Regular inspection of power poles is essential for energy providers to ensure the safety and reliability of the power grid. Companies are faced with the challenge of visually inspecting their poles every five to eight years. However, traditional corner post climbing methods have significant disadvantages, especially when a power outage is required.
Initial situation: Challenges with conventional climbing systems
Traditional climbing systems, which are attached to the corner post of a mast, require the relevant side of the power grid to be switched off during the worker's ascent to ensure safety. This has several disadvantages:
- approval processes: Shutdowns must be requested and approved. This is not only time-consuming, but also makes planning inspections much more difficult.
- Short-term changes: Approvals can be revoked at any time, for example if more capacity is needed at short notice, for example due to increased electricity demand in strong winds or intense sunlight.
- Limited time windows: Often only short windows of downtime are granted, for example from 11 a.m. to 15 p.m. This puts pressure on employees to complete their work within a tight timeframe.
- High costs and planning effort: Shutting down the power supply not only requires extensive planning, but also leads to financial losses due to operational outages.
These challenges make visual inspection not only complex, but also expensive and inflexible.
The HighStep system: A solution for visual inspections without shutdown
Of the HighStep Systems The system developed by HighStep offers a groundbreaking solution, especially for visual inspections: With the HighStep system, these tasks can be carried out safely and efficiently without switching off the power supply.
Secure access even without shutdown
The HighStep system enables safe ascent thanks to the central guide rail, which is positioned far away from the live areas. Visual inspections that do not involve direct work on the conductor cables can therefore be carried out safely.
flexibility and planability
The ability to perform visual inspections regardless of a shutdown significantly reduces bureaucratic burden. Teams can plan inspections flexibly without being dependent on permits or tight time frames.
relief for employees
Without the pressure to complete work within a limited shutdown window, technicians can complete their inspections at a reasonable pace, increasing not only efficiency but also the safety and ergonomics of the work.
Why visual inspections are possible without shutdown
1. Central guide rail
The HighStep system uses a maintenance-free guide rail mounted centrally on the mast. This is positioned so that it offers sufficient distance from the live cables.
2. Work at a safe distance
Since proximity to live areas is not required, maintenance personnel can perform visual inspections without entering potentially dangerous areas.
3. No shutdown required
Unlike conventional systems, visual inspections eliminate the need to turn off the power. This not only saves time and money, but also enables a continuous power supply.
Advantages of the HighStep system for visual inspections
The HighStep system offers numerous advantages for carrying out visual inspections:
- Reduced costs and bureaucracy: Since no shutdown is required, complex approval processes and the associated costs are eliminated.
- Flexibility and time savings: Visual inspections can be planned and carried out independently of specified time windows.
- Maximum security: The central access and the distance to the live lines guarantee the safety of the maintenance personnel.
- Ergonomic work: The centrally mounted guide rail and specially developed climbing shoes ensure a comfortable and safe ascent.
A step forward for the energy industry
With the HighStep system, HighStep Systems new standards for the inspection and maintenance of power poles. The ability to carry out visual inspections without shutdown is a significant advance that reduces costs, increases safety and improves planning. For companies that need to carry out regular visual inspections, the system offers a modern, sustainable and economical solution.
The future of electricity pylon inspection begins here – efficient, safe and without interrupting the power supply.