All electric utility employees must have electric utility equipment education and training. Working with electricity is a very dangerous job, and having the proper equipment and knowing how to use it is essential for safety. Electric utility workers often work in extreme conditions such as rain, darkness and cold. Therefore, it is important that they be extremely knowledgeable and education regarding the equipment with which they work.

Even electric utility employees that do not work directly with electric utility equipment need to gain basic electric utility equipment education and training. All employees need knowledge in shutting down and removing equipment in the event of an accident. Consider the following when thinking about electric utility equipment education and training:

1. Attending educational courses is one way to gain information about electrical utility equipment.

2. On-site training courses relay information to electric utility teams at the home base work site.

3. Trade shows and exhibits feature electric utility equipment.

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Attend educational courses featuring information about electric utility supplies

Educational courses are a great way to increase knowledge in electric utility equipment features and operation. Complete electric utility teams or single members may attend these courses. Courses often allow for supervised hands-on learning. However, travel is required to complete courses such as these.

I recommend: APTC offers courses pertaining to electric utility companies and electric utility equipment. Utility Training is another option for gaining an education on electric utility equipment.

Consider on-site power utility equipment training for electric utility teams

On-site training courses offer custom training specifically for one electric utility team. During these courses, instructors come to the utility company to train and educate power utility suppliers and employees. Utility supervisors arrange these courses at the convenience of the electric utility company. These training courses require no additional travel for students. Electric utility teams gain more individualized instruction from on-site training courses.

I recommend: Electric Training USA offers an on-site training course option for electric utility companies. Electricity Forum also has an on-site electrical safety training seminar for the proper operation of electric utility equipment.

Visit electric utility equipment trade shows and exhibits for more information

Trade shows and exhibits feature electric utility equipment and electric utility tools manufacturers. Manufacturers discuss their latest products and hope to increase their electric utility equipment sales. The electrical equipment company offers brochures and demonstrations of equipment. Trade shows allow for a more relaxed environment and greater time for visitation.

I recommend: Biz Trade Shows offers a trade show of electric utility equipment from electrical equipment suppliers. HD Electric features a list of events and dates of electric utilty trade shows.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't forget employee protective wear when considering electric utility equipment education and training. Learn which types of helmets, work suits, and gloves allow for the safest work environment for employees.

Become a leader in the power utility equipment industry by providing the highest quality and latest technology to your clients. Use the most up-to-date electric utility supplies and electrical utility test equipment to keep your clients consistently supplied with the power they need.

Keep safety in mind when stocking electric utility supplies. Power utility tools designed to protect linemen as they work on wires is not only responsible, but in many cases, mandated by the state to keep hazards to a minimum. Ensure the supplies you're considering meet all of applicable safety regulations before you make a final decision.

1. Purchase the latest in power utility tools.

2. Stock an array of electric utility test equipment to diagnose issues expediently and accurately.

3. Create an inventory of electric service equipment designed to keep the power flowing.

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Find the best electrical utility equipment tools in order to succeed

Invest in high quality utility equipment tools to help you perform your job as quickly and as effortlessly as possible. The proper tools will help you complete any job more effectively, allowing you to move on to the next job.

I recommend: Brenco Powerline Tools is an electrical equipment company that specializes in power line tools such as crimping tools, hot wire tools and lineman tools. Salisbury has a wide array of electric utility tools designed for use on live lines.

Ensure you have all the electric utility test equipment needed to diagnose and fix problems

Keep electric utility test equipment on hand and in working order so you and your employees can diagnose issues and handle them accordingly. Build a working relationship with companies that provide testing equipment so you can stay on the cutting edge of technology and stay ahead of your competition.

I recommend: Radian Research can meet all of your needs for electric utility test equipment. CalRight Instruments has a variety of testing equipment used in the electric utility industry and can help you create an inventory that'll keep your customers happy.

Select electric service equipment from reliable suppliers

Choose your service equipment from companies who have a widely respected reputation for quality products and services. Whether you're selecting bucket trucks or transformers, you want to make sure the choices you make are dependable.

I recommend: Electrical Equipment Company is prepared to provide you with all of the electric service equipment you need, and can often deliver them to you for no extra charge. Skyco Equipment can meet all of your needs for derricks, bucket trucks and cranes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Weigh the options of becoming involved with power line networking equipment. Adding this service to your current utility service puts you on the cutting edge of technology.

The names for electric utility equipment aren't always clear cut. If you intend for your business to become well known for providing excellent service in installing and maintaining electrical power lines, then one of the many steps in that goal is to become familiar with the tools associated with the trade.

Obscure names and acronyms can be an obstacle in regard to electrical utility equipment, especially if you are new to the industry. Take the time to learn a few of them to maintain an aura of professionalism when dealing with distributors and clients.

Action Steps
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Digger derricks

Digger derricks are vehicle-mounted machines that typically dig holes, set utility poles and position other large utility components.

I recommend: Find more information and the latest news regarding these electric utility machines on the Digger Derricks informational website.

Lay-up sticks

Lay-up sticks enable electric utility workers to reach wires high above them, prune stray limbs from overgrown trees and many other high-reaching tasks. These sticks allow you to perform these tasks by safely standing on the ground, rather than trying to balance on a ladder.

I recommend: Visit the Jameson lay-up sticks page for pictures and more accessory options.

Megohmmeter

A megohmmeter, also known as a megger, is a testing device for electric and utility lines. A megohm is a unit of resistance that is equivalent to one million ohms. An ohm is the resistance between two points on a conductor, where the current between these two points produces a current of one amp.

I recommend: Obtain more details about megohmmeters on the Integrated Publishing website.

Milliohm meter

A milliohm is 1,000th of an ohm. A milliohm meter is also a device that measures voltage of utility and electrical lines with lower resistance factors.

I recommend: Calright Instruments can provide you with milliohm meter specifications and details.

OPGW

OPGW stands for optical power ground wire, which is a fiber optic cable. Electric utility companies use this cable in the construction of distribution lines and the transmission of electrical power. It grounds high-voltage conductors from lightning strikes.

I recommend: Find more information on the functionality of OPGW from AFL Telecommunications.

ADSS

ADSS stands for all dielectric self-supporting cables. These cables are high-capacity with flexibility for placement on overhead transmission towers. Their self-supporting nature eliminates the need for a support messenger.

I recommend: The High Voltage Safety Course offered by Applied Professional Training covers safe installation and usage of ADSS cables.