BENCHMARK FOR PRE-USE ELECTRICAL TESTING USING PORTABLE TESTERS
The Barry D.E.W. insulating ropes are unique and can be cleaned and maintained and handled as hot sticks.
We have found that they may also be tested as hot sticks using some portable hot stick testers such as those offered by A.B. Chance and by Hastings.
Example of Benchmarking :
Rope: NF3400, ½ diameter D.E.W. insulating rescue rope (new rope stored in warm dry environment)
Test equipment: A.B. Chance Wet/Dry Hot Stick Tester (C 403-3178) on the Dry setting.
Conditioning: Dry rope (note: never spray or immerse rope prior to field use).
Test the entire rope section on all faces and document the values obtained.
As an example, only :
a value of 0 to 5 (µA) is a perfect score for new rope which is stored in warm/dry environment.
Ropes in service should be tested prior to use and the values obtained should be in the range of 0 to 5 (µA).
If a higher value is obtained (5 (µA)+) then the rope should be considered suspicious and further investigation is required. This rope should not be used as it may have been exposed to a contaminant or water. It may need to be reconditioned in a heated dry room before being put in service again.
Contact Barry for advice.