Are High Voltage Insulated Tools Worth Buying Or Are Cheaper Insulated Or Uninsulated Tools Fine?
Are High Voltage Insulated Tools Worth Buying – For professional security technicians is it worth buying high voltage rated insulated tools or are low cost insulated tools just as good?
A: We’d recommend security techs always use tools with dielectric insulating covers and sheaths that expose the user to a minimum of metal that might potentially become a live conductor. Safety should always come first, even for low voltage techs. You never know what you might run into.
Just using insulated tools doesn’t eliminate risk entirely – only common sense and careful safety procedures can do that – but they can save you from your own mistakes – and mistakes will happen – they are inevitable.
When it comes to cost, if you’re dedicating your life to installing electronic security solutions and you think you might wind up on the hot side of 240V AC (after the proper training), then high quality insulated tools are likely a worthwhile investment. Whether that means 1000V or 1500V rated tools that depends on your qualifications and the work you will be undertaking.
If you’re a high voltage pro, then you’ll be looking for IEC 60900 standards testing and compliance. If you are working downstream of a transformer on SELV systems, or just putting in wireless alarm systems, the risks are reduced, but we’d still be going for the safest gear you can afford.
Does a young tech need thousands worth of high-end stuff, or can they use low cost insulated gear along with compact insulated shifter and various cutters, testers, hooks and probes for those times they decide there may be an issue with higher voltages? They can do either. You can always buy new tools as you grow in your profession.
We think lower end insulated tools with good designs can still be worthy, but they are unlikely to have been tested rigorously. The cheapest gear will not have been tested at all – let alone tested under water to 10,000V. It’s worth checking for compliance, especially if the price differential is not that large.
Quality tools with good warranties will last a lifetime, while cheap tools will rust or burr more rapidly. Quality tools hold their value, too, making them easier to sell. And they are worth passing down to young techs coming through. Just make sure your work vehicle is secure – nothing hurts more than losing good tools.
You can find some quality tools here or read more SEN news here.
“Are High Voltage Insulated Tools Worth Buying Or Are Cheaper Insulated Or Uninsulated Tools Fine?”
