Engineering Safer Electrical Operations with a Custom Magnetic Base for the Chicken Switch Hitter
Magswitch engineered a custom magnetic power base for CBS ArcSafe's Chicken Switch Hitter (RSK-CSH-W), a remote switching system that mounts to electrical equipment without permanent modification and operates controls from up to 100 feet away.
Remote switching only improves safety if it is easy to set up. The easier a safety device is to put in place, the more likely it gets used.
CBS ArcSafe, a leader in remote electrical switching and arc flash safety equipment, needed a mounting solution for a new product that could attach securely, install quickly and move between jobs. Magswitch and CBS ArcSafe have worked together for nearly two decades, and for the Chicken Switch Hitter that partnership became a custom engineering project.
Chicken Switch Hitter at a Glance
- Product: Chicken Switch Hitter, model RSK-CSH-W, by CBS ArcSafe
- Function: wirelessly operates compatible pushbuttons and breaker control switches
- Range: up to 100 feet with line of sight
- Magswitch's role: custom-engineered magnetic power base
- Power: Milwaukee M18 battery, positioned close to the motor assembly
What Is the Chicken Switch Hitter?
The Chicken Switch Hitter is a remote switching system from CBS ArcSafe that operates both pushbutton controls and breaker control switches across multiple equipment manufacturers. Technicians can control equipment from a safer distance, outside the arc flash boundary.
What Problem Did the Magnetic Base Need to Solve?
The mount had to do three things at once:
- Attach securely to electrical equipment without permanent modification
- Hold the battery and motor assembly in a compact, stable position
- Move quickly from one application to the next
Rather than adapting an existing magnetic product, Magswitch and CBS ArcSafe co-designed a base around these requirements. The process took multiple design revisions, engineering adjustments and rounds of testing to prepare it for real-world field use.
How Does the Custom Magnetic Base Improve Remote Switching?
The design follows the Magswitch engineering philosophy: Safety. Speed. Precision.
- Safety: magnetic mounting supports remote operation, helping technicians keep their distance from arc flash hazards.
- Speed: quick attachment cuts installation and repositioning time, with no permanent changes to switchgear.
- Precision: a purpose-designed base holds the device in position for reliable remote operation.
The base is an engineered component of the system, not an accessory. It is what makes the product practical and adaptable.
Why Does Custom Magnetic Engineering Matter?
Standard products cannot solve every mounting, positioning or handling problem. Bringing magnetic technology into product development early lets manufacturers solve those problems without adding complexity to the final design. Magswitch works with equipment manufacturers across industrial automation, fabrication, material handling and other industries.
What Did CBS ArcSafe Say About the Partnership?
CBS ArcSafe describes the design challenges, the engineering process and feedback from utility technicians in their own post, Behind the Design: Partnership With Magswitch Shaped the Chicken Switch Hitter.
Explore the Chicken Switch Hitter and Custom Magswitch Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Chicken Switch Hitter and the Magswitch and CBS ArcSafe partnership.
What is the Chicken Switch Hitter?
A remote switching system from CBS ArcSafe (model RSK-CSH-W) that wirelessly operates compatible pushbuttons and breaker control switches from up to 100 feet with line of sight.
What did Magswitch contribute to it?
Magswitch engineered a custom magnetic power base that secures the device to equipment and keeps the Milwaukee M18 battery close to the motor assembly.
Does it require permanent modification to switchgear?
No. Magnetic mounting lets technicians attach the device and move it between applications without permanent changes.
How long have Magswitch and CBS ArcSafe worked together?
Nearly two decades. Magswitch magnetic attachment technology is used across CBS ArcSafe's remote switching equipment.
Can Magswitch build custom magnetic solutions for other products?
Yes. Magswitch engineers work with manufacturers on custom magnetic solutions for industrial automation, fabrication, material handling and more. Start a custom project with Magswitch.
