This site is dedicated to the sharing of electrical knowledge.
A place for electrical professionals – including electricians, electrical engineers, electronics engineers and control engineers – to help each other out.
Electrical Knowledge’s purpose is to collect, warehouse and makes freely available information sought by electrical professionals.
We cover a range of electrical theory and concepts including:
- Basic Electrical Engineering
- Electrical Safety
- Electrical Tools (including multimeters, wire strippers, insulation resistance testers, electrical circuit tracers, and tone generator and probe kits)
- Electrical Wiring
- Fundamentals of Electrical Circuits
- Electrical Symbols & Terminology (such as multimeter symbols)
- Electrical Components and Equipment (including junction boxes and feeder pillars)
- Electrical Formulas & Theory
- Power Electronics
We’d love to hear from you – no question is too basic. Please contact us if you would like to contribute or request a specific topic.
Transformer Sizing Calculator (3 phase, kVA & Windings Calculations)
Transformer Calculation Formulas This free online transformer calculator allows you to calculate the full load current in the primary and secondary transformer windings. The inputs are the transformer kVA (power),…
What is a Feeder Pillar (Power Box)?
A feeder pillar (also known as a power box, distribution pillar, or feeder pillar box) is a cabinet used to house electrical equipment. Feeder pillars act as a central circuit…
How To Use And Read A Multimeter (Ohms, Voltage, Current)
What is a Multimeter? A multimeter, also known as a multitester or VOM (Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter), is an electronic measuring instrument used to measure various electrical parameters. Multitesters are a standard diagnostic…
What is a Junction Box (Electrical Box)?
A junction box – also known as an ‘electrical box’, ‘jbox’, ‘or ‘terminal box’ – is a protective box where wires are interconnected. Junction boxes are often built into the…
Best Tools For Electricians: Top 10 of 2020
Today I’m going to show you the best tools used by electricians around the world. These tools are a must-have for electricians who don’t want to waste their time and…
Craftsman vs Kobalt Tool Chest: In-Depth 2020 Review
A mechanic’s tool chest costs a lot of money, so it’s essential to ensure you’re buying something that will last. Craftsman and Kobalt both offer excellent toolsets that are well-reviewed…
Craftsman 3482141 Multimeter Review
The Craftsman 3482141 Multimeter is a staple tool for the professional electrician. Anyone who has used this device before knows exactly what I’m talking about. Its lightweight size, diode testing,…
Fluke 15b+ Digital Multimeter Review
When taking readings with a multimeter, you’ll want your results to be as accurate as can be, and that’s only possible with a quality product. To make it easier for…
Fluke 325 True RMS Clamp Meter Review
Plant maintenance engineers and electricians swear by the Fluke 325 for general and daily use. Since its AC and DC currents measure up to 400A, its testing quality is better…
Fluke 289 True RMS Multimeter Review
The difference between a good multimeter and a bad one is like night and day. Top-quality multimeters will instantly provide you with accurate readings, with a slick user interface that…
Fluke 323 True RMS Clamp Meter Review
The Fluke 323 is one of the best troubleshooting tools for professional and residential electricians. This meter features additional benefits such as the DC current range, contact temperature, and frequency….
Best USB Wall Outlet: Top 5 of 2020
USB wall outlets can make charging your phone and other electronic devices a heck of a lot easier. Gone are the days where you’re searching around the house for your…
Best Surge Protector For Refrigerator: Top 5 of 2020
Getting the right surge protector is crucial to protecting your refrigerator. There’s no point dropping over $2000 on a fridge just to have it break after your first power surge….
Best Outdoor Light Timer Switch: Top 5 of 2020
Controlling your outdoor lighting manually is a pain in the butt. Given how cheap you can get an outdoor light switch timer, this is not a great use of your…
Best Electricians Knife: Top 5 of 2020
Whether you’re a professional electrician or just love DIY electrical work, a good electrician’s knife is an absolute gamer-charger. The reinforced stainless steel easily strips away wire, it has a…
Best Electrician Books for Beginners: Top 7 of 2020
A good electrician’s book can easily be the difference between passing or failing an exam. Look for a book that has NEC tables, detailed information on wiring, and a reference…
Best Dual Fuel Generator: Top 7 of 2020
Dual fuel generators thrive during emergencies (i.e. shortage of gas, increased gas prices, etc). In fact, it allows you to use both propane and gasoline to continue giving you the…
Best Surge Protector for Washing Machine: Top 5 of 2020
Surge protectors are important to protect your washing machine from power surges and other overcurrent events. A good surge protector for a washing machine will provide over 800 joules of…
Best Light Switch Timer: Top 5 of 2020
Having a light timer is an easy way to save hundreds of dollars on your energy bill. The best light switch timers include a programmable ON/OFF system, have manual and…
Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter Review
The Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter (also known as the 87-V or 87-5) is the optimal tool for general electrician work. It’s designed to withstand 8,000 volts spike caused by faults…
Fluke 17B+ Digital Multimeter Review
An electrician’s job requires that you have an accurate, rugged, and reliable multimeter. That’s where the Fluke 17B+ steps in. This device has the common basic electrical measurements such as…
Fluke 1587 FC Insulation Tester Multimeter Review
The Fluke 1587 Insulation Multimeter is an electrician’s best friend. With the help of the Fluke 1587 and the Fluke Connect, electricians can identify and fix their common problems wirelessly….
Fluke 1507 Insulation Resistance Tester Review
The Fluke 1507 is one of those resistance testers that are designed for all skill levels. It’s multiple testing ranges makes it the recommended tool for many commissioning, preventative, and…
Best Coaxial Cable For Internet & HDTV: Top 7 of 2020
Messing around with faulty hardware is a HUGE headache. Yes a high-quality coaxial cable will be slightly more pricey – but what about all that money you saved on panadol?…
Best Whole House Surge Protector: Top 7 of 2020
A good whole house surge protector will automatically reduce the damage of an electrical surge. An easy to install system, a high surge capacity, and multiple modes of protection. These…
Best Step Drill Bit: Top 6 Unibits of 2020
It doesn’t matter if you’re drilling wood, concrete, or plastic walls, working with a poorly designed drill bit is a little slice of hell. The best step drill bits can…
Best Soldering Iron For Electronics: Top 7 of 2020
Trying to solder electronics with poor temperature control is a special kind of torture. The best soldering irons have excellent temperature stability, an ergonomic heat-resistant grip, a wide temperature operating…
Best GFCI Outlet: Top 5 of 2020 (Outdoor & Indoor)
A good GFCI Outlet will help keep your home and outdoor area safe from any electrical nasties. No one has loved you quite like your refrigerator has. If there’s one…
Best Cheap Oscilloscope: Top 5 of 2020
Tired of wasting money on oscilloscopes that take up space and collect dust in your room? Fortunately, we have the solution for that. There are many high-quality cheap oscilloscopes on…
Best Wedding Ring for Electricians: Top 5 of 2020 (Non-Conductive)
Working as an electrician can be hard on your hands, but it shouldn’t be hard on your heart. Finding that special person that puts an extra spark in your life…
Best Label Maker for Electricians: Top 6 of 2020
A good label maker can save you a lot of time when keeping track of bundles of wires and other small objects you’re working with. The best label makers print…
Best Diagonal Cutters: Top 8 of 2020
A good pair of diagonal cutters (also known as wire cutters) can slice through nails, screws and piano wire like soft butter. On the other hand, a poor-quality set of…
Best Multimeter Test Leads: Top 8 of 2020
There’s no point spending a bunch of money on a good multimeter and then connecting it to a dodgy set of test leads. Poorly-made multimeter test leads can be anything…
Best Insulation Resistance Tester (Megohmmeter): Top 8 of 2020
An insulation resistance tester (also known as a Megohmmeter or “megger”) is a type of ohmmeter used to evaluate the electrical resistance of insulators. Faulty insulation is extremely hazardous to…
Best Cordless Drill for Electricians: Top 6 of 2020
Your typical power drill works fine when working with softer surfaces like wood – but if you’re an electrician working with concrete or other hard materials, then you’re going to…
Best Electricians Tool Box: Top 10 of 2020
Tools can be a huge investment, and you’ll want to take every measure to ensure that they remain safe and undamaged. It’s crucial that you have a safe and convenient…
Best Tape Measure for Electricians: Top 8 of 2020
We’ve all had to work with a bad tape measure before: a weak blade full of dirt, a tang that couldn’t hook onto a magnet, and a pull length that…
Best Face Shield: The Top 8 Picks of 2020
If you’re doing a hazardous job, then you’ll want to make sure your face is well-protected. A face shield is the best way to get full-face protection without sacrificing visibility….
Best Work Pants for Electricians: Top 9 Picks of 2020
What’s worse than a long day of work out in the sun? The same day of work in a set of sweaty, uncomfortable pants. No thanks. A good set of…
Best Clamp Meter: Our Top 10 Picks of 2020
A clamp meter is a versatile tool that combines a basic digital multimeter with a current sensor. A good clamp meter will give you accurate voltage and current measurements, can…
Safety Glasses: Types, Regulations & Accessories
What are Safety Glasses? Safety glasses are a ruggedized set of glasses that protect your eyes against flying debris or other contaminants (such as chemicals). Safety glasses typically use a…
Types of Screwdrivers: The Complete Guide
What is a Screwdriver A screwdriver is a tool that allows you to amplify the turning motion of your hands. Its main function is to make the process of removing…
What is a Feeder Pillar (Power Box)?
A feeder pillar (also known as a power box, distribution pillar, or feeder pillar box) is a cabinet used to house electrical equipment. Feeder pillars act as a central circuit…
Best Lineman Boots: Our Top 11 Picks of 2020
As a Lineman, you’ll need a solid pair of work boots that can survive a rough week on the job. There are thousands of lineman boots on the market, so…
Best Gloves for Electrical Work: Top 10 of 2020
If you want to keep your hands comfortable while you work, you’re going to need a quality set of electrical gloves. The best electrical gloves will be comfortable, lightweight, and…
Best Tone Generator And Probe Kit: Top 7 of 2020 Reviewed
A good tone generator and probe kit makes it simple to trace wires and identify unlabelled cables. The best tone generators produce a clear, audible tone over a long distance…
Best Electrical Circuit Tracer: Top 11 of 2020 Reviewed
Finding cables, wires and breakers can sometimes feel like a long (and frustrating) game of hide and seek. It is frequently done by trial and error, which is extremely time…
Best Electricians Tool Backpack: Our Top 10 Picks of 2020
When you’re carrying a lot of heavy tools, having a good backpack can make work a lot easier. The best electricians backpack should be comfortable, have lots of pockets and…
What is Fish Tape?
Fish tape (also known as electrical fish tape, draw wire, draw tape, or pull tape) is an electricians tool used to pull wire through walls or electrical conduit. Fish tape…
Best Electrical Fish Tape (Top 6 of 2020 Reviewed)
The best fish tape should be strong, easy to slide in and out, easy to carry, and have an impact resistant case. These are the main criteria we looked at…
How Does a Non Contact Voltage Tester Work?
Non-contact voltage testers (also known as voltage tester pens, test pens, or voltage sensors) are the safest way of ensuring that electrical conductors do not have AC voltage present without…
Best Non Contact Voltage Tester: Top 7 Voltage Pens of 2020
Using a bad voltage tester is an excellent way to get an electric shock (read: not a good idea). A good non contact voltage tester (ncvt) will not only save…
How To Strip Electrical Wire (With & Without Tools)
While doing any kind of DIY electrical work, you’ll frequently find that you need to strip the insulation off of the wire you’re working with. Clean and accurate wire stripping…
What is a Lineman (And How Much Do They Make)?
A lineman (also known as a lineworker) is a person who installs and repairs cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. This may include installation and maintenance…
How To Use And Read A Multimeter (Ohms, Voltage, Current)
What is a Multimeter? A multimeter, also known as a multitester or VOM (Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter), is an electronic measuring instrument used to measure various electrical parameters. Multitesters are a standard diagnostic…
Best Electrician Safety Glasses: Top 7 Picks of 2020
Picking the right set of safety glasses is crucial for proper eye protection. The vast majority of work accidents can be prevented through the proper use of protective equipment, and…
What is Deburring?
Deburring is defined as a process of removing burrs and smoothing out the edges of the metal. It enhances the quality, boosts aesthetic value, and prevents distortion. Put simply, deburring…
Best Deburring Tools (2020 Review)
Burrs are annoying. No matter how hard you strive for the perfect smooth edge – a burr here or there is bound to appear. That’s fine. But what’s not okay,…
Best Headlamp for Work: Top 7 of 2020 Reviewed
If you sometimes work in wall cavities or other areas where there isn’t much light, then a headlamp (also known as a head torch) can make your workday a heck…
Best Wire Strippers: The Top 8 Picks of 2020
Trying to use a pair of poorly-made wire strippers is a special kind of torture. Terrible wire strippers are a constant source of headaches. Having to re-strip wire is a…
Best Insulated Screwdriver Set: Electricians Top 10 of 2020
Every electrician needs a good set of insulated screwdrivers. Messing around with a useless set of insulated screwdrivers is not only a bad idea from a safety perspective – but…
Best Linesman Pliers For Electricians (Our Top 8 Picks of 2020)
My hands were throbbing in pain. My linesman pliers could barely open wide enough to fit the electrical wire I needed to slice. And even when they could – they…
Best Electricians Tool Belt (Our Top Picks of 2020)
A quality tool belt & bag gives you quick access to your tools without getting in the way. You want a tool belt that’s going to survive the hard yards…
What is a Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor (TVSS)?
A surge protector – also known as a surge suppressor, spike suppressor, transient voltage surge suppressor (TVSS), or surge diverter – is the name given to a broad group of…
Best Multimeters of 2020: Top 11 Reviewed (Winner: Fluke 117)
The best multimeter will give you the readings you need quickly and accurately. While a cheap, badly made multimeter will only give you inaccurate readings (and headaches). In our quest…
What is an Alarm Auto Dialer?
An alarm dialer (or alarm dialler) is an electronic device that automatically triggers an alarm when a predefined condition is met. This alarm is accompanied by a specific action –…
What is a Junction Box (Electrical Box)?
A junction box – also known as an ‘electrical box’, ‘jbox’, ‘or ‘terminal box’ – is a protective box where wires are interconnected. Junction boxes are often built into the…