Heat Prep
Cable Tool

Heat Prep is a handheld cable heating tool developed for use in electrical installations, particularly in extreme cold. Designed in by the multidisciplinary team at Design 1st Inc., the product enables linemen and field technicians to efficiently preheat and straighten electrical cables before termination. The ergonomic, durable design streamlines fieldwork in harsh environments, improving safety and reducing delays.

Main Challenges

• Creating a heating solution compact enough for handheld use yet powerful enough for heavy-duty cable prep.

• Designing for use in sub-zero temperatures, while wearing gloves and other safety gear.

• Ensuring safe operation and regulatory compliance for high-voltage work environments.

Key Achievements

• Delivered a compact, rugged, and user-friendly tool suited for challenging outdoor conditions.

• Accelerated cable prep workflows and reduced errors caused by stiff, cold wiring.

• Developed a design ready for manufacturing, with a fully integrated heating and control system.

Responsibilities

• Contributed to industrial design and ergonomic refinement in collaboration with engineering leads.

• Created visual concepts and CAD models to support design decision-making.

• Participated in iterative prototyping and design validation processes.

• Collaborated with stakeholders to align product functionality with user needs and field constraints.

• Supported transition from concept to production-ready design.