With only 5 days to go until the big day itself you will either be super organised or in a blind panic wondering what to get for the important people in your life.
Rather than going for the same old items that end up on the tat pile every year, why not give something useful? After all, electricians are well known for sniffing out the latest gadgets or up and coming tools!
What every electrician secretly wants for Christmas
It’s always a bit awkward asking for work related items but take it from us, if you buy any of our suggested top gadgets for the electrician in your life, you will be responsible for starting 2014 off in a great way.
Unfortunately we can’t be held responsible for the resulting hours you might loose whilst said gadget is being looked at, tested, generally fiddled with and generally molly coddled before being put to good use!
Up and coming ‘must haves’ for 2014
Turn up for work in the New Year with any of these gadgets and you’ll instantly be the envy of your workmates – and you’ll be certainly wowing your customers. Whether the aim is to keep your tools safe and secure or simply to make life a bit easier whilst carrying out your electrical work there will be something to suit all electrical tastes in this list.
1. Apps
We foresee Apps taking off in a huge way during 2014. A great all round App that should be owned by any electrician is the electricians toolbox App. There are 9 sub-apps contained within electricians toolbox with each one being compliant with BS7671:2008 17th edition. Whether you need to check if your cable is suitable with the handy cable calculator or need to know the correct spacing of fixings for conduit or trunking, this App is the place to find out quickly and easily.
An easy to use App that works great on a smart phone, it is an essential for any electrician to have with them as an easy reference point when working on the job.
2. PAT testing with advanced data handling capabilities
Need a PAT tester upgrade? If you’re looking for something with speed and efficiency combined with the latest in PAT testing technology then Seawards new Apollo 500 will be an excellent contender. Incorporating all the latest safety tests for workplace appliances in accordance with the IET 4th edition code of practice including point to point testing of fixed equipment and the testing of 3 phase devices and RCD’s.
Designed for high volume PAT tester users, the internal memory holds 10,000 test records, USB upload and download to PATguard 3 software, as well as remote PC transfer via your Smart phone using Bluetooth which ensures the safety of all PAT test records.
Gadget wise, this tester looks pretty good with a large colour display and intuitive menu based operating system with a built in risk assessment tool all designed for ease of use. Fast production of reports, certificates and invoices comes as standard thanks to the lightweight unit being compatible with the PATguard 3 software.
3. ESP Rapid Deployment Surveillance Camera
If the worry of stolen tools or van security is an issue then this ingenious camera from ESP is a great option to keep an eye of things when you’re not around. Designed to be instantly deployed either inside or outside this camera has all the essential security features needed plus many more extremely beneficial and useful options.
Known as CanCam, the camera is battery operated, (however there is an optional plug in power supply included) and records in high resolution. Designed for either temporary or permanent use, it Features a PIR detector, SD card recording and black infra-red illumination. The CanCam detects movement and instantly records high quality images all with date and time stamping in all weather conditions both day and night.
There are many user settings on the CanCam, however one which we really like is the option to select image capture. Recordings can be set to either video with audio or stills all which record directly to the supplied SD card. SD cards up to 32GB can be used after which there is an opportunity to overwrite.
After recording the card can be removed to be replayed using Windows Media Player or can be viewed directly from a PC or TV.
4. Fully loaded CK Tool Kits
Designed to compliment the top selling CK electricians premium tool kit, CK have brought out a further 7 fully loaded tool kits containing the most popular and frequently used tools used by electricians. We think these are a great idea as money will not be wasted buying tools that won’t be used.
This is not another generic tool kit, CK has aimed their latest range at electricians with most of the kits containing the well known CK VDE hand tools. If the price of the CK electricians premium tool kit is putting you off then the CK Electricians Tool Tote Kit is a lower priced alternative. New to the market, it is expected to be just as popular as its higher priced alternative. It contains all the essential tools an electrician needs including five Dextro VDE screwdrivers, VDE side cutters and combination pliers as well as other tool box must haves such as a spirit level, ST tape measure and trimming knife.
Other CK kits include the Electricians Core Tool Kit, the VDE pliers and screwdriver set, the Data Comms Tool Kit, the Technicians Tool Kit, and the Core Tool Kit.
5. Magnetic Pick Up Tool
A great stocking filler or present from the kids. This ingenious tool will make life a lot easier for busy electricians. Every electrician knows the hassle of dropping a screw into a really awkward gap and wasting time trying to retrieve it. This handy tool makes this job a whole lot easier thanks to the large magnetic end.
The telescopic tool extends to 630mm and can pick up objects weighing up to an impressive 1kg. Not bad for less than a fiver!
One reviewer explains how this tool managed to retrieve their car keys from a storm drain saving them £230!
Say no more – no home and definitely no electrician should be without a magnetic pick up tool!
6. Fibreglass Stepladder
Stepladders are extremely handy for all electricians, but with their aluminium or steel frames, they are a risk for electricians to use.
The good news is that fibreglass ladders are starting to make a real statement in the UK and we believe the market for fibreglass ladders is really going to grow in 2014. Electrically insulated up to 30,000 volts, the fibre glass step ladder from BPS Access Solutions is EN131 certified for trade use and comes complete with a handy tool tray on the top tread and is designed to withstand heavy use.
They are available in 3 sizes and are perfect for the needs of an electrician. Having a fibreglass stepladder will be going a long way to maintaining a safe working environment whether on site or in a clients home.
From stocking fillers to main presents, there is sure to be a gadget to suit even the most discerning electrician.
All that remains is to discover just how popular some of these gadgets get through 2014!