INSULATED LINE HOODS

Insulated line hoods provide a highly versatile system of covering up a wide variety of configurations on distribution systems. The insulator covers mate with conductor covers to cover pin-type or post-type insulator construction and also can be used with the dead-end cover.

The line hoods virtually surround the hot parts and hardware to give the linemen extra protection when rubber gloving or using hot sticks.

The insulator cover will couple with major brands of rubber line hose and insulator covers of the 25kV class. Insulator covers are made of high-density polyethylene and are bright orange in color.

Conductor covers are 5 feet long and are available with a Grip-All adapter for hot stick application or without adapter for rubber glove application. Insulator covers are 21 inches long and 8.5 inches wide and are available in two heights: 6 inches and 9 inches from conductor to cover base to fit different size insulators, either with Grip-All adapter for hot stick application or without adapter for rubber glove application.

Insulating Protective Equipment (IPE) includes items such as: Insulating (rubber) line hose, blankets, and hoods.

IPE and Minimum Approach Distances

Like PPE (for example, insulating gloves and sleeves), IPE is used to provide workers protection from contacting energized conductors, but unlike PPE it is not worn on the body. Properly covering (or "guarding") exposed live parts with IPE between the live parts and workers allows 269-qualified employees to enter the Minimum Approach Distance without having to wear insulating PPE. [See 1910.269(l)(2)]. Also see ASTM Standards D 178, D 1048, D 1049, and D 1050 for specifications on Insulating Matting, Insulating Blankets, Insulating Covers, and Insulating Line Hose.) However, IPE often has limited protective functionality. For example, some IPE, such as line hose, is designed to protect qualified employees from brush contact only.

IPE Ratings and Testing

Rubber and hardcover IPE items must be rated for the voltage of the parts being covered (phase to ground or phase to phase) and are designated from Class 0 (up to 1KV) through Class 4 (up to 36KV). Many of these items are, however, only designed for protection during incidental or brush contact. Rubber line hose and hoods need to be electrically tested when there is any indication that the insulating value is suspect. Rubber blankets must be tested at intervals of not more than 12 months. [See 1910.137(b).]

Inspection and Storage

Each item of IPE must be inspected for possible defects before each day's use. Items must be stored properly by avoiding folding, excessive heat, sunlight, humidity, ozone, and any chemical or substance that could damage the item. (See ASTM F479, Standard Specification for In-Service Care of Insulating Blankets, ASTM F478, Standard Specification for In-Service Care of Insulating Line Hose and Covers, and ASTM F1236, Standard Guide for Visual Inspection of Electrical Protective Rubber Products.)

INSULATED LINE HOODS

IPE and Minimum Approach Distances

IPE Ratings and Testing

Inspection and Storage

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