Operation Guide AP30 Hotstick Unit
2
Operating the AP30 Hotstick Unit
This guide describes the operation and use of the PhaseTrakker®AP30 Hotstick
Unit. The AP30 Hotstick Unit was designed along with the AP30 Field Unit, but is
fully compatible with AP10 and AP20 Field Units.
The Hotstick Unit turns on automatically when the tip touches live
voltage of 4 kV to 100 kV AC. A power switch on the faceplate is
used to turn on the unit for use at lower and higher voltages. A mo-
mentary touch will test the battery (LED illuminates), and a prolonged
touch turns the unit on. The Hotstick Unit turns off automatically
1 minute after AC voltage is removed.
The Status LED signals the Hotstick Unit status:
•Off – Hotstick Unit is OFF and waiting for AC voltage
•Flashing – Hotstick Unit is ON and waiting for AC voltage
•On steady – Hotstick Unit is transmitting signal to the Field Unit
•Fast blinks then off – Low battery
Select a measurement point as far as possible from other energized lines. Prox-
imity to E-fields from nearby energized sources can cause interference on the
Hotstick Unit sensor and skew phase angle measurements.
When used at voltages above 100 kV, the Hotstick Unit Hook or Extension need
not touch the energized part. Proximity to the energized part is sufficient to
sense higher voltage, but the TEST/ON switch must be used to turn the unit on.
Position the Hotstick Unit Hook or Extension as follows:
Phase-to-Phase Voltage Distance from energized part
•Below 100 kV--------------------------Touching
•100 kV to 230 kV---------------------About 2 feet
•230 kV to 345 kV---------------------About 4 feet
•345 kV----------------------------------About 15 feet
•500 kV----------------------------------About 25 feet
Status LED
Momentary touch
tests battery
Prolonged touch
turns unit on
AP30 Hotstick Unit Operation Guide
3
For best transmission of the Hotstick Unit signal to the Field Unit, orient the Hot-
stick Unit so the face plate is aimed at the Field Unit (as indicated by the arrows
on the Hotstick Unit label). For best reception by the Field Unit, turn it so that the
opened lid is perpendicular to the direction of signals from the Hotstick Unit.
A 12” Extension attachment is provided for use in URD cabinets and other situa-
tions where the Hook attachment is inconvenient.
The Hotstick Unit sensor can be removed from the rubber boot and used at low
voltages with the supplied Test Lead. The Test Lead snaps onto a stud on the
back of the sensor. The Test Lead must not be used above 300 V. The TEST/ON
switch must be used to turn the Hotstick Unit on for use at low voltages.
For best results when using the Hotstick Unit sensor with the test lead, hold your
hand flat or place the sensor on a level surface.
The Hotstick Unit operates on a 9V battery. To replace the battery, remove the
Hotstick Unit sensor from the rubber boot and remove the battery compartment
cover on the back of the unit.
