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Power Line Worker: Distribution

Overview

Building on the foundational skills covered in Power Line Worker, the two-level Power Line Worker: Distribution curriculum introduces to key skills for power line work on distribution systems, including electrical concepts, overhead and underground residential distribution systems, distribution line maintenance, live-line work, troubleshooting and more.

Craft Snapshot

Journey Level
Assessment Available
PUBLISHED
2011, 1st Edition
NCCERconnect Deliver instruction using our pre-loaded content and course management tools, streamline training, and track results through the online gradebook. Students learn using the interactive eTextbook and Media Library with Active Figures that bring the material to life, anytime and anywhere they choose.
Not Available
LANGUAGES
English
Alternating Current and Three-Phase Systems
17.5 Hours

Module ID 80201-11: Introduces the development of both single- and three-phase alternating current. Analyzes the relationship of AC phases and introduces key components used to refine AC power. Discusses the operation of transformers and introduces advanced AC concepts such as reactive power and the power factor.

Aerial Distribution Equipment
25 Hours

Module ID 80202-11: Identifies the various equipment components found on overhead distribution system poles and describes the function of each, including transformers, reclosers, fuses, sectionalizers, capacitor banks, and voltage regulators.

Cable and Conductor Installation and Removal
20 Hours

Module ID 80203-11: Describes the types of conductors and cables used in overhead and underground residential distribution systems and the equipment and procedures used to install and remove them. Includes methods used to splice conductors.

Underground Residential Distribution (URD) Systems
30 Hours

Module ID 80204-11: Describes the methods used to distribute power in residential and commercial subdivisions, including the equipment used in the process, such as pad-mount transformers and switchgear. Covers the components and methods used to connect primary and secondary power, as well as the protective devices used in URD systems and methods used to locate and repair buried cables.

Overhead and URD Service Installations
15 Hours

Module ID 80205-11: Describes the methods and procedures used in terminating single-phase and three-phase aerial and URD systems at residential and commercial customer locations. Includes coverage of revenue meters and street light connections.

Distribution Line Maintenance
50 Hours

Module ID 80206-11: Describes the inspection process and the methods and procedures used to inspect and maintain poles, conductors, and equipment used in aerial and URD systems. Includes coverage of transformer testing; location and correction of faults in URD systems; load management systems; and protective device coordination.

Introduction to Substations
10 Hours

Module ID 82201-12; from Power Line Worker: Substation Level Two: Provides an overview of the different types and functions of substations. Identifies the various voltage classes and introduces the primary equipment and components found in substations. Safe work practices and access issues related to substations are presented, as well as an introduction to one-line diagrams.

Live-Line Work
40 Hours

Module ID 80301-12: Covers tools such as hot sticks, shotgun sticks, and wire tongs, along with the PPE and safe work practices that are critical elements of live line and bare hand work. Includes coverage of various live-line tasks such as different methods of moving conductors and replacing insulators, cross-arms, and poles.

Three-Phase URD Systems
25 Hours

Module ID 80302-12: Covers safety practices associated
with three-phase URD systems; describes vault and manhole applications; and explains different transformer configurations and sectionalizing equipment used in three-phase URD systems. Also covers three-phase cables and how cable is pulled through conduit.

System Protection and Monitoring
7.5 Hours

Module ID 80303-12: Presents an overview of monitoring and protection systems and reviews the key components that make them work. Describes feeder diagrams and their use in locating and identifying components.

Troubleshooting
40 Hours

Module ID 80304-12: Focuses on the methods used to safely locate and correct faults in aerial and URD systems. Includes troubleshooting methods as well as work site preparation.

Introduction to Smart Grids
2.5 Hours

Module ID 80305-12: Describes the network of transmission and distribution lines that delivers electricity between generating sources and consumers, and explains how the smart grid overlays this network to maintain a balance between power availability and demand.

Fundamentals of Crew Leadership
20 Hours

Module ID 46101-11, Second Edition: Covers basic leadership skills and explains different leadership styles, communication, delegating, and problem solving. Jobsite safety and the crew leader’s role in safety are discussed, as well as project planning, scheduling, and estimating. Includes performance tasks to assist the learning process.

Instructor Resources

Instructor Toolbox

NCCER’s Instructor Toolbox provides easy access to important instructional resources for your training program. You’ll find downloadable course planning tools, examples of classroom activities and projects, and instructor tips and best practices to help you enhance your program.

Instructor Requirements

In addition to our standard instructor requirements, instructors of this craft must also:

  • Have at least 3 years of experience in the Power Industry

Assessments

NCCER’s assessments evaluate the knowledge of an individual in a specific craft area and provide a prescription for upgrade training when needed. All assessments are based upon the NCCER Curriculum and have been developed in conjunction with subject matter experts from the industry. Click the assessment title below to open its specifications.

Power Line Worker - Distribution