This site is dedicated to the sharing of electrical knowledge.
A place for electrical professionals—including electricians, lineman, electrical engineers, electronics engineers, and control engineers—to help each other out.
Electrical Knowledge’s purpose is to collect, warehouse, and make freely available information sought by electrical professionals.
We cover a range of electrical theories and concepts including:
- Basic Electrical Engineering (like electrical slang used)
- Electrical Safety (such as information about surge protectors and HIPOT testing)
- Electrical Tools (including multimeters, insulated screwdrivers, insulation resistance testers, electrical circuit tracers, and tone generator and probe kits)
- Electrical Wiring (like how a non-contact voltage tester works)
- Electrical Symbols & Terminology (such as multimeter symbols)
- Electrical Components and Equipment (including junction boxes, coaxial cables, and feeder pillars)
- Electrical Formulas & Theory (such as a transformer sizing calculator)
We’d love to hear from you—no question is too basic. Please contact us if you would like to request a specific topic.
Electrician Terminology (Electrical Trade Slang Dictionary)
Electricians use plenty of electrical terms that don’t seem to make any sense. And some of them sound like they were made by a sparky with a really sick mind….
How To Strip Electrical Wire (With & Without Tools)
DIY electrical work often requires you to strip the insulation from a wire. Clean and accurate wire stripping is essential to ensuring safe electrical connections. When stripping wire, you might…
Transformer Sizing Calculator (3 phase, kVA & Windings Calculations)
Transformer Calculation Formulas Use this free online transformer calculator to calculate the full load current in the primary and secondary transformer windings. Enter the transformer kVA (power) and the voltage…
What is a Surge Protector?
A surge protector – also known as a surge suppressor, spike suppressor, transient voltage surge suppressor (TVSS), or surge diverter – is one of a broad group of devices designed…
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…
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…
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…
What is a Feeder Pillar (Power Box)?
A feeder pillar is a cabinet that distributes electricity to homes in your neighborhood. It protects circuits and provides a way to control the power supply. Although you may walk…
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 –…
Best Surge Protector for Air Conditioners: Top 7 of 2026 Reviewed
There is little more devastating than having your air conditioner unit fried in the middle of a hot summer. You can safeguard your HVAC unit by using a high-quality surge…
Best Raspberry Pi Book: Top 5 Books of 2026 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 RJ45 Crimper: Top 5 Ethernet Crimping Tools of 2026 Reviewed
A crimper that breaks while you’re finishing the last connectors can bring a job to a frustrating stop. A good RJ45 crimper makes reliable connections. It works with a variety…
Best Surge Protector for a Gaming PC: Top 6 of 2026 Reviewed
Spending over $5000 on a high-end gaming P.C. seems pointless if it blows up after the first electrical surge. A pricey PC needs a surge protector with high voltage protection,…
Best Electricians Staple Gun: Top 7 of 2026 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 Tool Cart: Top 6 of 2026 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 Clamp Meter: Our Top 10 Meters of 2026
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…
Best DIY Drone Kit: Top 5 of 2026 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,…
Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter Review
Discover the Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter, your go-to for tackling the toughest electrical challenges. Engineered to absorb spikes up to 8,000 volts from industrial circuit faults, this tool exceeds IEC…
Fluke 289 True RMS Multimeter Review
The difference between a good multimeter and a bad one is like night and day. A top-quality multimeter provides accurate readings quickly and has an interface that is easy to…
Best Outdoor Light Timer Switch: Top 5 of 2026
Switching your outdoor lights on and off manually can be a hassle. Given how cheap you can get an outdoor light switch timer, this is not a great use of…
Best International Travel Surge Protector: Top 6 of 2026 Reviewed
If you’re traveling around the world, you’re going to be carrying some electronics with you. What if (god forbid) a power surge fries your gadgets? A minor frustration at home…
Best Wall Mounted Surge Protector: Top 3 of 2026 Reviewed
If you’re spending over $500 on fancy electronics, you should probably spend another $20 to make sure they don’t burst into flames after an electrical surge. The best surge protection…
Best SWR Meter for CB & HAM Radios: Top 6 of 2026 Reviewed
A good SWR meter for CB & HAM radios can test a wide range of frequencies at multiple power settings. It is precise and lightweight, and can handle large loads…
Best Electricians Knife: Top 5 of 2026 Reviewed
Whether you’re a professional electrician or just love DIY electrical work, a good electrician’s knife can make the work easier. The reinforced stainless steel easily strips away wire, it has…
Craftsman vs Kobalt Tool Chest: In-Depth 2026 Review
A mechanic’s tool chest can be expensive, so it’s worth choosing one that will last. Craftsman and Kobalt are top contenders in the toolset market, boasting positive reviews from mechanics…
Best Single Outlet Surge Protector: Top 6 of 2026 Reviewed
A single outlet surge protector gets the job done without taking up too much space. The best single outlet surge protectors have a high Joule rating, are UL certified, and…
Best Raincoat for Construction: Top 6 of 2026 Reviewed
You have a few hours left on the job, and then you feel it. Your raincoat has let you down, and you’re getting cold and wet. The best raincoat for…
Fluke 17B+ Digital Multimeter Review
The Fluke 17B+ is a compact multimeter designed for reliable, precise measurements. It measures frequency and duty cycle as well as temperature, and its size suits one-handed operation. The Fluke…
Best Whole House Surge Protector: Top 7 of 2026
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 Keychain Multi Tool: Top 10 of 2026 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 Cordless Drill for Electricians: Top 6 of 2026
A standard power drill works well on softer surfaces like wood. For concrete or other hard materials, electricians need a hammer drill. If you’re curious as to what hell would…
Best Cordless Soldering Iron: Top 6 of 2026 Reviewed
A good cordless soldering iron makes work easier, especially when your projects require plenty of maneuverability. The best cordless soldering irons have a long run time, adjustable temperature, and a…
Best Tone Generator And Probe Kit: Top 7 of 2026 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 Surge Protector for Garage Door Opener: Top 7 of 2026 Reviewed
Electrical surges can fry your garage door opener. This is pretty inconvenient if you were trying to get somewhere in a rush. Just like your other precious electronics, the garage…
Best Electricians Torque Wrench: Top 6 of 2026 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 Non Contact Voltage Tester: Top 7 Voltage Detector Pens of 2026 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) saves you time and…
Best Tool Vest for Electricians: Top 8 of 2026
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 Electrician Knee Pads: Top 6 of 2026 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, don’t…
Best Needle Nose Pliers: Top 6 of 2026 Reviewed (Small And Large Options)
Using a bad pair of needle-nose pliers feels like pulling teeth. No thanks. A high-quality pair of needle nose pliers will allow you to have better control and grip on…
Best Wire Strippers: The Top 8 Picks of 2026
Poorly made wire strippers can turn a simple job into a frustrating one. Terrible wire strippers are a constant source of headaches. Having to re-strip wire is a frustrating waste…
Best Fluke Multimeter: Top 10 of 2026 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 Surge Protector For Refrigerator: Top 5 of 2026 Reviewed
Protecting your refrigerator starts with choosing the right surge protector. There’s no point dropping over $2000 on a fridge just to have it break after your first power surge. A…
Best Soldering Helping Hands: Top 6 of 2026 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 Men’s Underwear for Sweat: Top 6 of 2026 Reviewed
Wearing uncomfortable underwear during a hot summer day is a different kind of hell. Turning them inside out won’t help either. A good pair of underwear will keep you dry…
Best Electricians Flashlight: Top 5 of 2026 Reviewed
The situation feels unsettling. You’re in a basement where the only thing missing is Frankenstein lurking around the corner. A reliable flashlight isn’t a suggestion. It’s a must-have. A worthwhile…
Best Plasma Cutter: Top 7 of 2026 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 Electrician Tools List: Top 10 Electrical Tools of 2026
This guide covers the best tools used by electricians around the world. These tools are a practical choice for electricians who want to avoid wasting time and money on poorly…
Best GFCI Outlet: Top 5 of 2026 (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 Cordless Trimmer Blower Combo: Top 6 of 2026 Reviewed
A well-groomed garden takes work, and a cordless tool can make that work more enjoyable for a suburban homeowner. A good cordless trimmer blower combo effortlessly trims overgrowth, has a…
Best Electricians Hammer: Top 5 of 2026 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 Lawn Tractor Battery: Top 8 of 2026 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, with your lawn almost a foot…
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Construction Workers: Top 6 of 2026 Reviewed
Very loud noises, from electrical equipment to your better half’s speeches, can damage your ears. The best construction noise-cancelling headphones isolate the background noises, are comfortable to wear, and provide…
Best Work Pants for Electricians: Top 9 Picks of 2026
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…
Craftsman 3482141 Multimeter Review
The Craftsman 3482141 Multimeter gives electricians a lightweight, sturdy tool with accurate diode testing. It suits both experienced professionals and people new to the field. Ideal for both novices and…
Best Motherboard With WiFi: Top 5 of 2026 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 take a dive. Not cool….
Best Pocket Multimeters: Top 6 of 2026 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…
Best Light Switch Timer: Top 5 of 2026
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…
Best Dual Fuel Generator: Top 7 of 2026
Dual fuel generators are useful during emergencies (i.e. shortage of gas, increased gas prices, etc). They allow you to use both propane and gasoline to keep your appliances running. The…
Fluke 1587 FC Insulation Tester Multimeter Review
Discover the Fluke 1587 Insulation Multimeter, the go-to tool for electricians. With Fluke 1587 alongside Fluke Connect, tackling common electrical issues has never been easier, thanks to wireless problem identification…
How To Join The IBEW Electrician Apprenticeship Program?
This guide explains how to become an apprentice electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) offers an electrician apprenticeship program to…
HVAC Safety Topics (And Safety Tips)
When it comes to the comfort of building occupants, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry is important. Work-related injuries in this industry range from mild burns to fatalities….
Hipot Test: What is it? (Standards & Test Procedure)
Hipot testers are essential for determining the insulating resistance and current carrying capacity of electronic devices. The device is put through its paces by passing a current through its insulation…
How Does a Whole House Surge Protector Work?
What exactly does a whole-house surge protector do? Protect your home from dangerous power spikes and surges with a whole-house surge protector. All sorts of kitchen appliances can be harmed…
How to Read a Multimeter?
It’s a common misconception that all electricians need to be able to read an electrical meter. Fortunately, this is not the case. If you’re training to be an electrician or…
How Do Surge Protectors Work?
Having a surge protector installed is crucial for the safety of any electrical setup. Even while a power surge is sometimes thought to be the end of expensive devices and…

































































