Very often in production and in everyday life there is a need to work with live lines. This is a forced decision that is made when there is no way to turn off the power supply. To carry out cable laying, repair and replacement of devices without turning off the current, special tools are used - dielectric screwdrivers.
Purpose and characteristics
Electric screwdrivers are designed to carry out various manipulations directly on objects connected to the network, operating under voltage from 127 V to 1000 V. If the limit value is exceeded, other types of devices with a higher degree of protection are used.
The tool is designed and created to ensure the safety of a person from electric shock when servicing such devices:
- sockets;
- package switches;
- automatic modules;
- circuit breakers;
- relay;
- counters.
Using a dielectric screwdriver up to 1000 V, the master does not need to use additional equipment (gloves, rug). It is enough to have mounting glasses to protect the organs of vision.
Electric screwdrivers are classified as special tools that must meet the requirements of GOST 21010-75. A distinctive feature of the products is the inscription "1 kW", applied or extruded on the handle.
Dielectric screwdriver device
Network electric screwdrivers have a device standard for this type of product. The differences are in the materials from which the component parts of the tool are made.
It consists of such parts:
- Lever. Designed to provide a tight grip and hold the screwdriver by an electrician during scheduled or emergency operations. It is made of polymeric materials that are resistant to external factors. There is a wide selection of models in various shapes and sizes.
- Kernel. It is a transitional link between the handle and a live object. In order to prevent electric shock during slipping of the arm, the core is covered with plastic insulation along the entire length.
- Sting. It is a tip for gripping products with slots of a certain configuration. Depending on the design, it is part of the shaft or the base for removable bits.
The device is designed so that it can be used for any household work not related to electricity. The subject is universal and convenient in every way.
Screwdriver size
Depending on the characteristics of the tasks performed, tools with different parameters are used. Product dimensions are divided by the length of the pin and the width of the spline part.
According to the first parameter, the classification is as follows:
- Short. Mini electric screwdriver has a length of 5-8 cm and is designed to work in a limited space or with small parts.
- Medium. Products 9-20 cm are used for standard work on household and industrial equipment.
- Long. The size is from 21 cm. The tool is designed to unscrew parts with large slots or located in hard to reach places.
The tip size is from 2.5 mm to 10 mm. The choice is made based on the characteristics of the task.
Handle
The handle is made of a special polymer plastic - polycarbonate or polyethylene. The top is coated with polyformaldehyde, which is an excellent insulator.
The material has the following properties:
- hydrophobicity;
- strength;
- wear resistance;
- constancy of indicators;
- resistance to aggressive chemicals;
- immunity to cooling and heating.
When red pigment is added, the part becomes prettier and takes on a presentable appearance.
In cross section, the handles of various models have the following shapes:
- square;
- a circle;
- triangle;
- hexagon;
- gear.
The configuration does not affect the technical characteristics, but determines the usability.
Properties and shapes of the rod
The rod is made of durable tool steel grades 8XF or U7. A galvanic layer is applied on top of the iron to ensure its protection against corrosion. The core has a solid mount in the handle, which is made by pressing, melting or using the corresponding shape of the plugs in collapsible models.
Cores can have such a cross section:
- a circle;
- square;
- hexagon.
The form determines the convenience of carrying out certain works in various conditions. Existence of isolation on a core gives an additional emphasis for fingers of a palm. The coating is made of polyformaldehyde, a thin layer of which protects from a current of 1 kW.
Sting shape
The working part of the device is characterized by increased strength and reliability. It is made of hardened powder coated alloy steel. The top layer is highly resistant to alkalis, acids and other active liquids. For the convenience of gripping, screwing and pulling out hardware, the sting is magnetized. Due to this, the parts are tightly held on the rod in the desired position.
According to their structure and purpose, the stings are plug-in and cape.
In turn, the internal ones have the form:
- flat;
- cruciform;
- Hex
- pin;
- star-shaped.
Caps are used for nuts and bolts with a certain number of faces and angles. Are good in all respects analogues of wrenches.
Tool types
Screwdrivers for working under current are identical in design to their counterparts for turning and locksmithing. The highest quality appliances externally differ from household products in the appearance of the rod covered with insulation.
By appointment, the tools are divided into the following types:
- Jewelry work. Small in size with thin stings. Used together with testers to determine the voltage level.
- Household goals. Products have the configuration of conventional tools. They can be used both for working with electricity and for adjusting furniture fixtures.
- Professional. The tool is large, powerful, devoid of frills - only configuration and marking.
Products are purchased by individuals and organizations.
Marking screwdrivers
There is a generally accepted worldwide marking system for live appliances:
- SL - flat;
- PH is the cross;
- PZ - hex;
- HEX - plug;
- TORX - star-shaped;
Quality products bear the standard VDE DIN EN 60900.
Selection of dielectric screwdrivers
To choose a reliable and safe set of electric screwdrivers, it is recommended to read the rating of the best manufacturers.
Priority should be given to products that are certified by the following experts:
- DIN
- TÜV;
- EN;
- UL;
- VDE
These are the most authoritative commissions and experts who have the experience, equipment and training grounds to establish compliance of product specifications with safety requirements.
When buying goods, you need to pay attention to the convenience of holding the tool in your hand, the absence of mechanical damage, color uniformity, the presence of a certificate.
It is advisable to purchase sets of dielectric tools for professionals and individuals planning large-scale construction. Kits are packaged in plastic cases, may contain a set of integral and interchangeable products. The choice depends on the priorities of the master and the variety of items presented. Products with one handle with a seat and many magnetic bits of various configurations are gaining popularity.
