Electrified tool: overview, safety, purpose

A couple of years ago, in 2016, the Russian government classified an electrified instrument as a product of high technical complexity, along with digital cameras, refrigerators and watches. This means that when buying a consumer, having found a marriage, it may require not only a replacement, but also a complete refusal to purchase with a refund. Fifteen days are given for this (in some cases, and more). Consider which tool we are talking about.

What can be considered a power tool?

An electrified mechanism is a unit that can be freely transported that meets the requirements of electrical, vibration and noise safety. Its components are:

• housing;
• an electric drive located inside the housing;
• working body;
• transmission mechanism;
• start-up and adjustment equipment.

The launch and operation of the device is provided by power from the network or battery devices.

Hazard classification

All electrified manual machines and tools are divided into three classes depending on the degree of protection of a person from electric shock:

• I - rated voltage (voltage that determines the degree of insulation of the network and electrical equipment) above forty-two volts. In this case, one piece of metal (or more), which is energized and accessible to touch, is closed with only one functional insulation.
• II - the rated voltage is the same. In this case, all potentially hazardous metal parts are covered with reinforced insulation.
• III - voltage below forty-two volts, not dangerous for humans.

The safety of working with an electrified tool of a modern type is also ensured by the fact that there are no metal parts on the outside, complete electrical insulation, a plastic case. Only the working body remains metallic.

Modern labeling

There are other safety classifications. The most common is the five-grade class below. The reason for its widespread popularity is that it is also suitable for other household appliances. The safety class is indicated on the device label.

• Class 00 and class 01: the units referred to them are equipped with working insulation and are intended for use in non-residential premises. The difference between the classes is that 00 does not have grounding, 01 does. This equipment is considered highly hazardous, so it is gradually being superseded by more modern, related to the first class.
• Class 1 - has working insulation, grounding. It can be used in residential buildings and in production.
• Class 2 - double insulation, no grounding, use is allowed in production halls.
• Class 3 - there is working insulation, there is no grounding, it can be used in rooms of any type, including with increased danger. No additional precautions are required.

The most common devices related to the first class. Devices of the third safety class are considered universal.

Important note: only adults who have specially trained and have a qualification record of this in the certificate should work with electrical equipment.

Drive Type Classification

According to the type of drive (direct and inverse converter of electrical energy into mechanical), electrified tools can be divided into three groups:

• Electromechanical tools - have a rotary engine. This includes drills, planers, rotary saws, etc.
• Compression and vacuum tools - the drummer transfers energy to the working body. The most popular tools with this type of engine are a compression-vacuum puncher, an electric hammer.
• Electromagnetic units - with a linear reciprocating engine. There are no tools on the basis of such an engine in everyday life, there are only industrial ones - laser, water-cutting and drilling-milling machines.

Household classification

Electrified tools are divided into two groups - professional and household. Professional are designed for intensive and long-term operation. For example, an industrial screwdriver has a stronger plastic housing, bearings are sealed, and steel is used for metal parts after heat treatment. It is understood that household screwdrivers are used sporadically, so structural elements do not have reinforcement and additional treatments.

Target classification

The division of a power tool into groups is carried out depending on the purpose for which it is intended.

Another subdivision into groups depends on which power is used: battery or power supply. Almost any portable electromechanism can be bought in both versions. With a battery, it will be called a hand-held electrified tool, with a cord - a stationary power tool.

There are advantages in both groups. Battery models are commonly used for high-altitude work, in the field, on de-energized areas.

Most often these are drills, screwdrivers and rotary hammers. Less often you can find a milling cutter, a jigsaw or a hot glue gun. These are relatively lightweight, convenient and safe devices.

Their disadvantages can be considered low power and a short period of working time, after which recharging is needed. Stationary tools are much more powerful, more accurate, work long and efficiently. Otherwise, cord and hand models are no different.

Thermal classification

Resistance to heat for the tool is of great importance, especially when it comes to devices for professional work. Heat resistance is determined by the material of the winding of an electrified tool (examples of materials are given in the table).

The higher the class (sixth and seventh), the longer the operating time, which is especially true for industrial devices.

Thus, a modern electrified tool is safe, diverse, and convenient to use. It is designed on the basis of engines of various types and is designed for all types of construction and repair activities.