This European Standard specifies the requirements and tests to be fulfilled by the multipurpose insulating sticks intended to perform a range of operations in high voltage installations by means of the attached appropriate tools, for example:- connection and disconnection of disconnectors or other equipment operated by the stick,- fuse replacement with an attached tool,operations like:- voltage absence verification, using a detector as a separate device in accordance with EN 61243-1;- earthing and short circuiting installations, using devices in accordance with EN 61230;- placing insulating screens in order to provide protection against adjacent live parts;- testing and measurement;- any other operation or verification on the electrical installation, provided that the mechanical requirements do not exceed those assured by the stick design and the worker shall remain at a safety distance;- rescue of accident victims.This European Standard is applicable to the insulating sticks made of a single continuous tube or rod or multiple tube or rod sections connected to each other, to be used both indoors or outdoors on electrical systems for voltages of 1 kV to 765 kV a.c., frequencies of 50 Hz and/or 60 Hz and in the normal range of temperatures of -25 ºC to 55 ºC and at a relative humidity between 20 % and 93 %.For the purpose of this standard, "tube" is used for "tube" and "rod".Annex B includes considerations about the use under wet conditions.NOTE It is a general practice to use an insulating stick on d.c. installations with the same value of nominal voltage. That use shall comply with the national regulations.