Could your choice of tools cost you your life? Standard tools offer no protection from electrical shock and their use should be limited to un-energized electrical equipment. Work done where there are exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts requires the use of an insulated tool.
Insulated tool are designed for safety and are rated for live use up to 1000 VAC or 1500 VDC. These tools are manufactured according to strict standards. The ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) F1505, Standard for Insulating and Insulated Hand Tools, provides detailed information. Insulated hand tools should be manufactured and tested to this specification before approved for sale and use. Shape, size and usability can vary between manufacturers, thus the overall performance is based on the adequate design of the tool. Commonly seen in the market is a two-color design that can visually indicate that a tool has been damaged.