Utility Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of innovative solutions for the utility industry, has just introduced a new addition to their line of BLUE STRIPE® Fiberglass Hot Sticks, the BLUE STRIPE® Link Sticks.
The BLUE STRIPE® Link Sticks have various configurations, with load ratings ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 lbs, are designed for tasks like insulating strap hoists while tensioning lines and creating work clearance in electrical line work.
The various configurations include:
Swivel Eye
Hook
Hot Stick Operable Hook (STOP)
Cross Arm
Pigtail Hook
Heavy Duty Pigtail Hook
Conductor Lift
The BLUE STRIPE® Stick Operable Safety Hook (STOP) patent-pending design automatically charges and “locks” into place when aligned with the hook. The hook design removes the complexity from operating a safety hook with a hot stick. The machined parts offer a higher quality than cast metal, allowing for longer lasting operation.
UPSC currently has stock of several different lengths and configuration. Please contact us for stock status.
Every year TE Connectivity's North America Field Service Team trains over 3,000 people. Their expertise goes way beyond training. TE's experts can identify and understand your installation issues and give real insight because they are ex-linemen or underground splicers with an average of 20+ years of field experience. They are professionals skilled in overhead and underground electrical construction and are regularly assisting customers in the field with supervision, installation and testing.
Services offered:
Design and Engineering Services
System modeling and studies
Cable engineering and calculations
Developing technical specifications to: IEC, ICEA, AEIC, and IEEE standards
Underground transmission engineering
Ampacity calculations
Short-Circuit Current (SCC) calculations
Induced Voltage Over Sheath
Bonding & Grounding
Commissioning and In-Field Testing
5/8 kV - 245 kV
VLF with AC Withstand
Partial Discharge
Offline PD
Tan Delta testing
Cable Fault location
IEEE 400.1 - IEEE 400.3
Training and Certifications
Installation training on all TE's MVCA and HVCA products from 5/8 kV to 245 kV
Special products training, including PILC, oil-filled cables and armor cables
Cold-shrink and heat-shrink products
AMPACT OH connectors and hot sticking training classes
Self-assessments, valid for 3 years
Train the trainer
Conducted at TE Training Center in Fuquay-Varina, NC or at customer's location
Drone Field Serice Solutions
Visual and infrared technology
Substation, medium voltage, and high voltage inspections
T&D insulators and arresters
Solar and wind facility inspections
High Voltage Installation Services
Installation services on TE's HV cable accessory products ranging from 46 kV to 245 kV
Performed by experienced factory certified high voltage technicians
Commissioning testing services
High Voltage Turnkey Projects
Project planning and engineering services
High voltage cable accessory products form 46 kV up to 245 kV
Partnerships with HV cable manufacturers
Installation services by factory-certified high voltage installers
SNC’s NEW RESTORE-PAK® is the smallest and lightest power restoration unit on the market weighing less than 50 pounds, making it easy for a single person to deploy and it fits into the back of a truck.
Like their industry-leading RESTORE-LITE® temporary power restoration system, this compact mobile transformer unit contains a single-phase, floating-tap transformer designed to restore power to customers who have a single-faulted conductor on 120/240V service. RESTORE-PAK® can be installed between the customer’s meter base and transformer to restore power without immediately locating and repairing the cable fault or running temporary cable above ground.
Convenient and Versatile
RESTORE-PAK® is unique in the industry:
Lightweight: It’s the lowest weight and smallest unit on the market.
Convenient: It’s easy for one person to deploy and fits in the back of a truck, allowing hitch to still be used.
Versatile: Parts can be ordered together or separately.
Order the Kit or Each Part Separately
RESTORE-PAK® is unique in the industry:
Tandem Adapter Box (P80152): Box can be used as stand-alone utility product or can accommodate two Stand Alone Coil Interconnectors to reach capacity of 15kVA. Weight is 22 lbs.
Stand Alone Coil Interconnector (P80151): Voltage is 7.5kVA per unit. The RESTORE-PAK® kit (P80150) comes with one unit. You can order a second Stand Alone Coil Interconnector separately to connect both into the Tandem Adapter Box to reach capacity of 15kVA. Weight is 42 lbs.
Keep rodents out of your electric and communications cabling by learning key signs of infestation and investing in the right sealant.
How Do You Avoid Downtime and Expensive Repairs Caused by Rodents?
You may not see rodents enter your cabling structure or utility enclosure, but you will easily detect evidence of their presence. Rodents chew through cable and damage equipment. They leave a mess and spread disease. The damage can cause outages leading to service interruption and time-consuming damage tracking and repair.
Rodents are small, nocturnal animals that are not always noticed immediately. They are voracious chewers and a common problem. Sealing cable penetrations to prevent intrusion is best practice and should be considered standard procedure. By sealing the opening, you create a barrier. This stops airflow and limits warmth or odors that might entice the rodent to enter the enclosure. A good sealant is a good rodent deterrent.
What Is a Rodent Deterrent?
Repellents are something that repels or drives off rodents. This is often done with a strong, offensive odor. This is not a feasible approach for most utility structures because it will drive off human workers and occupants as well. A more practical approach is to use a good rodent deterrent. A deterrent is something that either deters, prevents, or inhibits the pest from entering. In the case of a rodent deterrent, the rodent may come into contact with the material but then become thwarted either by the difficulty of entry or by distaste and discomfort from the first bite.
What Is a Good Barrier for Preventing Rodent Entry into Critical Infrastructure?
Chemical duct seals create a barrier and act as a deterrent. It is important that the seal is strong and durable to prevent animal entry. In the case of chemical duct blocks, a medium density, closed-cell structure can be effective. One-part hardware store foams are commonly used and are easy for rodents to destroy. Rodents will use this soft foam as nesting material. A medium density foam is measured between 4 to 8 lbs/ft3 (17 to 34 grams/cm3). Soft putties are also ineffective barriers. Closed-cell sealants are rigid and will not compress. Good seal installation will create a more durable barrier. It is important that the rodent cannot gain purchase to take a bite or start chewing into the material. When installing seals, do not leave divots or edges that may be easy for small animals to bite.
High performance duct seals can be further enhanced with the addition of chemical agents that are distasteful to rodents and other animals. Polywater® FST™ now has a bittering agent added to its formula. Additives should never change the product performance. They should not add toxicity or be unpleasant for the installer and people that work around the finished seal. Enhanced sealants should be watertight, gastight and still pass hydrostatic (water) and air tests.
A strong sealant with rodent deterrent additive acts as a double barrier against rodents.
For more information or a quote on any of the products featured in this newsletter, please reach out to Ryan Campbell at rcampbell@powertech-upsc.com or (860) 678-8772.
Powertech Associates and Utility Power Supply offer the latest products and solutions available in the Utility Industry. We are committed to meet the needs of our customers through quality product solutions and proven customer service.
