Safety shield for hot sticks-protection from electric arcs. Test results and field experience

This paper presents test results on safety shields conducted in accordance with ASTM PS 57 and PS 58 methods, utilizing the same equipment, fault current and duration as in testing of flame retardant fabrics. Safely shields on hot sticks were subjected to power arcs with fault current of 15.4 kA for 22 to 30 cycles. The test results show that the safety shield provides protection from the electric arc to the user and will limit injuries caused by radiant bursts of heat energies and by arc blast shock wave explosions that contain flying fragmentation particles. In addition to test results, the paper also covers safety issues dealing with protection of workers from electric arcs and field experience in using the safety shield.