Industrial Automation Magazine India

Safer work at up to 1,000 V; insulated hand tools with VDE certification for electrical installers.

March 2024 – Guided by its mission to make work easier and safer for professionals, Bosch is continuously expanding its portfolio for users in industry and the skilled trades. Because roughly one-third of all tools that tradespeople use daily are hand tools, Bosch already offers a comprehensive range of power tools, accessories, and hand tools from a single source. The range is now being expanded to include insulated hand tools, certified by the German Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies, or VDE. Such equipment provides electricians and other professionals with protection against AC voltage of up to 1,000 V while working with current-transmitting parts. The VDE-certified portfolio in the red-and-yellow color scheme that is customary in the market for tools designed for working with current-transmitting parts includes screwdrivers and socket wrenches, open-end spanners, cable and dismantling knives, a set of cable shears, and a variety of pliers. All of them have a soft grip and optimised design to prevent slipping while working. The tools are certified according to the DIN EN/IEC 60900 (VDE 0682-201) standard, with the transparent single pole phase tester (also available) being certified in accordance with DIN VDE 0680-6.

The range includes 20 screwdrivers in a variety of sizes and lengths, as well as six profiles: slotted, Phillips, Torx, Pozidriv, Plus/Minus, and slotted Pozidriv. The screwdrivers feature a slim shaft and durable high-precision tip. For external hex screws, Bosch offers a six-piece socket wrench set. The sizes and profiles are conveniently stated on the handle, while the handle’s form reliably prevents tools from rolling away during breaks. The same goes for the single pole phase tester for a detection range of 120 to 250 V.

Available in four sizes, the open-end spanners, with a jaw position of 15 degrees, are ideally suited for hard-to-reach areas.

The pliers range includes combination pliers, straight and bent long-nose pliers, diagonal side cutters, a wire stripper, a water pump pliers, and crimping pliers. Particularly ergonomic is the high-leverage diagonal side cutter with an activatable opening spring, which makes repetitive tasks much easier. Thanks to the optimised design with powerful high-leverage effect, users need up to 30% less force when cutting than with standard pliers. The cable shears, which feature a dual blade, are also optimised for powerful leverage. They can cut aluminum and copper, plus their twin-blade technology makes them suitable for both stripping and cutting. The VDE product range is rounded out by two knives: a cable knife with a straight blade, and a dismantling knife with a sickle shaped blade. The handles of both knives feature an integrated thumb rest on the top and a finger hook below for comfort and greater safety on the job.

The VDE-certified hand tools are scheduled to hit shelves in May as individual tools or in various sets, most of them with L-Boxx-compatible half or full inlays. All prices are recommended retail prices and do not include VAT.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

For a deeper dive into the dynamic world of Industrial Automation and Robotic Process Automation (RPA), explore our comprehensive collection of articles and news covering cutting-edge technologies, robotics, PLC programming, SCADA systems, and the latest advancements in the Industrial Automation realm. Uncover valuable insights and stay abreast of industry trends by delving into the rest of our articles on Industrial Automation and RPA at www.industrialautomationindia.in