RONIE, DAN CEDRICK R.

BSIE-3202 

House tools used in Electrical servicing

1. Phillips Screwdrivers - Electricians keep screwdrivers with them at all times, for
removing and installing cover plates, outlets, switches, and many other devices. It's best to
have a few different lengths of Phillips screwdrivers, as well as #1, #2, and #3 tip sizes.

2. Tongue-and-Groove Pliers - Tongue-and-groove pliers are known by many names,

including channel-lock, groove joint, tongue-and-groove, and straight-jaw pliers. This tool
is most often used for plumbing work, but a pair of tongue-and-groove pliers also has many
uses for electrical projects. It will see frequent use for removing knockouts from metal
electrical boxes, tightening cable clamps, and adjusting expansion-type ceiling fan boxes.
3. Wire Strippers - Another essential electrical specialty tool for homeowners is a good
pair of wire strippers. Wire strippers are used to cut and strip insulation from electrical
wires. A wire stripper tool has a row of gauged holes for stripping wires of different sizes,
and it usually includes cutting jaws for trimming the wire ends. Some types are
combination tools that can also be used to crimp wires and to strip the vinyl jacket off NM
cable.

4. Fish tape - This is a tool used when making wiring improvements, such as adding or
extending circuits. Casual DIYers who are simply making electrical repairs or replacements
rarely need a fish tape, but it is a good tool for more advanced DIYers to own.
5. Electrical tape - Electrical tape (or insulating tape) is a type of pressure-sensitive tape
used to insulate electrical wires and other materials that conduct electricity.  It can be
made of many plastics, but vinyl is most popular, as it stretches well and gives an
effective and long-lasting insulation.

6. A voltmeter is used to read voltage levels and verify that circuits are “live” or off. Unlike a
circuit tester, this tool gives you reading on how much voltage is being carried. More
sophisticated forms of the tool are known as multimeters, and they can not only read
voltage levels but also amperage, resistance, and DC voltage and amperage. They do,
however, require practice to learn how to use them properly.
 Splices and Joints

1. Western Union Splice joint for wire - This is the most common type of wire splice. It's a
straight splice between two small solid conductors. You'll need to remove above 5 inches
of wire cover on each wire. Cross the exposed wires, first wrapping one side around the
other six times, then repeating the process with the other wire. Cut off any excess with a
wire cutter, then solder and cover with electrical tape.

2. Rat tail joint for wire - A rat tail splice, sometimes also called a pigtail, is another method
of joining two conductors. It's more suitable for circuits where there's no physical tension.
You'll need to strip the insulation from two ends of the two wires and then twist them
together. They can then be soldered and covered with tape.

3. Fixture Splice for wire - A fixture splice can connect wires of differing sizes. It begins in
a similar way to the rat tail joint. However, rather than the two wires being twisted
together, the smaller wire, called the fixture wire, is wrapped around the bigger wire,
called the branch wire. Once the full extent of the fixture wire is wrapped, the top of the
branch wire should be bent over the top to hold it in place. Then, the joint should be
soldered and taped up.

4. Y-Splice joint for wire - A Y splice joint, also known as a tap splice, connects a
conductor to a running wire. You'll need to remove about 1.5 inches of insulation from
the running wire. Take the connecting wire and tie it in a knot onto the running wire to
create a knotted tap splice. If you don't knot and just twist, this is a regular tap splice.
Wrap the connecting wire around the running wire six more times. Again, cut off excess,
solder and tape the splice.
5. Underwriter's Knot - A Underwriter's Knot, also known as Pretzel Knot, is used in
making drop cord, tie an underwriter knot at the top so the weight is supported not by the
copper conductors where they are connected to the terminals, but by the knot.

6. Britannia Splice - A Britannia Splice, also known as a cable spice, is not easy or
neither difficult in doing. This splice is applied on both inside and outside of the building
to big solid wire where twisting is difficult but there is an equipment to lessen the
difficulty on doing this kind of splice.

7. Knotted tap - Joint all the splices discussed up to this point are known as butted splices.
Each was made by joining the free ends of the conductors together. Sometimes, however,
 it is necessary to join a branch conductor to a continuous wire called the main wire. Such
a junction is called a tap joint.
8. Western Union Short-tie Splice - The Western Union Splice is made by twisting two
ends of a wire together counterclockwise 3/4 of a turn each, finger tight. Then, using
needle-nose pliers, the ends are twisted at least five more turns, tightly. The cut off ends
are pushed close to the center wire.

9. Wrapped tap or Tee joint - This is used on large solid conductors where it is difficult to
wrap the heavy tap wire around the main wire. Extension Cord An extension cord is a
span of flexible electrical power cable with a plug on one end and multiple sockets on the
other end.

10. Aerial Tap - This is used as a temporary tap usually done in constructions sites. The easy
twist will facilitate tap wire movement.

Safety tips working with Electricity.

1. Avoid water at all times when working with electricity. Never touch or try repairing any
electrical equipment or circuits with wet hands. It increases the conductivity of the electric
current.

2. Never use equipment with frayed cords, damaged insulation or broken plugs.

3. If you are working on any receptacle at your home then always turn off the mains. It is also a
good idea to put up a sign on the service panel so that nobody turns the main switch ON by
accident.

4. Always use insulated tools while working.

5. Electrical hazards include exposed energized parts and unguarded electrical equipment which
may become energized unexpectedly. Such equipment always carries warning signs like “Shock
Risk”. Always be observant of such signs and follow the safety rules established by the electrical
code followed by the country you’re in.

6. Always use appropriate insulated rubber gloves and goggles while working on any branch
circuit or any other electrical circuit.

7. Never try repairing energized equipment. Always check that it is de-energized first by using a
tester. When an electric tester touches a live or hot wire, the bulb inside the tester lights up
showing that an electrical current is flowing through the respective wire. Check all the wires, the
outer metallic covering of the service panel and any other hanging wires with an electrical tester
before proceeding with your work.
8. Never use an aluminum or steel ladder if you are working on any receptacle at height in your
home. An electrical surge will ground you and the whole electric current will pass through your
body. Use a bamboo, wooden or a fiberglass ladder instead.

9. Know the wire code of your country.

10. Always check all your GFCI’s once a month. A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is a
RCD (Residual Current Device). They have become very common in modern homes, especially
damp areas like the bathroom and kitchen, as they help avoid electrical shock hazards. It is
designed to disconnect quickly enough to avoid any injury caused by over current or short circuit
faults.