A question we often hear is: Do I need to use insulated hand tools for electrical work? Insulated tools are highly recommended if you do any type of electrical work. Depending on the job, they might even be required. Remember that just because your screwdriver or pliers have plastic handles, it doesn't guarantee that they can and will save you from electric shock.
The NFPA 70E standard covers the topic of when insulated tools are required for electrical work. This international standard states that insulated tools should be used when working at or near voltages above 50V. This article describes the rules that dictate whether you need to use insulated tools on the job site. It also covers why you should use insulated hand tools, detailing how these differ from standard electric hand tools.
a different type of building
While common pliers and screwdrivers may have plastic or nylon handles, they don't protect users from touching high-voltage wires. That high voltage can travel down the steel core of the tool and jump quickly to the user through that thin plastic handle.
When you're dealing with high voltages, insulated tools provide true electrical isolation up to 1000V AC or 1500V DC. Common screwdrivers and pliers have plastic or nylon handles. These do not protect you from touching high voltage wires. What differentiates these tools from regular hand tools is that insulated tools provide true electrical isolation at the handle.
Editor's note: Check out our article on the difference between a master electrician and a journeyman
If you're only dealing with low voltage wiring, you probably don't need insulated hand tools. However, if you're a professional electrician, these tools should definitely be in your tool bag. Use them anytime the wires might get hot — even through no fault of your own.
Finally, be sure to read labels. Insulated electric hand tools will be clearly labeled to protect against specific voltage levels. Typically insulated hand tools have two layers of insulation and they must meet the industry standard ASTM F1505. These tools usually cost more, but are definitely worth protecting.
Do not use insulated tools on live circuits!
The insulation on these hand tools extends all the way to the back end of the handle to prevent you from accidentally being exposed to high voltages.
Note that we said "accidentally".
You should almost never work on live wires. Just because you have an insulated hand tool doesn't mean you can use it to pry high voltage bus bars. If you scratch the insulation on your tool, it no longer protects you as it should.
Insulated tools are just another layer of safety and protection. Think of them like seat belts, air bags or ABS systems in a car. Hopefully you never need them, but all three work together to keep you safe.
Always check the current flow before starting any electrical work. Before touching any potentially live wires, you need to verify that the circuit is closed.
Standards apply when you need to use insulated hand tools
NFPA 70E, referenced above, also provides information to help electricians and businesses comply with OSHA 1910 Subpart S (Occupational Safety and Health Standards – Electrical) and OSHA 1926 Subpart K (Construction – Electrical Safety and Health Code). It helps avoid electrical related accidents, liability and loss. It also provides information on safety-related best practices at work, as well as special equipment (PPE) and maintenance requirements.
In 2021, NFPA 70E made some amendments to Section 110. It incorporates general requirements for work programmes, practices and procedures related to electrical safety found in other clauses. 2021 sees expanded definitions and recommendations for arc-resistant equipment (Table 130.5(C)). It also adds information (Section 360) to address several electrical safety requirements when using high voltage capacitors. Finally, they updated some of the calculations used to set arc flash boundaries (see reference IEEE-1584-2018).
Using insulated hand tools does not prevent you from understanding these rules, standards and codes. As a professional, the more you know, the better you can avoid accidents on the job.
structural difference
We covered the insulated screwdriver above. For insulated hand tools such as pliers and knives, the insulation must begin at the handle. These tools have thick insulation to protect your hands from high voltage should you accidentally cut live wires. They also usually have a thicker barrier at the top of the handle. This prevents your hands from slipping or sliding over the insulation.
be safe. If you're not sure what your tool's rating is – check the label. Pliers, screwdrivers, and crimpers are all clearly labeled.
Insulated hand tools also typically use two layers of insulation and meet ASTM F1505.
While these products typically cost more, they provide much-needed protection. You cannot eliminate high-pressure events. Stay safe and use the protection provided by gloves, insulated hand tools, and other safety measures!