Technology & Livelihood Education 7: Introduction to Electricity - Common Electrical Tools

Introduction to Electricity

  • Focus on common electrical tools used in practical arts.
  • Prepared by Mr. Jay Art. Taperla for Claret School of Quezon City.

Tools vs. Materials

  • Tools: Implements manipulated by hand to facilitate electrical works.
  • Materials: Objects used as parts or components in projects.

Common Electrical Materials

  • Conduit:

    • A tube used to protect and route electrical wiring in buildings.

  • Electrical Box:

    • Also known as junction boxes; encloses wire connections.

  • Wire:

    • Used to transport electricity for energy and information.

  • Switch:

    • Device used to open and close an electric circuit.

  • Circuit Breaker:

    • Protects electrical circuits from damage caused by overcurrent.

  • Convenient Outlet:

    • Serves as a convenient electric energy source for appliances.

Types of Electrical Tools

Hand Tools

  • Screwdrivers:

    • Used for driving or turning screws.

  • Hammers:

    • Used for driving and removing nails.

  • Wrenches:

    • Used for turning screws, nuts, and bolts with hexagonal heads.

  • Pliers:

    • Gripping, compressing, bending, twisting, extracting, and cutting various materials.
    • Long Nose Pliers:
    • Used for gripping small objects and working in awkward places.
    • Wire Stripper:
    • Hand-held device for stripping electrical insulation from wires.

Power Tools

  • Electric Drill:

    • Contains an electric motor driving a chuck to grip a drill bit.

  • Grinding Tool:

    • Can be bench-mounted or installed on a pedestal, used for grinding various materials.

Measuring Tools

  • Wire Gauge:

    • Determines size of wires/conductors.

  • Ammeter:

    • Measures electrical current intensity in a circuit.

  • Voltmeter:

    • Measures electrical pressure or voltage in a circuit.

  • Clamp Ammeter:

    • Also known as a tong-tester; measures current in a conductor by clamping.

  • Volt-Ohmmeter (VOM):

    • Multi-tester; measures voltage, resistance, and current, connected in parallel or series depending on measurement.

Maintaining Tools

  1. Find Proper Storage:

    • Ensure tools are stored properly to avoid damage.

  2. Clean Tools:

    • Regularly clean to maintain functionality.

  3. Inspect Tools:

    • Check for any wear or damage regularly.

  4. Monitor Environment:

    • Keep tools in a suitable environment to prevent deterioration.

  5. Practice Safety Precautions:

    • Always prioritize safety when handling tools, especially during operation.