For applications that involve tightening fasteners on products with live currents, such as those in the pre-assembly of electric vehicle batteries, operator safety is of the utmost importance.
As a leading manufacturer of the tightening and assembly tools, Atlas Copco knows this all too well. This is why we’ve launched an all-new socket range, known as Isolated Sockets.
Atlas Copco’s isolated sockets, and similar products like our isolated Quick Change Adapters, are critical for complete safety when working on EV products. By pairing an isolated socket and an isolated socket cover together, short circuiting of live components is prevented by grounding tools and batteries. Serving as a crucial element to Atlas Copco’s isolated tightening system, which also includes our new insulated tool covers, these products ensure maximum protection and safety.
In this article, we’ll be looking at the top three reasons you should be using an isolated socket on live systems.
Ultimate protection for your operators, tools, and products
Isolated sockets from Atlas Copco, along with our Quick Change adapters, utilize galvanic isolation. Galvanic isolation is an extremely effective method of preventing current flow between two units that share a ground conductor, which breaks the conduction path and prevents currents from causing any harm to operators.
Due to a composite core, isolated sockets and Quick Change adapters provide isolation in an axial direction in order to eliminate electric conductivity between the bolt and the tool during a tightening. Further, both products are insulated in a radial direction by freely rotating sleeves. Such protection ensures the safest environment for your operators, tools, and ultimately, your products.
Choose from more than 200 possible combinations
Isolated sockets and Quick Change adapters are incredibly versatile and part of a modular tightening system that can be used with our other socket products, such as the ROTACTION range. Our revolutionary ROTACTION products, which include safety sockets with plastic sleeves, bits, and extensions, are compatible with our Isolated products and allow for several hundred possible product combinations.
As an example, consider pairing an isolated Quick Change Adapter and an isolated socket cover with a ROTACTION socket for maximum flexibility when choosing your isolated socket solutions.
Tried, tested, and certified
Currently, a standard for isolated sockets is not yet available. But we didn’t let that stop us. Atlas Copco completed an intense investigation and review of applicable sections of the DIN EN IEC 60900:2018 and ASTM F1505, which allowed us to ensure the mechanical strength and electric isolating properties of the sockets.
Upon completion of our testing and investigation, we were given permission to use the double triangle symbol in accordance with DIN EN IEC 60900:2018 on our Isolated Sockets and Quick Change adapters. This double triangle symbol indicates that our isolated products can work with tools at voltages up to 1,000 V.
To sum it up
Atlas Copco’s all-new range of isolated products, which includes Isolated Sockets and Quick Change adapters, are ideal solutions for applications that involve working with live currents and systems. Offering maximum operator, tool, and product protection, along with impressive versatility, isolated sockets are ready to take your assembly to the next level. Are you?
If you’re interested in learning more about Atlas Copco’s socket and socket accessory product range, contact us and schedule a demo today!