Purpose. An insulating rod is a rod made of insulating material with which a person can touch live parts of an electrical installation without the risk of electric shock. The rod is the main insulating electrical protective agent those. it can withstand the operating voltage of the installation for a long time. The rods are used in installations of all voltages. Depending on their purpose, rods are divided into four types:
A) operational(TYPE SHO-10u1, SHO-35U1, where SHO is an operating rod, the numbers indicate voltage in kV). Used for operations with single-pole disconnectors and the application of temporary portable protective grounding, for removing and installing tubular fuses (ShR - 11OU1), checking the absence of voltage and other similar work.
b) measuring(type SHI-35/110U1, SHI – 220U1). Designed for measurements in electrical installations in operation (checking the voltage distribution across the insulators of a garland, determining the resistance of contact connections on wires, etc.)
V) repair Serve for the production of repair and installation work near live parts that are energized or directly on them: cleaning insulators from dust, connecting to consumer wires, trimming tree branches in close proximity to wires, etc. An example is the ShPK-10 rod for puncturing cables. It is designed to check the absence of voltage on the cable up to 10 kV at repair work ah by piercing it to the current-carrying conductors in order to prevent damage electric shock personnel in case of voltage on the cable.
G) universal(type SHOU-35, SHOU-15, SHOU-110). Their design makes it possible to perform various operations, including many of those for which operating rods are intended.
Design– each rod has three main parts: a working insulating part and a handle.
Working part determines the purpose of the bar. It is made from tubes with a diameter of 30 - 40 mm made of bakelite, fiberglass and other plastics, as well as wooden rods impregnated with drying oils (linseed, hemp, etc.). The length of the insulating part of the rod should be such as to eliminate the danger of it overlapping to the surface at the highest possible stresses acting on the bar. The shortest length of the insulating part of the rod depends on the voltage of the electrical installation and is determined according to GOST 20494-75yu
Lever Designed for holding the barbell by hand. As a rule, it is a continuation of the insulating part of the rod and is separated from it by a restrictive ring.
Terms of use. The rods should be used in closed electrical installations. On outdoors their use is allowed only in dry weather. The barbell may only be operated by qualified personnel trained in this work. As a rule, a second person should be present to monitor the operator’s actions and, if necessary, provide assistance. When working with a barbell, you must wear dielectric gloves. Without gloves, you can only work in installations up to 1000V. When working, do not touch the rod above the limited ring. The frequency of electrical tests of rods (except for measuring ones) is once every 24 months, for measuring during the measurement season once every 3 months, but less than once every 12 months.
2.2.Insulating pliers.
Purpose insulating pliers - performing live operations with fuses, installing and removing insulating pads, etc. work. Clamps are used in installations up to 35 kV inclusive.
Constructions Flares are different, but in all cases they have three main parts: the working part, or jaws, the insulating part and the handles. The dimensions of the working part are not standardized. However, the dimensions of the metal working part should be as small as possible in order to prevent accidental short-circuiting of current-carrying parts to each other or to grounded parts. The length of the insulating part for electrical installations up to 1000 V is not standardized and is determined by the convenience of working with them, and above 1000 V is determined by the operating voltage of the installation.
Terms of use. Insulating pliers can be used in closed electrical installations, and in open ones only in dry weather. In electrical installations above 1000V, the worker must wear dielectric gloves, and when removing and installing live fuses, wear safety glasses. The frequency of electrical tests of clamps is once every 24 months.
The profession of an electrician is extremely difficult. Working under high voltage can lead to bad consequences. Personal protective equipment is being developed especially for people from this occupational field. One such item is an insulating rod. In this article we will tell you what an insulating rod is, show its types in the photo, conduct electrical tests and discuss in detail the direct purpose of this device.
What is an insulating rod: starting with the concept
Insulating or grounding rod – special tool, made in the shape of a stick. Has a handle and a tip. The handle is made of non-electrically conductive elements such as wood, ebonite, etc. The top is impregnated with flax or hemp oil and coated with non-conductive varnish.
At the end there is a metal rod, which can be made in the form of a hook, ring and other geometric shapes. It all depends solely on the purpose of the tool.
A restrictive ring is provided between the handle and the tip. Its function is to prevent, through inattention, the non-insulated end of the bar from coming into contact with the hand. According to GOST, the restrictive ring must protrude at least 10 mm from the diameter of the rod.
The function of the insulating rod is quite diverse - from any work on tearing out live cables, to basic support. According to the rules, in installations in which the voltage is more than 350 kW, two electricians must work. One of the craftsmen holds parts of the wires with a special holding device - an insulating rod.
The length of the tool depends on the voltage with which it is intended to work, according to GOST. Maximum permissible weight tools - 8 kilograms.
Scope of application of the insulating rod
Work is carried out on any electrical installations in the premises. The tool allows you to replace fuses, work with connectors, and free people struck by electric shock.
It is important to know
Never work with the insulating rod outdoors in rainy or humid weather. There is a risk of electric shock.
The scope of application will be described in more detail in the classification.
Types of insulating rods
Since the scope of application is quite wide, the tool has different kinds and modifications. For each purpose there are special tips according to the required functions.
Operational
There are four types of isolating surgical rod:
- Operationally insulating. Used for many jobs because the design allows you to change the tip depending on the task. Suitable for use in installations with variable or DC with voltage up to 220V.
- Rescue. Used to rescue a person from an electric shock zone up to 110V. Allows you to quickly provide first aid, thereby increasing the chances of saving the victim.
- Universal insulating rod. Used similarly to the operational isolating class. The difference is that it has wider functionality.
- Grounding rod. Also used on electrical installations with voltage up to 220 kV with direct or alternating current. This device allows you to work in areas with residual voltage or partial shutdown of the installation.
The operating rod allows for all types of electrical work. The main thing is to use the tool carefully and as intended, reducing the risk of various injuries from exposure to electricity.
“Pliers”
It should be identified as a separate subspecies. The tool allows you to replace fuses and other elements. The device involves special teeth that can move when exposed to the working element.
The tip can be replaced, turning the pliers into an operating rod. The tips must be rubberized so as not to damage the cartridge when replacing.
Measuring
Used to measure the effects of current. Allows you to determine current strength, voltage surges and more. A special head, configured in laboratory conditions, is connected in parallel to the device and detects minimal changes when current is applied.
There are three types:
- Universal measuring rod. IN this device It is possible to change the distance between the electrodes, which allows you to most accurately obtain measurement data.
- Measuring rod. In such devices, a dial microammeter with low resistance is installed. You can change the set of indicator probes. The probes are placed on the controlled insulator, and parallel connection. The sensor needle shows the results.
- Electrical clamps. Essentially the same clamps, but with the ability to measure current and voltage.
Terms of Use
In order to avoid adverse consequences, the devices must be used in accordance with the operating instructions, so carefully read the instructions for the device.
Only the main provisions are indicated here.
Do not forget that each manufacturer makes a unique device. The principles of its operation may differ from analogues. Please read the following rules carefully:
- The operating temperature of the device is from minus 40 degrees to plus 45.
- It is prohibited to use a device that does not have a quality certificate. Such a device may malfunction and cause harm to both the electrical structure and you personally.
- Do not use the tool in humidity conditions greater than 98% at a temperature of 25 degrees. Do not operate during rain, snow, fog, etc. atmospheric phenomena, involving high humidity.
- Avoid using unstable supports such as stepladders or scaffolding. Use a stable ladder or manipulator if necessary.
- People with a certificate or permit are allowed to work. The employee is required to use dielectric gloves and boots. It is also necessary to wear a dielectric work uniform special purpose, glasses and respirator. This way you will be more protected from electric shock.
Each time, before carrying out work, do a visual inspection of the rod. If any flaws are found, use another tool. This is mandatory and generally accepted for everyone.
No testing or testing is carried out during operation. There are only scheduled tests that are done regularly, after a designated period. In rare cases, they are carried out unscheduled inspections, after the device has been dropped or returned from repair.
Testing an insulating rod
According to GOST, the rod in mandatory undergoes testing during production. Since working with tools is classified as dangerous, therefore the test must have the strictest rules.
The test is carried out at the factory under the supervision of specially trained people who check each product.
If the manufacturer has mass production, then so-called type tests are carried out. The idea is to check three instruments of each subtype.
- Visual control. Checked for external defects.
- Checking compliance with factory drawings. Using certain laser technologies, complete dimensional conformity is verified.
- Examination electrical insulation for strength. Carried out under the influence of electric current. A high voltage is applied to the rod and if the tool is not subject to potholes and there are no dielectric losses, the test is passed.
- Tensile test. A load is attached to the ends on both sides. If there is no damage, the test is considered successful.
- Bending test. The rod is exposed to the center, being secured on both sides. If there is no damage, proceed to further tests.
Conclusion
Now you know everything about electric booms, their production, types and tests. Pay attention to your work and always use special protective clothing. This will not only help protect against injury, but also save life.
If electrical safety requirements are ignored, it may even result in death for the injured person. Therefore, when carrying out any work with electricity, close attention should be paid to the electrical safety of personnel. For this, various protective tools, among which insulating rods play an important role.
Outwardly they are similar to rods made of insulating materials that touch electrical installations or their parts that are energized. Insulating rods are used to carry out work on electrical installations under voltage up to 550 kV. Insulated rods are also actively used for emergency work.
Insulating rods are classified into measuring And operational. The latter also include repair and universal ones. Operating rods have a replaceable working part, namely replaceable heads, oriented to various kinds operations.
Insulating rods can be: solid, so composite. The latter consist of 2-3 links, which are interconnected by parts made of dielectric materials. There are insulating rods of a telescopic design.
Absolutely any insulating rod consists of three parts:
Working part
Working part– with the help of this part the main thing is set functional purpose barbell use. The working part is usually a metal tip, for example, with an operating rod, its shape depends on the purpose or a measuring head, for example, with a measuring rod.
Insulating part designed to protect people from electrical installation elements that this moment are under tension for a while. To make the insulated part, ebonite, bakelite, or wood is most often used, which is pre-impregnated with linseed oil. To achieve maximum surface resistance and protect measuring device from moisture, the insulating part must be coated with insulating varnish. The use of paraffin, as well as substances with similar properties, is strictly prohibited. The length that the insulating part must have is calculated based on the maximum voltage level at the electrical installation where various types of work are planned to be carried out. The leakage current that appears when the working part touches live parts of electrical installations must not exceed a safely permissible value. The length of the insulator part should protect a person’s hands from approaching various current-carrying parts at a sufficiently close distance, at which air closure or damage from a thermal discharge of an arc may occur. The length of the insulating part is calculated according to the main standard: GOST 20494-2001
Lever– used for convenient grip of the tool, made mainly of the same material with an insulating part. Its length is calculated so that one operator can work with the bar without making much effort.
Weight of insulated rods for tension up to 330 kV must be such that it can be operated by one person. From 500 (kV) the weight of the rod increases, and they must be operated by two operators using supporting devices, or one using an exoskeleton.
In the design of insulating rods, the use of metal is allowed only in fastening parts and in the manufacture of some working parts. Porcelain can only be used to produce insulating short inserts with greater strength. If the rod has a composite structure, then the metal fasteners are rigidly fixed to the insulating material.
When making a rod, a stop must be made between the handle and the insulating part, in the form of a ring, the diameter of which is slightly larger than the same parameter of the grip handle. This stop limits the movement of the operator's hand, preventing him from accidentally approaching the working surface of the electrical installation.
The scope of the tests includes high voltage testing of the insulating parts of the measuring and operating rods.
High voltage must be supplied between the working part and the electrode (ring), which is installed at the border of the working and insulating parts.
Before carrying out work with an insulating rod it is necessary to ensure its integrity and the presence of a test stamp.
Then you need to check the joints of the composite rod.
Remember that when working with a measuring rod, it does not need to be grounded.
When performing high-altitude work, it is necessary to ascend and descend without an insulating rod
Remember: Use isolated rod in electrical installations above 1000 volts is only possible in dielectric gloves.
Operating rods are used to turn off or turn on single-pole disconnectors, to replace fuses at voltages from 1 kW and above, to determine voltage by spark or when using a voltage meter installed on the working part of the rod, to install or remove tubular arresters, during work on installation of a spark gap, for cleaning dust and dirt from the insulation of live equipment, and many other similar works.
According to their purpose, the following operating rods are distinguished:
rod SHO - operational insulating– to perform operational work on electrical installations with voltages up to 220 kV, such as turning off or turning on single-strip disconnectors. Thanks to various attachments, it can be used for many other operations.
SCO bar - operational rescue used during rescue operations when pulling out a person or animal caught in the affected area from 0.4 - 110 kV, without shutting down the electrical installation.
SHOW bar - operatively universal– used to turn on or off disconnectors, replace fuses, etc. with voltages up to 220 kV.
The ShZP rod is used to apply grounding, providing additional protection of personnel from possible electric shock with voltages up to 220 kV. Insulating rods used by maintenance personnel to create portable grounding, make it possible not to get close to dangerous live parts. In addition, they are subject to electrical injury in case of possible errors, for example, in case of partial shutdown of a section or incorrect shutdown power transformer. Insulating rods intended for portable production can be made of any dielectric material.
They are used to measure the potential distribution on suspended insulators, as well as to monitor contact connections on live parts of electrical installations, either by direct measurement of the voltage drop, or by the contact method. Measuring rods are capable of assessing the level of voltage drop both in the insulator and in its individual parts, without disconnecting the power.
The main element of the measuring head is the spark gap, which is adjusted at the factory to discharge at the minimum voltage value on the insulator that we will test. Using specialized probes and an insulated rod, a parallel connection of the spark gap is made to the insulator being tested, which must be under operating voltage at the time of measurement. The appearance of a spark effect indicates the presence or absence of the required voltage level on the insulator being tested.
Measuring rods divide
Shiu rod– allows you to vary the distance between the electrodes in the spark gap. The spark gap located on the measuring head is calibrated in kilovolts. By changing the distance, you can quite accurately calculate the voltage value on each insulator being tested.
SHI bar- V measuring rods of this type, a dial microammeter with an additional resistance of about 150 - 160 megaohms serves as a measuring mechanism. In accordance with the object on which we will be doing metrology - an insulator - a set of probes with conductors is selected that are connected to special clamp on the back of the device. When applying head probes to the insulator (contact) being tested, it turns out parallel connection through the additional resistor of the microammeter, the result is determined by the readings of the microammeter needle.
The SHI rod is also used to take temperature readings on contact connections live parts using special device electric thermometer type EG-2 mounted on the measuring head. The electric thermometer sensor closes its contact, which connects the battery circuit to the bridge circuit. To take readings in electric thermometers, microammeters are used, with measurement limits from 0 to 100 μA.
FORBIDDEN:
Work with rods on outdoor electrical installations when high humidity. Insulating rods should only be used in completely enclosed applications
Use insulating rods that have not undergone periodic inspection
Work with rods that are known to be faulty or with damaged varnish on the insulating part.
Touch the insulating part with your hands, even with dielectric gloves, beyond the special limit stop
REQUIRED:
When performing various operations with an insulating rod, the electrician must ensure that when the working part approaches the current-carrying part, the insulating part of the rod does not even come close to grounded parts or other phases, because because of this, the effective length of the insulating part is reduced and may coincide factors for electric shock.
When working with an insulating rod, the operator must be on a flat and stable surface; it is not advisable to work from ladders, since in case of accidental loss of balance there is a possibility of touching live parts. If there is a need to work on a telescopic tower, the insulating rod is supplied to the assembler in the assembled state at the bottom of the lift. And only then the tower raises the operator to the desired height.
Carrying the tool within switchgear carried out only horizontally. Composite tools are assembled into working condition on site.
Insulating hollow rods for cleaning current-carrying units from dust in closed distribution electrical installations without removing the voltage, before starting and periodically during the work, it is necessary to clean from dust - thereby eliminating the possibility of overlapping the insulating part.
In electrical installations up to 35 kV, an operating rod is used to check the presence or absence of voltage on live parts using the “spark” method.
Work with insulating rods for 500 kV installations should be carried out by only two electricians. Such rods have a hole on the insulating part in which a nylon rope is attached. With its help, a second electrician helps to hold during various measurements.
For live parts whose voltage is higher than 1 kV, the electrician must work only with dielectric gloves. The same rule is observed when applying portable grounding.
Universal rods ШИУ are designed for attaching interchangeable tools. The rods have a unified working part on which they can be installed: a scraper attachment for operational work, a universal attachment for operational work, a high voltage indicator with light and sound indication.&nbs..
Universal rods ШИУ are designed for attaching interchangeable tools. The rods have a unified working part on which they can be installed: a scraper attachment for operational work, a universal attachment for operational work, a high-voltage indicator with light and sound indication. ..
Intended for operational work in electrical installations of permanent and alternating current frequency 50 Hz and voltage up to 330 kV for controlling disconnectors, as well as for replacing tubular high-voltage fuses.
TECHNICAL DATA..
Designed for operational operation in electrical installations of direct and alternating current with a frequency of 50 Hz and voltage up to 1 kV. Used to switch on and off single-pole disconnectors. The working part of the rod structurally makes it possible to ensure reliable fastening of replaceable devices.
Insulating rods of the ShZP type are intended for the application of portable grounding in electrical installations of direct and alternating current with a frequency of 50 Hz and voltage from 1 to 220 kV. The insulating rods ShZP-10/15 and ShZP-35 are made of PVC pipes, and the insulating rods ShZP-110 and ShZP-220 are made of fiberglass. D..
Designed for operational operation in electrical installations of direct and alternating current with a frequency of 50 Hz and voltage from 1 to 10 kV. The rod consists of a working part, an insulating part, a handle (the handle is combined with the insulating part) and two metal links connected by half-couplings.
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Designed for operational operation in electrical installations of direct and alternating current with a frequency of 50 Hz and voltage up to 15 kV. Used to switch on and off single-pole disconnectors. The working part of the rod structurally makes it possible to ensure reliable fastening of replaceable devices..
Designed for operational operation in electrical installations of direct and alternating current with a frequency of 50 Hz and voltage up to 220 kV. Used to switch on and off single-pole disconnectors. The working part of the rod structurally makes it possible to ensure reliable fastening of replaceable devices..
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. More often, this tool used in rescue operations.
According to the classification, insulating rods can be divided into measuring and operational. Operational rods also include repair and universal rods.
Design and technical characteristics 
Any barbell model, regardless of the type, includes three main parts:
For the production of insulating rods, metal is used exclusively for connecting parts of the device, as well as for constructing the structure work area(if necessary). In this case, the ratio of the lengths of metal inserts and the insulating part should be no more than 1:20.
When producing rods, a stop is installed between the handle and the insulating part. At the same time, this condition is mandatory both for homogeneous parts of the product and for composite ones. This is done for the sole purpose of preventing an electrician from accidentally touching the insulating part. Under no circumstances should you apply paint that will act as a border between the handle and the insulating element; working with such a rod is unacceptable. 
Operating rods
This type of insulating rods is necessary for changing fuses in equipment with an operating voltage of more than 1 kW, checking the presence of voltage, and switching single-pole disconnectors. They are divided into several types:
Measuring rods
This type of rod is designed to take voltage measurements and monitor the quality of contact connections, which will allow you to monitor the performance of installations. They fall into two main categories:
- Shiu bar. The main purpose of this type of rod is to measure the distance between the electrodes. This makes it possible to determine the operating voltage on the insulators.
- SHI bar. Allows you to accurately measure voltage on contacts or insulators using a microammeter. Depending on the operating voltage, a corresponding set of probes is installed on them.
Safety precautions
The worker must ensure that when measuring voltage or carrying out repair work, the rod does not come close to the grounding elements.
All work must be carried out on the surface of the earth or on devices with a large area. In the case of using ladders, etc., there is a possibility of loss of balance and the worker may touch the working area of the equipment, which can lead to disastrous consequences.
The barbell in the working area should only be carried within horizontal position, and its components are assembled directly at the work site.
If the insulating rod has longer length, work should only be carried out by two electricians. This will make it easy to hold the barbell.
When working with a barbell, the use of dielectric gloves is required.
It is strictly prohibited:
- Carry out work during precipitation and high humidity.
- Use rods that have not been tested by the relevant services.
- Work with rods that have visible or invisible faults or damage.