While there is some crossover between different professions, every trade has a list of essential tools needed to do jobs. That applies to electricians, just like it applies to carpenters and plumbers.

Exactly what is required may vary based on the preferences of the individual. One electrician may rely on a specific tool while another may not. However, certain core tools are a necessity to do the job safely and efficiently. What tools do electricians use the most when they work on your home or business?

• Pliers – Electricians need a quality pair of pliers with comfortable grips. They should open and close easily and smoothly. A professional should own a set of different sizes to ensure that they can accommodate different jobs.

Along with traditional pliers, electricians should also own needle-nose, tongue and groove, and side-cutting pliers.

• Screwdrivers and Nut Drivers – Every electrician should at least have a flathead and Philips head screwdriver on hand. These are needed to remove or install switches, outlets, and cover plates. Some models are manufactured for electrical work, while others are for general use.
• Circuit Finders – Electrical work can present challenges, like figuring out which outlet is connected to which directory. Circuit finders make it possible to trace a circuit and find the answer quickly and safely.
• Wire Strippers – Wire strippers remove insulation from electrical wires. Electricians need their tool to contain a variety of holes designed for different wire sizes. These should also have a comfortable grip for ease of use. Some even include cutting teeth to trim wire ends with the same tool.
• Voltage Testers – Electricity can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know which wires are live and which are not. A voltage tester makes it possible to see if any voltage is in a wire or device. These are a must-have item for electricians.

Non-contact voltage testers are preferred because they can be used without handling the outlet or wire.

• Multimeters – Analog and digital multimeters are available. This tool is used to measure several electrical properties that include resistance, current, voltage, and DC current. Older models can get the job done, but newer multimeters include helpful extras like thermal imaging and Bluetooth connectivity.
• Tape Measures – Tape measures may be basic, but they are something every electrician should own. It’s necessary to plan projects and estimate material needs. Different styles are available, including bulkier, heavy-duty tape measures, and those designed with a compact shape.
• Fish Tape – Fish tape lets electricians route wiring through walls and more. It consists of a slim band of spring steel and can be guided through confined spaces. It retracts into a reel, making it easier to store and carry when not in use.
• Hammers – Hammers are another basic item that is a necessity for electricians and anyone else doing construction work. A claw hammer can add or remove nails and wooden boards.
• Levels – A level will tell you if a structure is plumb before continuing or finishing a job. An uneven surface can cause serious problems later. In other situations, it could be an aesthetic issue. Either way, a professional should always make sure their work is level before they finish or move on.
• Torches – An electrician needs to be able to see what they are doing, even if they are working in a basement, attic, or confined space. A bright torch is needed and should always be accessible, even when working on a job during daylight hours.

This list includes essential items, however additional tools may be needed. Talk to an electrician or check out our other articles to learn more.

A desire to save money and the environment have encouraged many Australians to take a closer look at their household energy consumption.

Today’s living spaces require far more power than they did in the past. Our lives are made easier by electric devices and appliances. They may not seem to consume much power individually, but it starts to add up. Computers, mobile phones, tablets, and modern appliances with smart features all need an energy source. So how much power is needed to run an average home in Australia?

What Determines Energy Consumption?

No two households are the same. Several factors will determine your average consumption. The first being how many people live in the structure. More people will consume more energy.

Other factors that apply include the type of housing you live in, what appliances require electricity, and your general lifestyle.

Average Household Energy Use

We will base our average on a single-family house with four occupants, including two adults and two children. All appliances will be electrical in this scenario. The household includes hot water, a heating and cooling system, electric cooking, swimming pool, two plasma TVs, three computers, a dishwasher, and a clothes dryer.

Based on this information, the annual power cost will come to an average of $3,289.64, which is 15,014.8 kWh. That is an average of 41 kWh used daily, which costs approximately $9.01. This is based on quantities provided by the Victorian government.

How does that break down on an item by item basis? Heating and cooling come in with the highest consumption, taking up 38% of the total energy used. Water heating is second highest at 25%, followed by non-refrigerator appliances at 16%. Lighting uses about 7%, and cooking consumes 4%.

How Can I Lower My Household Energy Usage?

About 80% of the world has access to electricity at home. Australia has the third-highest average consumption rate, right after Canada and the United States. Many people search for ways to lower their consumption and cut down on the cost of electricity. There are several things you can do now to start saving.

• Use a Programmable Thermostat – This device allows you to choose a temperature that will automatically change during certain times of the day. It can turn down the temperature at night or when you’re not home.
• Add Insulation to Your Home – Insulation helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures while reducing the workload for your heating and cooling system.
• Lower Hot Water Temperature – Lower hot water temperatures require less energy. Even a small change can make a difference.
• Check and Update Appliances – Make sure all appliances are running properly and update any old devices. Newer models are usually made with energy-efficient features.
• Wash Clothes in Cold Water – Washing clothes in cold water makes it easier for your water heater to keep up while using less electricity.
• Add a Renewable Energy Source – Adding a renewable energy source like solar power can reduce your reliance on the grid.

Perform an energy audit on your home to find more ways to save on your monthly power bills.

If you bought light bulbs in the last several years, then you have probably come across LEDs. Light emitting diodes (LED) were invented in 1962. They were very expensive to buy at the time, which made them impractical for everyday use in homes. Research and development over the following decades drove the price down to what it is today, making LEDs a viable choice for residential use.

Many communities have created initiatives to encourage people to switch to LEDs. What is it about this relatively new light source that makes it so appealing?

• LED Lights Are Highly Efficient

LED light bulbs are 90% more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. This is a big benefit for people who want to save money, save the environment, or do both at the same time. Higher efficiency means a lower monthly utility bill. It also consumes less energy, which is ideal for conservation purposes.

• LED Lights Last Longer

The average LED light bulb has a much longer life span than its incandescent counterparts. In fact, some models can last 41.6 times longer for a total of 50,000 hours of use. They cost more than incandescent lights, but the extended lifespan more than makes up for it.

It’s also a good thing for environmentalists. It means fewer bulbs are needed to light homes in an average year. Fewer bulbs used translates to less household waste dumped in landfills.

• LED Light Bulbs Are Durable

Durability is important when using lights. Incandescent bulbs must be handled with care. The exterior is fragile and can break if they are dropped, fall, or are accidentally struck.

LEDs are not indestructible, but they tend to be more durable. They are resistant to most jarring or bumping. There is no filament, which is a common weak point in incandescent lighting.

• LED Light Bulbs Are Safer

Safety is a top priority for most consumers. LEDs are safer overall. They do not generate as much heat as incandescent bulbs. This eliminates the danger of burning if someone’s skin touches the bulb or surrounding light fixture. No heat also helps maintain a comfortable temperature in your home during the warmer months.

LEDs do not contain mercury like compact fluorescent (CFL) lights do. Elevated blood mercury levels can cause long-term health effects. A CFL bulb is safe, as long as it doesn’t break. If it breaks, that’s when exposure is a concern. LEDs pose no mercury risk.

• LED Bulbs Can Handle Switching

Cycling power can shorten the life of some types of light bulbs. For example, CFL bulbs are often marketed as providing up to 10,000 hours of use. However, if the bulb is switched on and off frequently, it may only provide around 3,000 hours of use.

LED lights are not affected by switching. The bulb will not lose hours if it is installed in a fixture that is turned on and off throughout the day.

LEDs offer significant financial and environmental benefits. They are easy to find, more affordable than they once were, and can help keep your home safe, comfortable, and well­ lit.

Electronics are a common find in modern households across Australia. And where there are electronics, there are circuit breakers. These devices are automatic switches that protect circuits from short circuiting or overloading. They interrupt the flow of electricity when a fault is detected. They are also far more convenient than fuses because you don’t have to replace them when they are triggered. Instead, you can reset them by hand.

Every adult in your household should know how to handle a tripped circuit breaker before it happens.

Have a Battery-Operated Light Source

Have a battery-operated light source on hand so you can safely move through your home and find the tripped breaker. This is especially important should a breaker trip at night.

An emergency torch should be available in case of unexpected incidents. Store it in a designated place, so it’s easy to find. Matches or candles can also work, but a torch is preferable and will provide better lighting without the fire hazard.

Locate the Tripped Breaker

Circuit breakers are housed in the main service box. This typically made of grey metal and mounted on a wall, usually installed in a utility space like a garage, laundry room, or basement.

Once you find the main service box, open it and look for a breaker whose switch lever is not in the “on” position. This may be obvious because it will likely be the only breaker whose switch is pointing in a different direction from the rest. Some circuit breakers have a red indicator, so you know it is tripped.

Turn off all electronic devices and appliances powered by the circuit. While this isn’t a requirement, it is highly recommended for safety reasons.

Reset and Test the Circuit

Once all devices are turned off, reset the circuit. This is done by switching it to the “on” position. Some models may require you to switch all the way to the “off” position before moving to “on.” You may feel some resistance then hear a click as you switch the circuit. Power will be restored at this point.

You need to know why the circuit breaker tripped to ensure that there isn’t a safety issue. To do this, begin turning on lights and appliances powered by the circuit. If it trips again, then a device may be faulty, or you may need to call an electrician.

Common Causes of a Tripped Circuit Breaker

• Short Circuit – A short circuit happens when two or more wires that are not supposed to contact each other end up touching. This allows high current to flow through. This can generate significant heat energy and is a severe hazard.
• Ground Fault – A ground fault is a type of short circuit that occurs when an active wire touches a conductive surface that touches the ground. These are very dangerous, especially in areas with moisture like bathrooms and kitchens.
• Overloaded Circuit – Overloaded circuits are a common cause of breaker tripping. This happens when too many devices are pulling energy at the same time. The circuit breaker heats up and trips.

If you notice a problem with your circuit breakers, make sure you diagnose the issue or hire an electrician to do it for you. These can be very serious concerns that can lead to high-risk situations if they are not dealt with quickly.