New Phase Lifter supports energized power lines

LineWise has introduced an innovative new product in utility line equipment, the Phase Lifter, a patent-pending insulated crane attachment that can safely support up to three energized lines at once.

The Phase Lifter allows workers to come in from underneath and hold the conductor, as opposed to over the top with rigging sticks hanging from a crane. This provides a significant advantage in areas where there isn’t enough overhead clearance to get outside and above the conductor.

The Phase Lifter also has a 1,500-pound total vertical load and 225-pound side load capacity per conductor. Max conductor spacing is 14.5 feet/29 feet in increments of 6 inches, for a max width of 29 feet, which is particularly appealing to large, high-voltage operations.

Because safety is always a concern when dealing with energized lines, the quick-attach insulator is available in industry-standard “Line Post Polymer” or sealed fiberglass. The arms are sealed fiberglass and include a desiccant canister to absorb moisture and add another layer of protection. Furthermore, the quick-attach insulator requires no tools to install or remove, maximizing simplicity.

To attach the Phase Lifter to a crane, an adapter specific to the type of crane is fitted. The adapter links are slotted to allow the Phase Lifter angle to be set at the ground, and the crane’s boom is angled from 55- to 80-degrees for horizontal and vertical builds. When it comes time for setup, the Phase Lifter’s exclusive folding arms are mechanically synced to open and close simultaneously. A pin automatically slides into a slot to lock the arms in a working/open position, while a cross pin locks the pin in place. The arms lock together when closed, and the Phase Lifter stows on the side of the crane for easy transport to and from a jobsite.