25M Insulated arm mobile truck live work vehicle used for uninterruptible power supply repair municipal power plant

Insulated Buckets

Two parts of an insulated bucket truck, the bucket itself and the boom, have a dielectric fiberglass coating. This prevents electricity from flowing through the boom, damaging the equipment, or potentially electrocuting the operator. Typically, a boom has 3 insulating areas: one in the lower boom, one in the upper boom, and one in the bucket liner. All have different insulation ratings.

The fiberglass component certainly raises the price of the unit, whether it be new or used. But for industries like utilities, where linemen are repairing and maintaining power lines, the safety is well worth the price.

Insulated Bucket Truck Safety

Remember, though, that even if an insulated bucket is the most safety that engineering can offer you when working close to power sources, there are certain steps you have to take to make sure the unit is working optimally.

First, always ensure that the boom is clean, as some kinds of debris sticking to it can conduct electricity. Second, the fiberglass components have to be checked out periodically to ascertain that they are still dielectric. Professionals with special expertise and testing equipment will perform these tests. Follow the instruction manual carefully because you’re dealing with electricity – and you’re dealing with lives.

To learn more about bucket trucks before you purchase one, check out our exhaustive Buying Guide by clicking here.