Mechanics and firefighters should be cautious when working on hybrid vehicles because hybrid vehicles use a combination of a gasoline motor and a high-voltage electric motor. The electric motor operates on voltages as high as 500 volts, that’s more than eight times the lethal voltage. Be ready for anything. Don’t be caught worrying about the “what ifs” while working on these vehicles.

What are insulated tools?

Insulated tools are designed to protect you against injury in the event that you make contact with an energized source. Every insulated tool must be marked with the year it was insulated and an official 1,000-volt rating symbol, which ensures you will be protected for live use up to 1,000 VAC or 1,500 VDC.

They shall comply with the international standard  IEC EN 60900

They are identified by the mark : 1000V (double triangle) IEC EN 60900 with the name of the manufacturer, tool reference and the year of manufacture. As a UK manufacturer, Boddingtons additionally include the batch number to give a customer full audit trial. 

There are strict international standards that apply to insulated tools and can be identified by the double triangle symbol that is engraved onto every tool. 

Why should I use insulated tools?

Insulated tools are important when conducting any work that needs to be completed “hot” or on a live circuit. Insulated tools offer significant protection for situations where it may not always be possible to disconnect the circuit, for example when working on a railway line that needs to remain active.

They’re also very useful for unexpected situations when you may not be aware that you are working on a live circuit. Without insulated tools to hand, you could be risking serious injury, liability or even death.