scope:

This guide provides recommendations for the in-service visual inspection, application, care, maintenance, and electrical and mechanical testing of insulating flexible slings, including core, insulating sheath and attachments, for use during live line work on voltages up to 1000 kV alternating current (AC) and ±800 kV direct current (DC). Testing pertains only to electrical and mechanical tests that may be performed periodically to check if there is any reduction in the electrical performance, mechanical performance, and both (combined) electrical and mechanical performance of the insulating flexible sling.

Purpose

This guide provides details of present application methods and techniques for the inspection, care, maintenance, transportation, storage and field testing of flexible sling. This guide also presents a new method of testing IFS.

It is neither intended that this guide should replace present proven company procedures, nor implied that these recommendations are superior to existing practices and therefore should be universally adopted as company standards. This compilation of many accepted practices is presented specifically in the form of a guide to be used by those utilities that are seeking guidance in establishing methods and procedures for the application, care, maintenance, and testing of IFS for live working on voltages up to 1000 kV AC and ±800 kV DC.