Regular and thorough inspection of Power Lines Accessories is critical for both safety and operational efficiency. Frequency depends on usage intensity, but general best practices include:

• Pre-Use and Post-Use Inspection (Daily): A quick visual and tactile inspection by the operator before and after each use is mandatory. Look for obvious signs of damage or wear.

• Detailed Operational Inspection (Weekly/Monthly): A more in-depth inspection by a qualified crew member should be conducted regularly. This involves checking:

  • OHTLstringingequipment.com/Stringing-Blocks--Sheaves.html target='_blank'>Stringing Blocks: Linings for excessive wear, cracks, grooves; bearings for smooth rotation and play; frame for cracks, bends, or distortion; safety latches for proper function.

  • pulling grips/Socks: Mesh for broken strands, wear, deformation, or loss of flexibility; eye splice for integrity.

  • Anti-Twist Swivels: Smooth rotation, excessive play in bearings, cracks in the body, deformation of eyes, and signs of corrosion.

  • Dynamometers: Physical damage, clear display, and ensuring it's within its calibration date.

• Annual Professional Inspection & Certification: For all load-bearing accessories, a formal inspection and re-certification by a competent person or third-party specialist is highly recommended, and often legally required. This might involve NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) for critical components.

• Signs Indicating Replacement: An accessory must be immediately removed from service and replaced if any of the following are observed:

  • Cracks, significant bends, or deformation in any structural component (frame, eyes, body).

  • Excessive wear or deep grooves in stringing block linings that could damage the conductor.

  • Broken strands, unraveling, or permanent deformation in pulling grip mesh.

  • Roughness, seizing, or excessive play in bearings of OHTLstringingequipment.com/Stringing-Blocks--Sheaves.html target='_blank'>Stringing Blocks or Swivels.

  • Corrosion that compromises the structural integrity of any metallic component.

  • Damage to safety latches or locking mechanisms that prevents proper function.

  • Any condition that compromises the accessory's Working Load Limit (WLL).

  • For dynamometers, if calibration fails or if physical damage impacts accuracy.

Never attempt to "field repair" critically damaged load-bearing accessories. Replacement is the safest and most reliable course of action.