Electrical Linemen: What Do They Do

There are some types of electrical professionals who make sure we have a smooth and stable supply of electricity for our use. We have electricians who make installation and repair works at our homes or offices and substation electricians who help maintain substations to ensure transmission of electricity from the utilities to our properties. Furthermore, we have the electrical linemen who help in the transmission and distribution of electricity. Common Tasks of an Electrical Lineman The power lineman usually works outdoors to install and maintain equipment and facilities for the transmission and distribution of electricity. Among his tasks is to install and repair overhead and underground power lines. Linemen also help install, repair and maintain other electrical subsystems and components other than transmission lines. They can also help in the design and layout of electrical systems. Most linemen perform many of the following jobs described below: • Access high placed equipment or perform overhead works either by climbing poles or using bucket trucksrn• Dig holes (using cranes, augers or any power equipment) to set power poles or towersrn• Operate vehicles, mechanised devices or equipment like bucket trucks, forklifts, augers and passenger vehiclesrn• Replace or straighten damaged polesrn• Attach auxiliary equipment, cross-arms and insulators onto poles before installing themrn• Plan and initiate projectsrn• Maintain and repair overhead distribution or transmission linesrn• Install and maintain insulators, transformers, underground distribution systems, traffic signals, outdoor lighting and other electrical equipmentrn• Assemble substationsrn• Supervise groundmen and apprentices • Troubleshoot certain electrical issuesrn• Trim trees Education and Training of a Lineman Like electricians, linemen will need to undergo continuing education and period of apprenticeship before they become registered professionals and be employed by power utility companies. Not only does the aspiring lineman will learn theories but will also undergo on the job training to put the theories he learn into action. After completing his education, the aspirant will take up a few years of apprenticeship under the tutelage of an experienced lineman. In some companies, a recent graduate will have to apply as a groundman, an entry level job for applicants with no prior experience yet. As a groundman, he will assist linemen in their tasks. He will drive bucket trucks or any other heavy line vehicles, sort and organise tools, help set up power poles and hand out tools to journeymen linemen performing overhead work. The apprentice lineman will eventually learn professional linemen’s work. He will be taught how to climb and set poles and towers, apply safety and first aid, update power lines, learn techniques (including rigging and wire stringing) and operate devices and equipment. After completing his apprenticeship, the apprentice becomes a journeyman lineman, who can now perform most electrical works without supervision and supervise groundmen and apprentices. He can proceed to become master lineman who can work on design and layout of electrical systems. Linemen’s Role in Electricity Transmission and Distribution A lineman’s job is quite a dangerous job, and it will require utmost safety. That is why all level 1 ASP linemen should wear protective gear in performing their various tasks and make sure they follow all safety rules and procedures while working. It is their job to make sure transmission lines are in good working condition to distribute electricity. Level 1 ASP linemen will have to endure weather elements, conquer their fear of heights and handle high voltage of electricity to ensure the public receive stable power supply. Without the linemen, our cities and towns would be dark at night.