Quick Question About Cable Cutters

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Shane Mullan

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• Dec 4, 2017

• #1

Hi Guys,

Not sure if this is a stupid question but why are Cable Cutters not insulated, wheras everything else is VDE protected (sidecutters, pliers, screwdrivers etc)??

Seems odd that the cable cutters have been left out?

Shane

 

Pete999

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• Dec 4, 2017

• #2

Shane Mullan said:

Hi Guys,

Not sure if this is a stupid question but why are Cable Cutters not insulated, wheras everything else is VDE protected (sidecutters, pliers, screwdrivers etc)??

Seems odd that the cable cutters have been left out?

Shane

Click to expand...

The cable cutters I have are insulated, which ones are you thinking of?

 

Rpa07

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I’d like to think that you shouldn’t be in a position where you are cutting live cables in one go, simples. Proving dead when cutting a cable is a most important job and if one finds oneself needing the VDE protection (besides the Arc flash and blindness that goes with it) then ones abilities and competences should be questioned.
Half joking and mostly serious! Respect!

 

Simonslimline

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• Dec 4, 2017

• #4

Som are VDE and some are not!

Same applies to most electricians hand tools!

 

OP

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Shane Mullan

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Here's a classic example: C.K Cable Cutter 210mm - https://www.screwfix.com/p/c-k-cable-cutter-210mm/51831 the CK Croppers. As a noobie I don't have my own tools yet, so was just wondering the question before I go off and waste money on the wrong tools :0

 

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Des 56

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• Dec 4, 2017

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The VDE standard Verband der Elektrotechni, the German IET apparently ( I didn't know that )

VDE tools are tested to a standard for safe use with electric
It is best to stick with tools that have this standard whilst not relying on them for any form of primary safety
Best to consider them as another tier of protection that is better to have than not have

 

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Shane Mullan

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• Dec 4, 2017

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Des 56 said:

The VDE standard Verband der Elektrotechni, the German IET apparently ( I didn't know that )

VDE tools are tested to a standard for safe use with electric
It is best to stick with tools that have this standard whilst not relying on them for any form of primary safety
Best to consider them as another tier of protection that is better to have than not have

Click to expand...

Thanks Des, so why do the CK Croppers not come with the safety standard? I've seen many electricians using them!

 

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• Dec 4, 2017

• #8

For basic installation tasks prior to energising they can be quite handy

 

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Squid

• Dec 4, 2017

• #9

What size of cable are you planning on cutting as there are varying sizing of "chompers" and as above also make sure the cable is dead or isolated.

If you are into large cables then go hydraulic.

 

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Shane Mullan

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• Dec 4, 2017

• #10

SWD said:

What size of cable are you planning on cutting as there are varying sizing of "chompers" and as above also make sure the cable is dead or isolated.

If you are into large cables then go hydraulic.

Click to expand...

I'd say hydraulic would certainly be above my pay grade. All I've done so far is domestic

 

buzzlightyear

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• Dec 4, 2017

• #11

Shane Mullan said:

Seems odd that the cable cutters have been left out?

Click to expand...

not these .

 

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Squid

• Dec 4, 2017

• #12

Shane Mullan said:

I'd say hydraulic would certainly be above my pay grade. All I've done so far is domestic

Click to expand...

pfff pair of pliers and a strong wrist.......... ;o)))))

 

NDG Elecs

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• Dec 4, 2017

• #13

I have those CK. Keep a nice sharp edge and have lasted well. RPA has a good point above, I use them to cut and dress tails usually, prior to energisation..

The insulated version cost a bit more, and I have never felt the need to get them TBH when the CK do the job nicely.

 

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• Dec 5, 2017

• #14

mine are insulated as in they got plastic coated handles, but they're not VDE.

 

Phil Thompson

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• Dec 5, 2017

• #15

I have hellermann tyton shears which aren’t VDE and get used daily almost, and a Klein set that have slip guards and are vde. They get used very very rarely.