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, coaxial cables, 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.
Electrician Terminology (Electrical Trade Slang Dictionary)
There are a bunch of electrical terms electricians use which… don’t make any darn sense. And some of them sound like they were made by a sparky with a really…
Hipot Test: What is it? (Standards & Test Procedure)
Hipot testers are an essential tool for testing the current and insulation resistance of electronic equipment. The test is performed by sending current through the insulation of the device under…
How Much Money Do Electricians Make? (in 2021)
You can’t go wrong getting a job as an electrician—even if it means nights, weekends, and overtime. After all, making a median salary of $60,370 a year puts you well…
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 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…
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 Electrician Tools List: Top 10 Electrical Tools of 2021
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…
Best SWR Meter for CB & HAM Radios: Top 6 of 2021 Reviewed
A good SWR meter for CB & HAM radios can test a wide range of frequencies at multiple power settings. Precise, lightweight, and capable of handling large loads without shorting…
Best Men’s Underwear for Sweat: Top 6 of 2021 Reviewed
Wearing uncomfortable underwear during a hot summer day is a different kind of hell. Turning them on the other side won’t help either. A good pair of underwear will keep…
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Construction Workers: Top 6 of 2021 Reviewed
Exposure to very loud noises like electrical equipment or your better half’s speeches can be highly damaging for your ear. The best construction noise-cancelling headphones isolate the background noises, are…
Best Raincoat for Construction: Top 6 of 2021 Reviewed
You have a few hours left on the job, and then you feel it. Your raincoat dropped the ball, and you’re getting cold—and wet. Great. The best raincoat for construction…
Best RJ45 Crimper: Top 5 Ethernet Crimping Tools of 2021 Reviewed
You’re just about to finish the job. You’re working on the last connectors, and your crimper does a nosedive and breaks in your hand. Can you say buzzkill? The best…
Best Electricians Staple Gun: Top 7 of 2021 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…
Best Electricians Flashlight: Top 5 of 2021 Reviewed
The situation is sketch. You’re in a basement where the only thing lacking is Frankstein lurking around the corner. A reliable flashlight isn’t a suggestion. It’s a must-have. A worthwhile…
Best Function Generator Kits: Top 5 of 2021 Reviewed
There’s no point throwing good money at a function generator kit that doesn’t have the functionality and features you need. The best function generator kits put accuracy and precision first….
Best Electrician Knee Pads: Top 6 of 2021 Reviewed
Either praying to the God of Electricity or crawling from the local pub, you need a good pair of electrician knee pads. The best electrician knee pads are comfortable for…
Best Electricians Torque Wrench: Top 6 of 2021 Reviewed
Electricians, use a proper torque wrench; otherwise, your clients will be…shocked! You know how much it hertz to struggle with a bad tool, right? The best torque wrench for an…
Best Needle Nose Pliers: Top 6 of 2021 Reviewed (Small & Large Options)
Using a bad pair of needle-nose pliers feels like pooling teeth. No thanks! A high-quality pair of needle nose pliers will allow you to have better control and grip on…
Best Electrical Tapes: Top 6 of 2021 Reviewed
The electrical tape is just like The Force – it has a dark side and holds the universe together. The best electrical tape can be used everywhere, properly holds things…
Best Keychain Multi Tool: Top 10 of 2021 Reviewed
You just got your latest Amazon order that you’ve been waiting for what seems like forever. But you can’t open the box with its titanium tape. Buzzkill! A good keychain…
Best Raspberry Pi Book: Top 5 Books of 2021 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 Motherboard With WiFi: Top 5 of 2021 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 Tool Cart: Top 6 of 2021 Reviewed
Pushing a poorly-designed tool cart can feel like pushing a boulder up a mountain – continually trying to reach the destination to no avail. This is not an efficient way…
Best Cordless Trimmer Blower Combo: Top 6 of 2021 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 Cordless Soldering Iron: Top 6 of 2021 Reviewed
A good cordless soldering iron is an absolute pleasure to work with, especially if your projects require great maneuverability. The best cordless soldering irons have a long run time, adjustable…
Best Soldering Helping Hands: Top 6 of 2021 Reviewed
Everybody needs a helping hand from time to time (*slaps knee*). The best soldering helping hands feature a sturdy base, two or more flexible arms, and alligator-style clamps. Of course,…
Best Precision Screwdriver Set: Top 8 of 2021 Reviewed
There are few things more annoying than discovering you don’t have the right sized screwdriver bit for a job. The best precision screwdriver set is made to last, with a…
Best Wall Mounted Surge Protectors: Top 3 of 2021 Reviewed
Getting the right surge protector is crucial to protecting your electronic devices. There’s no point spending over $500 on fancy electronics just to have them break after your first power…
Best Butane Torch: Top 8 of 2021 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 DIY Drone Kit: Top 5 of 2021 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 Butane Soldering Iron: Top 6 of 2021 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 Lawn Tractor Battery: Top 8 of 2021 Reviewed
You bought the gas. The weather is pleasant. You’ve made up your mind to stop putting it off anymore. Then, the tractor won’t start—and your lawn is almost a foot…
Best Electricians Hammer: Top 5 of 2021 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 Tool Vest for Electricians: Top 8 of 2021
The best advice we can offer electricians for improving their productivity doesn’t come from the field. Look in the kitchen instead. All good chefs know to set up your workspace…
Best Fluke Multimeter: Top 10 of 2021 Reviewed
Carrying an armload of tools onto a job site only makes the work harder, especially if you realize you forgot something you needed. That’s what makes a multi-functional device like…
Best Plasma Cutter: Top 7 of 2021 Reviewed
We like to imagine that operating a plasma cutter is just as easy as firing a laser gun (and just as cool). In reality, we all-too-often find that the high-powered…
Best Pocket Multimeters: Top 6 of 2021 Reviewed
Having a good pocket multimeter can come in handy for DIY and professional electrical work. The best pocket multimeters are lightweight, accurate, and durable (without compromising on safety). On the…
How to Use a Toner to Trace a Wire
A test tone generator is a device that creates sound energies through an electrical means. The device makes an electrical signal that is converted into sound. The sounds a wire…
Craftsman vs Kobalt Tool Chest: In-Depth 2021 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 2021
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 2021 Reviewed
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 2021
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 2021 Reviewed
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 2021
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 2021
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 2021 Reviewed
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 2021
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 High Speed Internet & Modems: Top 7 of 2021
A slow internet connection is a HUGE headache. The extra couple dollars you spend on a high quality coaxial cable is *nothing* compared to the hours saved by having a…
Best Whole House Surge Protector: Top 7 of 2021
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 2021 Reviewed
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 2021 Reviewed
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 2021 (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 2021
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 2021 (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 2021 Reviewed
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 2021
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 2021 Reviewed
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 2021
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 2021
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 2021
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 2021
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 2021
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 2021
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 2021
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…
Best Lineman Boots: Top 11 of 2021 Reviewed
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 2021
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 2021 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 Tracker: Top 11 Tracers of 2021 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 2021
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 2021 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 Non Contact Voltage Tester: Top 7 Voltage Detector Pens of 2021 Reviewed
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…
Best Electrician Safety Glasses: Top 7 Picks of 2021
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 (2021 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 2021 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 2021
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 2021
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: Top 8 Picks of 2021 Reviewed
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 2021)
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 2021: 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 –…