Power Line Worker
Power Line Worker covers the fundamental aspects of power line work to include safety, electrical theory, climbing techniques, aerial framing and rigging, and operating utility service equipment.
This one-level Power Line Worker curriculum is the foundational level for three different training pathways: Power Line Transmission, Power Line Distribution and Power Line Substation.
Craft Snapshot
Curriculum Details
To address the need for one standardized and nationally recognized Power Line Worker curriculum, NCCER has developed Power Line Worker Level One. Common to transmission, distribution, and substation, Power Line Worker Level One addresses the fundamental aspects of power line work to include safety, electrical theory, climbing techniques, aerial framing and rigging, and operating utility service equipment. After Level One, the training program diverges into the three specialty areas (transmission, distribution, and substation) for two additional years of skills training.
Module ID 49102-11: Covers the safety equipment and safety practices associated with the special hazards of power line work, including electrical and arc flash hazards; traffic control; trenching; horizontal directional drilling; working in confined spaces; and safe entry into a substation.
Module ID 49103-11: Provides a general introduction to electricity and DC circuits, including theory of voltage, current and resistance, basic DC circuits, and Ohm’s law. Also introduces the test equipment used in power line work.
Module ID 49104-11: Describes how to calculate voltage, current, and resistance values in series, parallel, and combination DC circuits using Ohm’s law. Also includes a basic description of grounding and bonding.
Module ID 49105-11: Describes how to safely climb a wooden utility pole. Covers climbing equipment, inspection of equipment, pole inspection, climbing techniques, and pole-top rescue.
Module ID 49106-11: Explains the equipment, safety practices, and climbing techniques required to climb towers. Hazards associated with the environment, such as snakes, birds, insects, and weather hazards, are also covered.
Module ID 49107-11: Covers the specialized tools used by line workers, including hot sticks, as well as universal tool accessories. Also covers ladders and work platforms; crimpers; cable cutters; pneumatic tools; and powder-actuated tools.
Module ID 49108-11: Explains how to install guys to support a utility pole, as well as how to install the equipment on the pole to support conductors. Includes procedures for the installation of cross-arms, transformers, and conductors.
Module ID 49109-11: Provides descriptions and operations instructions for use of the digger derrick, bucket truck, crane truck, and aerial lift. Also covers safety requirements; inspection and maintenance; driving and setup operations; and emergency procedures.
Module ID 49110-11: Explains how to select and use rigging equipment. Covers common rigging equipment and rigging methods that are likely to be used by power line workers. Also covers hand signals and other methods of communication between the rigger and the crane operator.
Module ID 49111-11: Provides instructions for the storage, loading, and transport of wooden utility poles. Includes use of the digger derrick to dig the hole and install the pole. Also covers pole removal using a hydraulic jacking device.
Module ID 49112-11: Covers the use and maintenance of trenching equipment, backhoe/loaders, and horizontal directional drilling equipment for the installation of direct-buried power lines. Includes a review of safety guidelines related to buried utilities.
Module ID 49113-11: Introduces the basic test equipment used by electrical workers to test and troubleshoot electrical circuits. Also covers specialized line worker test equipment, including the high- voltage detector, phase rotation tester, megohmmeter, phasing stick, and hi-pot tester.
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.