It’s not an easy job to work around electrical circuits as it always poses a high risk of injury that’s why it’s important to have in handy insulated tools to use in areas where there’s a risk of electrical contact. Insulated tools are ordinary hand tools that are covered with a non-conductive material. Insulated tools are each tested individually and receive certification from the manufacturer stating that they are acceptable to use under certain working conditions. The highest voltage that insulated tools can withstand is 1000 volts AC and 1500 volts DC. Insulated tools that have a 1000 volts rating are marked with a double triangle. Every insulated tool is tested at 10,000 volts to receive a 1, 000 volt rating.
Insulated tools are designed to reduce the chance of injury if the tool should make contact with an energized source. Plastic dipped or slip on plastic handles are not insulated. These features are simply designed for comfort.
Insulated tools need to be in compliance with one or more of the following standards: The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and The Deutsches Institute for Normung (DIN – German Standard). These electrical commissions do not actually perform the test for compliance on the tools; they simply establish the performance requirements for the insulation. The ones who are in charge of testing are the tools manufacturers.
How to Use and Care for your Insulated Tools
Always keeping tools clean, dry and free of surface contaminants, which can compromise their insulating properties is one of the proper steps to caring for your insulated tools. Always inspect insulation before each use frequently. Do watch out for any wear or cracking of the insulation. If the dielectric insulation has been breached by cutting, wear, or a burn, the tool should be taken out of service to ensure safety.
And if you doubt the integrity of the insulation, throw the tool away or have it re – tested. The Association of German Electro Technicians (VDE) is an independent agency that tests a sample of each tool to guarantee compliance. Following the manufacturer’s temperature recommendations for use is also a good idea to keep in mind. You can also, for safe use, have a qualified person inspect and re-certify tools annually and use other personal protective equipment as necessary.
Aside from insulated tools, there are also available insulated tool kits that can be purchased to protect users from electric shock. What does a basic insulated tool kit contain? It contains insulated tools such as insulated pliers, insulated screw drivers, insulated nut runners, insulated cable cutters and insulated wire strippers.
Review of Insulated Tools
Wiha Insulated Torx Screwdriver Set – 6 pcs.
The sheathed-blade style Wiha Insulated torx screwdriver set helps protect you when working near exposed, energized conductors or circuit parts. Insulated is molded directly to the high-alloy CVM steel blade and is designed for applications up to 1000V AC or 1500V DC.
Hex Wrench T Handle – Insulated 11-Piece
This 6” insulated hex wrench “t” handle set is made of impact-resistant and flame retardant insulating material. The two color insulation makes it easier for inspection and overall safety.
People are injured or killed every year by electricity and one of those reasons is because of a faulty appliance tool so it’s important to use the proper tools otherwise known as insulated tools.
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