Inventors:
Dana Netz - Jemez Springs NM, US
International Classification:
H02H 99/00
Abstract:
An electrical shorting stick and method of using it. The apparatus and method allow the user to work on or about high-voltage equipment at tremendously reduced risk of accidental electrocution. The apparatus permits the user to secure a reliable short-circuit of the equipment to the absolute ground, so that current cannot be directed through the bodies of the service crew. The apparatus is placed into contact with the equipment of interest. While in contact with the equipment, the apparatus is manipulated by the user to safely discharge to absolute ground all potentially hazardous electrical current. The apparatus has a handle assembly movable upon a main road assembly. When the handle assembly is placed into a first position, current is directed from the equipment to the absolute ground via the apparatus including a resistor. The handle assembly is shifted to a second position, in which current is directed through the apparatus, but bypassing the resistor, in a conductive circuit directly to absolute ground, thus providing a safe “hard” grounding of the equipment of interest.