing electricians to work without needing to hunt down individual items.

Popular Brands and Models:

• Klein Tools 80141: This 41-piece tool set is designed specifically for electricians, with tools like screwdrivers, pliers, and nut drivers. Klein Tools is known for high-quality, durable products, and this kit is ideal for industrial work.
• DEWALT DCK299P2: While this kit is focused on power tools, it includes essential items like a cordless hammer drill and an impact driver, which are commonly used by industrial electricians during installations and repairs.
• Wiha 32800: This tool set includes 80 pieces with insulated tools, making it ideal for electricians who frequently work around high-voltage equipment. Wiha’s reputation for precision engineering and safety makes this a top choice for industrial electricians.

12. Circuit Analyzers

Circuit analyzers allow industrial electricians to assess the health of electrical circuits, providing real-time data on issues such as voltage drop, load balance, and other potential problems. This helps ensure the safe and efficient operation of electrical systems in industrial settings.

Popular Brands and Models:

• Extech CT80: The CT80 circuit analyzer is ideal for electricians who need a fast, easy way to identify electrical problems. It tests GFCI circuits and provides a comprehensive assessment of a system’s overall health.
• Klein Tools RT250: This model is designed to test outlets and circuit configurations. It can detect wiring problems and is particularly useful for troubleshooting in industrial environments where faulty wiring can lead to downtime.
• Amprobe INSP-3: This circuit analyzer provides a detailed assessment of branch circuits, including issues such as grounding, voltage levels, and load conditions. It’s highly useful in industrial environments where safety and system reliability are paramount.

13. Conduit Knockout Sets

Conduit knockout sets are used to create holes in electrical boxes or panels, allowing for the installation of conduits. In industrial environments, electricians often need to install larger conduits for high-voltage systems, making a reliable knockout set essential.

Popular Brands and Models:

• Greenlee 7238SB: Greenlee is a leading brand in conduit knockout sets, and the 7238SB model is ideal for industrial electricians. It’s capable of creating clean holes in metal boxes and panels, making it perfect for heavy-duty applications.
• Klein Tools 53732SEN: This knockout punch set includes dies and hole cutters for creating precise holes in various materials. It’s highly durable and suitable for frequent use in industrial settings.
• Milwaukee 49-16-2674: Known for its rugged design, this Milwaukee knockout set is designed to punch through thick, industrial-grade steel and aluminum. It’s powered by a hydraulic system, which reduces the physical effort needed for large-scale conduit installations.

14. Portable Label Printers

Labeling wires, cables, and electrical panels is an important part of maintaining an organized and safe industrial electrical system. Portable label printers allow electricians to quickly and easily create durable labels for identifying different components of an electrical system.

Popular Brands and Models:

• DYMO Rhino 5200: This portable label printer is designed specifically for industrial electricians. It prints durable, heat-shrinkable labels and is resistant to moisture and abrasion, making it ideal for harsh industrial environments.
• Brady BMP21-PLUS: The BMP21-PLUS is another excellent label printer designed for industrial use. It can print on a variety of materials and is highly durable, making it suitable for use in demanding environments.
• Brother P-Touch PT-E550W: Known for its versatility, the Brother PT-E550W prints high-quality labels with wireless connectivity options, making it easier for electricians to print labels directly from their smartphones or computers.

15. Laser Measuring Tools

In industrial settings, precise measurements are critical when installing electrical systems, running conduit, or performing maintenance on large-scale machinery. Laser measuring tools provide an accurate, quick way to measure distances and angles, ensuring proper alignment of electrical components.

Popular Brands and Models:

• Bosch GLM 50 C: The Bosch GLM 50 C is a top choice for industrial electricians. It measures distances up to 165 feet and has a built-in inclinometer for measuring angles, which is often needed for conduit installation.
• DeWalt DW03050: DeWalt’s laser distance measurer is designed for heavy-duty industrial use, with a durable construction that can withstand the rigors of industrial environments. It also offers precise measurements up to 165 feet.
• Leica DISTO D2: This laser measurer offers high accuracy and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing electricians to transfer measurements to digital devices instantly. Its compact design makes it easy to carry on the job site.

16. Ground Resistance Testers

Grounding is critical for safety in any electrical system, and ground resistance testers are used to measure the effectiveness of a system’s grounding. Industrial electricians use these tools to ensure that electrical systems are properly grounded, reducing the risk of electrical shock or system failure.

Popular Brands and Models:

• Fluke 1623-2: Fluke’s ground resistance tester is designed for industrial applications and can measure both ground loop resistance and soil resistivity, ensuring the electrical systems are grounded properly.
• AEMC 6416: This clamp-on ground resistance tester allows electricians to test grounding without disconnecting the grounding system. It’s especially useful in industrial environments where system downtime must be minimized.
• Megger DET3: Megger is another trusted brand for ground testing, and the DET3 model provides accurate ground resistance measurements, ensuring the safety and reliability of industrial electrical systems.

17. Thermal Imagers

Thermal imagers are used by industrial electricians to detect hot spots in electrical systems, which can indicate potential failures or overloads. By identifying these issues early, electricians can perform preventive maintenance and avoid costly downtime.

Popular Brands and Models:

• Fluke Ti480 PRO: Fluke is known for its high-quality thermal imagers, and the Ti480 PRO is no exception. It offers high-resolution images and can detect even slight temperature variations, making it ideal for industrial environments where electrical systems operate under heavy loads.
• FLIR E8: The FLIR E8 is another popular thermal imager that offers crisp thermal images with easy-to-read displays. It’s designed for professional use, with a durable construction that stands up to industrial settings.
• Seek Thermal ShotPRO: This is a compact and affordable thermal imager that still offers high-quality thermal imaging. It’s a great option for electricians who need to detect potential electrical problems without investing in high-end equipment.

18. Power Drills and Drivers

Industrial electricians frequently need power drills and drivers for tasks such as drilling holes for conduit, securing electrical boxes, or fastening panels. Having the right drill and driver can significantly speed up installation and repair tasks.

Popular Brands and Models:

• DeWalt DCD996P2: This is a cordless hammer drill designed for heavy-duty use. It has a high torque output, making it ideal for drilling into concrete or other tough industrial materials.
• Makita XDT16Z: This impact driver from Makita is compact but powerful, offering a range of speeds and torque settings. It’s ideal for driving screws into dense materials, which is often required in industrial settings.
• Milwaukee 2804-20: Milwaukee’s cordless hammer drill is another top choice for industrial electricians. It offers a durable design with plenty of power, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from drilling through metal to fastening large bolts.

19. Cable Fault Locators

Industrial electricians often work with complex electrical systems that include miles of wiring. When a fault occurs, it can be difficult to locate the exact point of failure. Cable fault locators are designed to pinpoint these issues quickly and efficiently.

Popular Brands and Models:

• Megger TDR1000/3P: This time-domain reflectometer (TDR) is used to locate faults in electrical cables. It provides highly accurate fault location and can test cable lengths of up to several kilometers, making it ideal for industrial applications.
• Fluke 2042: This is a compact and easy-to-use cable locator that can detect both buried and hidden cables. It’s useful for electricians working in industrial settings where cable faults can lead to significant downtime.
• Amprobe AT-3500: The AT-3500 is designed for locating underground cables and pipes, helping industrial electricians identify faults quickly and efficiently, reducing the time required to repair systems.

Conclusion

Industrial electricians require a diverse range of tools to complete their tasks efficiently and safely. From diagnostic equipment like multimeters and clamp meters to essential hand tools such as pliers and screwdrivers, having the right tools ensures precision and reliability in industrial settings. The brands and models mentioned above are among the most trusted in the industry, offering durability, accuracy, and safety features critical for industrial electricians.

By choosing the right tools, industrial electricians can meet the demanding requirements of their field, ensuring the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems in industrial environments are conducted safely and effectively. Whether it’s troubleshooting complex electrical issues or installing new systems, the tools discussed in this report are indispensable to their trade.