What tool is essential for accurately measuring and cutting cable lengths in installation?

The essential tool for accurately measuring and cutting cable lengths during installation is a cable cutter. This tool is specifically designed to cut through various types of cables cleanly and efficiently, ensuring that the lengths needed for installation can be achieved without fraying or damaging the cable ends.

Using a cable cutter allows for precise cuts, which is critical when working in environments where exact cable lengths are necessary for optimal performance and safety. A clean cut also aids in subsequent terminations, as it ensures that the wires can be stripped and connected without issues.

While other tools like wire strippers and voltage testers have their specific functions—such as removing insulation from conductors or checking live voltages—they do not fulfill the specific role of measuring and cutting cable lengths. Fish tape, on the other hand, is typically used for guiding cables through conduits rather than cutting them. Thus, for the task of measuring and cutting, a cable cutter is the most appropriate and essential tool.