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.
Transformer Sizing Calculator (3 phase, kVA & Windings Calculations)
Transformer Calculation Formulas This free online transformer calculator allows you to calculate the full load current in the primary and secondary transformer windings. The inputs are the transformer kVA (power),…
What is a Feeder Pillar (Power Box)?
A feeder pillar (also known as a power box, distribution pillar, or feeder pillar box) is a cabinet used to house electrical equipment. Feeder pillars act as a central circuit…
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…
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…
How To Strip Electrical Wire (With & Without Tools)
While doing any kind of DIY electrical work, you’ll frequently find that you need to strip the insulation off of the wire you’re working with. Clean and accurate wire stripping…
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 –…
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 the name given to a broad group of…
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…
Electrician Terminology (Electrical Trade Slang Dictionary)
There are a bunch of electrical terms electricians use which… don’t seem to make any sense. And some of them sound like they were made by a sparky with a…
Best Clamp Meter: Our Top 10 Meters of 2023
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 Electrician Tools List: Top 10 Electrical Tools of 2023
Today I’m going to show you the best tools used by electricians around the world. These tools are a must-have for electricians who don’t want to waste their time and…
Best Tone Generator And Probe Kit: Top 7 of 2023 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 International Travel Surge Protector: Top 6 of 2023 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 Single Outlet Surge Protector: Top 6 of 2023 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…
How to Use a Toner to Trace a Wire
A test tone generator is a device that creates sound energies through an electrical means. The device makes an electrical signal that is converted into sound. The sounds a wire…
Craftsman vs Kobalt Tool Chest: In-Depth 2023 Review
A mechanic’s tool chest costs a lot of money, so it’s essential to ensure you’re buying something that will last. Craftsman and Kobalt both offer excellent toolsets that are well-reviewed…
Best Tool Cart: Top 6 of 2023 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 Wire Strippers: The Top 8 Picks of 2023
Trying to use a pair of poorly-made wire strippers is a special kind of torture. Terrible wire strippers are a constant source of headaches. Having to re-strip wire is a…
Best Needle Nose Pliers: Top 6 of 2023 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 Electrician Knee Pads: Top 6 of 2023 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 SWR Meter for CB & HAM Radios: Top 6 of 2023 Reviewed
A good SWR meter for CB & HAM radios can test a wide range of frequencies at multiple power settings. Precise, lightweight, and capable of handling large loads without shorting…
Best Electrical Tapes: Top 6 of 2023 Reviewed
The electrical tape is just like The Force – it has a dark side and holds the universe together. The best electrical tape can be used everywhere, properly holds things…
Best Electrical Circuit Tracker: Top 11 Tracers of 2023 Reviewed
Finding cables, wires and breakers can sometimes feel like a long (and frustrating) game of hide and seek. It is frequently done by trial and error, which is extremely time…
Best Surge Protector for Air Conditioners: Top 7 of 2023 Reviewed
There is little more devastating than having your air conditioner unit fried in the middle of a hot summer. You can safeguard your precious HVAC unit by using a high-quality…
Best Wall Mounted Surge Protector: Top 3 of 2023 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 Surge Protector for a Gaming PC: Top 6 of 2023 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 Surge Protector for Garage Door Opener: Top 7 of 2023 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 Cordless Trimmer Blower Combo: Top 6 of 2023 Reviewed
A well-groomed garden is an ultimate goal for any suburban homeowner. Wouldn’t you like a cordless tool that makes garden work a pleasure? We surely do. A good cordless trimmer…
Best Raspberry Pi Book: Top 5 Books of 2023 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 Electrician Books for Beginners: Top 7 of 2023
A good electrician’s book can easily be the difference between passing or failing an exam. Look for a book that has NEC tables, detailed information on wiring, and a reference…
Best DIY Drone Kit: Top 5 of 2023 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,…
Best Butane Torch: Top 8 of 2023 Reviewed
Whether you’re a dedicated jeweler or a passionate arsonist, you need a good butane torch. In case you are soldering earrings or making creme brulee, you should be able to…
Fluke 1587 FC Insulation Tester Multimeter Review
The Fluke 1587 Insulation Multimeter is an electrician’s best friend. With the help of the Fluke 1587 and the Fluke Connect, electricians can identify and fix their common problems wirelessly….
Fluke 15b+ Digital Multimeter Review
When taking readings with a multimeter, you’ll want your results to be as accurate as can be, and that’s only possible with a quality product. To make it easier for…
Best Motherboard With WiFi: Top 5 of 2023 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 takes a dive. Not cool….
Fluke 1507 Insulation Resistance Tester Review
The Fluke 1507 is one of those resistance testers that are designed for all skill levels. It’s multiple testing ranges makes it the recommended tool for many commissioning, preventative, and…
Fluke 289 True RMS Multimeter Review
The difference between a good multimeter and a bad one is like night and day. Top-quality multimeters will instantly provide you with accurate readings, with a slick user interface that…
Fluke 17B+ Digital Multimeter Review
An electrician’s job requires that you have an accurate, rugged, and reliable multimeter. That’s where the Fluke 17B+ steps in. This device has the common basic electrical measurements such as…
Fluke 323 True RMS Clamp Meter Review
The Fluke 323 is one of the best troubleshooting tools for professional and residential electricians. This meter features additional benefits such as the DC current range, contact temperature, and frequency….
Fluke 325 True RMS Clamp Meter Review
Plant maintenance engineers and electricians swear by the Fluke 325 for general and daily use. Since its AC and DC currents measure up to 400A, its testing quality is better…
Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter Review
The Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter (also known as the 87-V or 87-5) is the optimal tool for general electrician work. It’s designed to withstand 8,000 volts spike caused by faults…
Best Electricians Flashlight: Top 5 of 2023 Reviewed
The situation is sketch. You’re in a basement where the only thing lacking is Frankstein lurking around the corner. A reliable flashlight isn’t a suggestion. It’s a must-have. A worthwhile…
Best Electricians Knife: Top 5 of 2023 Reviewed
Whether you’re a professional electrician or just love DIY electrical work, a good electrician’s knife is an absolute gamer-charger. The reinforced stainless steel easily strips away wire, it has a…
Best Insulation Resistance Tester (Megohmmeter): Top 8 of 2023
An insulation resistance tester (also known as a Megohmmeter or “megger”) is a type of ohmmeter used to evaluate the electrical resistance of insulators. Faulty insulation is extremely hazardous to…
Best Light Switch Timer: Top 5 of 2023
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 Surge Protector For Refrigerator: Top 5 of 2023 Reviewed
Getting the right surge protector is crucial to protecting your refrigerator. There’s no point dropping over $2000 on a fridge just to have it break after your first power surge….
Best Step Drill Bit: Top 6 Unibits of 2023 Reviewed
It doesn’t matter if you’re drilling wood, concrete, or plastic walls, working with a poorly designed drill bit is a little slice of hell. The best step drill bits can…
Best Soldering Iron For Electronics: Top 7 of 2023 Reviewed
Trying to solder electronics with poor temperature control is a special kind of torture. The best soldering irons have excellent temperature stability, an ergonomic heat-resistant grip, a wide temperature operating…
Best Soldering Helping Hands: Top 6 of 2023 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 Pocket Multimeters: Top 6 of 2023 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 Plasma Cutter: Top 7 of 2023 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 Precision Screwdriver Set: Top 8 of 2023 Reviewed
There are few things more annoying than discovering you don’t have the right sized screwdriver bit for a job. The best precision screwdriver set is made to last, with a…
Best Non Contact Voltage Tester: Top 7 Voltage Detector Pens of 2023 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) will not only save…
Best Outdoor Light Timer Switch: Top 5 of 2023
Controlling your outdoor lighting manually is a pain in the butt. Given how cheap you can get an outdoor light switch timer, this is not a great use of your…
Best Multimeters of 2023: Top 11 Reviewed (Winner: Fluke 117)
The best multimeter will give you the readings you need quickly and accurately. While a cheap, badly made multimeter will only give you inaccurate readings (and headaches). In our quest…
Best Linesman Pliers For Electricians: Top 8 Picks of 2023 Reviewed
My hands were throbbing in pain. My linesman pliers could barely open wide enough to fit the electrical wire I needed to slice. And even when they could – they…
Best Multimeter Test Leads: Top 8 of 2023 Reviewed
There’s no point spending a bunch of money on a good multimeter and then connecting it to a dodgy set of test leads. Poorly-made multimeter test leads can be anything…
Best Lawn Tractor Battery: Top 8 of 2023 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—and your lawn is almost a foot…
Best Lineman Boots: Top 11 of 2023 Reviewed
As a Lineman, you’ll need a solid pair of work boots that can survive a rough week on the job. There are thousands of lineman boots on the market, so…
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 starting as an electrician aspirant 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…
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…
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….
How Does a Whole House Surge Protector Work?
What exactly does a whole-house surge protector do? If not, then educate yourself. Protect your home from dangerous power spikes and surges with a whole-house surge protector. All sorts of…
How To Join The IBEW Electrician Apprenticeship Program?
If you were searching for an answer to that question, you’ve found the ideal blog post. In this piece, we will discuss how to become an apprentice electrician with the…