Insulated Fiberglass Sticks

Insulated fiberglass sticks are required to be tested every 2  years or if damage is suspected. However best industry practice sees the majority of high voltage sticks being tested annually.

The majority of high voltage sticks are manufactured by Hastings, Hubbell (Chance) and Salisbury. Sticks come in a variety of lengths and dimensions and use of stick can range on application. Common insulated fiberglass sticks used in the electrical industry are Gripalls "Shotguns", Wire Cutters, switch sticks etc.

Insulated fiberglass sticks are inspected when they arrive at our facility if the stick is in good condition we conduct a clean and wax. Cleaning of the stick is completed with Isopropyl Alcohol to remove any dirty and debris. After the stick has been cleaned, wax is applied to create hydrophobicity on the sticks surface. A mechanical test is then completed to ensure all parts align and are working.

If the Insulated fiberglass stick is damaged beyond a clean and wax. WHVTC will disassemble the fiberglass stick and sand down the stick to rid it of any impurities. Epoxy can be used to build damaged locations back up to standard.  The fiberglass stick is then brought to the paint both were a two part clear endura paint is applied to create the hydrophobic surface.  Once the paint has dried the stick is reassembled a mechanical test is conducted.

Insulated Fiberglass sticks are placed in the stick tester, misted with a spray bottle of distilled water and tested for 1 minute at 75 kV / per foot. A pass for the sticks would be no flash over or damage to the stick during the test.

It is very rare to have insulated fiberglass sticks fail electrically. More commonly a stick will fail visually because of mechanical damage. Example shattered fiberglass tube due to improper use or misplacement. 

Fiberglass sticks should be visually inspected before each use.

Keep stick off ground (Do not lay stick on the ground) 

Clean off stick if it becomes contaminated (oil, mud, etc.) with Isopropyl Alcohol. Then use fiberglass cleaner/wax to reinstate the hydrophobicity to the fiberglass stick. 

Store Hot Stick Storage bag (Clean) or in trailer with proper racking