Before you do any electrical repair work, make sure that:
- You have the necessary knowledge and skills.
- The power is turned off.
- You are nowhere where conductors or terminals are live or could become live.
- Make sure that the power is switched off before you start.
- Ensure that you do not work in any enclosure where conductors or terminals are live or could become live.
- Ensure that if you install, extend or alter cables, you do not connect your work to the electricity supply yourself. The finished job must be checked and tested by a licensed electrical inspector. If it complies with safety requirements, the inspector will connect it, test it, and issue you with a Certificate of Compliance.
- Never do any work on a switchboard apart from replacing fuse wire or fuse cartridges.
Before beginning electrical work gather a basic set of tools designed for wiring. If you try to strip wires using a knife instead of a stripper, you probably will nick the copper and weaken the wire. Twisting wires together using a pair of household slip-joint pliers is difficult, and the loose connection might come apart. Lineman's pliers help you join wires to make professional-quality connections easily. Electrical work is safe if you always follow the most important safety measure: Shut off power and test to make sure power is off before you start the project.
Designed to satisfy electrical maintenance tool requirements, this set has both the standard hand tools and special tools needed to accomplish a wide variety of electrical maintenance and installation. Start with 1/4" and 3/8" drive sockets and accessories:
- Insulated and non-insulated pliers and screwdrivers
- Electrician's holesaw set and a 10-pack of assorted recip blades
- Comprehensive assortment of electrical strippers / crimpers / cutters
- Drywall, hacksaw, and toolbox saws