This site is dedicated to the sharing of electrical knowledge.
A place for electrical professionals—including electricians, lineman, electrical engineers, electronics engineers, and control engineers—to help each other out.
Electrical Knowledge’s purpose is to collect, warehouse, and make freely available information sought by electrical professionals.
We cover a range of electrical theories and concepts including:
- Basic Electrical Engineering (like electrical slang used)
- Electrical Safety (such as information about surge protectors and HIPOT testing)
- Electrical Tools (including multimeters, insulated screwdrivers, insulation resistance testers, electrical circuit tracers, and tone generator and probe kits)
- Electrical Wiring (like how a non-contact voltage tester works)
- Electrical Symbols & Terminology (such as multimeter symbols)
- Electrical Components and Equipment (including junction boxes, coaxial cables, and feeder pillars)
- Electrical Formulas & Theory (such as a transformer sizing calculator)
We’d love to hear from you—no question is too basic. Please contact us if you would like to request a specific topic.
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…
What is a Feeder Pillar (Power Box)?
Imagine a feeder pillar as the unsung hero in your neighborhood, ensuring electricity flows safely to every home. This crucial cabinet, often seen but rarely noticed, orchestrates the distribution of…
How Does a Non Contact Voltage Tester Work?
What is a Non Contact Voltage Tester? Non-contact voltage testers (also known as voltage tester pens, test pens, or voltage sensors) are the safest way of ensuring that electrical conductors…
What is a Lineman (And How Much Do They Make)?
What is a Lineman (Lineworker)? A lineman (also known as a lineworker, linesman, powerline worker or powerline technician) is someone who installs and repairs cables or wires used in electrical…
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),…
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…
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 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 Surge Protector?
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…
Electrician Terminology (Electrical Trade Slang Dictionary)
There are a bunch of electrical terms electricians use which… don’t seem to make any sense. And some of them sound like they were made by a sparky with a…
Best Electrician Tools List: Top 10 Electrical Tools of 2024
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 2026 Review
Investing in a mechanic’s tool chest is a significant financial decision, emphasizing the importance of choosing a durable option. Craftsman and Kobalt are top contenders in the toolset market, boasting…
How to Use a Toner to Trace a Wire
A test tone generator converts electrical signals into audible sounds, tailoring its output to suit various applications. This versatility makes it an essential tool in both music production and technical…
Craftsman 3482141 Multimeter Review
The Craftsman 3482141 Multimeter stands out as an essential tool for electricians. With its lightweight design, accurate diode testing, and sturdy construction, it meets the demands of both seasoned professionals…
Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter Review
Discover the Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter, your go-to for tackling the toughest electrical challenges. Engineered to absorb spikes up to 8,000 volts from industrial circuit faults, this tool doesn’t just…
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 17B+ Digital Multimeter Review
For electricians, the right tools are non-negotiable. Enter the Fluke 17B+: a multimeter designed to meet your needs with precision and reliability. It covers essential measurements—frequency, duty cycle, and temperature—in…
Fluke 323 True RMS Clamp Meter Review
If you’re in the market for a reliable clamp meter that won’t break the bank, the Fluke 323 should be at the top of your list. Renowned for its precision…
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 1507 Insulation Resistance Tester Review
The Fluke 1507 stands out as a versatile resistance tester, catering to electricians across all skill levels. Its wide array of testing ranges ensures it’s a go-to tool for tasks…
Fluke 15b+ Digital Multimeter Review
Getting precise readings from a multimeter is crucial for any electrical task, and only a high-quality multimeter can guarantee that level of accuracy. To make it easier for our readers…
Fluke 1587 FC Insulation Tester Multimeter Review
Discover the Fluke 1587 Insulation Multimeter, the go-to tool for electricians. With Fluke 1587 alongside Fluke Connect, tackling common electrical issues has never been easier, thanks to wireless problem identification…
Best Motherboard With WiFi: Top 5 of 2024 Reviewed
You’re in the middle of your best game ever, sure to hit your personal best. Then, your computer hangs up as you watch your score takes a dive. Not cool….
Best Raspberry Pi Book: Top 5 Books of 2024 Reviewed
Are you a total newb who thinks Raspberry Pi is a wickedly good dessert? The concept is simple, but it’s not something you eat. The best Raspberry Pi books are…
Best DIY Drone Kit: Top 5 of 2024 Reviewed
Building a drone yourself can be a lot of fun, especially when the kit comes with everything you need to get started. The best drone kits are easy to assemble,…
Best Cordless Trimmer Blower Combo: Top 6 of 2024 Reviewed
A well-groomed garden is an ultimate goal for any suburban homeowner. Wouldn’t you like a cordless tool that makes garden work a pleasure? We surely do. A good cordless trimmer…
Best Electrician Books for Beginners: Top 7 of 2024
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 Butane Torch: Top 8 of 2024 Reviewed
Whether you’re a dedicated jeweler or a passionate arsonist, you need a good butane torch. In case you are soldering earrings or making creme brulee, you should be able to…
Best Surge Protector for Garage Door Opener: Top 7 of 2024 Reviewed
Electrical surges can fry your garage door opener. This is pretty inconvenient if you were trying to get somewhere in a rush. Just like your other precious electronics, the garage…
Best Wire Strippers: The Top 8 Picks of 2024
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 Surge Protector for a Gaming PC: Top 6 of 2024 Reviewed
Spending over $5000 on a high-end gaming P.C. seems pointless if it blows up after the first electrical surge. A pricey PC needs a surge protector with high voltage protection,…
Best Wall Mounted Surge Protector: Top 3 of 2024 Reviewed
If you’re spending over $500 on fancy electronics, you should probably spend another $20 to make sure they don’t burst into flames after an electrical surge. The best surge protection…
Best Surge Protector for Air Conditioners: Top 7 of 2024 Reviewed
There is little more devastating than having your air conditioner unit fried in the middle of a hot summer. You can safeguard your precious HVAC unit by using a high-quality…
Best Single Outlet Surge Protector: Top 6 of 2024 Reviewed
A single outlet surge protector gets the job done without taking up too much space. The best single outlet surge protectors have a high Joule rating, are UL certified, and…
Best International Travel Surge Protector: Top 6 of 2024 Reviewed
If you’re traveling around the world, you’re going to be carrying some electronics with you. What if (god forbid) a power surge fries your gadgets? A minor frustration at home…
Best Butane Soldering Iron: Top 6 of 2024 Reviewed
What’s worse than a soldering tool that doesn’t have enough juice to finish the job? You’re left with a project that isn’t done, which is never satisfying. The best butane…
Best Electrical Fish Tape (Top 6 of 2024 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…
Best Electrician Safety Glasses: Top 7 Picks of 2024
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…
Best Electricians Hammer: Top 5 of 2024 Reviewed
A good electrician’s hammer is one you can use to reach into small spaces or across large gaps to pound in or rip out any kind of electrical fixtures. The…
Best Electricians Staple Gun: Top 7 of 2024 Reviewed
You’re just about done with the job, but you can’t get the last few staples in to call it quits. A poorly designed tool isn’t worth the hassle. A good…