Behind the Chicken Switch Hitter: how a custom magnetic base built with Magswitch keeps work safer, faster
Everything CBS ArcSafe builds starts with the same goal: keeping technicians out of harm’s way when they operate electrical equipment. One lesson we’ve learned is that ease-of-use is itself a safety feature. The easier it is to implement a safety device, the more likely it is to be used.
That principle applies from the moment our remote switching devices attach to equipment and, for nearly two decades, Magswitch has been our partner in getting that right.
Magswitch magnetic attachment solutions are used across CBS ArcSafe product lines, supporting arc flash mitigation and the remote operation of low- and medium-voltage electrical equipment. Magnetic mounting lets technicians secure a device to switchgear without permanent modifications and move it easily from one breaker to the next.
Recently, we had the opportunity to take that partnership a step further through custom engineering.
The Chicken Switch Hitter Challenge
When we developed the Chicken Switch Hitter, our goal was to create a universal system that combines pushbutton and breaker control switch operation, giving users greater flexibility across OEMs, applications, and job sites.
That versatility created a design challenge. The system needed to attach quickly and securely to a wide range of electrical equipment while keeping its Milwaukee® M18™ battery positioned close to the motor assembly. So, we asked the Magswitch team to develop a magnetic power base that could do both.
What followed was a true engineering collaboration. Our teams worked through multiple design iterations, adjustments, and rounds of testing to refine the solution. The result is a compact system that attaches quickly, holds its position securely, and gives technicians the flexibility they need in the field.
That matters where the work actually happens. When we demonstrated the Chicken Switch Hitter for a Texas utility earlier this year, the crews singled out its rapid setup and magnetic mounting as features that would make a difference on every service call. Technicians truly benefit from a device that goes on quickly and stays put. That means more switching operations can be performed from outside the arc flash boundary.
More Than a Vendor
It’s easy to see the finished product. What’s harder to see is the thought, collaboration, and engineering that went into getting there. That’s what makes a great partnership.
We don’t view Magswitch simply as a vendor. We view them as a partner in delivering equipment our customers can depend on, job after job and operation after operation. Our thanks to the entire Magswitch team for bringing their expertise, creativity, and engineering resources to solve complex problems. We’re proud of what we built together and look forward to the next challenge.
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