Denton, TX, March 21, 2023 — CBS ArcSafe,® a leading manufacturer of remote racking and switching solutions for low- and medium-voltage switchgear, is pleased to announce that its RSK-PMT remote switch kit for pad-mounted transformers has won Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M) magazine’s 2023 Product of the Year award in the Specialty Products category.
The RSK-PMT permits workers to operate a transformer from outside the arc-flash hazard boundary. When opening panel doors to access the switch on the high-voltage/line side of a transformer, a worker can be exposed to energized conductors on the low-voltage side, which typically carry higher current and the potential of high incident energy.
To protect workers, the RSK-PMT allows for an insulated hot stick to be inserted through a modified door port from outside the transformer. The hot stick serves as an interface between the inside switch and a CBS ArcSafe remote switch actuator (RSA) on the outside, used to turn the inside switch to the desired position. The actuator mounts to the outside of the transformer and turns the hot stick, which rotates the transformer’s switch without the worker needing to open the door and be in harm’s way. Using the radio remote, the worker can be positioned up to 300 feet away as they energize or de-energize the transformer.
“CBS ArcSafe is honored to be named a category winner in EC&M’s Product of the Year awards,” says Justin Gaull, VP of business development, CBS Power Products. “Our team strives to develop and deliver products that remove workers from the arc-flash hazard boundary. With the RSK-PMT system, CBS ArcSafe enters the transformer market to provide added value and safety outside the plant floor.”
RSK-PMT applications include a closed-door-switching (CDS) modification for performing remote operations without the need to open PMT doors for switching tasks. The kit includes the RSA-216 remote switch actuator, the RSO-IV remote switch operator, a wireless radio remote, an exterior-mounted auxiliary door enclosure with an interior alignment tube, and a 2-inch fiberglass hot stick with custom PMT switch adapters, all enclosed in a rugged carrying case.
Remote switching mechanisms provide arc-flash safety with PMTs in applications such as wind farms, facilities management, solar power, and utility distribution. CBS ArcSafe remote switch actuators are custom-built for electrical equipment and assisted by strong magnets, so modifications are not required to switchgear. Used in conjunction with remote switch operators, these devices allow service personnel to stand outside the arc-flash boundary to remotely operate circuit breakers, motor controls, switches, and control circuits.
EC&M subscribers can vote for the platinum, gold, and silver Product of the Year winners. Online voting on www.ecmweb.com takes place May 19–June 23, 2023.
CBS ArcSafe has previously won Product of the Year honors from EC&M (2012, 2016–2018, 2020), Occupational Health & Safety magazine (2012–2018), and Plant Engineering magazine (2009, 2014, 2018–2019).
All CBS ArcSafe products are manufactured in the United States at our facilities in Denton, TX, and Charleston, WV. For more information, visit CBSArcSafe.com or call 877-4-SAFETY.
About CBS ArcSafe
CBS ArcSafe offers the electrical industry’s largest inventory of remote racking and switching solutions for low- and medium-voltage switchgear. The systems operate without modification to existing electrical equipment and allow technicians to operate equipment from safe distances of 25 to 300 feet away. All CBS ArcSafe equipment is manufactured in the United States at our Denton, TX, and Charleston, WV, facilities. CBS ArcSafe offers 24/7/365 emergency support and is happy to develop custom remote racking and switching solutions for customers. Learn more at CBSArcSafe.com or call us toll-free at 877-4-SAFETY.