Operating Rods & Poles (Hot Sticks)
Large-size, extendable and durable insulated poles for reaching up to higher electrical applications safely and without ladders. Come with a wide variety of end fittings for attachment for individual accessories to further expand capabilities.
Find out more about Operating Rods & Poles (Hot Sticks) below.
![Sofamel BM Manoeuvring Pole (45/66/90/132kV)](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/s/o/sofamel-bm--66-90-132-manoevuring-poles.jpg)
- 45, 66, 90 or 132kV
- Maneuvering poles
- Ø32mm fibreglass tube
![Sofamel BS Rescue Pole (3, 25, 45, 66, or 90kV)](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/s/o/sofamel-bs-3-25-66-90-rescue-poles.jpg)
- Five lengths & working voltages
- Rescue poles
- M-10 metric head
![Sofamel BME Manoeuvring Pole (45/66/132kV)](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/s/o/sofamel-bme-45-66-132-manoeuvring-pole.jpg)
- 1.6m, 2.1m, or 3.1m
- Manoeuvring poles
- 45kV, 66kV, or 132kV
![Sofamel BMAI Connectable Pole (2/2.5/3m, 66/110/132kv)](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/s/o/sofamel-bmai-2-3-connectable-poles.jpg)
- 2m, 2.5m or 3m
- Connectable poles
- Choice of head
![Sofamel BMTS Telescopic Pole (2/2.5/3m, 66/110/132kv)](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/s/o/sofamel-bmts-45-66-132-telescopic-poles.jpg)
- 45kV, 66kV or 132kV
- Telescopic poles
- Choice of head
![Sofamel BMAE Connectable Pole (2/2.5/3m, 30/66/110kv)](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/s/o/sofamel-bmae-2-3-connectable-poles.jpg)
- 2m, 2.5m or 3m
- Connectable poles
- Choice of head
![Sofamel 625 BDC Insulating Condenser Discharging Pole](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/s/o/sofamel-625-bdc-insulating-condender-discharging-pole.jpg)
- Length: 1.6 metres
- Working voltage: 45 kV
- Indoor and Outdoor use
![Sofamel BMAI-V Connectable Pole (2-6m, 132/220/380kv)](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/s/o/sofamel-bmai-2-6-v-connectable-poles.jpg)
- 3m, 4m, 5m, or 6m
- Connectable poles
- Choice of head
![Sofamel BSC-M 618 Connectable Pole (1.5/2/2.5/3m, 30-132kv)](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/s/o/sofamel-bsc-mx-618-connectable-pole.jpg)
- One section
- Multiuse poles
- B (Bayonet), H (Hexagonal) or U (Universal) head
![Sofamel BMAE-V Connectable Pole (2-6m, 110/220/380kv)](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/s/o/sofamel-bmae-2-6-v-connectable-poles.jpg)
- 3m, 4m, 5m, or 6m
- Connectable poles
- Choice of head
![HD Electric HD-S-2/3/4/6H Fixed Length Fiberglass Hotstick - Choice of 2/3/4/6ft](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/h/d/hd-electric-hd-s-2-3-4-6-h-fixed-length-fiberglass-hotstick-choice-of-2-3-4-6ft.jpg)
- Available in 2, 3, 4 & 6ft
- The insulated pole protects the user from electric shock
- Compatible with the HD Electric PRX-69D Proximity Voltage Detector
![Sofamel BSC-M 619 Connectable Pole (2/2.5/3m, 45-132kv)](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/s/o/sofamel-bsc-mx-619-connectable-pole.jpg)
- Two or three sections
- Multiuse poles
- B (Bayonet), H (Hexagonal) or U (Universal) head
![Sofamel BEF Fuse Disconnecting Pole (24 or 36kV)](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/s/o/sofamel-bef-fuse-disconnecting-pole.jpg)
- 1.07 or 1.72 lengths
- 40mm diameter
- 24 kV or 36 kV
![CATU Intermediate Pole for Short Circuiting / Earthing Systems](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/c/a/catu-intermediate-2-3-part-insulating-stick.jpg)
- Connects to CATU basic insulated poles (sold separately)
- Available in four sizes
- Also requires a terminal pole (sold separately)
![CATU CM-4410 Terminal Element Pole - 1.115m (Choice of Fitting)](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/c/a/catu-terminal-2-3-part-insulating-stick.jpg)
- Clips into CATU intermediate or primary element insulated poles
- Create your own customisable insulated system
- Choice of end fittings
![CATU Telescopic Pole for Voltage Detector - 2 Elements, 90kV](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/c/a/catu-ce-a-21-substation-insulating-stick.jpg)
- Extendable up to 2m
- Fully insulated with IEC 61235 rating
- Suitable for use on systems up to 90kV
![Sofamel POLE.BSC-132/BP Pole Downside Potential](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/s/o/sofamel-pole-bsc-132-bp-pole.jpg)
- Pole downside potential
- Total length: 3 meters
- Working voltage: 132 kV
![Sofamel BMTS Telescopic Pole (380kV or 420kV)](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/s/o/sofamel-bmts-4-6-telescopic-poles.jpg)
- 380kV or 420kV
- Telescopic poles
- Reinforced fibreglass tube
![CATU Primary Insulating Pole - Earthing / Shorting Systems (4 Lengths)](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/c/a/catu-basic-2-3-part-insulating-stick.jpg)
- Available in four sizes
- Fully insulated
- Connects to intermediate or terminal poles to form larger instruments
![CATU CM-15/20/25/30 Insulating Poles for Earthing / Shorting Systems](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/c/a/catu-cm-6-20-large-cross-pole-insualting-stick.jpg)
- Measures up to 3m
- Use individually or clip together to make a longer system
- Heavy duty poles
![HD Electric HV Telescopic Hotstick – Choice of Length](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/h/d/hd-electric-telescopic-hotstick-hv-235.jpg)
- Available in seven models that differ in regards to their lengths
- Suitable for use with HD Electric’s voltmeters
- Extendable and retractable
![Catu CM-7-10-A Foam Filled Primary Insulating Pole Extension](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/c/a/catu-cm-7-10-a-extension-insulating-stick.jpg)
- Works with CATU telescopic poles
- 1m in length
- Insulated
![Sofamel BSC-A Connectable Pole, Bayonet or Universal](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/s/o/sofamel-bsc-ax-connectable-pole.jpg)
- Two or three sections
- Multiuse poles
- B (Bayonet) or U (Universal) head
![CATU CM-4415 Terminal Element Pole - 1.615m (Choice of Fitting)](/media/catalog/product/cache/c3cc6b77974edd5f2f2c4c7d1603ed8b/c/a/catu-terminal-2-3-part-insulating-stick_8.jpg)
- Ending pole for intermediate/primary pole systems
- Choice of end fittings
- Fully insulated
About Operating Rods & Poles (Hot Sticks)
Operating rods are one of the most-used tools in a line technician's toolbox. They perform an important role in keeping them safe.
Long enough to maintain a safe distance from energised equipment while they work. They are generally made of fiberglass to prevent electricity from being conducted. Maintaining 6-10 feet out from energised equipment also averts the dangerous arc zone.
There are several kinds of hot sticks. Determining which one to use depends on the job at hand. Each stick has different hardware on the end to assist in the job. Some have a hook while others open with a lever low on the handle.