What is the purpose of a “hot stick” in lineman work?

The purpose of a "hot stick" in lineman work is to safely work on or near energized lines. This specialized tool, made from insulating materials, allows linemen to maintain a safe distance from high-voltage electricity while performing tasks such as operating switches, making adjustments, or conducting repairs. By using a hot stick, linemen can minimize the risk of electrical shock, which is critical when dealing with energized infrastructure. Its design ensures that the lineman can manipulate electrical equipment without directly contacting it, thus maintaining safety in potentially hazardous situations. This is especially important given the high voltages that linemen often encounter, where direct contact would be extremely dangerous.