Tools and Materials

Tools

Wire Stripper
Voltage Tester
Megger
Wire Gauge

Materials

What is a Wire Stripper

A wire stripper is a handy tool used for electrical work that helps you remove the protective plastic cover, also known as insulation, from electrical wires. The primary purpose of a wire stripper is to expose the metal core inside the wire without damaging it.

How Do Wire Strippers Work?

Wire strippers are tools that come in different designs to fit various wire sizes. They make it easier to prepare wires for tasks like wiring outlets, installing lights or other electrical projects.

These tools carefully remove the insulation without damaging the metal wire inside, ensuring your electrical work is safe and efficient. Most wire strippers have holes of different sizes to match the thickness of different cables, allowing you to strip the wire cleanly and precisely.

Types of Wire Strippers

Let us help you understand a few types of wire strippers, so you can choose the right one for your project.

Manual Wire Strippers

Manual wire strippers are the most straightforward type. They come with a set of grooves marked for different wire gauges, allowing you to select the appropriate size for your wire. You manually clamp the stripper around the wire, cut into the insulation and pull to strip it off. These tools are reliable for small projects but require more effort and precision compared to other types.

Automatic Wire Strippers

Automatic wire strippers grip the wire and remove the insulation in a single motion. These are faster and more efficient, making them ideal for larger projects. They are designed to handle multiple wire sizes and require less manual effort.

Adjustable Wire Strippers

This type of wire stripper allows you to adjust its settings to accommodate unusual wire sizes or insulation thickness. Adjustable wire strippers offer flexibility, making them useful for specialized electrical tasks.

Self-adjusting Wire Strippers

Self-adjusting wire strippers are the most convenient type. They automatically adapt to the wire’s size, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. This type provides clean, precise stripping without damaging the wire.

Different Materials for Wire Strippers

Different wire strippers are made using varied materials. Below are details that will help you choose the best material for your next project.

Steel:

Steel wire stripers are durable and resistant to wear, ideal for heavy-duty tasks. They are also less likely to deform or dull over time, ensuring longevity.

Metal and Plastic:

Wire strippers made of metal with plastic grips offer a good balance between strength and comfort. The plastic handles provide insulation and a firm grip, making them safer and easier to use.

Forged Steel:

Forged steel strippers are crafted for superior durability and precision. The forging process makes the tool robust and suitable for professional use, even under heavy workloads.

How to Use a Wire Stripper: Step-by-Step Guide

It is important to use a wire stripper correctly for safe and effective electrical work. Follow these steps to learn how to use a wire stripper without causing any inconvenience.

Caution

Wear insulated hand gloves to keep yourself safe from any electrical shock.

Before you begin stripping the wire, ensure there is no electricity flowing through the wire you are working on.

Locate and switch off the circuit breaker supplying power to the wire.
Use a voltage tester to test the wire and confirm it is not live. To check a live wire with a voltage tester, just touch the tester's tip to the suspected live wire. If the tester lights up, beeps or shows a voltage reading, the wire is live.

Caution

Always turn off the power before testing and be careful when working with electricity.

Wire strippers have multiple grooves, each designed for a specific wire gauge. To choose the right groove for wire insulation, make sure the groove size closely matches the diameter of the wire insulation.

It should fit snugly without compressing it too much or leaving too much space, which could result in damage or a poor connection of the wire. You can usually find this information by using a wire gauge tool to determine the groove required in the correct size.

To check wire insulation, you need to perform an ‘insulation resistance test’ using a specialized tool called a ‘megger’ (or insulation tester). The megger applies a high voltage to the wire and measures the resulting current, allowing you to calculate the insulation resistance. A high resistance value indicates good insulation, while a low value suggests damage or deterioration.

Caution

Always ensure the power is turned off before testing and follow safety guidelines when handling electricity.

This is the primary action when using a wire stripper.

Clamp the handles of the wire stripper, making sure the blades are positioned over the outer sheath and not on the inner wires. This will ensure no damage to the metal core while stripping the wire.
While gripping the wire, pull the stripper toward the end of the wire to remove the insulation cleanly.
Avoid excessive force, which can damage the wire core. If you encounter resistance, double-check that you are using the correct groove.

Tips for Using Wire Strippers:

Follow the steps for safer use of a wire stripper for your next project.

Choose the right tool for the job: Use a wire stripper suited to the gauge and type of wire you are working with to avoid damage.
Practice on scrap wire: If you are new to using a wire stripper, practice on spare pieces of wire to get comfortable with the tool.
Work in good lighting: Ensure you have adequate lighting to clearly see the wire and the stripper’s grooves for accurate results.
Tool upkeep: Keep your wire stripper clean and free from debris. Check for dull or damaged blades and replace them if needed.
Safety first: Always double-check that the wire is not live before working on it. Use insulated tools for added safety.

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