Remote manipulator for manipulating live multiple sub-conductors in a single phase bundle

A method for separating multiple sub-conductors in a live single phase bundle, comprising the steps of:

• providing a rigid support member mountable on the end of a boom
• providing at least first and second actuators mounted on said support member, wherein each actuator of said at least first and second actuators is independently actuable,
• providing an insulator mounted on said each actuator of said at least first and second actuators and a selectively releasable coupler mounted on each said insulator for selectively releasable coupling of said each insulator to a corresponding sub-conductor in an energized single phase bundle of sub-conductors, wherein said each insulator has a distal end,
• arranging said at least first and second actuators and actuating by actuation means said at least first and second actuators so as to extend corresponding said insulators independently of one another from said support member,
• releasably coupling to the distal ends of said each insulator the corresponding sub-conductors of the energized single phase bundle,
• increasing the surge impedance loading of the single phase bundle by separating from each other by an optimized separation distance said distal ends of said each insulator.