Electrical engineers have the essential job of designing and testing the development of electrical equipment. This includes the electrical systems of cars and planes, radar and navigation systems, and power generators. As complex as their jobs sound, they use a combination of both complex and simple tools. If you’re an electrical engineer or have plans to become one, here’s a list of tools you’ll need to own or be able to get access to.
#1: Wire Cutters and Strippers
Many of these tools are tools that you can find in a domestic toolbox, but electrical engineers are going to need more specialized tools. Wire cutters are a prime example of this, as electrical engineers need cutters with stronger blades. Some wire cutters may also come with built-in wire strippers, but if you don’t have these special pliers in your possession, you’ll need to acquire actual wire strippers.
#2: Voltage Tester
Voltage testers are an essential piece of equipment needed by all who work with electricity on a daily basis. This instrument tests electrical wires to ensure they have no voltage, making them necessary for the safety of electrical workers. Other testers that are useful for electrical workers to have include continuity testers (to detect an electrical-based path) and outlet/receptacle testers (to determine if an outlet is wired correctly).
#3: Tweezers
Tweezers are an example of a very simple, yet effective and essential tool used by a variety of professionals across various fields. As an electrical engineer, you’ll be working with tons of small parts, and there aren’t that many tools that can be used on small parts. You’ll need a variety of different-sized and tipped tweezers to be able to both maneuver and hold things in place.
#4: Torpedo Level
This is a very common tool used in construction, engineering, and many other industries— including the homes of those who love to D.I.Y. A torpedo level will help you ensure that your work is level, as the name suggests.
#5: Socket Set
A typical socket set can be found in any hardware/home improvement store, containing two ratcheting socket wrenches, a variety of sockets for both wrenches, and an assortment of extensions. These pieces (and the wrenches) come in different sizes to be able to fit almost every job imaginable. In addition to this basic set, you’ll need a set specifically for electrical projects, which include hex-socket-head bolts and hex drivers.
#6: Pliers
Again, as an electrical engineer, you won’t want to use traditional pliers— you’ll need the kind that have narrower tips that can more easily maneuver copper wires and other small things. Most electrical engineers acquire a set of pliers that can be used for a variety of purposes.
#7: Hand Saws
Electrical engineers work with things other than electricity, such as tubes and sheet material. You’ll need a strong, yet easily portable saw to be able to cut through these. Many electrical engineers use a jeweler’s saw because of its narrow blade and ability to cut a variety of shapes.
#8: Dispensing Equipment
Dispensing machines are used in a wide variety of industries, including the automotive, filtration, home appliances, lighting, pharmaceutical, solar, and telecommunications industries as examples. Dispensing technology from bdtronic can supply you with the machines and methods you need as an electrical engineer.
#9: Dies and Taps
Dies and taps are used to cut threads, with dies cutting threads into blank rods. Dies can also be used to repair damaged bolt threads, making these two tools extremely necessary for electrical engineers.
#10: Crimping Tools
Crimping tools, such as hand crimpers and hydraulic crimpers, are necessary to attach wires together or to attach wires to other connectors. Crimping tools vary in simplicity and function, like many other tools used by electrical engineers, so you’ll probably acquire a variety of different types of crimping tools.
#11: Battery Testers
Another type of tester that’s necessary for electrical engineers in a battery tester. Battery testers test the condition of a battery, as well as the overall voltage output and for the charge within the cell of a battery.
Electrical engineers use many of the same basic tools as other industries, as those you partake in home improvement, but they also require specialized versions of these basic tools, as well as more specialized equipment to be able to perform their jobs. To be able to perform your job effectively, make sure to invest in the best tools, materials, and equipment.
