Electrical Tool
Maintenance
Topic: Observe Periodic Preventive
and Maintenance of Electrical
tools and equipment
° Sharpening
° Oiling
° Insulating
At the end of this lesson the
student will be able to,
• Explain the importance of periodic preventive
maintenance for electrical tools and equipment,
including the purpose of sharpening, oiling, and
insulating components. Students will be able to
identify potential hazards associated with
neglecting maintenance.
• Demonstrate a safe and responsible attitude
towards handling electrical tools and equipment,
emphasizing the importance of preventative
maintenance for personal safety and the longevity
of the tools.
• Sharpen, oil, and insulate basic electrical tools (e.g.,
screwdrivers, pliers) according to safety procedures.
• Materials:
• - Various electrical hand tools (screwdrivers, pliers,
wire strippers, etc.) – some needing sharpening,
oiling, or insulation repair.
• - Sharpening stones/files
• - Lubricating oil (appropriate for electrical tools)
• - Electrical tape/insulating material
• - Safety glasses
• - Gloves
• - Worksheets with diagrams and instructions
• - Assessment rubric
Importance of preventative
maintenance for all tools, but
especially electrical tools due
to safety concerns.
• Preventative maintenance is critical for all tools,
but especially for electrical tools due to the
heightened safety risks associated with
malfunctioning electrical components; by regularly
inspecting and servicing electrical tools, potential
hazards like exposed wires, damaged insulation, or
faulty switches can be identified and addressed
before they lead to electrical shocks, fires, or
injuries, ultimately ensuring safe and efficient
operation.
Key points on why preventative
maintenance is crucial for
electrical tools:
• Safety First:
• Electrical tools, when not properly maintained, can
pose serious safety risks like electric shock, sparks,
and overheating, which can be prevented by
regular inspections and repairs.
• Early Detection of Issues:
• Routine maintenance allows for early identification
of potential problems like worn cords, loose
connections, or damaged plugs, enabling timely
repairs before they escalate into major failures.
Optimized Performance:
• Keeping electrical tools clean and properly
lubricated ensures they operate at peak efficiency,
preventing unexpected disruptions and potential
hazards caused by malfunctioning equipment.
Reduced Downtime:
• By addressing minor issues proactively,
preventative maintenance minimizes the need for
emergency repairs, reducing downtime and
maintaining productivity.
Cost Savings:
• Regular maintenance can significantly reduce the
cost of repairs by catching problems early,
preventing the need for costly replacements.
Specific aspects of
electrical tool
preventative
maintenance:
• Visual Inspections:
• Regularly check for visible damage like cracks,
frayed cords, or exposed wires on the tool body and
power cord.
• Functionality Testing:
• Test all functions of the tool to ensure they operate
as intended, including switches, speed settings, and
safety features.
• Cleaning and Lubrication:
• Clean the tool thoroughly to remove dust and
debris, and lubricate moving parts as needed.
• Calibration Checks:
• For tools that require precise measurements,
perform regular calibration checks to ensure
accuracy.
• Component Replacement:
• Replace worn-out parts like brushes, cords, or
batteries on a scheduled basis to prevent potential
failures.
Implementing a
preventative
maintenance program:
• Establish a schedule:
• Create a regular maintenance schedule based on
the usage frequency and manufacturer
recommendations.
• Assign responsibility:
• Clearly designate individuals responsible for
performing maintenance checks.
• Record keeping:
• Maintain detailed records of maintenance
activities, including dates, repairs, and component
replacements.
The three key aspects
of preventative
maintenance:
• Sharpening
• Oiling
• Insulating
Sharpening
• - Importance:
• Begin by highlighting the increased efficiency
of sharp tools – less effort, cleaner cuts, faster
work. Then emphasize safety: A dull tool requires
more force, increasing the chance of slippage and
injury. Show examples of hand injuries caused by
slips with dull tools.
- Techniques: Explain different
sharpening methods depending on
the tool.
• - Screwdrivers: Use a fine-grit sharpening stone or
file, focusing on the tip and maintaining the original
angle. Demonstrate the proper technique,
emphasizing even pressure and consistent strokes.
• - Pliers: Sharpening pliers usually involves using a
specialized grinding wheel or file, carefully
maintaining the jaw alignment. Show pictures and
briefly explain the process (avoiding detailed
instruction at this stage).
• - Knives (if applicable): Briefly mention honing and
sharpening techniques for knives, emphasizing the
importance of using the correct angle.
• - Safety: Emphasize the importance of using a
stable work surface, wearing safety glasses, and
using light, even pressure to avoid damaging the
tool
Oiling
• Oiling, or proper lubrication, in electrical tools and
equipment is crucial because it significantly reduces
friction between moving parts, preventing
excessive wear and tear, extending the lifespan of
the tool, improving its performance, and
minimizing the risk of overheating by dissipating
heat generated during operation; essentially, it
helps maintain the reliability and safety of the
electrical equipment by protecting against
corrosion and ensuring smooth functionality.
Using the right lubricant is crucial for
maintaining the performance and longevity of
electrical tools.
Why ?
• General-purpose oils can attract dust and grime,
which can accumulate on electrical components
and lead to problems. This build-up can cause:
• - Short circuits: Dust and grime can create
conductive pathways, leading to electrical shorts.
• - Reduced performance: Accumulated debris can
interfere with the smooth operation of moving
parts, reducing efficiency.
• - Increased wear and tear: Friction from dirt and
grime can accelerate wear on components,
shortening their lifespan.
• Silicone-Based Lubricants: A Good Choice
• Silicone-based lubricants are often a good choice
for electrical tools because they:
• - Repel dust and grime: Silicone's non-sticky
nature helps prevent dust and dirt from adhering
to the lubricant, minimizing build-up.
• - Provide excellent electrical insulation: Silicone is
a dielectric material, meaning it does not conduct
electricity, preventing short circuits.
• - Offer a wide temperature range: Silicone
lubricants can withstand both high and low
temperatures, making them suitable for various
environments.
• - Compatible with many materials: Silicone
lubricants are compatible with many plastics and
metals commonly found in electrical tools.
Insulating
• Insulation in electrical tools and
equipment is crucial for safety, as it
prevents electric shock by isolating
live components from the user,
minimizing the risk of electrocution
and potential injury when working on
energized electrical systems; it also
helps protect the equipment itself
from damage caused by unintended
contact with conductive surfaces
Methods and Materials
used,
• To properly wrap electrical tape, ensuring complete
coverage of exposed wires or damaged insulation,
start by cleaning the area, then apply the tape with
slight tension, overlapping each wrap by at least
50%, and wrap in the direction of the wire's natural
strain, maintaining consistent pressure throughout
the process; always use a sufficient amount of tape
to fully cover the exposed area and damaged
insulation.
- Heat-Shrink Tubing
• Heat-shrink tubing (or, commonly, heat shrink or
heatshrink) is a shrinkable plastic tube used to
insulate wires, providing abrasion resistance and
environmental protection for stranded and solid
wire conductors, connections, joints and terminals
in electrical wiring.
- Insulating
Sleeves/Covers
• Insulating sleeve is a very high temperature
resistant tube commonly used as thermal
protection for wires, cables, and hoses that are
constantly exposed to very high temperature
environments such as engines, exhaust system.
• Take safety precautions – wear safety equipment,
including gloves, dust mask, overalls, protective
eye and footwear. Be careful when using ladders
and stepladders. Make sure that someone is
nearby and can help if you need it.
Worksheet Activity (15
min):
• - Multiple Choice: Test knowledge of appropriate
lubricants, sharpening techniques, and insulation
materials.
• - True/False: Assess understanding of the
importance of maintenance for safety and
efficiency.
• - Short Answer: Ask students to explain why a
specific maintenance task is important (e.g., "Why
is it important to keep screwdrivers sharp?").
• - Diagram Labeling: Provide a diagram of a tool
(e.g., pliers) and ask students to label the parts that
require oiling or insulation.
