Working around energized electrical equipment requires dependable protection, especially when lineworkers encounter irregular surfaces, changing weather conditions, and tight working clearances. Insulating blankets play an important role in protecting crews from accidental contact with energized equipment, but traditional rubber blankets can be heavy and difficult to position in the field.

Designed with lineworkers safety and convenience at the forefront, Hastings' new Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Blankets offer a lightweight, flexible alternative that improves protective coverage, resists tear out, and delivers reliable performance every time.

Lightweight Material Improves Flexibility

Properly positioning insulating blankets is critical for maintaining protective coverage during electrical work. However, the weight and rigidity of traditional rubber blankets can make handling and installation challenging, particularly when working in tight clearances or extreme temperatures.

Manufactured from Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate, Hastings' new EVA Blankets weigh approximately 6 pounds each, making them 4 pounds lighter than standard Class 4 rubber blankets. The lightweight material also provides more consistent flexibility in extreme heat and cold, allowing lineworkers to position the blankets more easily across varying job site conditions and equipment surfaces.

Available in both solid and split versions, the 36-by-36-inch blankets are designed to accommodate different applications.

The solid version, catalog number CVU-BLK-3636-EVA, is ideal for draping over flat surfaces, including switchgear and large busbars. The split version, catalog number CVU-SBK-3636-EVA, features a built-in slit that allows it to wrap around intersecting lines and poles.

Both designs conform to equipment surfaces for a tighter fit, helping reduce gaps in protective coverage while maintaining clear sightlines for lineworkers.

Reinforced Design Resists Tearing

Utility work exposes protective equipment to demanding conditions, making durability an important consideration when selecting insulating blankets. Frequent handling, positioning, and contact with equipment can place additional stress on blanket materials and attachment points.

Hastings' EVA Blankets are designed to withstand these challenges with improved puncture resistance compared to conventional rubber blankets. Both the solid and split versions also feature reinforced eyelets that resist tearing, helping maintain the integrity of the blankets during repeated use.

The combination of puncture-resistant material and reinforced attachment points provides crews with dependable protective equipment designed for the demands of everyday fieldwork.

Passes Test Requirements for Certified Protection

Safety is at the core of every product Hastings manufactures, and the EVA Blankets are no exception. While the updated material improves flexibility and ease of use, the blankets also meet the electrical and physical test requirements established for Class 4 insulating blankets.

Hastings' EVA Blankets have been tested using the same procedures and equipment as conventional rubber blankets and meet ASTM D1048 Class 4 requirements. Rated for use on live-line AC systems up to 36 kV, each blanket is 100% factory-tested to withstand 40 kV to meet the AC proof test voltage requirements.

These testing requirements help ensure the blankets provide the electrical protection lineworkers depend on while offering added handling and coverage benefits of EVA material.

Updated with Lineworkers in Mind

Whether performing routine maintenance, repairing equipment, or responding to outages, lineworkers need protective equipment that adapts to the demands of the job and varying weather conditions. Hastings' new EVA Blankets combine improved flexibility, lighter construction, and reinforced durability to help crews work more efficiently while maintaining protective coverage.

Through its new regional demonstrator program, Hastings continues to connect directly with lineworkers around the world, gathering valuable feedback about the tools and equipment they use every day. These conversations help inform ongoing product improvements and the development of practical solutions that address the challenges crews encounter in the field.

The introduction of Hastings' EVA Blankets reflects the company's continued commitment to industry innovation and lineworkers safety. By improving upon traditional insulating blanket designs, Hastings delivers a versatile solution to everyday challenges faced by line crews.

Visit hfgp.com to locate a manufacturing representative or distributor near you and learn more about Hastings' EVA Blankets.

About Hastings

Based in Hastings, Michigan, Hastings Fiberglass is a family-owned business that manufactures and supplies hot line tools and equipment to lineworkers worldwide. The company's extensive selection of hot sticks, attachments, and other safety devices is designed with safety in mind.

For more information about Hastings and the EVA Blankets, visit www.hfgp.com, call 269.945.9541, or email hastings@hfgp.com.