Operating electrical equipment has always involved risk. But in today’s substations, plants, and industrial facilities, that risk is magnified by aging gear and mixed OEM environments. When technicians are required to interact with equipment designed decades ago, arc flash hazards are all too common.
That’s the challenge CBS ArcSafe set out to address with its newest innovative remote switch kit, the RSK-CSH-W Chicken Switch Hitter — a wireless, universal remote switching solution designed to make remote operation practical across a wide range of real-world equipment.
During a recent on-site demonstration with a Texas utility provider, the value of that flexibility became immediately clear.
Real-World Testing on High-Voltage Equipment
The utility initially requested a demo of the RSK-CS01 Chicken Switch solution. But after seeing the Chicken Switch Hitter in action, the crew wanted to test it directly on their own equipment — everything from low- and medium-voltage breakers to high-voltage outdoor gear.
Our team brought both remote switching devices to multiple substations for on-site demonstrations. The real test came at a substation undergoing maintenance shutdown, where the crew asked to see the RSK-CSH-W operate several Siemens 138 kV breakers in the yard. Operating from 100 feet away, the Chicken Switch Hitter switched two different breaker styles flawlessly.
During the demo, the crew even asked whether the system could operate particularly stiff mechanical close and trip buttons that were reportedly difficult to actuate by hand. After minor alignment adjustments, the Chicken Switch Hitter was able to consistently operate the buttons wirelessly.
Designed for the Equipment You Actually Have
One of the biggest challenges in remote switching is variability. Facilities rarely operate a single breaker style or OEM platform. Traditional solutions often require different tools depending on the equipment in front of the technician.
The Chicken Switch Hitter addresses this head-on. Dual linear actuators allow it to trip and close pushbuttons, even those requiring higher actuation force up to 10 lbs. The system is adjustable for buttons spaced 3 inches or less center-to-center and can also operate pistol-grip control switches commonly found on legacy switchgear. Magnetic mounting enables fast setup without modifications or downtime, while an articulating arm and integrated laser alignment help ensure precise positioning.
The utility crews particularly valued the rapid setup and magnetic attachment — features that translate directly to efficiency when working across their service territory.
From Demo to Fleet Standard
Arc flash safety solutions only work if crews actually use them. That’s why the Chicken Switch Hitter was designed for quick deployment straight from a service truck. The rugged, waterproof hard case with custom foam, Milwaukee M18 REDLITHIUM battery, and wireless handheld controller make it easy to deploy wherever switching work happens — planned or unplanned.
The reaction from the utility team was immediate and decisive. By the end of the demo, they were discussing plans to outfit every service truck with a Chicken Switch Hitter and deploy it across their entire range of equipment.
Real-World Validation
Field demonstrations like this one provide invaluable feedback for CBS ArcSafe. The utility didn’t just evaluate a product — they tested it on existing equipment, in actual substations, under real operating conditions. The decision to standardize fleet-wide wasn’t based on specifications alone. It came from watching the device handle their most challenging applications, including pushbuttons that required more force than typical operations.
For CBS ArcSafe, this validation reinforces a core principle: The best safety solutions are the ones that work reliably when technicians need them most, on equipment from various manufacturers, in a range of environments. For utilities and industrial operators looking to reduce arc flash exposure without overcomplicating their workflow, the Chicken Switch Hitter offers a straightforward answer: safer switching, wherever the job takes you.
Contact us today to schedule a demo at your facility or request a quote.