Working as an electric contractor requires having the right tools and gear to get the job done. Otherwise, you risk damaging your customers’ homes and causing serious injury to yourself and others. If you’re just beginning your career as an electrician, here’s a list of the general tools you need to do your job safely and effectively.

Important Tools for Electric Contractors 

1. Safety Gear

Working with electricity is inherently dangerous, and electricians should always use basic safety gear to remain safe. This includes flame retardant clothing, safety glasses, and insulated gloves to protect against electrocution. Electricians should also carry a rescue rod, a device designed to move electrocuted personnel away from the source of electricity safely. 

2. Basic Tools

An electrician’s toolbox is stocked with a variety of basic tools they can use to access electrical panels. These tools should also be able to connect and disconnect electricity and install light fixtures, outlets, and other items that need connecting. Among the most important tools include a variety of pliers, wire strippers, and screwdrivers, as well as a level and electric drill. A tape measure and flashlight are also important. 

3. Specialty Electrical Tools

Electric contractors need a handheld voltage tester to confirm that the power has been cut to the work area, and that it’s working properly after the job is complete. For more advanced work, digital circuit analyzers and finders make quick work of determining how circuits and outlets are connected. They also help electricians learn more information about circuits, including their voltage and polarity. 

To make planning and installing circuits easier, electric contractors use conduit benders. These allow contractors to easily bend conduit piping to design efficient wiring routes that are nonintrusive.

Reaming bits are also useful for this task. When attached to an electric drill, a reaming bit expands the end of a conduit pipe so it can be easily attached to another pipe, making a new wiring route.

To be a successful electric contractor, you need high-quality electrical supplies. Find everything you need to tackle any job at Husker Electric Supply, one of Lincoln, NE’s leading sources for electrical supplies at affordable prices. For over 40 years, they’ve provided customers with quality equipment, including basic and specialty tools, panel boards, heating equipment, and circuit breakers. Visit them online to learn more about their massive inventory, or call (402) 467-4624 to inquire about specific items.