Running your own electrical business means doing it all – quoting, installing, inspecting, and everything in between. Whether you’re a domestic installer, a fault-finding specialist, or a contractor covering maintenance and upgrades, every tool in your van needs to earn its place.
As 2025 brings tighter regulations, smarter systems, and more client expectations, it’s more important than ever to have the right electrical tools at your fingertips. Here’s our expert rundown of the essential tools for electricians in 2025 – and why they’re more than just nice-to-haves.
- Multifunction Tester (MFT)
If you’re carrying out EICRs, installing new circuits, or signing off consumer unit changes, a Multifunction Tester is a must.
Look for features like:
- Auto RCD testing
- Loop impedance and insulation resistance modes
- Wi-Fi/Bluetooth for syncing with digital certification platforms
- 18th Edition compatibility (including SPD and AFDD support)
Why it matters: No MFT, no sign-off. It’s your compliance cornerstone — especially if you’re NICEIC or NAPIT certified.
- Lockout Kit
With increased emphasis on safe isolation procedures, a proper lockout/tagout kit is essential for staying compliant and safe.
Look for:
- MCB and RCBO-compatible lockout devices
- Tags, hasps, and voltage indicators
- Compact storage that fits in your test bag
Why it matters: Cutting corners on isolation isn’t just risky — it’s non-compliant. A good kit helps you avoid accidents and pass audits with confidence.
- Insulated VDE Tools
Screwdrivers, pliers, and cutters must be VDE-rated to handle up to 1,000V — not just for safety, but for accuracy and reliability.
Top picks include:
- Slimline drivers for tight CU terminals
- Combi cutters for clean stripping
- Torque drivers for RCBO and SPD terminals
Why it matters: Quality tools lead to cleaner installs, fewer callbacks, and long-term savings.
- Cable Rod Set
Routing cables under floors or through ceiling voids? A good cable rod set makes life easier — and avoids unnecessary access holes.
Recommended features:
- LED or glow-in-the-dark tips
- Mix of flexi and rigid rods
- Carry tube for organised storage
Why it matters: Speeds up first-fix work and keeps the job site cleaner.
- Thermal Imaging Camera or IR Thermometer
No longer just for high-end commercial jobs, thermal cameras are becoming a go-to for domestic fault-finding.
Use them to:
- Spot overheating circuits
- Detect loose connections
- Inspect boards without removing covers
Why it matters: Great for preventative maintenance, compliance checks, and impressing clients with your diagnostic skills.
- Voltage Tester & Two-Pole Tester
Forget neon screwdrivers — proper voltage testers and two-pole indicators are required to prove dead and stay within BS 7671 standards.
Why it matters: Essential for safe isolation, especially when used alongside your lockout kit. No excuses in 2025.
- Label Printer
If you’re installing or modifying consumer units, you need clear, compliant labels. A modern Bluetooth-enabled label printer is a game-changer. Look for:
- Rechargeable models
- 18th Edition preset templates
- Heat-shrink sleeve compatibility for cables
Why it matters: Labelling is part of compliance – and good labelling boosts your professional image.
- SDS Power Drill
From fixing containment to mounting boards and chasing walls, an SDS drill with a quick-change chuck should be in every van.
Why it matters: Power, speed, and versatility — especially when switching between masonry drilling and screw driving.
9. Smartphone with Industry Apps
Yes, it’s a tool — and possibly your most powerful one.
Must-have apps include:
- Digital certification tools (NICEIC, NAPIT, or third-party)
- Stock ordering or wholesaler apps
- Invoicing, scheduling, and quoting platforms
- AI tools for job management, site surveys, or snag lists
Why it matters: Keeps your admin efficient and your business scalable. It’s your mobile office.
- Head Torch
A small thing that makes a big difference when you’re in lofts, under stairs, or switching off lighting circuits.
Why it matters: Hands-free lighting saves time, improves safety, and helps you finish jobs in awkward spaces.
Dan’s Final Thoughts
Being self-employed in 2025 means working smart, staying compliant, and delivering a polished service from quote to completion. The right tools don’t just make your day easier — they help you work faster, safer, and with the kind of quality that builds customer trust and repeat business.
Whether you’re upgrading boards, testing circuits, or chasing down faults — let your tools do the talking.