The CBS ArcSafe Chicken Switch RSK-PB16 is a remote switch actuator kit designed to operate single pushbuttons on electrical equipment from a safe distance, outside the arc-flash boundary. It’s part of CBS ArcSafe’s “Chicken Switch” line, known for lightweight and portable remote switching solutions.
The RSK-PB16 allows users to remotely push a single button to perform actions like tripping or closing a breaker. This is particularly useful in situations where the internal trip coil of a breaker has failed, providing an alternative way to operate it without direct manual intervention.
The CBS ArcSafe Chicken Switch RSK-PB16 is a portable and user-friendly solution for remotely operating single pushbuttons on electrical equipment, enhancing safety by allowing operation from outside the arc-flash boundary.
- Designed for Single Pushbuttons: Specifically engineered for operating flush or surface-mounted single pushbuttons. It has an adjustable plunger to accommodate various button sizes and travel distances.
- Magnetic Attachment: The actuator typically uses a strong magnet to attach securely to the metal surface of the switchgear enclosure directly over the pushbutton. This eliminates the need for modifications to the existing equipment. A lever on the actuator engages and disengages the magnet.
- Handheld Controller: The kit includes a handheld controller with buttons to enable and activate the plunger on the actuator.
- Wired Connection: The standard kit comes with a 30-foot control cable (30C) connecting the handheld controller to the actuator. A 50-foot cable is available as an option.
- Battery Powered: The actuator is powered by standard AA alkaline batteries located in the handheld controller (total maximum voltage is less than 12VDC).
- Safety Features: Operating the pushbutton remotely keeps personnel outside the arc-flash zone, significantly reducing the risk of injury during switching operations. The controller has an “ENABLE” button that must be held down during activation.
- Visual Indicators: LEDs on the handheld controller indicate when the unit is enabled, moving, or has low battery. An LED on the actuator indicates when the plunger is extending (red) or retracting (green).
- Portable and Lightweight: The kit is designed to be easily transportable and deployed. The actuator itself weighs approximately 2.7 lbs.
- Complete Kit: The standard RSK-PB16 kit includes the actuator, handheld controller, 30-foot cable, carrying case, instruction manual, and AA batteries.
- Universal Application (Within Limits): While designed for universal single pushbuttons, it has dimensional and mechanical limitations regarding button size, travel, and required force (up to 22 lbs pushing force).
- Remote Tripping of Breakers: A common use is to remotely trip a breaker if the internal trip mechanism is faulty.
- Operating Control Switches: Can be used with various control switches that utilize a single pushbutton.
- Situations Requiring Remote Operation: Any scenario where it’s safer or more convenient to operate a pushbutton from a distance.
- Closing Breakers: CBS ArcSafe cautions against using the RSK-PB16 to close a breaker with a single button actuator unless an alternative method is available to remotely open the breaker quickly without re-entering the arc-flash boundary.
- Magnetic Attachment: Requires a ferrous metal surface near the pushbutton for the magnet to attach securely.
- Limitations: The actuator has limitations regarding the size, travel, and force required to operate the pushbutton.Â
