Hot line maintenance began when disconnect sticks were first used to open energized disconnect switches. Even though this operation proved that long, dry poles could be equipped with fittings which would enable linemen to work with safety on energized lines, many years passed before enough interest was aroused in the hot line idea to use these tools for any operation other than opening switches.
While the use of hot line maintenance tools is sometimes considered a recent development in the electrical power industry, forerunners of modern hot line tools made their appearance as far back as 1913. The earliest available picture of these tools is the accompanying photograph taken in 1914.
Also, as line voltages began to increase, requiring heavier conductors, support devices, and longer minimum approach distances, the wooden poles had to be larger and heavier as well, making them more difficult to handle. CHANCE first introduced fiberglass tools to the market in 1957 to address these issues. Compared to the wooden versions, the new fiberglass poles were lighter, stronger, more durable, and had superior hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties for working under wet conditions. Since their introduction, CHANCE has continued to work closely with line maintenance operators to develop and improve tools and techniques that utilize Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastics (FRP) technology, many of which are still in use to this day.
There is a common characteristic among a wide range of CHANCE® Lineman Grade Tools™. Whether it’s hoist links, crossarm assists, gins, booms, insulator cradles, universal poles, strain poles, wire tongs, jib extensions, or ladders: they are all designed and built with Epoxiglas® insulated poles.
CHANCE Epoxiglas® products are designed and tested to meet or exceed several different industry standards:
To that end, finished Epoxiglas® pole sections are subjected to a battery of quality checks and tests in the factory, including:
The newly formed Epoxiglas® poles are now ready to be cut to size, and used in multiple insulating tool applications.
Epoxiglas poles are a crucial component of CHANCE tools, making them durable and safe. Although extreme care is exercised in the manufacture of hot line tools, a certain amount of care should be used in the protection of these tools in order to have them ready for use at all times. Proper care will not only result in longer life but will result in greater safety and produce added confidence on the part of the line crewman using the tools. Lineman safety has always been our top priority and, therefore, we are committed to providing free resources to ensure that accurate information on safety practices and procedures is available to anyone who needs it.
For additional reading on Epoxiglas® products and their applications, click on any of the links below.
For videos on care and maintenance of your hot line tools, check out these videos:
If you can’t find the resources you need online, or would like to learn more, contact our team about in-person training or fill out a form to ask us a question.