Dielectric Safety Net: A Proven Solution for High-Voltage Work
Marc-André Pilon
Barry's Customized Dielectric Safety Nets for High-Voltage Substations
Over the last few years, Barry has consulted on and manufactured highly customized dielectric safety nets for high-voltage substations and energized crossings. These systems provide a safe turnkey solution, allowing maintenance or construction to be performed without requiring an outage.
These nets are essential for utility operations where outages are difficult to obtain due to regulatory, technical, or financial constraints. The systems are assembled with high-quality insulative materials and can be connected to various support structures, providing a reliable barrier with a minimal footprint.
The support ropes are designed to mitigate and absorb the impact of dropped conductors or equipment, using energy dissipators. The dielectric net prevents dropped conductors from touching energized apparatus and eliminates sag concerns.
Barry dielectric safety nets are valued for the following reasons:
- Prevents arc flash issues, outages, or shocks if the net sags into energized lines
- Avoids revenue loss by eliminating the need for outages
- Enhances worker safety by reducing risks of arc flash, fault currents, and shock hazards
- Maintains system reliability, stability, and regulatory compliance
- Allows for energized installation and removal in stations that cannot be fully de-energized
- Protects equipment below from electrical faults and mechanical effects of dropped conductors
- Simple design, installation, and removal enhance customer satisfaction
Barry’s dielectric nets use insulative materials compliant with IEC 62192 and ASTM F 1701 standards. These materials are durable, resistant to moisture, ozone contamination, and arc flash, ensuring long-term safety and performance. Maintenance and storage guidelines are included in the user manual.
Additionally, the ropes offer minimal leakage current in wet or dry conditions, under AC or DC, further enhancing worker safety.
For more information on Barry's dielectric safety nets, contact us today.