How Insulated Jib Extensions Mitigate Hotline Maintenance Hazards

CHANCE® Insulated Jib Extensions attach to the material handlers on bucket trucks and aid linemen in the lifting of overhead conductors. They are manufactured, and tested per ASTM F711 and IEC 60855 standards, the same as as all CHANCE Epoxiglas® hotsticks.

Our Insulated Jib Extensions are 100% tested at the Factory at 100kV per foot as part of the production process. In addition, routine testing is done on a “lot” basis on each production run to meet the parameters of the standards for electrical leakage after exposure to moisture, atmospheric wicking, dimensional verification, deflection, crush, and visual inspection.

Additionally, Insulated Jib Extensions have holes along their length that allow them to be pinned in a variety of positions. A fiberglass sleeve protects each pinning hole and is used to prevent damage to the foam core of the Epoxiglas. When properly cleaned and cared for, the pinning holes will not adversely impact the dielectric properties of the Insulated Jib Extension. The entire length of the Insulated Jib Extension, including the pinning holes, can be considered insulating and can be tested as a Live-Line Tool.

The fixed-length Insulated Jib Extensions come with the standard CHANCE Hotstick label and the versions with multiple pinning locations are date stamped with the testing date on the end of the tool.

Maintaining Insulated Jib Extensions

• Insulated Jib Extensions should be cared for like the CHANCE Hotstick.
• Keeping the surface finish clean and glossy plays a critical role in the dielectric performance of the Insulated Jib Extension.
• Inspect and clean with silicone saturated wiping clothes prior to each use. For heavier contamination, Moisture Eater II wipes can be used before applying silicone.
• Remove from the material handler and store in a bag after use to avoid physical damage, pollutants, and UV degradation.
• If damage is suspected, the Jib Extension should be removed from service immediately. If damage resulted in fibers being exposed, the Jib Extension must be destroyed.

Insulated Jib Extension In-Service Electrical Testing

It is recommended by power and utility experts that users follow the guidelines in ASTM F3121 to periodically test their CHANCE Insulated Jib Extensions. Specific details on the parameters for testing are included in the ASTM standard, but as a reference, the Insulated Jib Extension should be tested to 75kV per 12 inches under wet conditions. Only distilled water should be used during wet testing and a High Voltage AC HiPot Tester or CHANCE Wet/Dry Hotstick Tester can be used.

Electrical testing should be performed once every two years, at minimum, and any time the insulating properties are in question. Frequent periodic testing may be warranted depending on the use frequency, work conditions, level of care, etc. Electrical testing is also required after any repair. While an Insulated Jib Extension's unblemished permanent finish provides sufficient protection for accurate testing, a worn finish can produce a false positive result if silicone or wax are present on the surface. Thoroughly clean all Jibs with Moisture Eater II before testing to achieve accurate results. 

An advantage with a CHANCE Insulated Jib extension is if it fails electrical testing, the unit can be refinished rather than discarded. The CHANCE Gloss Restorer Kit (C4001520) can be used to refinish the Jib. After refinishing, the Insulated Jib needs to be retested per ASTM F3121 before returning to service. The painted finish also provides excellent hydrophobic properties when working in wet conditions.

Summary

In summary, CHANCE Insulated Jib Extensions are a convenient tool for helping to mitigate hazards during hotline maintenance. CHANCE Insulated Jib Extensions are designed, manufactured, and tested to ASTM and IEC standards and should be treated and cared for the same as a Hotstick. When using Insulated Jib Extensions, always make sure to follow your company’s work practices and procedures. For any more questions or to schedule training with a CHANCE tools expert on Insulating Jib Extensions, or a variety of other subjects, please reach out to your local Hubbell Utility Solutions’ Territory Manager or fill out the training request form.  

READ MORE:

• The Life Expectancy of a Hotstick
• Are you Properly Testing your Hot Line Tools?