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Rauckman Utility Products

The ZAPshield Active Animal Deterrent

Animal-related interruptions in utility infrastructure can lead to outages, significant financial losses, and potential harm to the animals themselves, which is why animal mitigation is crucial to maintain an uninterrupted flow of electricity. At Rauckman Utility Products, we understand these challenges and have developed an innovative solution to address them: the ZAPshield. This blog explores how the unique Rauck-Shock technology not only deters animals but also conditions them to avoid electrical equipment in the future.

What is the ZAPshield?

The ZAPshield is a UV-stable animal shield in Rauckman’s animal mitigation line, specifically designed for transformer bushing protection. Using the patent-pending Rauck-Shock technology, the ZAPshield delivers a non-lethal electrostatic discharge when animals come into contact with it. This gentle jolt is sufficient to deter them without causing harm, ensuring both the safety of the animals and the smooth operation of electrical equipment.

How Rauck-Shock Technology Works

Rauck-Shock technology is based on the principles of Faraday’s law of induction, ensuring a safe and effective, non-lethal animal deterrent. When an animal touches the ZAPshield, it experiences a mild, non-lethal shock. This shock is designed to be memorable but not painful, which creates a negative association with the electrical equipment. Over time, animals learn to avoid these areas altogether, effectively reducing the risk of future interruptions.

Faraday’s law of induction vector illustration.

The Training Effect

One of the standout features of the ZAPshield is its ability to train animals to stay away from electrical equipment. Unlike other deterrent methods that might require repeated applications or can be harmful, the ZAPshield’s gentle shocks condition animals in as little as one unforgettable experience. This conditioning process is critical because it reduces the likelihood of animals returning and causing disruptions. The ZAPshield doesn’t just deter, it educates.

Benefits Beyond Deterrence

Bushings on electrical distribution equipment are notoriously prone to interference from animals such as squirrels, snakes, and birds. This interference can cause outages, costing power utilities millions of dollars in system repairs and significantly diminishing customer goodwill due to reduced system reliability. The ZAPshield is an effective snake and bird deterrent, as well as a great squirrel deterrent system by using Rauck-Shock polymer panels that pick up a charge from the bushing and deliver a non-lethal electrostatic discharge when contacted by an animal. This approach not only protects the equipment but also ensures that animals are safely deterred without harm.

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Utility Pole Protection for Safety and Performance

Rauckman Utility Products offers several passive options to better protect exposed bushings on electrical distribution equipment, including transformers and substation apparatus, from inadvertent electrical contact with animals. All Rauckman wildlife mitigation products possess enhanced UV stability, including hindered amine light stabilization. They are track-resistant and flame-retardant per the V0 criteria of the UL94 standard. This means that the Rauckman wildlife mitigations products will self-extinguish a flame in 10 seconds or less and will not drip flaming particles, which could cause a fire.

ZAPshield Installation

A significant advantage of the ZAPshield is its hassle-free installation process. Designed to minimize downtime, the ZAPshield can be installed ‘hot’. By eliminating the need to power down or disrupt service, live line installation is much more efficient for utilities.

Reach Out for Your Customized Animal Protection Plan

For electrical infrastructure safety and wildlife protection for utilities, the patent-pending animal barrier, ZAPshield and Rauck-Shock technology represent the pinnacle of animal mitigation solutions. By training animals to stay away from electrical equipment, we help utilities prevent costly outages and protect wildlife.

For more information on our products and how they can help you ensure utility equipment reliability while protecting wildlife, contact us today.

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Conduit Riser Cover for Wildlife Protection

Proper wildlife protection in electric utilities has historically been a challenge. The need for robust wildlife protection devices has never been more critical. The CRC-100L by Rauckman is the best in conduit riser safety solutions. It improves the reliability and safety of electrical equipment and is a comprehensive solution to mitigate risks and ensure uninterrupted service delivery.

Conduit Riser Cover Features

The Conduit Riser Cover is specifically designed for wildlife protection. Its unique features, including Flexible Fingers for a proper fit and track-resistant silicone construction, make it an ideal choice for safeguarding conduit risers from animal interference and debris accumulation.

Installed on a Large Bushing

The Conduit Riser Cover’s track-resistant silicone composition is engineered to withstand the rigorous conditions and demands of the industry. This silicone is specially formulated for the electric utility sector, ensuring durability and longevity, even in environmental challenges.

This product is also a high UV stability electrical cover which is reinforced by Hindered Amine Light Stabilization (HALS). This ensures reliability and performance under prolonged exposure to sunlight. The Conduit Riser Cover helps you to maintain system integrity and longevity.

Conduit Riser Cover Model CRC-100 Installed

Easy Install Conduit Riser Protection

Installing the Conduit Riser Cover is easy thanks to its user-friendly design and Locking Slide Closure mechanism. Electric utility professionals can quickly and easily secure the covers in place, minimizing downtime and ensuring efficient deployment of wildlife protection measures.

Conduit Riser Cover Model CRC-100 Open

Conduit Riser Cover for Wildlife Protection

When it comes to electric utility wildlife protection devices, the Conduit Riser Cover offers the most versatility and reliability. Whether you are safeguarding conduit risers or larger bushings, this product gives you peace of mind and ensures the safety and reliability of critical infrastructure.

Invest in the Conduit Riser Cover today to safeguard your infrastructure against wildlife and debris. For further information or to request a quote please reach out to us or contact one of our representatives.

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The Essential Role of Switching Disconnect Hot Sticks in Utilities

Safety remains the top priority when it comes to utility work. For decades, utility workers have relied on specialized electrical safety tools to ensure safety while working on live power lines. Among these indispensable tools are switching disconnect hot sticks, also known as electrical disconnect sticks. These have been essential since the early 1900s, and now, with modern technology and effective fiberglass design from Rauckman Utility Products, they are more efficient and safe now than ever. 

Evolution of Safety with Switching Disconnect Hot Sticks 

Switching disconnect hot sticks have evolved just like other advancements in utility infrastructure. They were originally crafted from wood, being rudimentary yet effective. As technology progressed and safety standards became more stringent, the need for more robust materials led to the adoption of fiberglass-reinforced thermoset resins. 

Today, these insulated hot sticks are manufactured to meet or exceed ASTM F711 safety standards, they provide a crucial barrier between workers and the hazards of live lines. Rauckman Utility Products, a leader in utility safety equipment, takes pride in engineering utility lineman tools that prioritize both safety and durability. 

Versatility and Functionality 

High voltage hot sticks are needed for operating overhead and underground apparatus, including cutouts and switches. Rauckman offers a range of options to cater to diverse utility needs. They are available in two diameters: 1 1/4″ and 1 1/2″. These hot sticks also come with a vast selection of different head styles to suit various applications. 

The “Switch Stick” style features a notch designed to fit the trunnion of a cutout fuse tube, facilitating seamless engagement during fuse tube replacement. The “Disconnect” style offers versatility for different operational requirements. With several options for lengths and model numbers, utility workers can find the perfect fit for their specific tasks. 

Commitment to Safety 

At Rauckman Utility Products, safety is a commitment. Our hot sticks are deliberately engineered with closed-cell foam-filled fiberglass handles to ensure ergonomic comfort and maximum insulation. By utilizing premium materials and adhering to stringent safety standards, Rauckman hot sticks provide peace of mind to utility workers operating in challenging environments. 

Request a Quote 

Rauckman Utility Products high voltage disconnect tools are made in the USA and empower utility workers to perform their duties with confidence. As technology advances and safety standards evolve, it’s important to ensure that utility workers have the tools they need to stay safe on the line. 

 

To request a quote or get more information from one of our representatives, please fill out our contact form and we will be in touch. 

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Rauckman 4in1 Insulated Ratcheting Box Wrench

A lineworker’s tools need to ensure reliability, safety, and precision while working on electrical equipment. The Rauckman BW-244 4-in-1 Insulated Ratcheting Box Wrench has been made with these needs of the lineworker in mind, combining four essential wrench sizes into one tool. 

4-in-1 Insulated Box Wrench BugWrench™ 

The defining feature of the BW-244 is its 4-in-1 design. This design consolidates four popular head sizes (1/2″, 5/8″, 9/16″, and 3/4″) into one single, compact wrench. This takes away the hassle of fumbling through an array of tools and simplifies tasks with its comprehensive functionality. 

Ratcheting Box Wrench with Reversing Ratchet 

The BW-244 offers lineworkers versatility and efficiency too. They are made with a reversing ratchet mechanism on each end, ensuring seamless operation and saving time and effort.  

Improved Safety 

Rauckman prioritizes safety above all else. The BW-244 has 1000 Volt Isolation that ensures protection in high-risk electrical environments. The BW-244 is made of a high-dielectric polymer handle for superior insulation, reinforced by a see-through port to confirm electrical isolation. With twice the Metal-to-Metal Electrical Isolation compared to other brands, the BW-244 sets the bar higher for safety standards. 

Durable Construction and Enhanced Visibility 

The BW-244 is crafted with 12-point sockets and is built to withstand rigorous utility work. Its all-metal construction ensures longevity and reliability, even in demanding conditions. The high-visibility yellow handle additionally ensures easy identification, even in low-light environments. 

Request a Quote 

The Rauckman BW-244 is a testament to innovation, efficiency, and safety. For lineworkers seeking excellence in their craft, the BW-244 is the ultimate choice.  

To request a quote or get more information, please fill out our contact form or speak with one of our representatives. 

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Rauckman BW-223 Heavy Duty Forged Wrench

When it comes to linework, it’s important to prioritize precision and safety. Whether you are installing or maintaining overhead transformers, it’s critical to have the right tools at hand. The Rauckman BW-223 Heavy Duty Forget wrench is engineered with the lineworker in mind and combines reliability, versatility, and safety.

Insulated Box Wrench Features

The Rauckman BW-223 includes the popular 3/4″ and 9/16″ insulated box wrench combinations, making it available for a number of lineworker tasks, from tightening connectors to adjusting fittings. The BW-223HD model takes it a step further with its heavy-duty, forged construction that stands the test of time.

Rauckman is committed to safety. The BW-233 wrench is crafted with a high-strength, high-dielectric polymer handle that offers electrical insulation, crucial when working with live circuits. A transparent port integrated into the handle also provides you with visual confirmation that the two ends are electrically isolated, giving you another level of assurance.

Additionally, the handle’s unique design provides double the Metal-to-Metal Electrical Isolation compared to other brands. In work environments where visibility is key, the High-Visibility yellow color ensures that the tool is always easy to locate.

Try the Popular BW-233 Heavy Duty Forged For Yourself

Lineworkers need to have confidence in their tools to ensure safety and efficiency on site. With the Rauckman BW-223 Heavy Duty Forget, you can be confident knowing that those standards are not just met but exceeded. The Rauckman BW-233 lineworker wrench ensures tasks are completed efficiently, effectively, and above all, safely.

For more information or to request a quote, please fill out our contact form or speak with one of our representatives.

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One-Piece Tangent Covers – Powerline Protection from Wildlife

In utility systems, ensuring safety and mitigating avian-wildlife incidents are critical priorities. At Rauckman Utility Products, we recognize these concerns, and have developed an innovative solution: The One-Piece Tangent Cover, a multi-functional solution designed for power line protection and crossarm extension protection. The objective of a Tangent Cover is to provide animal protection and aid in minimizing animal-related outages, making it an indispensable tool in the lineworker’s toolkit.

Components of a Tangent Cover

Tangent covers serve the purpose of reducing wildlife incidents that involve perching birds and other animals on crossarms of electric utility poles. The Rauckman Tangent Covers are crafted using an engineered polypropylene flame-retardant resin matrix formula. Its self-extinguishing UL94 V-0 flammability rating ensures a high level of safety, which contributes to the goal of minimizing animal-related outages. They feature a one-piece construction, no separating or “drifting” components, and do not require assembly in the field. Tangent covers can easily be installed and removed using rubber gloves or a shotgun-style hotstick and have versatility in its application, accommodating voltages up to 38 kV system voltage, which extends beyond traditional power line protection.

Additives such as flame retardants, UV inhibitors, impact modifiers, and ozone inhibitors enhance the base polymer resins, which result in a robust solution that withstands the mechanical challenges of outdoor environments.

Easy Hotstick Installation

A notable feature of the Tangent Cover is the simplicity of its design. The straightforward installation eliminates the need for springs, and latches, which not only streamlines the hotstick installation process but also enhances the cover’s reliability during field operations. Lineworker tools, such as a shotgun-style hotstick, make installation and removal a breeze, reducing downtime and ensuring efficiency in maintaining the electrical infrastructure.

Mechanical characteristic ratings, as per ASTM standards, underscore the Tangent Cover’s durability, with impressive impact strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength. These qualities not only contribute to its longevity but also ensure consistent performance in safeguarding powerlines against avian-wildlife incidents.

Increased Safety

A Tangent Cover significantly improves safety in electric utility systems by acting as a protective barrier against wildlife incidents related to powerline contact near crossarms.

ULV-0Flame-RetardantMaterial:

Crafted from an engineered polypropylene flame-retardant resin matrix formula, these covers possess a self-extinguishingUL 94 V-0 flammability rating, ensuring they don’t contribute to fire propagation; Flame-retardant Tangent Covers minimize the risk of animal-related outages, contributing to improved SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index) and SAIFI (System Average Interruption Frequency Index). You can ensure uninterrupted power flow and mitigate unplanned outages by utilizing tangent covers on your powerlines.

UV-Tested:

The Rauckman Tangent Cover undergoes stringentUV testing according to ASTM standards, which ensures its resilience even after prolonged exposure. This commitment to durability is crucial for maintaining the cover’s efficacy in animal protection and powerline safeguarding over the long term.

By reducing the likelihood of animal-related outages and providing durability against UV exposure, tangent covers enhance the overall reliability of the electrical system.

Learn More

To find more detailed specifications of the Rauckman Tangent Cover, click here to read the Tangent Cover brochure. To get in touch with our team, please fill out our contact form and one of our experts will reach out to you swiftly.

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