(Part 3) Best products from r/electricians

I have the Compact Milwaukee and am not a fan; the blade comes loose all the time, especially when doing things like cutting drywall or removing wire insulation. I have used the Fastback Milwaukee though with good results, it’s just a lot bigger and doesn’t feel as good in the hands. I’ve owned 1 of the Compact, 0 of the Fastback.

The Klein pocket knife looking one is garbage for doing actual work with. I’ve owned 1 of these.

I have a SOG Flash 2 w/ serrations that I love but it’s my EDC and doesn’t live in my tool bag. Super sharp and the serrations slice though sheathing like hot butter. I’ve owned 4 of these.

I have a smaller one, a skelotonized Gerber w/ Lenox blades that I love as well. That one does live in my tool bag and is used all the time. The Lenox gold blades are amazing. I’ve owned 1 of these.

Milwaukee Compact

Milwaukee Fastback

Klein Electricians Knife

Sog Flash II

Gerber EAB Lite

Klein Tools 92906 ProPack 6 Apprentice Tool Set for Trade Professionals (6-Piece) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004EKONLY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Qm5EAbQVA3JFH

That’s a good deal. It has lineman pliers, diagonal cutters, needle nose, wire strippers, and flat/ Phillips screwdrivers.

Screwdriver and Nut Driver 11-in-1 Multi Tool, Cushion Grip Handle, Industrial Strength Bits Klein Tools 32500 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015SBILG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_yp5EAbSKE4D2A

This is a good all purpose screwdriver to carry around

Klein Tools NCVT-2 Dual Range Non-Contact Voltage Tester https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004FXJOQO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qq5EAbTTZ8GYW

This is a non contact voltage tester and it might just save you some pain/your life

Channellock 440 12-Inch Tongue and Groove Plier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004SBCU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xr5EAbWNKDP5C

You should probably get 2 pairs of these. It’ll help you twist on couplings and stuff

Stanley 33-725 25-Feet FatMax Tape Measure https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002PV66/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Xs5EAbGVWXZDV

A lot of people like these tape measures for their larger claws

Klein Tools 98002BT Bottle Opener https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00093GENU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4u5EAb52FZ742

This will help for when you go home

I find that for me, these seem to be a better solution;

APC Power Saving Surge Protector

or

Utilitech Power Saving Surge Protector

There is a set of outlets that are controlled by either your tv or pc and a set that are always on. This is good because you want your tv and game systems and such to be cut off with the tv but you want a dvr to stay on to keep recording shows. Or your monitors and peripherals to turn off with pc but router and modem to stay on.

I bought two of the APC ones on clearance at Best Buy and have saved about 8-10 a month on my power bill. The UT you can buy in store at Lowe's and is essentially the same. I recommend either.

You likely have everything you need already aside from some good linemans and wire strippers. Probably already keep a sharpie on you and things like that. If you don't have a multi screwdriver I recommend getting one like this . A multimeter (doesn't need to be a fluke lol) and a non contact voltage tester are handy. Wearing the nail apron is a good habit and will come in handy, and I have found drill holsters something like this to come in real handy when the drill is an all day necessity. I used to rock something like these guys for crimping and cutting things I didn't want to use other tools for.
If you'll be doing a lot of commercial work the list gets more extensive.

I haven't read the book /u/logosogol posted, but I had this book for school and it's pretty in-depth, with a decent amount of AC/DC fundamentals as well. Sometimes it gets a bit involved but it is mostly pretty practical.

Many thanks

Looking at the part lists, I think it is not worth it to source and swap all the individual components!

I may consider the step-down converter indeed. Any particular model/brand to recommend?
There are many variants of this on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Bright-VC500W-Voltage-Transformer-converter/dp/B000MX1QXA
Good enough to use the sewing machine a couple of times a week?
THX

Just brainstorming but couldn't you just get a covered fixture that will mount to the box and drill a small hole and install an individual pull chain switch?

Like one of these. I'm pretty sure the tip where the chain comes out of unscrews and leaves a threaded head to hold it firmly to the fixture. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000BVXWCQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?qid=1420044100&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70#immersive-view_1420044153378

I was quoted for $450 for the receptacles + wiring and $750 for the panel installation from a licensed electrician in my area from thumbtack just now. Is that too good to be true or a great deal then?


He said he would include all materials

>it would typically be 12awg.

Also I thought I am supposed to use 10awg for 35+ feet?



EDIT:


Also this is the Circuit breaker panel you are recommending I buy to replace mine?

The all leather Occidental pouch. Some cons I can think of are that it's expensive and leather is heavier than synthetic. The belt could be a little more comfortable, but it's just a leather, non padded belt. It doesn't have a really good spot for a torpedo level. The pocket I keep it in is not deep enough. It fits well enough, but it could be redesigned. On the plus side, it's going to last my entire career. Tools never fall out. It's stiff as a board when you first get it. Put your tools in with some oil on the pouch, and it really molds to them. Up and down ladders, in crawl spaces, tossing it on a cart, my tools never fall out. This, however, has a slight con where you don't really want to move tools around since the pouch does mold to them. That doesn't bother me. I will obviously replace tools, but they're always going to go in the same pocket.

TLDR: fucking nice pouch. Worth every penny.

Before you buy a transformer, check on the bottom of the fan or on its power adapter (if it has one) if it's rated for full-range (100-240V) use. I don't see any information in the manual for this model, but reviewers of other DC-powered fans by this manufacturer claim that the DC adapters for those are full-range.

If it's not full range, then see the following:

The manual doesn't list the amperage/wattage for this fan, but it does specify a 2.5-amp fuse for the cord. This means that at 120V, the fan can draw up to 300VA (about 300W) at full power.

With this in mind, I would recommend a 400W step-down transformer or larger. You want to use a converter with an actual transformer in it, like this one. Don't use a step-down converter with a triac (very light-weight and will usually be rated for a very high power for its size).

I would not expect the lower frequency to adversely affect the electronics, since the electronic parts will be fed from a rectifier.

I've got a pair of these, they're not too bad. I do like the [ear plugs ](http://www.SureFire.com/ EP4 Sonic Defenders Plus filtered Earplugs, triple flanged design, reusable, Clear, Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001V2SS9G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_s8Wryb0BHRPV0) better though.

Your about 30 years to late to find a decent selection of pull chain wall sconces. Know a few people that have had a similar issue.

Solution, buy pretty much any wall sconce you want and a pull chain swtch like this. https://www.amazon.com/Gardner-Bender-GSW-31-Electrical-Terminal/dp/B000BVXWCQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=pull+chain+switch&qid=1557452640&s=gateway&sprefix=pull+chain+sw&sr=8-3

Drill hole though back plate of light and mount/ wire the swtch between the lights hot and the hot wire in the box.

Though if you just want cheap i guess you could just go with this.... https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-8827-CW4-One-Piece-Incandescent-Lampholder/dp/B00002N7JE/ref=mp_s_a_1_130?keywords=utility+pull+chain+light&qid=1557452978&s=gateway&sr=8-130

thanks for the link. bookmarked!

wonder how it compares to the one on amazon everyone loves.

https://www.amazon.com/TEMCo-Hydraulic-Knockout-Punch-TH0004/dp/B00HJX58HG/

OK. The problem with clamping it to a pipe that gets warm is that the heat will soften the plastic, and might radiate too much heat for the lamp to handle. I wouldn't risk an expensive lamp on it.

What about something like this? I just picked one of those up from a second-hand shop for $3, new in the box. I wouldn't pay $60 for it, but it's pretty cool and takes up almost no room.

I have a set of Wera VDE Kraftform insulated screwdrivers, they're great. A nice compact set I keep in my bag for when I work on live stuff.


https://www.amazon.com/Wera-Insulated-Interchangeable-BladePouch-Piece/dp/B00155376I/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1550117001&sr=8-13&keywords=wera+vde

https://www.amazon.com/Tools-VISE-GRIP-GrooveLock-Pliers-4935351/dp/B0030XMFJI/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=irwin+industrial+tools+4935351+6-inch+v+jaw+groovelock+pliers&qid=1550899075&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

​

These have amazing strength, take up little space and they are similar to the $75 Knipex they coppied.

Weatherproof or not: make sure this is plugged in to a GFCI protected outlet. You can get a plug in GFCI device if your outlet is not already a GFCI.

Here's one on amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Woods-Yellow-Jacket-2879-Lighted/dp/B000HEKUJA/ref=sr_1_45?keywords=gfci+outdoor&qid=1575140003&sr=8-45

Here's a Home Depot item:

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ultracontact-gfci-cord-inline-triple-tap-12-3-with-manual-reset/1001352703

I'm almost certain that Home Depot has an in-store product like the above link but it's more like $30 than $55.

So this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BPF0I6 would actually be good for 400 amps if properly balanced?

 


Edit: And this would be good for 400 amps as well? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X39O2O

Something like this would let you trace through that conduit most likely, i've used it to follow wire run in EMT inside of cement blocks before. It was very, very feint in that scenario but it worked.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FTADX0?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000FTADX0&linkCode=xm2&tag=vrefid-20

Generally it is pretty loud, especially at a receptacle or panel and can work through drywall as well.

I would suggest something like this for the speed control: http://www.ebay.com/itm/400298584224



There are heaps of different fan speed control options for computers, just adapt one to your needs.



To switch them on you might want something like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002K8S2J6?pc_redir=1398262650&robot_redir=1

Wire your charging stand so the switch is in the stand, then you'll have the one cord from the stand to the outlet and you don't have to try to find the outlet made of unobtanium.

Or, if you want, you can hide this for best aesthetics, and use the master switch or the individual switches as you wish.

Or try this device or this sort of switch at the wall.

I have a drill holster on my tool belt and I love it for climbing ladders. It has a buckle on it to make sure the drill can't fall out and it has some spots to put bits. Here's the one I have: CLC Custom Leathercraft 5023 Deluxe Cordless Poly Drill Holster, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LNM2H0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dCjyDbNXKQVRN

For my technologist program focusing on power systems (Canada) we used Electrical Machines, Drives, and Power Systems. It covers industrial control, generators, motors, power electronics, transformers, utilities and some PLC. It's qualitative and focuses on application, construction and operation. It does contain math but it stops at complex algebra for analysis with phasors. Not sure what level you're interested in refreshing but it can go pretty in depth with some heavy readings. I'm in eng school now and although it's not quite an engineering textbook, it kinda falls under the requested categories.

This one is pretty good

Thanks for the advice!

I have one of these Belkin surge protectors: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000JE9LD4/ref=aw_d_pd_electronics

and one of these APC Surgearrest surge protectors: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0012YLTR6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1397065424&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

As a side note, would my electrician be okay with me running the Romex (not connected on either end?

Don't cheap out on the power strip. I like this one. It's well built and has individual switches for the outlets.

Oh jeez.. Any cheapy little power bar with surge suppression built in.

Like these:

http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-BP112230-08-Pivot-Plug-Surge-Protector/dp/B000JE9LD4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371707363&sr=8-1&keywords=Surge+power+bar

http://www.amazon.com/Monster-MP-AV-800-PowerCenter/dp/B00003CWDH/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371707363&sr=8-2&keywords=Surge+power+bar

Exactly. Something like this:

Fluke Networks Pro3000 Tone Generator and Probe Kit

The item you linked to pulls almost 5 amps at 110 volts which is ~500 watts. The transformer you said 'went up in smoke' was rated for 100 watts so I'm sure it didn't last very long at all. You need a simple step down transformer thats rated at >500 watts. This should work: https://www.amazon.com/Bright-VC500W-Voltage-Transformer-converter/dp/B000MX1QXA/ref=sr_1_5?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1542787838&sr=1-5&keywords=500W+transformer although I'm not sure of the type of plugs used in the philipines.