Description and Application
Hot sticks are poles made of an insulating material. They have tools and/or fittings on the ends which allow workers to manipulate energized conductors and equipment from a safe distance. Hot sticks vary in length depending on the voltage level of the energized equipment and the work to be performed. Modern hot sticks are made of fiberglass and/or epoxiglass. Older designs were made of wood which was treated and painted with chemical-, moisture-, and tem- perature-resistant materials. Figure 2.44 is an example of a simple hot stick fitted with a tool suitable for operation of open-air disconnect switches.
Hot sticks can be fitted with a variety of tools and instruments. The most common fitting is the NEMA standard design shown in Fig. 2.45 as the standard universal fitting. This fitting allows a variety of tools and equipment to be connected to the hot stick. Figure 2.46 shows a voltage tester attached to a hot stick using a standard fitting.
Figure 2.45 also shows other attachments and extensions that can be used to increase the usefulness of hot sticks. In addition to the equipment shown in Fig. 2.45, hot sticks can also be equipped with wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, cutters, saws, and other such tools.
Hot sticks can also be purchased in telescoping models (Fig. 2.47) and so-called shotgun models (Fig. 2.48). The telescoping type of hot stick is composed of several hollow, tubular sections which nest inside of each other. The topmost section is first extended and locked in place by means of a spring-loaded button which snaps into a hole. The user of the hot stick extends as many of the sections as are required to accomplish the job at hand. The telescoping hot stick makes very long hot stick lengths available which then collapse to a small, easy-to- carry assembly.
The shotgun hot stick (Fig. 2.48) has a sliding lever mechanism that allows the user to open and close a clamping hook mechanism at the end. In this way the user can attach the stick to a disconnect ring and then close it. After the switch is operated, the shotgun
mechanism is operated to open the hook. The shotgun stick gets its name from its similar- ity to the pump-action shotgun.
Figure 2.49 shows a hot stick kit with several sections and various tools. This type of package provides a variety of configurations which will satisfy most of the day-to-day needs for the electrician and the overhead line worker. The kit includes the following components:
1. Six 4-ft sections of an Epoxiglas snap-together hot stick
2. Aluminum disconnect head for opening and closing switches and enclosed cutouts 3. Nonmetallic disconnect head for use in indoor substations where buswork and switches
are in close proximity
4. Clamp stick head for use with 6-in-long eye-screw ground clamps. This is used to apply
and remove safety grounds
ELECTRICAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT 2.45
FIGURE 2.45 Various fittings, couplings, and tools for hot sticks. (Courtesy AB Chance Corp.)
FIGURE 2.46 Voltage tools attached to a hot stick. (Courtesy W.H. Salisbury and Co.)
2.46 CHAPTER TWO
5. Tree trimmer attachment with 1 ft of
additional stick and pull rope used to close jaws of the trimmer
6. Pruning saw
7. Pistol-grip saw handle for use when tree
limbs can be reached and insulation is not required
8. Heavy-duty vinyl-impregnated storage
case
Electricians involved primarily in indoor work might wish to substitute other tools for the tree trimming and pruning attachments.
1 ᎏ2 FIGURE 2.47 Telescoping hot stick—shown col- lapsed. (Courtesy AB Chance Corp.)
FIGURE 2.48 Shotgun-type hot stick. (Courtesy AB Chance Corp.)
When to Use
Hot sticks should be used to insulate and isolate the electrician from the possibility of elec- tric shock, arc, or blast. Table 2.22 identifies the types of procedures for which hot sticks are recommended.
How to Use
The specifics of hot stick use will depend upon the task being performed and the location in which the worker is positioned. As a general rule, if hot sticks are being used, the worker should also wear other protective clothing. At a minimum, rubber gloves and face shields should be employed. However, many recommend that flash suits should also be worn, espe- cially when safety grounds are being applied.
Before each use the hot stick should be closely inspected for signs of physical damage which may affect its insulating ability. If the hot stick is cracked, split, or otherwise dam- aged, it should be taken out of service.
Testing Requirements
ASTM Standard F 711 requires that manufacturers test hot sticks to very stringent stan- dards before they are sold. Additionally, OSHA standards require that hot sticks be inspected and/or tested periodically. The following should be the minimum:
ELECTRICAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT 2.47
FIGURE 2.49 Typical hot stick kit for electricians and line workers. (Courtesy AB Chance Corp.)
Medium voltage and higher • Voltage measurement
• Any repairs or modifications to energized equipment All voltages
• Operation of disconnects and cutouts • Application of safety grounds
TABLE 2.22 Typical Procedures Requiring Use of Hot Sticks
2.48 CHAPTER TWO
1. Hot sticks should be closely inspected for damage or defects
a. Prior to each use b. At least every two years
2. If any damage or defects are noted the hot stick should be repaired or replaced 3. Hot sticks should be electrically tested according to ASTM Standard F 711
a. Anytime an inspection reveals damage or a defect b. Every two years