Wiring your home can be a lot of work. You’ll need to know what kind of wiring you’re dealing with, how many circuits you want, and the location for each outlet. There are plenty of tools to help make this process easier for you! Here is a list (in no particular order) of some essential items that will make wiring your home much less stressful:
Circuit Tester
A circuit tester is a device that will let you know if there’s electricity in the outlet. You can also use it to see which outlets are on the same breaker, so you’ll know what circuits are sharing power. In addition to helping you determine which outlets are on the same circuit, this tool can also help when wiring an older home. Older homes may have knob and tube wiring (wires in walls that span from one outlet to another) or old fuse boxes with fuses instead of breakers.
Wire Stripper
A wire stripper is a tool that will allow you to remove the insulation from electrical wires. This is important to make proper connections between the wires and the outlet, switch, or light fixture. There are a few types of wire strippers on the market, but most have adjustable blades that can be moved to different widths. This tool will also cut through the insulation on electrical wire, but it won’t damage or nick the metal of your wires underneath.
Patch Leads
Patch leads are a type of wire used for connecting devices together. They’re typically only necessary when wiring in new outlets or switches, but they can be helpful if you need to add a button-down line. In these cases, it’s best to use patch leads instead of running another set of wires from one point to another. They are also helpful when temporarily connecting two devices. For example, if you’re testing a new light fixture, and it’s not working, using a patch lead can help you troubleshoot the problem.
Wire Cutter
A wire cutter is a tool that will allow you to cut wires to the desired length. It’s important to use a wire cutter instead of scissors, as it will provide a clean and even cut every time. This is especially critical when working with electrical wiring, as you’ll want to make sure the ends of your wires are flush and not frayed. Wire cutters can also strip the insulation off of wires, as mentioned above.
Voltage Tester
A voltage tester is a tool that will help you determine if a wire is live or not. This is a necessary safety precaution to help prevent accidental shocks. Most voltage testers have two probes that you can touch to the wires to test them. Some testers on the market will allow you to test outlets, switches, and light fixtures.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the essential tools you’ll need when wiring your home. Make sure to do your research and understand how each tool works before starting your project! Having the right tools will make the process much easier – and safer – for you.