ECN Forum
Posted By: sparky Safety Tools - 12/09/02 09:33 PM
There seems an endless supply of 'electrical safety' tools marketed that are questionable, i.e.~'lighted' screwdrivers , as well as devices like the 'PlugGrip....

I find this misleading, and i wonder how they assume marketability.
Posted By: OSHA Professor Re: Safety Tools - 12/16/02 12:26 AM
Sparky,
I'm not quite sure what you mean by “marketability”. Or specifically which tools you’re referring to. But generally speaking anyone can sell whatever they want. It’s kind of like you can still purchase attachment plugs with the cardboard or plastic wafer as opposed to the dead front types although the wafer types are no longer listed by UL nor are they acceptable by NEC. Be sure the tools you are looking at are UL listed, and if they are dielectric / insulated type be sure they meet the ASTM standard for insulated tools. Let the buyer beware !
OSHA Professor
Posted By: Trumpy Re: Safety Tools - 02/05/03 04:03 AM
Sparky,
I wouldn't touch any so-called "Electrical
Safety Tool", unless it was referenced to some type of well-known Test standard,
something like IEC 1010-3(I think), VDE in
Germany also has a standard for these types of equipment.
After all, it's your personal safety that you have to think about. [Linked Image]
Posted By: sparky Re: Safety Tools - 02/08/03 05:00 PM
the general public is mostly unaware of UL, standards etc.
they are also somewhat desensitized to disclaimers, think about it, do YOU read every disclaimer?
these manufacturers apparently do not care about anyones 'safety' ,and those agencies who's mission supposively is such are apparently willing to look the other way.
Posted By: OSHA Professor Re: Safety Tools - 02/09/03 11:53 PM
Check out ASTM F 1505, Standard Specification for Insulated and Insulating Hand Tools.
All insulated hand tools must meet this standard to be acceptable to OSHA for live work. These tools are all rated at 1kv (unlike gloves and other cover up with several voltage classifications). The universal symbol on the tool is the two upside down triangles overlaping or the standard number ASTM F 1505 which must be displayed somewher on the tool if the tool is truly insulating.
OSHA Professor
© ECN Electrical Forums