A few years ago, Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) concluded that because of the aging workforce, ergonomics would play a big part in how the utility looked at tools and equipment.

“We don’t want anything too cumbersome to operate,” says Terry Liston, an FPL distribution operations specialist. “If it’s a large piece of equipment, then we look at work methods on how to use it safely.”

FPL line workers want tools that will help them do their jobs faster and easier, such as battery-operated wrenches that are ergonomic and reasonably priced. “There are many times when linemen cannot get into a good ergonomic position to complete the job,” says Pat Dennison, a FPL overhead distribution support specialist. “They’re hanging off a pole and stretching out to different positions, so they want battery-operated or ratcheting tools over manual hand tools.”

Line workers also need tools that will allow them to get to equipment in hard-to-reach places, such as a hot conductors in a transformer cabinet. For example, the space between a large multi-tap connector and the cabinet wall may be only 2 inches. FPL worked with Wright Tool Co. (Barberton, Ohio; www.wrighttool.com) to develop a custom ⁵/16-inch hex-drive ratchet-torque wrench specifically for that purpose.

“Using the combination ratchet-torque wrench, we can work hot, which helps prevent customers from having an interruption in their electrical service,” says Dennison. “We are also able to put a more accurate torque value on the bolted connection where we couldn’t before with conventional wrenches. Being able to apply the right amount of torque reduces the risk of switch failure due to improper connection. A proper connection also helps prevent pitting and arcing.”

Liston says that Wright Tool is one of the first companies he would approach if he needed any hand tools or specialty tools. “I know that they will work with us to provide the right tool that best fits our needs.”

The Wright ⁵/16-inch hex-drive ratchet-torque wrench is now a standard tool for FPL line workers. It was designed for multi-tap utility transformer applications in confined areas, for both initial installations and service-maintenance applications. The ratchet-lead-style wrench is thin and compact, and features a ⁵/16-inch male hex-bit drive to torque down on set screws for secondary connectors on underground, overhead and padmounted transformers.

The utility torque wrench comes with a ³/4-inch, 12-point, ⁵/16-inch hex-drive standard socket; a ⁵/16-inch female hex-drive adapter with a ³/8-inch male square drive; a ⁵/16-inch female hex-drive adapter with a ¹/2-inch male square drive; and a protective case made of rugged, durable plastic. The adapters enable the wrench to be converted into a ¹/2-inch or ³/8-inch drive-torque wrench, making it multifunctional for additional applications.