Everyone working around or with electricity already knows safety is important. It dictates how you work, the tools to use, and which protective gear you wear. When it comes to tools, don’t just use any tools. Experts suggest that you opt for insulated tools, like cutters, screwdrivers, and pliers to keep you and everyone around safe.
What is an Insulated Tool?
It is a tool designed to protect users against injuries in case they make direct contact with energized sources. These tools are often marked with the year they got insulated and have standard 1,000-volt rating symbols that ensure you are protected. Usually, there is a strict international standard applying to these tools and the symbols displayed on them depend on where they are designed or manufactured. For instance, in Northern America, these tools come with this standard symbol – ASTM F15o5. In Asia and Europe, their tools have VDE certification.
Who Requires an Insulated Tool?
Electricians are not the only ones who use insulated tools. Anyone who works near or on live equipment can use them. They use these tools for closing/opening panels, installing/troubleshooting circuit breakers in a live electrical panel, battery service, cutting wire, and disconnecting/connecting electrical contacts.
How the Tools Protect Users
When you use non-insulated tools during live work and come into contact with an energized circuit, the current will start traveling through them and directly to you. Unlike a non-insulated tool, an insulated tool has a specially and well-designed insulated layer that helps to prevent direct contact with an energized part. When non-insulated tools are dropped in live equipment or electrical enclosures, the phase-over arc and shock can occur. This way, you will not just be exposed to injuries. The equipment you are working on can also get damaged. However, an insulated tool helps to minimize these risks as it is covered with the right insulating material.
Why Use an Insulated Tool?
An insulated tool provides the required protection. So, before you start working on any electrical project, ensure you consider checking the current and confirming the circuit has been disconnected. You will also need to make sure you are equipped with the right insulated tools. Do you know why? Here are reasons why you should be equipped with insulated tools:
1. Certification
Knowing the difference between true-insulated and regular tools is important. Properly insulated tools often use special materials that block hazardous voltages. For these tools to get certified, they often undergo extensive testing that third-party labs conduct to validate their durability, capabilities, and resistance to very extreme conditions.
2. Ergonomic and Safe
Apart from providing safety, insulated tools are made with users’ comfort in mind. Since these tools are ergonomically made to minimize fatigue and strain, they guarantee improved slim profiles and gripping strength for easy access to very confined spaces, such as jammed junction panels and boxes.
The bottom line is that it is important to prioritize your safety whenever you work on or around electrical equipment. By using insulated tools, you can protect yourself against electrical burns and shocks while ensuring your electrical systems work efficiently.
