Abstract:
An electrical shorting stick and method of using it. The apparatus and method allow the user to work on or about high-voltage equipment at tremendously reduced risk of accidental electrocution. The apparatus permits the user to secure a reliable short-circuit of the equipment to the absolute ground, so that current cannot be directed through the bodies of the service crew. The apparatus is placed into contact with the equipment of interest. While in contact with the equipment, the apparatus is manipulated by the user to safely discharge to absolute ground all potentially hazardous electrical current. The apparatus has a handle assembly movable upon a main road assembly. When the handle assembly is placed into a first position, current is directed from the equipment to the absolute ground via the apparatus including a resistor. The handle assembly is shifted to a second position, in which current is directed through the apparatus, but bypassing the resistor, in a conductive circuit directly to absolute ground, thus providing a safe “hard” grounding of the equipment of interest.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field) 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a safety apparatus and a method for “safing” high-voltage devices during maintenance and repair; more specifically, this disclosure relates to an improved shorting stick whereby electrical equipment can be rendered safe against electrocution. 
         [0003]    2. Background Art 
         [0004]    High voltage devices such as capacitors and cables must be discharged of energy before they may be safely handled. For low-energy components, a simple shorting stick fashioned from a non-conductive handle connected to a grounded hook or bolt may be used. 
         [0005]    If a person were to touch a grounded stick to a higher-energy component, a dangerous arc could be generated. To mitigate this hazard, simple known shorting sticks have a current-limiting resistor mounted on a non-conductive handle. The worker first contacts the resistively-grounded lug to the high voltage device to discharge any remaining energy and then, after a moment, touches the grounded lug to the high voltage device. The shorting bar is left in place or a grounding clip is connected to the component to ensure that it remains shorted. 
         [0006]    The problem with existing designs of shorting sticks is that the stick must be lifted off the resistive lug and moved to access the shorted lug. The resistor is mounted off-axis and is covered by a sheath which makes it unwieldy when held at a distance. The resistive lug is mounted at the end of the stick and the shorted lug at the opposite end of the resistor, toward the user. This means that the user must move the stick the length of the resistor into the internals of whatever the component is mounted within, often other high-voltage components. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    There is disclosed an apparatus and method for protecting a user from hazardous high voltage, or more particularly high-amperage electrical current, from an electrical equipment or component to be serviced, or nearby which labors are to be performed. The “shorting stick” apparatus is placed into contact with the equipment of interest. While in contact with the equipment, the apparatus is manipulated by the user to safely discharge to absolute ground all potentially hazardous current. The apparatus has a handle assembly movable upon a main road assembly. When the handle assembly is placed into a first position, current is directed from the equipment to the absolute ground via the apparatus including a resistor. The handle assembly is shifted to a second position, in which current is directed through the apparatus, but bypassing the resistor, in a conductive circuit directly to absolute ground, thus providing a safe “hard” grounding of the equipment of interest. 
         [0008]    A primary object of the present invention is to provide a shorting stick apparatus that is simply and affordably constructed. 
         [0009]    Another object of the present invention is to provide shorting stick apparatus and method that are easy to use without compromising reliability. 
         [0010]    A primary object of the present invention is to provide increased safety through simplicity of use. 
         [0011]    Other objects, advantages and novel features, and further scope of applicability of the present invention will be set forth in part in the detailed description to follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an assembled shorting stick apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view the apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1 , illustrating many of the principal components thereof (only segment portions of the handle and main rod components are depicted); 
           [0015]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of an alternative version of the collar component of the apparatus seen in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged side sectional view of a portion of the apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1 , being that portion circumscribed by a dashed line in  FIG. 1 , showing the handle assembly in a first position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is similar to  FIG. 3 , except that the handle assembly is shown in an intermediate position relative to the main rod assembly; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is similar to  FIG. 3 , except that the handle assembly is shown in a second position relative to the main rod assembly. 
       
    
    
       [0019]    Like components are assigned like reference numerals throughout the several views. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    There is disclosed hereby an apparatus and method for reducing, easily and reliably, the hazard of electrocution when an individual worker or a crew is working on or about high-voltage equipment. The apparatus features a hand-held, hollow, cylindrical resistor constructed from carbon ceramic. Being hollow, the cylinder is mounted axially on a non-conductive stick. At either end of the resistor, conductive mounting elements are provided for connection to and support on the stick. These mounting elements also have washers or other contact points that make contact with a collar that slides along the outside of the resistor. The collar is connected to a grounding strap and is controlled by the user via a non-conductive handle which is slidable over the stick. In this disclosure, “conductive” means that a component or composition readily transmits electrical energy. “Non-conductive” means that the component or composition is substantially an electrical insulator. 
         [0021]    To practice the method, described very generally, the user pulls the collar fully back. The distal end of the stick is placed on the high voltage component or device of concern, and the energy is discharged from the device, through distal mounting elements, through the resistor to proximate mounting elements, then through the sliding collar to ground. Then, without moving the stick, the user slides the handle forward, pushing the collar to the forward connection and applying a hard ground to the device of concern. The stick apparatus may accommodate a twist-locking feature to hold the grounded collar against the forward connector, so that the stick could be left in place while work is performed on the discharged component. 
         [0022]    Regarded overall, the shorting stick apparatus  10  has two main assemblies: a main rod assembly and a sliding handle assembly.  FIG. 1  shows portions of each of these two assemblies, and offers relative orientations for them. The main rod assembly principally includes an elongated rod  20  that is preferably but not necessarily cylindrical. Mounted on the distal end of the rod  20  is a shorting base assembly, most of which is not seen in  FIG. 1 , but which shall be described further. The full axial extent of the rod  20  may be from about thirty inches (76 cm) to about forty inches (102 cm), but these dimensions are by way only of example. The rod  20  is configured with a cross sectional-shape and size to be easily and securely grasped in one hand, so may have an outside diameter of, for example, approximately 1½ inches (3.8 cm). The rod  20  is fabricated from a strong, rigid, electrically non-conductive material, such as dry wood, insulating phenolic substances, non-conductive polymer composites, or the like. Seen in  FIG. 1  are two elements of the shorting base assembly attached to the rod  20 , namely the equipment contact member  80  and the optional but preferable debris barrier  76 , both to be further described. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  also illustrates a portion of the sliding handle assembly, which is mounted coaxially around the main rod assembly and is slidable axially thereupon. The sliding handle assembly includes a rigid, tubular handle  40  crafted from a non-conductive material such as a plastic. The handle  40  has an inside diameter just slightly greater than the outside diameter of the rod  20 , and is adapted to slide smoothly yet snugly along a segment of the rod  20  with minimal radial lateral movement. The handle  40  has an overall axial length significantly shorter than the rod  20 . The proximate portion of the handle  40  optionally features a grip portion  41  to enhance the frictional grip of the user&#39;s hand. 
         [0024]    Before disclosing further the apparatus  10 , a general description of a method for using it is now offered to provide additional context. To practice the invention, the user grasps the rod  20  in one hand, and the grips the handle  40  (e.g., at the grip portion  41 ) in the other hand. The handle  40  is drawn toward the user until a certain physical and electrical contact is made between the sliding handle assembly and the main rod assembly, which stops further proximal axial movement of the handle  40 . The user then cautiously places the distal equipment contact member  80  into physical and electrical contact with the high voltage device of interest. Electrical energy is directed through resistive elements of the apparatus  10  in a manner to be further described, discharging electrical energy harmlessly to ground. While using the rod  20  to maintain contact between the contact member  80  and the device of interest, the user slides the handle  40  distally, i.e., away from the user and toward the contact member  80 , until a certain second and distinct physical and electrical contact is made between the sliding handle assembly and the main rod assembly, which stops further axial movement of the handle  40 . This second electrical contact position allows a low-resistance electrical discharge from the device of interest and safely through the apparatus  10  to supply a “hard” ground for the device. The apparatus  10  may then be left in place in contact with the device of interest to allow the device to be worked upon safely. 
         [0025]    Attention is invited to  FIG. 2 , which provides an exploded view of principal components of the shorting sick apparatus  10 . The main rod assembly has as its foundation the rod  20  which has extending distally there from an elongated mounting shaft  22 . (Only the distal end of the rod  20  is seen in the partial or break-away view of  FIG. 2 .) The mounting shaft portion  22  preferably is integrally formed with the main rod  20  and is made of the same non-nonconductive material. The mounting shaft  22  has a reduced diameter relative to the main rod  20 . 
         [0026]    The main rod assembly also includes an electrically conductive first mounting washer  30 . The first mounting washer  30  has a central aperture  31  with a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the mounting shaft  22  so that the first mounting washer  30  can be slipped over and along the mounting shaft until the washer  30  contacts the larger diameter main rod  20 . There also is featured a second mounting washer  32  that preferably is substantially identical in size, form and composition to the first mounting washer  30 . The mounting washers  30 ,  32  may be relatively thin, and conventionally manufactured from high-copper content brass, for preferable example. The main rod assembly also has a pair of resistor clamps  60 ,  62 . The resistor clamps  60 ,  62  preferably (but not necessarily) are substantially identical to each other. The resistor clamps  60  and  62  may be cylindrical screw-actuated clamps as generally depicted in  FIG. 2 . Alternatively, other clamping or mounting components known in the art, adapted to securely engage and hold an end of a cylindrical resistor  70 , may be employed. The function of the resistor clamps  60 ,  62 , whatever their selected configuration or mode of operation, is to securely but preferably releasably hold the resistor  70  in, preferably, a substantially coaxial position around the mounting shaft  22  when the apparatus  10  is fully assembled. The first and second resistor clamps  60  and  62  are electrically conductive, and may be fabricated from, for example, a high-copper brass. 
         [0027]    The resistor  70  is a hollow, preferably rigid, cylinder. The resistor  70  is fabricated from, for example, a carborundum compound or other ceramic material. Other materials may also be employed by persons skilled in the art to fabricate a suitable resistor, depending upon the desired duty level of the apparatus  10 . The resistor  70  has an inside diameter larger than the diameter of the mounting shaft  22 , to that the resistor can be placed in a position coaxially surrounding the shaft but spaced apart from it to define a gap between the shaft  22  and the resistor. The resistor  70  has an overall length slightly shorter than the length of the mounting shaft  22 . 
         [0028]    Very preferably, a non-conductive shrapnel barrier or debris shield  76  is included in the main rod handle assembly. The debris shield is a hollow cylinder preferably composed of a high-strength, shatter-resistant acrylic. The shield  76  is a safety feature. In the event a malfunction or component breakage of some type results in an explosive failure of the resistor  70  or other elements of the apparatus in the vicinity of the resistor, the debris shield contains flying debris to prevent injury therefrom to the operator. The debris shield is connected securely upon the distal end of the mounting shaft  22  of the main rod  20 . 
         [0029]    Mounted upon the distal end of the mounting shaft  22  is the equipment contact member  80 . The contact member is a conductive element fabricated from, for example, copper. The contact member  80  may have the shape of a curved hook, for example and as seen in  FIG. 2 . Alternatively, the contact member  80  may be otherwise configured, for example as a rod or helical coil, according to design choice. 
         [0030]    An electrically conductive assembly stud  78 , which may be for example a threaded brass bolt, is installed in the distal end of the mounting shaft  22  and serves to connect the various elements of the main rod assembly and hold them securely together during operation of the apparatus  10 . A separate assembly nut may be operatively engaged with the assembly stud  78  for security of connection. 
         [0031]    Continued reference is made to  FIG. 2 . The sliding handle assembly includes the handle  40  which is securely connected to a conductive collar  50 . (Only the distal end portion of the handle is depicted in  FIG. 2 ; see  FIG. 1  for a fuller view of the proximal portions of the handle  40 .) As mentioned, the handle is hollow, having an inside diameter to accommodate the smooth insertion of the main rod  20  therein. At its distal end the handle  40  has a flange  44  integrally formed therewith, or reliably attached thereto. The flare or flange  44  allows for the secure fastening, as with screws, rivets, adhesives or the like (fasteners not shown) of the proximal end of the collar  50  to the distal end of the handle  40 . A conductive collar mounting washer  48 , composed of brass or the like, is disposed (also by fastening means not depicted in the drawing) between the handle flange  44  and the proximal end of the collar  50 , in electrical contact with the collar  50 . The collar mounting washer  48  defines an aperture  46  preferably of sufficient diameter to permit the passage of the first mounting washer  30  there-through, i.e., the outside diameter of the first mounting washer  30  is somewhat less than the inside diameter of the collar mounting washer  48 . 
         [0032]    The rigid collar  50  is electrically conductive, and may be made of brass for example. In one preferred embodiment and as seen in the drawing figures, the collar  50  is a hollow tube-like cylinder. The distal end of the cylinder may have a flange directed radially inward, upon which are situated one or more travelling contacts  52 ,  53 , as indicated in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0033]    In acceptable alternative embodiments, the collar  50  instead of a cylinder may be two or more rigid, conductive, metal bars or rods. Such an alternative embodiment is seen in  FIG. 2A , where the collar  50  has rods  35 ,  36  extending perpendicularly and distally forward from the flange  44 . The collar rods  35 ,  36  preferably are circumferentially equi-spaced and mutually parallel. 
         [0034]    In all embodiments, the collar  50  has an inside diameter adequate to permit the resistor to be disposed coaxially therein, with a significant annular space between them. The outside diameter of the collar  50  is substantially less than the inside diameter of the debris barrier. Connected to the distal end of the collar  50  are two or more electrical contacts  52 ,  53 , to be further described hereafter. 
         [0035]    The various components of the main rod handle assembly are interconnected in a generally coaxial manner as suggested by  FIG. 2 . Combined reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate how the main rod assembly is assembled by slipping the first mounting washer  30  over the mounting shaft  22 , and sliding it into abutment against the main rod  20 . The first resistor mounting clamp  60  is securely installed upon the proximate end of the resistor  70 , and the second resistor mounting clamp  62  is installed upon the distal end of the resistor  70 . This resistor-clamps subassembly is then installed upon the mounting shaft  22  by passing the shaft  22  through the aperture  31  in the first mounting washer  30 , and inserting the shaft  22  through the central aperture of the first clamp  60 , along the axial bore of the resistor  70  and to the end of the second resistor mounting clamp  62 . The second mounting washer  32  is placed in contact flush against the outside or distal end of the second resistor clamp  62 , with its central aperture aligned with the central aperture of the second resistor clamp and with the bore of the resistor  70 ; the distal end of the mounting shaft  22  is just inside the distal end of the second clamp  62 . 
         [0036]    The resistor  70  and clamps  60 ,  62 , as disposed upon the mounting shaft  22  are then inserted into the interior space within the debris shield  76 . The debris shield  76  has a back wall  26  with a centrally defined mounting hole  28  there-through. The second mounting washer  32  is abutted against the inside back wall  26  of the debris shield  76 , as seen in  FIG. 3 , with the apertures in the second clamp  62  and washer  32  aligned with the hole  28  in the debris shield&#39;s back wall  26 . A mounting hole through the equipment contact member  80  is registered with the hole in the back wall  26 . The assembly stud  78  is inserted through all the coaxially aligned apertures in the contact member  80 , barrier  76 , second mounting washer  32 , and second resistor clamp  62 . The stud  78  is turned (as by screwed engagement) or otherwise or forced or installed into the distal end of the mounting shaft  22 , thereby to securely pin or screw together the shaft  22 , clamp  62 , washer  32  barrier  76  and contact member  80  as seen in  FIG. 3 . The threaded or forced connection between the mounting stud  78  and the mounting shaft also compressibly secures the resistor  70  upon the shaft  22  (but in spaced-apart ration from them by the function of the clamps  60 ,  62 ), also as indicated in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0037]    Attached to the handle flange  44 , in electrical connection with the collar  50  via a fastener  43  (e.g., nut-and-bolt, screw, or the like) and the collar mounting washer  48 , is a grounding cord or strap  82 . The strap  82  may be, for example, braided wire. The strap  48  is insulated, and serves during operation of the apparatus to direct electricity from the apparatus  10  to absolute ground. Thus, during operation of the apparatus the distal end of the strap preferably is connected to a suitable ground, such as a safely grounded building frame element or the like. 
         [0038]    The sliding handle assembly is constructed by sandwiching the collar mounting washer  48  between the handle flange  44  and the collar  50 . The connections between the collar  50 , washer  48  and the flange  44  of the handle  40  may be by any reliable means (fasteners not shown in drawing figures) such as screws or rivets. 
         [0039]    Combined reference is made to  FIGS. 3-5  showing side (axial) sectional enlarged views of the distal end (circled by a phantom line in  FIG. 1 ) of the apparatus  10 . As suggested by the double-ended directional arrow in  FIG. 4 , the handle assembly is movable axially in relation to the main rod assembly, particularly the rod  20  an mounting shaft, by application of a controlled (e.g. manual) force applied by the user to the handle  40 . The handle assembly can reciprocate to and fro between the first position seen in  FIG. 3  and the second position shown in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 4  is a neutral intermediate position. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 3-5  show that the distal end of the handle assembly, specifically the distal end of the collar  50 , is provided with at least one, preferably at least two, or more traveling contacts  52 ,  53 . Traveling contacts  52 ,  53  are conductive elements configured to provide reliable electrical contact between the handle assembly and the main rod assembly. During the operation of the apparatus  10 , the contacts  52 ,  53  come into controlled physical and electrical contact with the conductive mounting washers  30 ,  32 , thus regulating the flow of electrical current through elements of the apparatus, most especially the resistor  70 . As indicated in  FIGS. 3-5 , the traveling contacts  52 ,  53  may be situated upon a radially inwardly directed flange of the collar  50 . If more than one traveling contact are provided in the apparatus, they preferably but not necessarily are located at uniformly equal spacing, relative to each other, about the circumference of the collar. 
         [0041]    The traveling contacts  52 ,  53  are dual-sided, in the sense that an electrical contact surface is provided in either axial direction (proximally and distally) of the apparatus. Thus, each traveling contact  52 ,  53  has a first proximal contact surface  57 ,  59  that is contactable with the first mounting washer  30 , while the second or distal surfaces  52 ,  53  are contactable with the second mounting washer  32 . 
         [0042]    In one preferred embodiment, the dual-sided traveling contacts  52 ,  53  are “floating,” i.e., they are slidably disposed for limited axial movement in relation to the collar  50 . For example, each traveling contact  52 ,  53  may be movable within corresponding axial apertures through the distal flange of the collar  50  is suggested by the drawing figures. Each contact has a stem portion slidably engaged to the collar, with contact surfaces  52 ,  59  and  53 ,  57  on opposite ends of each respective stem. The traveling contacts  52 ,  53  have constant electrical connection with the collar  50 . Bumper biasing means, such as cushioning springs  54 ,  58  and  55 ,  56 , optionally may be disposed on the floating contacts, for example around respective stems of the contacts  52 ,  53 . The bumper cushioning springs  54 ,  55 ,  56 ,  58 , serve to cushion the collision between the traveling contacts and the mounting washers  30 ,  32  as they come into contact initially, and also serve to urge the traveling contacts toward the mounting washers  30 ,  32  after they have come into contact, thereby to promote continued reliable electrical contact between the contacts  52 ,  53  and an appropriate one of the washers  30 ,  32 . 
         [0043]    To begin the operation of the apparatus, the user grips the handle  40  and slides it toward himself until the traveling contacts  52 ,  53  come into physical and electrical contact with the first mounting washer  30 , as seen in the first position shown in  FIG. 3  where the contact surfaces  57 ,  59  are pressed against the first mounting washer. Any of a number of suitable known locking means (not shown in the drawings, but being for example, a twist-lock engagement) may then be actuated to releasably hold the sliding handle assembly in the first position relative to the rod assembly seen in  FIG. 3 . In this first position, the apparatus is in condition for use. 
         [0044]    Continuing reference is made to  FIG. 3 . Holding the apparatus  10  by either or both the main rod  20  and the handle  40 , the apparatus is taken to the equipment of interest. The equipment contact member  80  is then touched against the subject equipment. Any electrical energy to be safely discharged from the equipment flows as current through the equipment contact member  80  through the conductive assembly stud  58  and to the second resistor mounting assembly. The current flows through the second mounting washer  32  and the second resistor mounting clamp  62 , and through the resistor  70  toward the first resistor mounting assembly. The current flows from the resistor via the first resistor clamp  60  and the first mounting washer  30 , and continues through the traveling contacts  52 ,  53  and the collar  50 ; the conductive collar mounting washer  48 , if used, provides an electrical connection between the collar  50  and the conductive strap fastener  43 . From the fastener  43 , electrical current exits the apparatus via the strap  82  and passes safely to absolute ground. 
         [0045]    Once the foregoing hazardous discharge has completed, but with the equipment contact member  80  yet in maintained electrical contact with the equipment of interest, the operator slides the handle assembly forward (after releasing the locked engagement between them, if needed) from the first position seen in  FIG. 3 , thus breaking the electrical contact between the travelling contacts  52 ,  53  and the first mounting washer  30 . The handle  40  is pushed forward (i.e., toward the left as seen in  FIG. 3 ) through the intermediate position seen in  FIG. 4 , and toward the second position depicted in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0046]    The axial movement of the handle assembly is controllably continued till the traveling contacts come into physical, and electrical contact, with the conductive second mounting washer, as shown in  FIG. 5 . With the handle assembly in this second position, current may flow from the equipment of interest and into the apparatus  10  via the equipment contact member  80 . However, with the apparatus in this second position electric current bypasses the resistor; rather, current flows from the equipment contact member  80  directly to the grounding strap  82  via the stud  78 , second mounting washer  32 , travelling contacts  52 ,  53  and the collar  50  to the strap fastener or connection  43 . The apparatus  10  should be held in this position and in electrical contact with the equipment of interest throughout maintenance or other activities on that equipment. Again, a releasable locking mechanism (not shown) can be provided in the apparatus to hold the handle assembly and the main rod assembly in this second position during operations on the discharged equipment. 
         [0047]    Accordingly there has been disclosed a shorting stick apparatus  10  featuring a main rod assembly and a handle assembly movably disposed on the handle assembly. The handle assembly preferably is disposed coaxially around the main rod assembly, and, as explained, is movable axially in relation thereto. The main rod assembly has a rod  20 , a resistor  70  mounted between first and second conductive mounting assemblies, at least one of the mounting assemblies being attached to the rod  20  thereby to dispose the resistor  70  upon the rod, and an equipment contact member  80  electrically connected to the second mounting assembly and defining the distal end of the shorting stick apparatus, The handle assembly includes a non-conductive handle  40 , a grounding strap  82  on the handle, a conductive collar member  50  extending from the handle, and at least one, preferably two or more, traveling contacts  52  situate upon the collar and electrically connected to the grounding strap. The handle assembly is movable reciprocally between a first position ( FIG. 3 ) with the traveling contact  52  in electrical contact with the first mounting assembly, and a second position ( FIG. 5 ) with the traveling contact out-of-contact with the first mounting assembly and in electrical contact with the second mounting assembly. When the handle assembly is in the first position, electric current may flow from the equipment contact member  80  toward the grounding strap  82  via the resistor  70 , but when the handle assembly is in the second position, electric current bypasses the resistor en route from the equipment contact member to the grounding strap. 
         [0048]    Each of the conductive mounting assemblies has a resistor mounting means for securely holding the resistor  70 , and a conductor means for transmitting electric current to and from the resistor. The resistor mounting means may be an annular clamp  60  or  62 , and the means for transmitting may be a mounting washer  30  or  32  in contact with a corresponding annular clamp. 
         [0049]    The resistor  70  preferably is a hollow cylinder, and may be crafted from, for example, ceramic compounds. The first conductive mounting assembly (e.g.,  30  and  60 ) is operatively engaged with a first end of the resistor cylinder, and the second conductive mounting assembly (e.g.,  32  and  62 ) is operatively engaged with a second end of the resistor cylinder. 
         [0050]    The rod  20  preferably has a mounting shaft portion  22 , and the resistor  70  preferably is mounted coaxially around the mounting shaft, spaced radially apart there-from. At least one of the annular clamps  60  secures the resistor  70  upon the mounting shaft  22 , and at least one of the mounting washers  30  is disposed coaxially around the mounting shaft as well. 
         [0051]    The main rod assembly optionally features a debris shield  76  surrounding a substantial portion of the resistor  70 . The debris shield  76  preferably is configured as a hollow cylinder, and the equipment contact member  80  is situated external to the shrapnel debris shield. In the preferred embodiment, the debris shield  76  has a radial extent to enclose all the working elements directly associated with the resistor  70  and its mounting assemblies and means; further, the debris barrier  76  preferably has an axial extent adequate to enclose all the axial extent of the resistor  70  regardless of the position of the handle assembly including the collar  50  (such as the first position shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0052]    The collar  50  may be a hollow cylinder extending axially from the handle  40 . Alternatively, the collar  50  has at least two rods  35 ,  36  extending axially from the handle. 
         [0053]    A traveling contact  52  preferably is a dual-sided contact floatably disposed on the distal end of the collar  50 . The preferred embodiment of the apparatus  10  has at least two traveling contacts  52 ,  53 . Thus, in a shorting stick according to this disclosure, a traveling contact includes at least two dual-sided contacts  52 ,  53  disposed on the distal end of the collar  50 , so that when the handle assembly is moved to the a first position, first sides  57 ,  59  of the dual-sided contacts are in contact with the first mounting washer  30 , and when the handle assembly is moved to the second position, second sides of the dual-sided contacts  52 ,  53  are in contact with the second mounting washer  32 . 
         [0054]    The inventive method is apparent from the forgoing, but the basic process for safely discharging electrical energy from an equipment includes the steps of: (a) mounting a resistor  70  between first ( 30 ,  60 ) and second ( 32 ,  62 ) conductive mounting assemblies; (b) disposing the resistor  70  upon a rod  20 ; (c) electrically connecting an equipment contact member  80  to the second mounting assembly to extend away from the resistor  70 ; (d) movably disposing a handle assembly on the rod  20 , and (e) providing the handle assembly with a traveling contact  52  in electrical connection with a grounding strap  82 ; (f) placing the traveling contact  52  in electrical connection with the first mounting assembly ( 30 ,  60 ); (g) electrically contacting the contact member  80  with the equipment to allow electric current to flow from the equipment through the resistor  70  and the traveling contact  52  to the grounding strap  82 ; (h) moving the handle assembly on the rod  20  to disconnect the traveling contact  52  from the first mounting assembly and to connect the traveling contact with the second mounting assembly ( 32 ,  62 ), while maintaining electrical contact between the equipment contact member  80  and the equipment, to allow electric current to bypass the resistor  70  and flow from the equipment to the grounding strap  82 . 
         [0055]    Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents.