There are a number of situations in electrical installations where certain work is performed directly under voltage. This also includes all manipulations in which portable grounding is installed on disconnected current-carrying links of the circuit. Since even in a disconnected electrical installation there may be induced voltage, residual potential, which pose a threat to human life and health. Therefore, among the means to ensure personnel safety in such situations, the insulating rod stands out.
Definition and purpose
The insulating rod is designed to isolate a specialist from live elements when working with equipment. The device is used in many cases. Some models provide the use of a set of interchangeable heads. These devices are used in the following cases:
- For installation of mobile grounding – as a tool to ensure the safety of specialists working in de-energized areas. This is necessary for those cases where there is a possibility of incomplete disconnection from the static and induced potential;
- For installation of fuses in electrical installations whose voltage is more than 1 kV. In this case, a replaceable tip is used, which is equipped with a soft gasket to protect the fuse bulb from mechanical damage when exposed to impact;
- For turning on or closing knives. Often the electrical installation device allows you to carry out work on switching positions using a rod;
- To check the insulation on individual elements in garlands. The insulating rod applies the test voltage to each plate in turn;
- To check the absence of voltage. Typically, a voltage indicator is used for these purposes. In cases where approaching a current-carrying installation is difficult due to distance, an insulating rod is used, on which a head is installed, signaling the presence of voltage;
- To find weak points in fastenings. Using this device, the nodes where the tires are fixed are checked. This device can be used to detect heating or chattering, as well as other alarming phenomena;
- To isolate from the action of current in cases where the wire falls on a person or installation. Using a rod, the wire can be removed to the required distance.
Also read: Purpose of dielectric bots in electrical installations
Working with an insulating rod
An insulating rod can be used in other cases, depending on the situation.
Terms of use
Rice.
5: how to use an insulating rod To ensure safety during any manipulations, a number of rules must be followed. Thus, in electrical installations of more than 1 kV it is necessary to wear dielectric gloves and a face shield. Since in the event of voltage on the elements of an electrical installation, gloves act as an additional protective device designed to prevent potential contact with a person in any emergency situations. The gloves themselves, as well as the insulating rod, must be checked before starting work for integrity and compliance with the test dates.
If during the work the varnish coating on the insulating elements was damaged, then such a rod must be removed for repair. And after the varnish area is restored, it must undergo an extraordinary test. If, before starting work, cracks, chips or more serious damage are discovered, then such a device must be permanently removed.
It is strictly forbidden to perform any manipulations with operational, measuring or control rods from ladders, stands and other structures that reduce the stability of the worker. Since if a person stumbles or staggers, there is a high probability that he will fall and may become under tension.
It should be noted that all insulating rods must be periodically cleaned of any contaminants that may accumulate on their surface. Since dust, moisture and other substances become conductors of electric current. And for hollow tubular structures, it is also necessary to clean the inner surface in order to prevent the possibility of breakdown along the inner surface.
It is strictly prohibited to perform work with such devices during heavy rain, snow, or fog. Since sediments form a conductive layer on the surface, which can negate the dielectric properties.
Telescopic and folding booms should only be transported to the work site in a folded state. And directly on the spot it is brought into a decomposed state. When moving insulating rods within the outdoor switchgear and rooms with electrical installations, they must be in a horizontal position parallel to the ground. To prevent accidental contact with live elements, especially those that do not correspond to the model class, and to prevent overlapping of the insulating layer.
For safety reasons, it is prohibited to wrap a portable grounding rod around an insulating rod. Both protective agents must be carried separately.
Design of insulating rods
The design of this element is a pole, which consists of several segments. Individual parts of the element may differ in size and design, depending on the lines with which the rods will be used.
The design of these devices consists of the following elements:
- pens;
- restrictive ring;
- insulating and working parts.
The design of any rod is divided into the three above segments. Devices can be folding, telescopic and monolithic types. There are several types depending on the scope of their application.
"Ticks"
A separate item worth highlighting is insulating pliers. The element allows you to replace fuses in electrical installations up to 1 kV and higher. They are also used for removing heads and fences in installations up to 350 kV inclusive.
It is allowed to replace this type of equipment with a universal operational rod with a corresponding working head.
The size and weight of this equipment should provide comfortable operation for one person. The insulating part and the handle must be made of materials with dielectric and antistatic properties.
The clamps themselves can be made of electrically insulating materials or metal. Oil and petrol resistant tubes must be put on the metal jaws so as not to damage the surface of the cartridges during operation.
The length of the insulating clamps also depends on the voltage:
- At voltages from 1-10 kV, the length of the insulating section is 450 mm, the length of the handle is 150 mm.
- At voltages from 10-35 kV, the length of the insulating section is 750 mm, the length of the handle is 200 mm.
Classification
The classification of devices is formed depending on the scope of application.
Regardless of where and how these devices will be used, it is necessary to check their functionality before proceeding to real practice.
Repair rods
Help with repair work and installation of systems. This type of design allows for repair work in conductive systems. The cost of this type starts from 500 rubles.
Measuring rods
They are used to measure live circuits. They are equipped with a special head or attachment that allows you to take measurements. The cost of this configuration starts from 600 rubles.
Tip for measuring rod
Operational type
Used to perform tasks involving elements that conduct current. This type of device is used to switch disconnectors, clean insulation, check for voltage, and much more. The cost of operational rods starts from 400 rubles.
Operating rods are divided into:
- SHO.
- SCO.
- SHOW.
- ShZP.
Also read: Purpose of dielectric gloves in electrical installations
Universal type
Designed to perform a wide range of tasks. Comes complete with interchangeable tools that change depending on the task being performed. Due to its wide range of applications, it has the highest cost compared to other types of insulating rods. The price starts from 900 rubles.
Measuring
Using this professional power tool, it became possible to determine surges and voltage drops in areas of an electrical installation that are in normal operating mode. There are two methods: by measuring the temperature of the contacts or by directly measuring voltage surges.
The measuring head is a spark gap adjusted in laboratory conditions. The minimum acceptable value is set. The working head, through a parallel connection to the area being tested, using indicators, shows the presence or absence of voltage. It is important that the electrical installation is in normal operating mode at the time of inspection.
There are three main types:
- SHIU. This device provides the ability to change the distance between the electrodes, which allows you to most accurately obtain measurement data.
- SHI. Such devices are equipped with a dial microammeter with an additional resistance of up to 160 megaohms. Depending on the measurement method, a set of probes with conductors that are connected to the clamps changes at the working area. The probes are placed on the controlled insulator, and a parallel connection occurs. The microammeter needle shows the measurement result.
The SHI device is also used for the second method. Probes are installed to measure temperature on the contacts.
Requirements for rods
Any insulating rod, regardless of its type, design and cost, must comply with a number of parameters:
- any package must consist of at least three parts. The insulating gap must remain in working condition, regardless of what manipulations are performed on the structure during operation;
- the working tip must fit tightly to the insulating part. If weakness or instability of the fastening is detected, the insulating rod is considered unsuitable for use;
- Each rod, like its tip, must be used exclusively for the purposes for which the design was intended. The tip itself must be in full working order and have no defects in its design;
- the grounding cable must be securely fixed;
- the grounding part must be able to prevent the clamp from falling out if a dynamic shock occurs;
- for measuring rods, the maximum force that will be applied to the handle should not exceed 80 N. For all other designs, this value should not exceed 160 N.
- Only one person can work with the barbell at a time. The exception is models designed for 500 kV - according to the regulations, they must be operated by two people.
If the insulating rod fully meets these requirements, it can be allowed to work.
Device
An insulating rod is a special device in the form of a long rod of insulating material that can be used to touch live parts. It is allowed to be used in electrical installations up to 550 kV. They are divided into two large groups: measuring and operational, which, in turn, are universal and repair.
All rods consist of three main parts:
- Working part . This is a tip that is used to perform various work on live areas. The operating rod is made of metal and can have different shapes. At the end of the measuring rod there is a measuring head.
- Insulating part. Protects a person from the current voltage of an electrical installation. It consists of insulating materials such as bakelite, fiberglass, polyethylene or wood, impregnated in a special oil. To protect against moisture and increase resistance, a special varnish is applied to the rod. Paraffin and similar substances are strictly prohibited. How long the insulating part will be depends on the voltage with which this rod will be operated. Basic requirements: the leakage current must be less than the permissible value, and mechanical protection of human hands must be provided from dangerous approach to live parts. This length must comply with GOST 20494–75, and, as can be seen from the table, this length begins to be standardized with models designed for voltages above 1000 volts.
- Pen. Made from the same material the insulating part is made from. The length is selected so that a person’s hand does not experience a load of more than eight kilograms.
Metal is allowed to be used as fittings: if the structure is prefabricated, the connections are made of metal. Tips for the working part are also made of metal. Its maximum should be 5% of the entire insulating part, and if the rod rod has a prefabricated structure, then the metal connections are tightly attached to its edges. The use of porcelain is also allowed, but only for the manufacture of durable insulating inserts.
The handle is separated from the rest of the structure by a special restrictive ring, the diameter of which is 5–20 mm larger than its diameter. This is done to ensure that the operator’s hand does not accidentally end up in the danger zone of the tool. Moreover, it does not matter whether the bar is made from the same material or from different ones. If the end of the handle is marked only with paint or multi-colored tape, you should not work with such a tool under any circumstances.
The rod markings include letters and numbers. The letters indicate the purpose (operational, universal, rescue), and the numbers indicate the maximum operating voltage at which this device is allowed to operate: 1 - up to 1000 V, 10 - up to 10 kV, 220 - up to 220 kV.
Check before use
Checks before use are carried out through electrical tests. This work must be carried out by a fully equipped person who will act in accordance with safety precautions. The regulation requires testing of measuring structures at least once every 12 months, while other types of devices can be checked at least once every 24 months. In practice, it is strongly recommended to carry out a check every time before starting practical work.
Also read: What accuracy classes do current transformers have?
N.
ABOUT)
where Na is the number of operated connections;
l(0 - number of damaged rods during observation;
t is observation time.
The bar is considered to have passed the test if its performance is not less than those established in 4.1.2.1.
6.13 The short-circuit current test (4.1.3.2) is carried out by passing a current of 20 kA through it for 0.5 s.
Testing for resistance to the dynamic effects of short circuit current (4.1.3.3) is carried out by hanging the rod on the contact wire and passing a current of 51 kA through it for 0.05 s.
The rod is considered to have passed the test if, after exposure to a short circuit current of 20 kA for 0.5 s, the rod remained in good condition, and after exposure to a short circuit current of 51 kA for 0.05 s, the mechanical and electrical connection of the rod with the contact wire was not disrupted.
6.14 When checking the serviceability of the mechanical locking (4.1.1.13), try to unfold the rod and fix it in the unfolded position without connecting the contact connection to the chair. Next, the contact connection is connected to the chair and the rod is folded out. With the rod in the unfolded position, they try to disconnect the contact connection from the rail. The rod is considered to have passed the test if the rod is not fixed in the unfolded position without connecting the contact connection to the rail and if the contact connection is not disconnected from the rail when the rod is in the unfolded fixed position.
6.15 The electrical resistance of the current-conducting link of the rod - contact conducting circuit (4.1.1.14) is checked in the following way.
The bar is hung on the contact wire. Assemble the circuit according to Figure 3. A direct current / of 100 ± 20 A (readings of ammeter A) is passed through the circuit “contact wire - current-carrying link rod”. Measure the voltage U with a voltmeter V.
7
GOST R 57378—2016
Contact
Figure 3— Schematic diagram for measuring the resistance of the “conducting link - contact wire” circuit
Resistance R. Ohm. contour “conductive link of the rod - contact wire” is determined by the formula
I
The rod is considered to have passed the test if the resistance value does not exceed the established values 4.1.1.14.
6.16 Checking resistance to mechanical stress (4.1.3.4) is carried out using method 102-4.1 according to GOST 30630.1.2.
7 Transportation and storage
7.1 General requirements for transportation of rods—according to GOST 23216.
7.2 The rods must allow for transportation by air, rail, road and water.
7.3 Rods are stored in packaged form, away from exposure to acids, alkalis, gasoline and other solvents. Storage conditions group 2 according to GOST 15150.
8 Operating instructions
The operation of the rod and maintenance should be carried out in accordance with the operating manual and the passport for the rod.
The use of rods is regulated by the instructions for the use and testing of protective equipment used in electrical installations [1].
Test methods
The test method for insulating links involves applying high voltage. For models operating up to 1000 V, three times the linear and phase voltage is used. The voltage must be supplied for at least 5 minutes. The insulating section from the place where the ring is installed to the working tip is tested. In special test cases where the voltage is higher than 1000 V, the test period should be longer.
This information is enough to have an idea about the operation of insulating rods. However, each area of work has its own specifics, which must be familiarized with before direct implementation.
Operating conditions
The insulating rod must be used in an external environment with a temperature range from minus 45°C to plus 40°C with a relative humidity of 98% at 25°C.
The use of devices is not allowed:
- They do not have the appropriate certificates and have not passed the test, and therefore do not meet safety standards.
- Faulty. Such devices must be repaired. After which tests were carried out. And only based on the data received, a decision is made on further use or disposal of the device.
- At high humidity. In wet weather.
- Using supports (stepladders) during measuring work.
Workers with appropriate permits are allowed to work on electrical installations. Each employee must be equipped with a full set of personal protective equipment, including dielectric gloves, dielectric boots, protective clothing with electric arc protection, safety glasses and a respirator. All this will help to protect the worker as much as possible from electrical injuries.
Before work, the insulating rod must be subjected to visual inspection.
If a malfunction is detected, it must be replaced with another copy.
During operation, mechanical tests are not carried out. Scheduled and unscheduled repairs can be carried out if the device falls or defects are detected. The device is first repaired.
Types and booms SHEU-1, SHEU-10, SHEU-15, SHEU-35, SHEU-110, SHEU-220, SHEU-330.
| Name | Price, rub (including VAT) |
| SHEU-1 universal electrical insulating rod | 1114,11 |
| SHEU-10-4-5.1 universal electrical insulating rod | 7212,47 |
| SHEU-10-5-6.6 universal electrical insulating rod | 8471,79 |
| SHEU-10-5-6.6D universal electrical insulating rod | 9887,22 |
| ShEU-110-2-2.2 universal electrical insulating rod | 2581,08 |
| ShEU-110-2-2.2 universal electrical insulating rod (version 2) | 3315,86 |
| ShEU-110-5-7.3 universal electrical insulating rod | 17495,18 |
| ShEU-110-5-7.3 universal electrical insulating rod (version 2) | 28724,98 |
| ShEU-110-5-7.3D universal electrical insulating rod | 18515,12 |
| SHEU-15-1-1.0 universal electrical insulating rod | 1415,43 |
| ShEU-220-3-3.7 universal electrical insulating rod | 3434,51 |
| ShEU-330-3-3.8 universal electrical insulating rod | 3496,95 |
| SHEU-35-1-1.6 universal electrical insulating rod | 1717,25 |
| SHEU-35-1-1.6 universal electrical insulating rod (version 2) | 2262,61 |
Summary
Operating rods are designed to carry out safe operations on servicing electrical equipment. In addition, they are used for rescue operations.
VELSnab company, which occupies one of the leading positions in the domestic specialized market, offers high-quality operating rods at an attractive price.
Working with live electrical appliances is a high-risk activity. Failure to comply with safety precautions may result in electric shock to the installer and cause irreparable damage to health, and in exceptional cases, lead to death. That is why, when carrying out repair and installation work under voltage, much attention is paid to safety. For this purpose, certain ones are used, among which the insulating rod occupies a special place.
An insulating rod is a rod made from raw materials that does not conduct current. With their help, you can touch areas of operating equipment without the risk of electric shock. The maximum voltage threshold at which the rod can be used is 550 kV. Most often, this tool is used during rescue operations.
According to the classification, insulating rods can be divided into measuring and operational. Operational rods also include repair and universal rods.
Procedure for storing protective equipment
The effectiveness of electrical protective equipment depends on many factors, including compliance with the rules for their storage. In this case, the following mandatory requirements must be met:
- it is necessary to store protective equipment indoors, in conditions that ensure their serviceability and suitability for use;
- protective equipment made of rubber and polymeric materials are stored in cabinets or on racks separately from the tools and be protected from the effects of acids, alkalis, oils, etc., as well as from exposure to sunlight and thermal radiation from heating devices;
- protective equipment is placed in specially equipped places at the entrance to the premises, on control panels.
It should also be noted that protective equipment can only be stored in dry form.
Bottom line
In conclusion, I would like to note that the modern world cannot imagine itself without electricity. This means that it is impossible to do without measuring rods.
It's hard to imagine what would happen if the world's power went out. There will probably be chaos and panic. Therefore, people servicing electrical installations should be treated with great respect and respect, and the relevant authorities should provide them with all the necessary personal protective equipment as much as possible.
So, we found out what such a technical tool as an insulating rod is.
Scope of elements
Work under voltage using a rod can be carried out in closed electrical installations, or outdoors, but in dry weather. Under no circumstances should this device be used in rainy, snowy weather or during fog or drizzle.
Using this tool, operations are performed with disconnectors, changing fuses, installing arrester parts, checking insulation on power lines and substations, applying portable groundings, using it as a means of freeing an injured person from electric current, and performing measuring work.
The modifications and capabilities of each type should be considered in more detail.
