What’s in your EDC?

It has become very popular recently to keep an EDC kit handy. EDC stands for everyday carry. This kit could be for outdoor wilderness or urban survival. YouTube has a plethora of videos on this subject. But what about on the job site? We should always have the right things available at our fingertips in case we get a call from a client to troubleshoot.

For this article, I reached out to contractors on the board of the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals to see what they carried with them on an everyday basis.

Volt/AMP meter

A good voltmeter with an amp clamp is one of the most important tools you should keep in your everyday carry kit. This meter will allow you to figure out your voltage at the receptacle, transformer and fixtures in the field. The clamp portion can be used for troubleshooting, as well as calculating the amount of wattage on each line coming out of the transformer. One may also want to invest in a wire tracer. Several manufacturers make great ones and have online videos demonstrating how to use them. These units can help you identify wires in the field by sending a tone through them. This will work on both lighting and irrigation systems.

Remember that all these tools are an investment in your business so pick something that’s going to give you longevity.

Hand tools

A variety of hand tools can be valuable additions to your EDC kit:

• multi-tip screwdriver: There are many varieties of multi-tip screwdrivers. The board from the AOLP recommends an 11-way screwdriver. This unit has several socket sizes as well as different driving tips.
• wire strippers: It’s important to select a well-known brand of wire strippers. Most of these wire strippers are made for solid cable. Use caution when stripping landscape lighting cable. Be sure not to cut any of the multi-strands on these conductors.
• needle-nose pliers: Some old transformers have female spade connections that need to be removed when servicing. A good pair of needle-nose pliers can help you get into those areas. They are also handy for some par 36 terminals that you may find in well lights.

Shovels

Here are two shovels you might want to consider adding:

• hand trowel: In my kit, I pack a camping-style hand trowel. I prefer this style because it is lightweight, rather sharp, and has a saw on one side. This works well in case there are any roots that need to be cut as you make a repair.
• flat spade shovel: This can help you dig some slit trenches in natural turf or planter areas to bury wire quickly. This can also be used as a chopping tool in case you run into roots while digging.

Wire marker dispenser roll

A wire marker dispenser roll contains a series of individually numbered tape from 0-9.

These numbers can help you identify specific runs of cable on a transformer. This is usually done during the installation of the transformer. It can also be used to help identify different field wires in central point connection boxes.

Multicolored marking flags

Multicolored marking flags can help you in the field by designating the problem areas after you find them. If the repair cannot be done today, this will help the tech who is assigned to the job to be able to follow the job notes and to repair the situation quickly.

Marking flags can also help when you are working with Wi-Fi products.

A cordless drill/impact driver

You may find yourself needing this for removing or hanging a new transformer. You will also need this for strapping conduit to walls as well as mounting junction boxes. A cordless driver can also come into play when you are installing hanging tree fixtures.

Spare sockets and lamps

It’s always good to have a few spare sockets such as MR-16 and bi-pin handy for any necessary repairs. Other sockets such as SCB, wedge base and DCB can be kept in lower quantities. Keeping a small box of the most common lamps is also a good idea.

Insect spray

In certain areas of the country, we may have an ant infestation around fixtures. There could be spider nests inside transformers. Keeping hornet and wasp spray and ant spray with you to take care of these situations.

With all lighting EDC tools, it is important for you to do your research and look at the reviews from fellow users. Remember that all these tools are an investment in your business so pick something that’s going to give you longevity.

Kevin Smith is the national technical support and trainer at Brilliance LED, Carefree, Arizona, and can be reached via email.