ASTM F1825-03(2019)

Standard Specification for Clampstick Type Live Line Tools

ABSTRACT
This specification applies to the clampstick type live line tools to ensure manufacturing processes and materials are compatible and no deterioration of components occur during the assembly process. Neither the FRP tube and rod, foam filling, or the bonding adhesive shall deteriorate during the prescribed mechanical and electrical test. The external surface of the FRP shall be uniform, symmetrical, and free of abrasions, scratches, blemishes, and surface defects. The mechanical design test and electrical design test procedures are presented in details.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification applies to the Clampstick type live line tools to ensure manufacturing processes and materials are compatible and no deterioration of components occur during the assembly process.  
1.2 This specification establishes the technical characteristics for clampsticks.  
1.3 This specification applies to clampsticks both hollow and foam-filled.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test portions of this specification:   This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicable of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 The use, maintenance, and in-service testing of this equipment is beyond the scope of this specification.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Aug-2019
• ICS: 25.140.20 - Electric tools
• Technical Committee: F18 - Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers
• Drafting Committee: F18.35 - Tools & Equipment

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1825-03(2013) - Standard Specification for Clampstick Type Live Line Tools
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM F711-02(2013) - Standard Specification for Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Rod and Tube Used in Live Line Tools 
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM F819-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2010
• Refers: ASTM F819-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers
• Effective Date: 15-May-2008
• Refers: ASTM F711-02(2007) - Standard Specification for Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Rod and Tube Used in Live Line Tools
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2007
• Refers: ASTM F819-06 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM F819-05 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2005
• Refers: ASTM F819-04a - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2004
• Refers: ASTM F819-04 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2004
• Refers: ASTM F711-02 - Standard Specification for Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Rod and Tube Used in Live Line Tools
• Effective Date: 10-May-2002
• Refers: ASTM F819-00e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers
• Effective Date: 10-May-2000

Overview

ASTM F1825-03(2019), titled Standard Specification for Clampstick Type Live Line Tools, sets essential requirements for the manufacturing and quality of clampstick (also known as “shotgun sticks” or “grip all sticks”) type live line tools. Published by ASTM International, this standard ensures these critical electrical safety tools meet stringent mechanical and electrical performance criteria. The specification promotes consistency in materials, construction, and testing, safeguarding against premature deterioration or defects during manufacturing and assembly.

This standard is widely referenced across industries working with live electrical lines, especially in electric utility sectors and maintenance operations where high-voltage safety is paramount.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application:
  Covers clampstick type live line tools - both hollow and foam-filled designs. It applies to components such as fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) tubes/rods, bonding adhesives, and foam fillings.

• Material Requirements:

  • FRP tubes and rods must remain free from mechanical or electrical deterioration during prescribed tests.
  • External surfaces must be uniform, free from abrasions, flaws, or blemishes that could impair performance or safety.
  • Finished composite parts must be free from hazardous projections or defects that could compromise dielectric integrity.

• Design and Construction:

  • Defines the structure of clampsticks, consisting of an insulated rod connecting a controlled hand grip to a hook at the head end.
  • All moving parts must function without binding across a specified temperature range.
  • Retract locks and safety stops must operate independently to prevent accidental disengagement.

• Test Procedures:

  • Mechanical Design Tests: Assure clampstick assemblies withstand specified torque and tensile loads, ensuring structural integrity during use.
  • Electrical Design Tests: Ensure products meet minimum dielectric performance. Tests include wet testing of insulating lengths at set voltages with vigilance for leakage, flashover, or tracking.

• Inspection Criteria:
  Visual and physical inspections confirm there are no defects that impede function or reduce safety.

Applications

The ASTM F1825-03(2019) standard is crucial for organizations that manufacture or utilize live line tools for high-voltage applications, particularly:

• Utility and Power Distribution:
  Qualified workers use clampsticks to install or remove hotline clamps and ground clamps, or to operate energized apparatus safely, minimizing risk when working on live electrical lines.

• Electrical Maintenance and Safety:
  Ensures tools provide high-voltage insulation, reducing the risk of arc flash or electrical shock during hot stick operations.

• Procurement and Quality Control:
  Used by purchasing departments and inspectors to verify that products meet international requirements for consistency, performance, and durability.

Related Standards

This specification references and aligns with related ASTM standards, including:

• ASTM F711 - Specification for Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Rod and Tube Used in Live Line Tools
• ASTM F819 - Terminology Relating to Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers

For comprehensive safety and performance, operators should refer to these complementary standards alongside ASTM F1825-03(2019).

Keywords:
Clampstick, live line tools, ASTM F1825, grip all stick, shotgun stick, high-voltage safety, electrical testing, FRP, foam-filled clampstick, electrical protective equipment.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1825 −03 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Specification for
Clampstick Type Live Line Tools
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1825; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope F819 Terminology Relating to Electrical Protective Equip-
ment for Workers
1.1 This specification applies to the Clampstick type live
line tools to ensure manufacturing processes and materials are
3. Terminology
compatible and no deterioration of components occur during
the assembly process.
3.1 Definitions—Terminology used in this specification is in
accordance with Terminology F819.
1.2 This specification establishes the technical characteris-
tics for clampsticks.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.3 This specification applies to clampsticks both hollow 3.2.1 clampstick, n—a live line tool having a hand control
with latching stops at the butt end mechanically connected by
and foam-filled.
an insulating rod to a hook that retracts into a slotted ferrule at
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
the head end.
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
3.2.1.1 Discussion—Clampsticks are used by qualified
only.
workersforhigh-voltageapplicationofhotlineclamps,ground
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
clamps, operation of energized apparatus and the like. Clamp-
test portions of this specification: This standard does not
sticks are sometimes referred to as “shotgun sticks” or “grip all
purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated
sticks”. Clampsticks are designed to provide insulation to the
with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard
user while performing the above operations.
to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental
3.2.2 design test, n—a test made on a sample treated as
practices and determine the applicable of regulatory limita-
representative of an industrial product. This test will not
tions prior to use.
generally be repeated in quantity production.
1.6 The use, maintenance, and in-service testing of this
equipment is beyond the scope of this specification.
3.2.3 electrical test, n—a test to ensure that a product meets
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor- minimum electrical requirements of a standard.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2.4 FRP insulating tubes and rods, n—fiberglass rein-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
forced plastic (FRP) products manufactured so that the tubes
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
and rods produced will meet the electrical and mechanical
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
requirements of this specification.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.5 hand control, n—lower control of the clampstick and
connected to hook by an FRP rod.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2.6 head ferrule, n—a nonmetallic structural part with
2.1 ASTM Standards:
slots to accept clamp bases of standard size and allow the
F711 Specification for Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP)
closing motion of the hook.
Rod and Tube Used in Live Line Tools
3.2.7 mechanical test, n—a test to ensure that a product
meets minimum mechanical requirements of a standard.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F18 on
3.2.8 rear stop, n—a device or devices that stop the rear-
Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F18.35 on Tools & Equipment.
ward motion of the hand control when the tool has reached its
Current edition approved Aug. 15, 2019. Published August 2019. Originally
fully retracted position.
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as F1825 – 03(2013).
DOI: 10.1520/F1825-03R19.
3.2.9 retract lock, n—a locking means that allows the hand
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
control to be positioned and releaseably latched between the
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
safety stop and rear stop and prevents movement toward the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. safety stop.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1825 − 03 (2019)
3.2.10 safety stop, n—a releasable latch that automatically 4.8 The hook shall be designed to enter a 1.42-cm (0.560-
and positively engages at partial retract to fully capture a in.) inside diameter, minimum eye. The ferrule shall be
device. designed to swallow an eye with a 3.96-cm (1.560-in.) outside
diameter and a 1.19-cm (0.470-in.) maximum diameter cross-
3.2.11 visual inspection, n—a visual check made to detect
section and with a 2.29 cm (0.900-in.) outside diameter
defects that impede the performance of product(s).
maximum shank or flange.
4. Materials and Manufacture
4.9 Hook opening shall accept a 20-mm ( ⁄4-in.) diameter
rod.
4.1 Neither the FRP tube and rod, foam filling, or the
bonding adhesive shall deteriorate during the prescribed me- 4.10 Hook retraction from safety stop (intermediate posi-
chanical and electrical test of this specification. tion) shall be 11.73 cm (4.62 in.) minimum.
4.11 The end slots of head ferrule must accept a clamp base
4.2 The external surface of the FRP shall be uniform,
1.22 cm (0.480 in.) max width to a depth of 0.76 cm (0.300 in.)
symmetrical, and free of abrasions, scratches, blemishes, and
min.
surface defects.
4.12 Foam-filled clampsticks shall be sealed at both ends.
4.3 Any defect that may capture an impurity or impair the
dielectric integrity of the product shall be cause for rejection.
4.13 Foam-filled FRP tube and solid FRP rod used in the
manufacturing of clampsticks shall meet all requirements of
4.4 FRProd or tube material to which a finish coating, such
Specification F711.
as paint, is applied must meet all physical, electrical, and
mechanical requirements after the coating is applied. 4.14 Hollow tube shall meet all requirements of Specifica-
tion F711 except mechanical aging and shall withstand 75 %
4.5 Theexternalsurfacesofallcompositematerialpartsand
crushing strength of the foam-filled tube of equal outside
fittings shall be uniform and free of projections or flaws that
diameter listed in Specification F711.
present a hazard to the operator.
5. Mechanical Design Test
4.6 Moving parts must operate properly without binding at
temperatures from –40°C (–40°F) to 48.9°C (120°F).
5.1 FRP tube and rod shall meet all mechanical specifica-
tions and requirements of Specification F711.
4.7 Retract lock and safety stop must be separate and so
arranged that release of retract lock or forward motion of 5.2 The complete clampstick shall withstand a torque load
control shall not release safety st
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