Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Hastings

How do I buy Hastings products?

All electric utility companies have net 30 day terms. Or, you can send a check, use VISA or Mastercard or contact Hastings.

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What are your Hot Sticks "rated" for?

We do not offer or supply a working "rating". We as a manufacturer of Hot Line Tools are required to test all fiber glass tools per OSHA/ASTM F711. In essence this rule states that all newly manufactured Hot Sticks must be able to withstand 100KV (100,000 Volts) for 5 minutes.

Does Hastings offer demonstrations of their tools?

Yes, we have (5) trailers and (4) "factory demonstrators" that travel the country showing our tool.

My hot stick will not pass the electrical test?

The OSHA in service test requires that all fiber glass tools in-service be tested once every two years. The test must be done at 75KV (or equivalent) and under wet conditions. To properly test your tools under these conditions, your hot sticks must be "clean and glossy". To accomplish this; "cleaning and waxing" of your hot sticks will probably be required to have your sticks pass any electrical test.

Hot Stick Care and Maintenance Video

Is Hastings ISO certified?

Yes, effective May , HASTINGS became ISO certified.

How do I become a Hastings distributor?

Contact Hastings and we will put you in touch with the Manufacturing Representative in your territory for you to discuss becoming a distributor.

ALERT: International Customers

For your protection, ALL wire transfers will be for further credit to "Hastings Fiber Glass Products, Inc" ONLY.

Wire transfers must be sent to one of the following bank locations ONLY:

1. Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati, Ohio
2. Hastings City Bank, Hastings, Michigan

Where is Hastings located?

Directions from Chicago to Hastings Fiber Glass Products, Inc.

• Take I94 east to highway 131 exit.
• Turn north on 131 (right hand clover leaf exit).
• Go north approximately 27 miles to exit 61.
• This is marked as the Hastings exit. Depending on the map you may be using, the highway may be labeled as Chief Noonday road, A42, or M179.
• Go east (right) on M179 approximately 16 miles until it ends at M43. Turn left (continue east). At the second traffic light (less than a mile) turn right on Green Street. Take Green Street approximately 1/4 mile, and Hastings Fiber Glass Products will be on the right.
• Turn south (right) on cook road. Hastings Fiber Glass Products is the second business from the intersection of Green Street and Cook Road.

Directions from Detroit (I94) to Hastings Fiber Glass Products, Inc.

• Take I94 west to Helmer Road.
• Turn north on Helmer Road and follow it past the airport. You make a quick jog at the corner of the airport (on Dickman) but stay on Helmer.
• Helmer will turn into M37 at a traffic light. No turn is necessary.
• Stay northbound on 37 to Hastings.
• M37 will turn west (left) at a caution light. This street is also called Green Street.
• Stay on Green Street for approximately 1 1/2 miles. Hastings Fiber Glass Products will be on your left, next to Consumers Energy.

Directions from Lansing to Hastings Fiber Glass Products, Inc.

• Take M43 (may be labled as Saginaw Highway from the expressway) west all the way to Hastings.
• At the second traffic light, (corner of the court house) turn right (west) to stay on M43.
• Take M43 to the stoplight past Wal-Mart, and turn left on Green Street Hastings Fiber Glass Products will be 1/4 mile down Green Street on the right.

Directions from Grand Rapids to Hastings Fiber Glass Products, Inc.

• Take M37 south until it meets M43 just outside Hastings.
• Turn left M37 and M43 (east). Turn right at the next stop light (before Wal-Mart) onto Green Street Hastings Fiber Glass Products will be 1/4 mile down Green Street on the right.

Does Hastings refinish hot line tools?

No, because of the long amount of time to clean, sand, refinish, and test, we do not offer a "refinishing" service. We can route you though one of several "test and repair centers" centrally located around the country.

Hot Stick Care and Maintenance Video

How does Hastings ship their products?

We ship via UPS, FedEx, RPS, Truck Freight, and Air Freight. We ship the most economical method or per the customer's requirements.

I want to buy a hot stick; what do you recommend?

We need to know several things before we can make a recommendation:

The company is the world’s best Telescopic Fiberglass Electrical Hot Stick supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

• What will you be using your stick for?
• How long of a stick do you need?
• Do you prefer one solid, fixed length stick?
• Do you prefer a sectional style stick that snaps together?
• Do you prefer a telescopic style stick?

Contact Hastings today with answers to these questions and we will gladly recommend a model fit for your needs.

How often should our hot sticks be tested?

OSHA requires that all hot line tools be tested every 2 years (24 months).

What length of hot stick do I need for my high voltage system?

OSHA has published clear hot stick working clearances for different voltages. The clearances at present are below.

NOMINAL VOLTAGE IN
KILOVOLTS PHASE TO PHASE PHASE TO GROUND (FT-IN) PHASE TO GROUND (M) PHASE TO PHASE (FT-IN) PHASE TO PHASE (M) 0.05 to 1.0 (4) (4) (4) (4) 1.1 to 15.0 2-1 0.64 2-2 .66 15.1 to 36.0 2-4 0.72 2-7 0.77 36.1 to 46.0 2-7 0.77 2-10 0.85 46.1 to 72.5 3-0 0.90 3-6 1.05 72.6 to 121 3-2 0.95 4-3 1.29 138 to 145 3-7 1.09 4-11 1.50 161 to 169 4-0 1.22 5-8 1.71 230 to 242 5-3 1.59 7-6 2.27 345 to 362 8-6 2.59 12-6 3.80 500 to 550 11-3 3.42 18-1 5.50 765 to 800 14-11 4.53 26-0 7.91

Footnote(1) These distances take into consideration the highest switching surge an employee will be exposed to on any system with air as the insulating medium and the maximum voltages shown.

Footnote(2) The clear live-line tool distance shall equal or exceed the values for the indicated voltage ranges.

Footnote(3) See Appendix B to this section for information on how the minimum approach distances listed in the tables were derived.

Footnote(4) Avoid contact.

Individual work rules may require more clear distance.

ALTERNATING CURRENT
MINIMUM DISTANCES Voltage range (phase to phase) (kilovolt) Minimum working and clear hot stick distance 2.1 to 15 15.1 to 35 35.1 to 46 46.1 to 72.5 72.6 to 121 138 to 145 161 to 169 230 to 242 345 to 362 500 to 552 700 to 765 2 ft. 0 in. 2 ft. 4 in. 2 ft. 6 in. 3 ft. 0 in. 3 ft. 4 in. 3 ft. 6 in. 3 ft. 8 in. 5 ft. 0 in. (1) 7 ft. 0 in. (1) 11 ft. 0 in. (1) 15 ft. 0 in.

Voltage Proximity Testers are a relatively simple testing instrument that enables electricians and other uses to locate, trace and identify common electrical problems. These testers can locate wires behind walls, underground, and inside junction boxes. Others are designed to find blown fuses or test light fixtures. Some testers can even locate neutrals, ground faults, and high voltage lines without interrupting power. Most products are capable of continuity checks and audible continuity measurements. Continuity checks test a circuit for completeness, while audible continuity measurements beep when probes touch each other.

Tic Tracer – Proximity AC Voltage Detector

The Tic Tracer is adaptable to hot sticks and is used to check fuses, breaker panels, power outlets, load break connectors, and transmission lines. The Tic Tracer has a high voltage range (-122,000 volts) and a low voltage range (25- volts). This handy tool will allow the user to detect electricity without having to break into power lines. The signal of the beeper will become louder as a person comes closer to live electrical lines. The risk of touching live electrical wires is non-existent with this handy tool. The Proximity Voltage Detector can also be used to check power tools and to see if they are properly grounded. Users can also test whether AC power is connected to outlets, lamps, and/or switches. This tool is lightweight yet rugged, has an integrated switchguard and is made in the USA.

Non-Contact Voltage Detector up to 500kV

The Non-Contact Voltage Detector is used to verify live or de-energized conductors, and will warn of voltage from 230V to 500kV. As the tester is moved closer to the conductor or apparatus, a warning of voltage is indicated. This tester may be used with rubber insulating gloves or hot sticks with a splined universal end fitting. It is recommended that the tester is moved closer to the conductor until the warning is indicated or the unit touches a conductor, apparatus, or test point. Keep in mind, when using non-contact voltage detectors, it is extremely important to always verify proper operation. Immediately after checking a line or piece of equipment, the detector should be verified to reassure the proper functioning of the tool. This extremely useful tool comes complete with a case and shotgun adapter.

Precautions and Warnings

Anyone who uses hot sticks and voltage testers entrusts his/her personal safety to this instrument. For this reason, testing the tool’s operation on a flourescent lamp or known conductor of AC voltage is extremely important. If the unit is dropped, or for any reason a malfunction is suspected, test it before making checks or high voltage tests. Three phase feeder cables with conductors close together may self-cancel the field detected by the instrument; therefore, it is imperative to always separate such conductors by at least 4 inches before testing AC voltage.

When approaching an unknown voltage, especially a high one, always start with the unit switched to the ‘Low’ range. Then, approach the voltage from a distance. It is also important to use a “Hot Stick” at all times. Note that with the switch in the high range, the unit will only detect voltage above VAC.

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