10 Basic Tools in the Electrical Field and Their Uses

Kathmandu : Continuing the 'Urja Gyan' column every Friday, Urja Khabar this week, too, tries to inform about different tools that are being used in the electrical field. Last week, we tried to provide information on hydrogen cars and their pros and cons.

In the electrical field, different tools and equipment are needed for the proper installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems. Here's a description of some commonly used tools in the electrical sector:

Wire Pulling Tool: This is the tool mainly used for pulling bare conductors (like ACSR) easily. The tool is attached to the poles using a sling, and the conductor is gripped by means of a tong. When the handle is turned, the steel wire is pulled towards the pole.

Crimping Tool: This tool is used to properly crimp cable connectors, ensuring that the wires don't become loose or detached. There are two types: manual and hydraulic. The manual tool requires a firm hand to squeeze the connector onto the wire, while the hydraulic version uses minimal force and is more efficient for larger connectors.

11 kV Operating Rod: The operating rod is an elongated, extendable rod used to operate switches or fuses from a safe distance. It allows technicians to connect or disconnect high-voltage equipment without direct contact.

Drilling Machine: Drilling machines are used for making holes in materials such as wood, metal, and concrete. Various drill bits are used depending on the material being drilled.

Angle Grinder: It is a power tool used for cutting, polishing, or grinding of materials such as wood, metal, stone, or brick. Various discs are made for different jobs, while the RPM of the tool generally reaches 11,000.

Wire Stripper: A wire stripper is a tool used to strip the insulation from wires without actually damaging the wire. It makes the job so much easier compared to using a knife or blade.

Wire Cutter: Wire cutters are used for cutting electrical cables, thus very helpful in installations or repairs where the wire needs to be trimmed.

Bolt Cutter: This is very helpful in cutting ACAR conductors or any other hard steel wires. It will enable one to cut through hard metal wires easily and quickly.

Infrared Gun: The infrared gun is a device used in detecting changes in temperature for conductors or joints without contact. It helps in finding overheating connections that may cause faults or fire hazards.

Line Tester: A line tester is a device used to check the electrical circuits to see whether there is a voltage flow or not. It is very helpful in locating faults such as short circuits, breaks, or other faults in electrical lines.

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. A battery is used in a power plant for which of the following reasons?

(a) Electricity supply during failure
(b) Excitation of generator
(c) Operation of relay in the panel board
(d) To play news on the radio

Answer: (c) To operate the relay in the panel board

What is the safe procedure for an electrical fire?

(a) Using dirty water
(b) Using fire extinguishing equipment
(c) Turning off the main switch
(d) Using dry sand

Answer: (b) Using fire extinguishing equipment

What is the first aid treatment for a person who has received an electric shock?

(a) Giving artificial respiration
(b) Giving water
(c) Applying bandages
(d) Smearing with cloth

Answer: (a) Artificial respiration

The wiring used in cold and damp areas is

(a) Clit
(b) Veton
(c) PVC
(d) Casing and capping Answer: (c) PVC
Among the conductors, more current is carried by the
(a) Aluminium
(b) GI
(c) Copper
(d) Stainless Steel

Answer: (c) Copper

Which one of the following is the unit of candela?

(a) Speed
(b) Impulse
(c) Force
(d) Luminous Intensity

Answer: (d) Luminous Intensity

Which one of the following is not the source of renewable energy?

(a) Propane
(b) Geothermal
(c) Wind
(d) Solar

Answer: (a) Propane