What is an important use of a hot stick?

• A. Replace fuses
• B. Tighten screws
• C. Measure voltage without contact
• D. Paint surfaces

Answer: (A)

A hot stick is used to keep you safely away from live parts by providing insulated reach and mechanical leverage for operating equipment. Replacing fuses is a key use because fuse holders and the fuses themselves are high-risk points where contact with energized conductors can cause shock or an arc flash. With a fuse puller attachment on a hot stick, you can remove a blown fuse and insert a new one from a safe distance, without direct hand contact, which greatly reduces exposure to hazardous energy. Digging into screws or painting are not tasks performed with a hot stick, and measuring voltage without contact is done with a dedicated non-contact tester, not the hot stick.