Electric Utility Lineman Training

Training as an electric utility lineman means learning to work with electrical distribution and transmission lines both overhead and underground. Lineman are trained in operating equipment related to power line construction and maintenance.

Type of equipment includes boom and bucket trucks, wire stringing and testing equipment.

They are heavily involved in:

• Construction
• Maintenance
• Operation
• Troubleshooting
• Repair

Click here for Electrical Lineman Standards of Apprenticeship

General Work Activities

In addition to stringing cables and wire or setting poles and anchors, electric utility linemen perform “hanging duties” involving:

• Transformers
• Lightning arrestors
• Cutouts and Switches
• Cross Arms and Insulators
• Vaults
• Cables
• Pad-mounted Transformers
• Switchgear

Electric utility linemen often locate trouble in primary and secondary systems of the transmission and distribution area.

Typical activities are to replace fuses in transformers or clearing faulted circuits and systems.

Staying Safe

The electric utility lineman job is an exciting, yet challenging job. They are frequently working with energized high voltage systems that requires a skill and care that protects the lives of themselves and others.

Important points to be aware of:

• Overtime work is required and when you are called in during off duty hours, it is often for extended periods of time.
• Lineman work in inclement weather and climb poles up to and over 100 feet in height.

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