Podcast
Questions and Answers
What should the operator do when starting a search with the TAC Stick?
What should the operator do when starting a search with the TAC Stick?
Which hazard is NOT warned by the TAC Stick?
Which hazard is NOT warned by the TAC Stick?
What technique is recommended when using the TAC Stick during a site assessment?
What technique is recommended when using the TAC Stick during a site assessment?
During night operations, how is the TAC Stick beneficial?
During night operations, how is the TAC Stick beneficial?
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When is it appropriate to reduce the sensitivity setting to LOW or FRONT FOCUSED?
When is it appropriate to reduce the sensitivity setting to LOW or FRONT FOCUSED?
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What is the primary purpose of the TAC Stick according to the guidelines?
What is the primary purpose of the TAC Stick according to the guidelines?
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Which of the following statements about the use of the TAC Stick is accurate?
Which of the following statements about the use of the TAC Stick is accurate?
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What action should be taken if a potentially energized source is detected using the TAC Stick?
What action should be taken if a potentially energized source is detected using the TAC Stick?
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What form of current does the TAC Stick primarily detect?
What form of current does the TAC Stick primarily detect?
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What happens to the warning signal of the TAC Stick as the signal amplitude increases?
What happens to the warning signal of the TAC Stick as the signal amplitude increases?
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After qualified utility personnel deem an energy source safe, what precaution should still be taken?
After qualified utility personnel deem an energy source safe, what precaution should still be taken?
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Which of the following best describes Alternating Current (AC)?
Which of the following best describes Alternating Current (AC)?
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Which of the following should NOT be done when using the TAC Stick?
Which of the following should NOT be done when using the TAC Stick?
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Study Notes
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue - TAC Stick Application
- Purpose: Establish guidelines for safe TAC Stick use and application.
- Authority: Fire Rescue Administrator
- Scope: Applies to all Emergency Operations personnel.
- Attachments: Will-Burt TAC Stick Operating Manual (Attachment A)
TAC Stick Cautions
- Treat all electrical lines as energized: Regardless of TAC Stick readings, always assume lines are live.
- Extreme caution near live voltage: Exercise extreme care when approaching potential voltage sources.
- Downed wires are energized: Always treat downed wires as energized.
- Do not contact energized sources: Prevent any physical contact between TAC Stick and energized sources.
- Identify and isolate: Only use the stick to find energized sources to isolate them and create exclusion zones.
- Not a "safe" device: The TAC Stick does not determine safety; only identifies potential hazards.
- Isolate and create zones: Any potential threat must be isolated, and an exclusion zone established.
- Qualified personnel confirmation: Only qualified utility personnel can deem a source safe.
- Caution after declared safe: Even after a utility company declares a source safe, extreme caution is needed. Open neutrals and back-fed generators remain possibilities.
TAC Stick Description
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Two types of current: Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC).
- AC: Reverses direction, common in household wiring and power plants.
- DC: Flows in one direction, found in solar cells and batteries.
- TAC Stick function: Detects AC voltage; produces audible beeps and flashing LEDs.
- Signal strength: Signal intensity increases as the TAC Stick approaches the source.
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Non-detections: TAC Stick does not detect:
- DC voltage
- Shielded AC voltage
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Sensitivity settings:
- High Sensitivity: Initial setting, best for broad detection coverage.
- Low Sensitivity: Used for precise location after initial detection.
- Front Focused: Narrows detection to the front of the TAC Stick. Not for initial sweep; greatly reduces coverage. Use only when the source is clearly localized.
- Operating procedure: Start on High Sensitivity, transition to other settings when possible.
TAC Stick Applications
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Site Assessment:
- Move the stick side to side while slowly advancing.
- Observe for beeps and LED flashes; when found, stop, locate source.
- The stick beeps and flashes more intensely as it approaches the source.
- Use low sensitivity or front focused when target is isolated.
- Useful in night operations and post-storm searches where visibility is limited.
- High voltage can be found in downed power lines even several miles away from the actual break point.
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Fires:
- Use the same method as site assessment for energy source detection.
- Useful in conditions where visibility is severely impaired.
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Power Line Incidents:
- Refer to SOG 300-01 for detailed handling of power line incidents.
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Description
This quiz covers the essential guidelines for the safe use and application of the TAC Stick by Emergency Operations personnel. It emphasizes the importance of treating all electrical lines as energized and exercising extreme caution when working near potential voltage sources.
