How to Ensure the Safety and Accuracy of Your Hot Sticks

by gcc-admin-alpha

Hot Sticks Safety and Accuracy

Hot sticks are essential tools for electric utility workers who perform live-line work on energized high-voltage power lines. They are insulated poles, usually made of fiberglass, that allow workers to operate various devices on the line without exposing themselves to electric shock. However, hot sticks are not immune to damage, wear and tear, or environmental factors that can compromise their insulation and mechanical properties. Therefore, it is crucial to inspect, test, and calibrate your hot sticks regularly to ensure their safety and accuracy.

Inspection

Before using a hot stick, you should always inspect it visually for any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, dents, burns, or contamination. You should also check the hardware, such as nuts, bolts, clamps, and springs, for any looseness, corrosion, or deformation. If you find any defects, you should not use the hot stick and report it to your supervisor for repair or replacement.

You should also inspect your hot stick after each use and clean it with a mild detergent and water. You should avoid using any solvents, abrasives, or harsh chemicals that can damage the fiberglass or the protective coating. You should also store your hot stick in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or sharp objects.

Testing

In addition to visual inspection, you should also test your hot stick periodically for its electrical and mechanical performance. Electrical testing involves applying a high voltage to the hot stick and measuring the leakage current or the dielectric strength. Mechanical testing involves applying a bending or tensile force to the hot stick and measuring the deflection or the breaking point.

There are different standards and methods for testing hot sticks, depending on the type, length, and application of the tool. For example, ASTM F711 specifies the requirements for hot sticks used in electric power generation, transmission, and distribution. OSHA 1910.269 specifies the safety practices for workers who perform live-line work. You should follow the relevant standards and methods for your hot stick and use the appropriate equipment and procedures for testing.

Calibration

Calibration is the process of comparing the output or the measurement of a hot stick to a known standard and adjusting it if necessary. Calibration ensures that your hot stick is accurate and reliable for its intended use. For example, if you use a hot stick to measure voltage, current, or resistance on a power line, you need to calibrate it against a reference meter or a traceable source.

Calibration should be performed by a qualified and accredited calibration laboratory, such as Gulf Coast Calibration, that has the expertise and the equipment to calibrate your hot stick according to the industry standards and specifications. You should calibrate your hot stick at least once a year or more frequently, depending on the frequency and the severity of use, the environmental conditions, or the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Conclusion

Hot sticks are vital tools for electric utility workers who perform live-line work on energized high-voltage power lines. They provide insulation and mechanical strength to protect workers from electric shock and to operate various devices on the line. However, hot sticks can deteriorate over time and lose their safety and accuracy. Therefore, it is essential to inspect, test, and calibrate your hot sticks regularly to ensure their optimal performance and reliability.

Let Gulf Coast Manage Your Calibration Schedule.

If you need professional and quality calibration services for your hot sticks or other electrical tools, contact Gulf Coast Calibration today. We are an ISO 17025 accredited calibration laboratory that offers a wide range of calibration and testing services for electrical, temperature, pressure, dimensional, and other instruments. We have state-of-the-art equipment and experienced technicians who can calibrate your hot sticks and other tools according to the industry standards and specifications. We also offer fast turnaround times, competitive prices, and excellent customer service. Contact us today and get 10% off your first calibration or testing service with us!

Call us to discuss your calibration, test or repair needs at:
713.944.3139.

Request for Calibration Quote
Request for PPE/Glove Testing Quote

Surface Plate Accuracy

by gcc-admin-alpha

If you use surface plates for your inspection, layout, or testing needs, you know how important it is to keep them flat and level. Surface plates are the foundation of precision measurement and quality workmanship, and any deviation from a perfect plane can affect your results and performance. That’s why you need Gulf Coast Calibration (GCC), the best choice for surface plate calibration and refinishing services.

What We Do for Your Surface Plate

We are a leading provider of calibration and testing services in the Gulf Coast region, and we have the expertise, the equipment, and the dedication to provide you with the best service possible. We offer surface plate calibration services that are A2LA accredited and NIST-traceable, meaning that they meet the highest standards of quality and reliability in the industry. We can calibrate any size and type of surface plate, whether it is granite, steel, or cast iron, and we can adjust it to any grade of accuracy you require, such as AA, A, B, or C. The grade of accuracy indicates the maximum permissible deviation from a perfect plane over the entire working surface of the plate, and it also determines the frequency of calibration, with higher grades requiring more frequent calibration than lower grades.

We use a computerized calibration system and differential leveling feet, which provide reliable and precise surface evaluation. The system generates detailed diagrams of measurement readings that show the wear and deviation from the grade specification. Based on the results, we can adjust, clean, polish, or resurface your surface plate to restore its flatness and accuracy.

We also provide surface plate refinishing services, which involve lapping or polishing the surface with an abrasive paste to remove any unwanted material and improve the surface finish. This service is recommended when your surface plate is worn beyond the acceptable limits of the grade specification and cannot be restored by simple adjustment or cleaning. We can resurface plates to any grade required by your quality system, ensuring that your surface plate meets your specific needs and expectations.

How We Deliver Our Service

We provide our surface plate calibration and refinishing services at our climate-controlled and monitored lab or onsite at your facility, depending on your preference and convenience. We have highly skilled and experienced technicians who can handle any size and type of surface plate, and we have a quick turnaround time and a competitive pricing.

After the service, we issue a Calibration Certificate that shows the grade requirements, the “as found” and “as left” conditions, and a detailed explanation of the work completed to restore the flatness. We also send you a reminder notice when your next calibration is due, based on the frequency you specify.

Let Gulf Coast Manage Your Calibration Schedule.

Are you looking for calibration services, or is your equipment producing out-of-the-ordinary results? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Gulf Coast Calibration has over 40 years of expertise and has developed to become one of the Gulf Coast region finest weighing equipment and calibration firms. Our calibration services, which encompass equipment in a variety of sectors, are provided through our in-house laboratory or on-site at our clients’ facilities.

Call us to discuss your calibration, test or repair needs at:
713.944.3139.

Request for Calibration Quote
Request for PPE/Glove Testing Quote