Electrician's Toolkit Guide
Essential publications, hand tools, power tools, test equipment, and calibration requirements for UK electricians
PublicationsHand toolsTest equipmentCalibration
Essential Publications
The regulations and guidance documents you need for competent electrical work. These are not optional — they are the foundation of your professional practice.
Core publications for electricians
IET bookshop, prices as of 2025| Publication | Publisher | Approx. Price | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 | IET / BSI | 95-120 | The Wiring Regulations — the legal standard for all UK electrical installations |
| IET On-Site Guide | IET | 35-45 | Practical companion to BS 7671 with tables, safe zones, and quick reference data |
| IET Guidance Note 3 (GN3) | IET | 35-50 | Inspection and testing procedures, test sequences, and certification guidance |
| Building Regs Approved Documents (P, L, B) | HM Government | 25-35 (or free online) | Part P (electrical safety), Part L (energy efficiency), Part B (fire safety) |
| IET Guidance Note 8 (GN8) | IET | 40-45 | Earthing and bonding — essential for understanding Ze, Zs, and protective conductors |
| IET Code of Practice for EV Charging | IET | 70-80 | Required for OZEV-funded EV charger installations under the grant scheme |
Digital editions are available for most publications and are easier to carry on site.
Hand Tools
Quality hand tools last a career. Invest in VDE-rated insulated tools and maintain them properly.
Essential hand tools
Trade standard toolkit| Tool | Specification | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| VDE screwdrivers (set of 6-8) | 1000V AC rated, IEC 60900 | Terminations, accessory fitting, CU work |
| VDE combination pliers (180mm) | 1000V AC rated | Gripping, pulling, and bending cable conductors |
| VDE side cutters (160mm) | 1000V AC rated | Cutting cable conductors and cable ties |
| VDE long-nose pliers (200mm) | 1000V AC rated | Precision work in back boxes and tight spaces |
| Cable strippers (adjustable) | Jokari, Knipex, or CK | Stripping T&E, SWA outer sheath, singles |
| SWA stripping tool | Dedicated armour stripper | Removing steel wire armour without damaging cores |
| Crimp tool (bootlace ferrule) | Ratchet type with correct die | Bootlace ferrules for stranded conductors in RCBOs |
| Cable knife (VDE) | Hooked blade, 1000V rated | Stripping large cables and outer sheaths |
| Torque screwdriver | Adjustable 0.5-5 Nm | CU terminations to manufacturer-specified torque |
| Spirit level (225mm) | Magnetic preferred | Levelling back boxes, switches, and distribution boards |
VDE 1000V Rating
VDE-rated tools are individually tested to 10,000V AC and rated for working at up to 1000V AC. The rating is marked on the tool with the VDE triangle symbol. Inspect insulation before each use — any damage (cuts, cracks, or burns) means the tool must be replaced immediately. VDE tools are your last line of defence against electric shock.
Power Tools
The power tools you use daily for routing cables, drilling holes, and fixing accessories.
Essential power tools
Trade standard toolkit| Tool | Specification | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| SDS-Plus rotary hammer drill | 18V+ cordless or corded, 2-3 joules | Drilling masonry, concrete, chasing with attachment |
| Combi drill / impact driver | 18V cordless with 2+ batteries | Screw driving, drilling timber, light masonry |
| Jigsaw | 18V cordless, variable speed | Cutting CU apertures, back box holes in plasterboard |
| Floorboard saw (toe-kick saw) | Depth-adjustable circular saw | Cutting floorboards for cable access without damaging joists |
| Wall chaser | Twin-blade, dust extraction port | Cutting cable channels in masonry walls (use with vacuum) |
| Multi-tool (oscillating) | 18V cordless | Flush cutting, notching, and trimming in tight spaces |
Invest in a single battery platform (e.g. DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee) to share batteries across tools.
Test Equipment
Your test equipment is the most critical investment. It must be accurate, maintained, and used correctly.
Essential test equipment
HSE GS38, BS 7671 Chapter 64| Instrument | Purpose | Key Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Multifunction tester (MFT) | Continuity, insulation resistance, loop impedance, RCD testing, PFC | Must cover all BS 7671 Chapter 64 tests. Budget 800-2,000 pounds. |
| Voltage indicator (2-pole) | Proving circuits dead for safe isolation | GS38 compliant, with fused leads and max 20mm exposed probe tip |
| Proving unit | Verifying voltage indicator function before and after testing dead | Must generate a known voltage to prove the tester is working |
| Clamp meter (AC/DC) | Measuring load current without disconnection | True RMS, AC and DC capability, useful for fault finding and PV work |
| Socket tester (with RCD test) | Quick check of socket wiring and RCD trip | Not a substitute for MFT testing but useful for rapid visual check |
| PAT tester | Portable appliance testing | Required if offering PAT testing services. Earth continuity, insulation, and leakage tests. |
GS38 Requirements
HSE Guidance Note GS38 specifies minimum safety requirements for test leads and probes. Your test probes must have: finger guards or barriers to prevent accidental contact with live parts, a maximum 4mm exposed tip (or 20mm for voltage indicators), fused leads where appropriate, and undamaged insulation. Non-compliant test equipment puts you at risk of prosecution as well as injury.
Calibration Requirements
Accurate test results depend on properly calibrated instruments. Calibration is not optional.
Calibration essentials
UKAS, IET Guidance Note 3| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Calibration frequency | At least annually, or more frequently if the instrument is damaged, dropped, or readings are suspect |
| Calibration provider | Must be UKAS-accredited or traceable to national standards (NPL in the UK) |
| Calibration certificate | Retain for the life of the instrument plus 6 years. Present on request at audits or disputes. |
| Sticker and due date | A calibration sticker on the instrument shows the due date. Do not use an instrument past its calibration date. |
| Competent person schemes | NICEIC, NAPIT, and ELECSA all require evidence of in-date calibration during their periodic audits |
Budget for Calibration
Allow 80-150 pounds per instrument per year for calibration. Most manufacturers and specialist laboratories offer a postal calibration service with a 5-10 day turnaround. Some offer loan instruments while yours is away — useful to avoid downtime. Set a calendar reminder 4 weeks before each calibration due date.