Apparatus and method for protecting a component of an electrical power transmission system

An apparatus and method are disclosed for protecting a component of an electrical power transmission system. The apparatus comprises: a dielectric cover having opposed portions that define a component enclosing space when in a closed position; the dielectric cover having an open position in which enclosing edges of the opposed portions are spaced to allow entry of the component between the enclosing edges into the dielectric cover; and a spreader, connected to the opposed portions for moving the opposed portions into the closed position, and having a tool connector for operation of the spreader by a tool. The spreader may be configured to exert positive control in use to hold the opposed portions in position over a range of positions between the closed position and an open position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document discloses an apparatus and method for protecting a component of an electrical power transmission system.

BACKGROUND

The apparatus and method disclosed here relate to the field of electrical power transmission and distribution and the need to insulate electrical power systems from short circuits caused by birds and other animals. There exists a variety of covers used to insulate components of electrical power systems from animals and birds. Hinged two-piece covers and one-piece snap on covers are examples. These covers may be installed remotely by two or more users.

SUMMARY

An apparatus is disclosed for protecting a component of an electrical power transmission system, the apparatus comprising: a dielectric cover having opposed portions that define a component enclosing space at least when in a closed position; and the dielectric cover having a spreader connected to the opposed portions for positively moving the opposed portions through a range of positions from open to closed, the spreader having a tool connector for operation of the spreader by a tool.

A method is also disclosed for protecting a component of an electrical power transmission system, the method comprising: remotely positioning opposed portions of a dielectric cover at least partially over the component, and positively moving the opposed portions through a range of positions from open to closed. Control of the spreader may be provided by a tool such as a hotstick.

An apparatus for protecting a component of an electrical power transmission system is also disclosed, the apparatus comprising: a dielectric cover having opposed portions that define a component enclosing space at least when in a closed position; and the dielectric cover having a spreader connected to the opposed portions for moving the opposed portions through a range of positions from open to closed, the spreader having a tool connector for operation of the spreader by a tool.

In some embodiments, an apparatus and method are disclosed for installing wildlife protective covers on a component of an energized electrical system by a single user located outside the Limits of Approach. In other embodiments more than one user may install a cover. In some embodiments, there is disclosed an apparatus and method that allows a single user, located outside the Limits of Approach, to successfully install a wildlife protective cover using a single hotstick and to easily remove that cover from an energized system without deenergizing the system. In other embodiments more than one user located outside the Limits of Approach may install and remove the cover without deenergizing the system. In some embodiments a wildlife protective cover is provided that gives a user positive control (the ability to precisely control the movement and position of portions of the cover relative to one another and to the surrounding space) during installation.

These and other aspects of the device and method are set out in the claims, which are incorporated here by reference.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Long-distance electricity transmission is typically carried with high voltage conductors. Transmission at higher voltages reduces resistance power loss, therefore line voltage for long distance lines is stepped up after generation by passing it through transformer stations prior to feeding the power to long-distance transmission lines. Transmission lines traverse large regions and require numerous support towers. The conductors in high tension powerlines are typically uninsulated because of the cost and additional weight of insulated versus uninsulated conductors. Because clearances between adjacent energized elements, and energized and grounded elements, are generally large in transmission systems, these systems generally are not at risk for animal-caused faults or outages.

Substations transform power from transmission voltages to distribution voltages, typically ranging from 2400 volts to 37,500 volts. Distribution voltages allow for reduced system clearances. These reduced clearances between phase to ground and phase to phase, increase system susceptibility to bird or animal caused outages. Electric poles, towers, and other electrical equipment including substations may provide attractive roosts for birds, particularly in treeless regions. If the wings of a bird simultaneously contact a conductor and another object such as an adjacent conductor, support tower or tree, the resulting electrical short-circuit can kill the bird and also damage the power system. The electrical short circuit can further cause electrical system damage resulting in power outages.

Further, the nesting of birds in open cavities in electrical systems increases the risk that predators will be attracted to the nests and cause a power fault or outage. Predators can be mammals such as raccoons and cats, birds such as magpies, and snakes. Predators can also cause electrical short-circuits that can cause electrical faults or outages, damage power systems, and kill the predator. Faults caused by birds and other animals often trigger sensitive relay protection schemes, resulting in substation lockouts, interrupting service to thousands or possibly tens of thousands of customers and at the same time damaging expensive substation equipment.

Thus, in the field of electrical power transmission and distribution there is a need to insulate electrical power systems from short circuits caused by contact by birds and other animals. The variety and number of proposed solutions for repelling birds and other animals from electrocution risks highlights the persistence and magnitude of the problems created by such undesirable intrusion. Many different types of scarecrows and other moving devices have been developed to repel birds. In addition to moving devices, various physical structures often involving spikes or other physical barriers, have been developed to discourage birds from roosting on structures. Other bird repelling concepts use electricity or magnetic fields to discourage bird intrusion. Equipment shield and cage devices have been specifically designed to block birds and other animals from accessing and short-circuiting electrical leads, such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,153,383 and 5,485,307.

The inventor's own prior patent document discloses dielectric covers for protecting components of electrical power transmission systems, see United States patent publication no. 20080123254, as well as methods of making such protectors. Other protectors are available. In general, these protectors are hinged devices or similar configurations whose sections, when not fastened together in a closed position, are free to move relative to one another when the cover is handled or moved. Because the parts of the protector are free to move relative to one another, there results a lack of positive control that can make the protector difficult to install. Such protective covers generally require a minimum of two people to install remotely, and installation may be labor intensive. Using one hotstick lug built into the cover, one worker raises the cover into position, after which a second worker, using a second hotstick, closes the cover over the equipment to be protected and latches or otherwise fastens the cover in place. Because standard power company practice in many jurisdictions prohibits the simultaneous operation of more than one hotstick by one individual, each of these covers may therefore require a minimum of two people to install. Thus, an improved method and apparatus that allows dielectric covers to be easily installed on energized power equipment by a single user located outside the Limits of Approach may be advantageous.

Generally, the process of retrofitting electrical equipment with dielectric protective covers may be costly and may require powering down the system. Power down interruptions for the purpose of installing protective covers can keep a system down for a half a day or longer time periods, at great cost. Some systems are operated under the direction of a regulatory and scheduling authority that controls the system's downtime scheduling. In locations with minimal spare power transmission capacity, it can be a challenge for a system to get the downtime needed to install protective covers. Because electrical systems are usually scheduled for maintenance downtime on a fairly short notice (typically a week for non-emergency situations), and because scheduled downtime may be cancelled by the Regulatory Authority on an extremely short notice, there is no guarantee that a component protector will be installed during a system's available downtime period. As a result, a system can experience significant delays in protecting their equipment. Thus, in some cases it may not be feasible to de-energize electrical equipment in order to install covers and as a result covers may need to be installed remotely on energized equipment. In addition, remote installation may also be required on energized or non-energized equipment, including equipment that is difficult to access directly.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, an apparatus10for protecting a component12of an electrical power transmission system14is illustrated. Apparatus10comprises a dielectric cover16and a spreader18. Referring toFIG. 1, dielectric cover16has opposed portions20,22, that define a component enclosing space23at least when in a closed position as shown. Referring toFIG. 2, portions20,22are illustrated as opened. Opposed portions20and22may form enclosing edges24,26. Dielectric cover10may have an open position in which enclosing edges24,26, of the opposed portions are like opened jaws and are spaced to allow entry of the component12between the enclosing edges24,26into the dielectric cover16. In some embodiments, the spreader is configured to exert positive control in use to hold the opposed portions20,22in position over a range of positions between the closed position and an open position. Once the opposed portions20,22of the cover16are opened to a partially or fully open position, the spreader18holds the cover16in the chosen position such that positive control is achieved and the cover16can be freely moved in space and positioned over the electrical equipment it is to protect without the risk or annoyance of accidental closure of the cover16. Positive control reduces the chance that one or more portions of the cover16will accidentally contact nearby structures or equipment. When opened, the cover16may be placed at least partially over component12shown inFIG. 1. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the spreader18is connected to, for example between, the opposed portions20,22for moving, for example positively moving, the opposed portions20,22into the closed position (shown inFIG. 1). When in the closed position, enclosing edges24,26may protect the component12at least partially within the component enclosing space23. For example, the edges24,26may prevent the exit of the component12from space23. Referring toFIG. 26, the closed position may not require that enclosing edges24and26actually touch. The closed position does not have to be a fully closed position but may be a partially closed position. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the spreader18has a tool connector28for operation of the spreader18by a tool. The tool may be a hotstick31and the tool connector accommodates a hotstick. A conventional universal grip-all (“shotgun’) hotstick may be used for this purpose, although other types of hotsticks may be used. Referring toFIGS. 3 and 4, the spreader18may be configured to move the opposed portions20,22into the closed position (shown inFIG. 3) upon rotation of the tool connector28. This may be the case when the spreader18comprises a bolt32. The bolt32, which may be part of a worm drive with a worm gear, may be threadably connected to one or more of portions20,22(for example portion22as shown) such that rotation of the bolt32moves the connected portion relative to the bolt32. For example, the bolt32may be connected to a swivel nut34(FIG. 4) on the opposed portion22that is furthest from the tool connector28(in this case portion22). Swivel nut34is threaded to bolt32in the embodiment illustrated. The other of the opposed portions20,22, namely the opposed portion20that is nearest the tool connector28(in this case portion20), may define a guide hole36for the bolt32. The guide hole36may be defined by a swivel nut38. The use of swivel nut(s) is particularly useful when the opposed portions20,22are configured to pivot relative to one for example as shown, because as the portions pivot relative to one another, the bolt32will also pivot relatively. The bolt32may not be threaded along the entire bolt length. For example, bolt32may comprise a non-threaded portion37positioned to pass through swivel nut38(FIG. 4). Referring toFIG. 2, the guide hole36may also comprise a slot40for the bolt32to slide across. It should be understood that swivel nut38is not required inFIG. 2, since tool connector28would contact the edges of slot40upon rotation, compelling the portions20,22together. However, using threaded swivel nuts on both portions20and22may allow the portions20, and22to be closed and opened upon rotation of spreader18.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus10may further comprise a hinge42between the opposed portions20,22. The hinge may define a pivot axis44that is spaced outwardly, for example using flanges57and59, from the component enclosure23. Referring toFIGS. 3-4, this arrangement is also shown in a different embodiment. The spreader18may be connected to the opposed portions20,22such that the spreader18is positioned between the component12and the pivot axis44in use (FIG. 3). Thus, the spreader18is located closer to the pivot axis44than the enclosing edge24. The enclosing edges24,26may at least partially overlap when in the closed position. Overlapping may be accomplished by a tongue46and groove48overlapping configuration, where one edge26forms the tongue46and the other corresponding edge24forms the groove48to effectively interlock in the closed position. A tongue in groove is effectively a double overlap, although a single overlap with two edges is possible as well. Overlapping configurations are advantageous because they increase the creepage distance for electrical current between edges24,26. If overlapping configurations are used, it may be advantageous for the pivot axis44to be spaced at some distance from space23(shown inFIG. 3). This is because spacing pivot axis44at some distance from space23allows portions20and22to pivot relative to one another over a smaller relative angle than if pivot axis44was placed where enclosing edges24A and26A are shown. This configuration is also advantageous because it allows enclosing edges24A and26A to be placed at what might otherwise be the location of hinge42. Referring toFIG. 6, groove48or any overlapping edge24or26may be flared, for example by use of sloped sidewalls54,56. Sloped sidewalls54,56may give a “wide mouth” configuration as shown. Flaring is advantageous because it allows portions20and22to align properly when portions20and22are pivoting relative to one another while the cover16is being rotated to closed. Referring toFIG. 3, enclosing edges24and26may surround the perimeter of portions20and22to enclose component12, but edges24and26may be separated to define various openings when closed, such as opening50. Referring toFIG. 11, a bottom opening52may also be defined as an example. Openings are understood to be provided for various parts of the transmission system to connect to component12as needed. Referring toFIG. 24, in some embodiments, edges24and26may comprise flanges96and98, respectively, extending outwardly from cover16.

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12, spreader18may be located at least partially inside the component enclosing space23at least when in the closed position. In some cases, spreader18is at least partially contained within the dielectric cover16when in the closed position as shown. Referring toFIG. 43, component12may be positioned between the spreader18and the outermost enclosing edges24,26in use. In other embodiments spreader18may be constructed integrally with portions20,22. Referring toFIGS. 3 and 4, the spreader18may be located outside of the component enclosing space23at least when in the closed position. This may be advantageous, because more room is provided in space23if spreader18is not in it, and also there is less chance of electrical current creepage when spreader18does not pass into space23. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, spreader18may be located between pivot axis44and enclosing edges24A,26A nearest pivot axis44. Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, however, spreader18may also be located further outward than pivot axis44. In this embodiment, spreader18is mounted on peripheral flanges58and60extending outwardly from pivot axis44. As shown, flanges58and60originate from portions20and22, respectively, although this may be reversed.

Referring toFIG. 2, tool connector28is shown as an eyelet63, although any suitable connector28may be used. For example, referring toFIG. 25, connector28is shown as a hook61. Referring toFIG. 2, the connector28is configured to connect to the tool30used, which may be a dielectric hotstick as shown. By allowing connector28to connect to a hotstick, the cover16can be positioned and closed remotely, even when the transmission system14is energized.

AlthoughFIG. 1illustrates one embodiment of spreader18, any suitable configuration of spreader18is possible. Referring toFIGS. 7 and 10, an embodiment is illustrated where spreader18comprises a pin64and lock66. In this embodiment, one of pin64and lock66is attached to cover16, which allows the other of pin64and lock66to be installed and locked in place to close portions20and22. For example, lock66may be connected to flange57, for example slid into a slot (not shown) that locks lock66in place. Then, pin64may be installed through guide holes (not shown) through flanges57and59, and then passed through a slot68(shown inFIG. 9) in lock66. One-way restrictive elements70on pin64allow pin64to be slid into lock66, but prevent pin64from being slid backwards out of lock66. Thus, by manipulating pin64with tool30(shown inFIG. 1), portions20and22can be moved into the closed position and locked in place. To open the cover16, lock66must be removed, for example slid off of cover16, and pin64removed. Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, tool connectors such as eyelets72and74on pin64and lock66, respectively, allow pin64and lock66to be manipulated remotely. Other suitable locking mechanisms may be used, for example a ratchet or hydraulic system.

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12, another embodiment of spreader18is shown located inside the component enclosing space23. This embodiment operates much like the embodiment ofFIG. 4, using swivel nuts34and48. Referring toFIGS. 13 and 15, an embodiment of spreader18is shown where spreader18comprises a bolt and grooved swing plate arrangement. For example a bolt32engages one or more grooved swing plates76on the one of portions20and22furthest from the tool connector28. Referring toFIG. 14, the swing plates76may comprise elongated grooves78disposed on upper and lower swing plates76A and76B, respectively. This allows bolt32to maintain threaded connection with the swing plates76even when portions20and22are pivoted relative to one another. The grooves78may be angled or curved for smoother operation during pivoting. Referring toFIGS. 16 and 17, another embodiment is shown where spreader18comprises a winch86arrangement. Winch86is connected by cable88, thread, or other suitable connection to portion22, and pulls portion22into the closed position shown inFIG. 16when spreader18is rotated. Such an embodiment allows movement from open to closed, but does not give full positive control. Referring toFIGS. 18-20, another embodiment is shown where spreader18comprises a gear90and arm94arrangement. Gear90is mounted coaxially with a gear axis92, which in this case also defines pivot axis44of cover16. The gear ratio may be adjusted to reduce the force required to close portions20and22. Gear90meshes with arm94, for example a curved arm as shown, on one of portions20,22, while gear axis92is connected to the other of portions20,22. As gear axis92is rotated, gear90rotates and causes relative rotation between portions20and22. In another embodiment, spreader18may comprise a worm drive with bolt32(not shown) replacing arm94, bolt32meshing to gear90, which would be a worm gear. Referring toFIGS. 21-23, an embodiment similar to the embodiment ofFIGS. 18-20is shown, except that gear axis92is spaced from pivot axis44. In this embodiment, the threading is shown on gear90and curved arm94.

Referring toFIG. 25, another embodiment of cover16is shown, with portions20and22provided as distinct portions connected together only by spreader18. In this embodiment, when cover16is in place over component12, spreader18may be operated using tool30(not shown) to close the cover16. To do so, spreader18may comprise a bolt32, and may be threadably attached to both of portions20and22, although this is not required.FIG. 25also demonstrates that portions20and22may be resilient enough to flex to allow component12to enter into component enclosing space23. This is possible even if portions20and22are integrally connected together, for example without a hinge, if spreader18can maintain enclosing edges24and26sufficiently separated in the open position. Also, more than one spreader18may be used on a cover16. In an embodiment not shown, portions20and22may be connected together, for example integrally connected together, at a location other than a hinge point, while a spreader18may still be used to open and close enclosing edges24and26over a component12. Thus, although portions20and22are connected together, the flexibility of the cover16allows a portion of the cover16to be flexed open by the spreader18in order to accept a component before spreader18is used to close the cover16.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the operation of apparatus10will now be described. Referring toFIG. 2, in a stage100(shown inFIG. 27), opposed portions20,22of dielectric cover16are remotely positioned at least partially over component12(shown inFIG. 1). This may be accomplished by using a hotstick31connected to tool connector28to position the cover16in place. Referring toFIG. 1, in a stage102(shown inFIG. 27) the opposed portions are remotely closed by operating the spreader18using tool30connected in use to the tool connector28to at least partially enclose the component12. As described above, inFIG. 1rotation of the spreader18rotates bolt32and draws portions20and22together. A single tool connector28may be used to remotely position and operate spreader18to remotely close cover16. This also allows a single installer to install cover16.

Referring toFIG. 28, in some embodiments, one or more steps of the method such as remotely closing may be carried out while the electrical power transmission system14is energized. This is advantageous, because it allows cover16to be placed and installed with ease by a user33outside a safe Limit of Approach, for example Limit of Approach 89C. In some embodiments cover16may be remotely placed into a position inside a safe Limit of Approach when the electrical transmission system14is energized. This may be done by a single user33, operating hotstick31, who is in a position outside of a safe limit of approach. This allows cover16to be safely placed within the Limits of Approach. Standard Limits of Approach, for example limits of approach 89A-C are generally set by the IEEE for live electrical systems. It should be understood that the Limits of Approach may vary according to region. The limits of approach, referenced here by 89A-C around energized equipment generally widen as the voltage increases. For this purpose, hotstick31may be provided in a length that is suitable for the various Limits of Approach standards in all jurisdictions. Other suitable positioning techniques may be used, for example, anchoring, magnetic attachment, adhesive attachment, and attachment to a liveline tool, including suspending. In some embodiments, the component12comprises non-energized, for example grounded, electrical equipment that is located in close proximity to energized equipment of system14and thus lies within the Limit of Approach of the adjacent energized equipment. In some embodiments, the component12comprises energized or non-energized, for example grounded, electrical equipment that is located within system14in a spatial configuration that makes direct access difficult to accomplish.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise positively moving the opposed portions20,22from the closed position to an open position using the spreader18. Thus, full positive control may be realized by the ability to positively control movement from open to closed and back to open. The method may comprise opening, for example remotely opening, the opposed portions20and22by operating the spreader18using a tool such as tool30connected in use to the tool connector28to remove, for example nondestructively, the dielectric cover16from the component12. Of course, the tool30may be disconnected from the tool connector28in between stages. Remote removal of the cover16is advantageous for the same reasons remote installation is advantageous, and can be done while the system14is energized as well. Remote removal is also an improvement over prior covers that cannot be remotely removed. Nondestructive removal is also an improvement over prior covers which cannot be removed without damaging the cover. Allowing removal of cover16allows the cover16to be re-used.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the spreader18is configured to be removed, for example remotely, from the apparatus after the cover16is installed and fastened in place. Removing the spreader18may be advantageous as it removes a potential perch point for birds or other small animals. This may be accomplished by modifying the spreader bolt threads, such that when the bolt is aligned in a certain way, it cam be pulled free of the installed cover.

Referring toFIG. 7, in some embodiments, for example those involving removal of at least a portion of the spreader18, the apparatus10may comprise a lock93used to secure, for example to positively engage, the portions20,22in order to hold the cover in a closed position. The lock may comprise a pin and slot, cam lock, eyelet and lock, latching mechanism, Velcro™ strips95and97as shown, or other suitable mechanisms. The lock93may be configured to be remotely operated, for example by a hotstick31held by a user located inside or outside the Limits of Approach. For example a hook99may be provided on strip95for a hotstick (not shown) to connect to.

Referring toFIGS. 29-40, although most of the dielectric covers16illustrated in this document are shaped to fit bushings (not shown) for pole-mounted transformers, dielectric covers16may be made to fit other components of an electrical power transmission system.FIGS. 29,33and37indicate locations of the tool connector28, opposed portions20,22, and the hinge42.FIGS. 32,36, and39illustrate that hinge42may be a living hinge, which may further be formed of a semi-circular extension39.FIGS. 30,34, and39illustrate enclosing edges24and26. Hinge42may be spaced from component enclosing space23by cooperating flanges57and59. Spreader18may extend at least partially when in the closed position as shown into a runoff chamber111extending off of the component enclosing space23.FIGS. 29-32illustrate an embodiment of a dielectric cover16shaped to fit a pin-style pole top insulator (not shown).FIGS. 33-36illustrate an embodiment of a dielectric cover16shaped to fit a lightning arrestor (not shown).FIGS. 37-40illustrate an embodiment of a dielectric cover16shaped to fit a switch. Covers16may be shaped to fit other components, such as pole-mounted transformers, dead end covers, and ampact covers.

Referring toFIGS. 41-46another embodiment of a dielectric cover16shaped to fit a bushing (not shown) is illustrated.FIG. 41illustrates an exploded view denoting opposed portions20,22, spreader18, bolt32, tool connector28, and swivel nut34.FIG. 41illustrates an example of a method of fitting swivel nut34into for example a bracket87in the interior wall85of space23by virtue of an axial pin81and slot83configuration. Thus, each axial pin81has a narrow lateral profile110shaped to allow insertion of each axial pin81into a slot83when the narrow lateral profile110is aligned with an entrance114into slots83, and a wide lateral profile112shaped to allow rotation of axial pins81within slots83while preventing exit of pins81from slots83in all directions except when narrow lateral profile110is aligned with entrance114.FIG. 44illustrates swivel nut34mounted in bracket87such that swivel nut34must be rotated to be removed.

Referring toFIG. 41, tool connector28may have a bulbous exterior shape, for example a bulbous eyelet130and a bulbous portion128connecting eyelet130to bolt32. A bulbous or bubble exterior shape may deter birds from perching on the tool connector28. Bulbous parts of tool connector28may be sized small enough to prevent perching, may not have contours and surfaces that are easily gripped by a bird or other animal, and may be formed entirely around bolt32in order to achieve the same anti-perching function at any degree of rotation of bolt32. In addition, bulbous shapes may protect the bolt from the elements and from debris that might impair the workings of the spreader18.

FIG. 43illustrates that apparatus10may positively move the opposed portions20,22from the closed position shown to an open position (shown inFIG. 44for example) using the spreader18. For example, the bolt32may comprise a flange118positioned to bear against the opposed portion22nearest the tool connector28for allowing the spreader18to positively move the opposed portions20,22through a range of positions from closed to open to give full positive control.FIG. 41illustrates that flange118may be defined by a nut120on bolt32. Flange118may also be a partial flange (not shown) such as a lateral extension off of bolt32. Other suitable mechanisms for allowing positive movement while opening may be used. The use of flange118may also restrain the tool connector28from extending further out of the cover16than as shown inFIG. 43, thus reducing the attractiveness of tool connector28as a perch for birds or animals. In this and other embodiments spreader18cannot be separated from the dielectric cover16by operation of the tool connector28alone. Thus, the cover16is prevented from jarring free of the tool connector28, which may otherwise cause the installer to drop the cover16onto equipment below. This may reduce the chance that the cover16will be accidentally dropped into a potentially hazardous situation. This contrasts with some existing covers, for which the tool connector may be a snap-on fastener that may come loose during installation.

FIG. 41also illustrates an example of a lock93comprising a latch116. Latch116may be mounted on portion20, while a corresponding staple122or other latch coupler is mounted on the other portion22. As discussed above, lock93may be remotely operated, for example by providing an eyelet124in latch116to be gripped by a hotstick31(not shown).FIG. 47illustrates the operation of lock93. Latch116has a grip surface124countoured to fit and snap over a corresponding latch surface126of staple122. Other suitable latching mechanisms may be used.

Referring toFIG. 41, the hinge42may allow easy separation of the opposed portions20and22at the hinge point. The hinge42may be formed by one or more open ended hooks, for example hooks132,134, on one of the opposed portions22and one or more corresponding bearing surfaces, for example surfaces136,138, respectively, on the other of the opposed portions20.FIG. 42illustrates a close up of one open ended hook132engaging a corresponding bearing surface136. Referring toFIG. 41, the corresponding bearing surfaces136,138may be formed by a series of windows140,142, respectively in portion20. Bearing surfaces136,138may be curved or contoured to allow smooth pivoting of hooks132,134about surfaces136,138. Hinge42may be a piano hinge as shown.

The sequence fromFIGS. 41, and44-46illustrates operation of apparatus10. Operation by a single user will now be described. InFIG. 41, the components of apparatus10are assembled to give the opened cover as shown inFIG. 44. The spreader18may be in an opened position such as the position of maximum opening of portions20,22. It is at this stage that the user may position cover16over a component (not shown) to be protected, for example by remotely manipulating cover16with a hotstick (not shown) connected to tool connector28.FIG. 45illustrates cover16in the closed position, after spreader18has been remotely operated with the hotstick to close cover16over a component (not shown). Spreader18may be closed by the user remotely manipulating spreader18by virtue of a hotstick (not shown) connected to the tool connector28. The user may then disconnect the hotstick from tool connector28, and reconnect the hotstick to eyelet124to close latch116.FIG. 46illustrates cover16after latch116has been remotely secured to staple122to lock the cover16in place. Once the cover16is latched, the user may further tighten the spreader18if desired. To remove the cover16, the user may follow the reverse of the sequence fromFIGS. 46-44.

Although installation by a single user is disclosed above, dual user operation will now be described to emphasize that more than one user may install or remove any of the embodiments described herein. InFIG. 41, the components of apparatus10are assembled to give the opened cover as shown inFIG. 44. The spreader18may be in an opened position such as the position of maximum opening of portions20,22. It is at this stage that the first user may position cover16over a component (not shown) to be protected, for example by remotely manipulating cover16with a hotstick (not shown) connected to eyelet124or tool connector28.FIG. 45illustrates cover16in the closed position, after spreader18has been remotely operated to close cover16over a component (not shown). Spreader18may be closed by the second user remotely manipulating spreader18by virtue a hotstick (not shown) connected to the tool connector28, while the first user remotely maintains cover16in position via eyebolt124. At this point, latch116may be secured.FIG. 46illustrates cover16after latch116has been remotely secured to staple122to lock the cover16in place. The first user may remotely secure latch116into the position shown inFIG. 46by remote manipulation of latch116, while the second user controls the position of the cover16by remote manipulation of tool connector28. Once the cover16is latched, the second user may further tighten the spreader18if desired. To remove the cover16, the user or users may follow the reverse of the sequence fromFIGS. 46-44. Again, removal may be accomplished by one or more users.

Embodiments have been shown with two portions20and22, but more than two portions are possible, for example 3 or 4 or more. Further, a spreader18may be incorporated between each pair of portions. This way, cover16may be positioned in place, and each spreader individually operated until cover16is closed. It should also be understood that embodiments may comprise a variety of cover shapes other than that shown in the drawings. In some embodiments (not shown), portions20and22do not have enclosing edges. Thus, portions20and22may be integrally connected, and spreader18may be used to reduce the inner volume of space23in order to fit cover16around a component. An example of such an embodiment is a sleeve.

Portions20and22may be biased towards the closed position or the open position, for example using resiliency of material, or a biasing mechanism such as a spring. Spreader18may act against the biasing force, in order to afford positive control over the positioning of the portions20,22.

Cover16and spreader18may be made of any suitable dielectric material, such as polyurethane. Spreader18may be made in part or full from a variety of materials, some of which may be dielectric. Although a bolt32is illustrated in most embodiments, other suitable spreaders may be used, such as spreaders that comprise a screw.

It should be understood that remote operation is not required in all embodiments. Thus, a user may install a cover as disclosed herein by directly installing the cover, for example while the system is de-energized.

A hotstick (not shown) may be used with a drive for driving the tool connector28. For example, the hotstick may comprise a drive train for transferring rotational energy between tool connector28and a power source at a user end of the hotstick. A suitable power source may comprise a battery or an electric drill. Human power may also be used. For example, in the simplest example a universal grip-all (“shotgun”) hotstick may be rotated to rotate the tool connector28. In other embodiments the hotstick may comprise an outer gripping sleeve concentrically and rotatably attached to the hotstick stock, and a lever laterally extending from the hotstick stock for allowing a user to hold and steady the hotstick with one hand on the rotatable sleeve, while the other hand may be used to rotate the hotstick stock by operation of the lever.

Not all the covers16described herein may hold themselves in place on or around the component12by closing the cover16around the component12. For example, the lightning arrestor cover (FIG. 34) and the pin insulator cover (FIG. 30) may not close entirely around the component (not shown), except that the ports119may close around the conductors (not shown) leading in and out of the component, thus maintaining the cover in place. In other cases fasteners (not shown) may be used to secure cover16in place.

In the claims, the word “comprising” is used in its inclusive sense and does not exclude other elements being present. The indefinite article “a” before a claim feature does not exclude more than one of the feature being present. Each one of the individual features described here may be used in one or more embodiments and is not, by virtue only of being described here, to be construed as essential to all embodiments as defined by the claims.