2nd Step Flashcards
According to the APM, what size and type of rope is required for lowering a person
from a pole?
Rope with a safe workload rating equal to approved 1/2 inch hand line material shall be used when lowering a person from a pole or elevated position.
Reference: APM Rule 1022.a.3
What information is required on a cable tag?
4.1 Primary Cables
Primary cables shall be tagged at every piece of equipment and as it enters or leaves a structure in such a manner that the tag is visible and the location is accessible to the worker.
Each cable tag shall include the following information:
A. Adjacent sectionalizing device position
B. Adjacent sectionalizing device number
C. Adjacent sectionalizing structure number
D. Next adjacent structure number (through structure)
E. Footage to next adjacent structure or piece of equipment in same structure
F. Direction to next adjacent structure or piece of equipment in same structure
G. Operating voltage (4kv, 12kv, 6.9 kv)
reference DUG IC 140.4.1
How does a lineman find the fault duty for a particular circuit?
Obtain fault-current duty of the system from the Protection Engineering website. If multiplesources can inadvertently energize the line, select the appropriate size of grounds that will provide protection for the highest available fault duty at each grounding location.Reference: Overhead Grounding Manual, 2.3.2
What is the purpose of a breakaway reel?
This reel is designed to recover overhead, as well as underground, conductors that are to be salvaged.
Reference: Rigging Standards Manual, p. 67
What are the maximum fault duties for the three sizes of grounds used on distribution voltages?
2 = 9.000 A
2/0 = 18,000 A
4/0 = 30,000 A
Reference: Overhead Grounding Manual, Table 3-1
What size grounds should be used on 1/0 ACSR circuit with a fault duty of 10,000 A?
2 because it can be used on 1/0 ACSR or #2 copper regardless of fault duty
2/0 can be used on 4/0 acsr or 2/0 copper
Reference: Overhead Grounding Manual, Table 3-1 Note 1
How often is grounding equipment tested?
Every 2 years, through GARP.
Reference: Overhead Grounding Manual, 5.1
Every 2 years, through GARP.
Reference: Overhead Grounding Manual, 5.1
Substation Ground Grid as Ground Medium Substation ground grid is the priority ground medium to be used for grounding. When grounding within 40 feet of substation ground grid, the fault current, if the line is inadvertently energized, will be as high as the fault-current duty of the substation bus. Therefore, the substation ground grid shall be used as a ground medium when grounding within 40 feet of the substation ground grid and proper locations shall be selected for routing and attaching grounds to the substation ground grid
Reference: Overhead Grounding Manual, 3.6.2
The APM prescribes two safety guidelines that must be performed prior to working on a transformer with banked secondaries. What are they?
Where secondaries of transformers are banked or there is a possibility of a backfeed, the transformer secondary leads shall be disconnected in addition to pulling primary fuses before any work is done on a transformer.
Reference: APM Rule 217.a
What size conductors are typically used in single-phase lighting secondaries?
Certain sizes of conductors are most commonly used for lighting secondaries: 1/0 aluminum or #2 copper in all residential areas except those designed for minimum service, and 4/0 aluminum or 2/0 copper where the initial installation requires transformers larger than 25 kVA.
Reference: DOH, 400.1.0
What are the minimum acceptable Megger test values for accepting both new and old transformers, prior to installation?
New: >999 M ohms.
New LV to case >500 M ohms
Old: >500 M ohms
Reference: Megger and TR Reference Manual for Testing Distribution Transformers, Megger 4.0
OB-0722
Why are Megger checks performed on transformers?
The Megger measures the effectiveness of a transformer’s electrical insulation. This insulation includes materials such as paper, pressboard, phenolic, ceramics, plastics, and oil placed between electrical conductors to prevent electricity from leaking across them.
The Megger applies a high voltage (1,000vdc) across two different electrical components. It then measures the leakage current and displays the resistance of the insulation in units of Mega-Ohms (MΩ). The Megger tests where there should be NO electrical path
High to low
High to case
Low to case
Reference: Megger and TR Reference Manual for Testing Distribution Transformers, Megger 1.0
What is special about Megger and TTR tests on 6.9 kV/9.5 kV (©-Ground) 240/120 V, non-fused, single-phase looped BUD transformers with three low-voltage bushings?
No Megger test is possible since both windings and the tank are all connected.
Reference: Megger and TR Reference Manual for Testing Distribution Transformers, Megger and TR Testing of Specific Transformer Types 5.0
List two examples of transformer defects that may be detected with TTR and Megger checks.
short across windings in high or low side
short from high coil to case
short from low coil to case
short from high coil to low coil.
open circuit internally
wrong polarity
Each of the defects just described may be detected using the Megger and TTR
Reference: Megger and TR Reference Manual for Testing Distribution Transformers,
Transformer Fundamentals 3.0
What five precautions must be observed before and/or during Megger testing of a
transformer?
1.Isolate the Transformer.
2.Watch out for Shocks
3. Make Good Electrical Contact with the Terminals
4. Vent the Transformer
5. Understand the Transformer Nameplate
Reference: Megger and TR Reference Manual for Testing Distribution Transformers,
Megger 2.0
Why are TTR checks performed on distribution transformers, prior to installation?
1.0 TTR Performs Three Tests
1. Transformer turns Ratio (TTR) displayed as % error.
2. No continuity will show as Failed TTR Test or Failed Test with a very high ratio or overrange or open circuit.
3. Polarity as related to hookup, displayed as + or - sign on measured ratio line
Reference: Megger and TTR Reference Manual for Testing Distribution Transformers, TTR 4.0
What is the purpose of a transformer tap changer? How does it work?
Tap changers allow the transformer to be “fine tuned” so that the output of the transformer remains at the rated low voltage despite a higher- or lower-system voltage. This “fine tuning” is accomplished by increasing or decreasing the effective number of turns in the high-voltage winding.
Reference: Megger and TR Reference Manual for Testing Distribution Transformers,
Tap Changers 1.1
Describe what a transformer’s polarity is.
Single-phase transformer nameplates indicate whether its polarity is additive or subtractive. Polarity indicates the relative direction of current flow through the transformer. Polarity is determined by looking at the “polarity bushing” (H1) on the transformer, and its relation to the X1 bushing. When H1 and X1 are on the same side, it is considered subtractive polarity. When H1 and X1 are on opposite sides, it is considered additive polarity. With standard markings, if the direction of current flow is from H1 to H2, the current flow will be in the direction of X2 to X1
Reference: 2nd Step Transformer Theory Training Manual
What is the maximum acceptable level of error (percentage) when performing a TTR check on a transformer?
IEEE standards allow manufacturers to build transformers with percentage errors up to 0.5 %. This is the number that the TTR uses to determine whether the transformer being tested passes or fails.
Reference: Megger and TR Reference Manual for Testing Distribution Transformers,
TTR 5.0
Is it permissible to operate a transformer’s tap changer while it is energized or part of a bank?
There are two types of tap changers: no load tap changer and load tap changer. No load tap changers require the transformer to be de-energized, so there is a short interruption in customer service while the taps are changed. Load tap changers provide the ability to change taps while the transformer is energized and without interrupting the flow of current through the transformer and to the customer.
Reference: 2nd Step Transformer Theory Training Manual
Concerning pole framing and crossarm construction on a rural pole, when are V braces required?
Use V-braces for wire size larger than #2 copper and 1/0 ASCR.
Reference: DOH, Figure DC 500-1 Note 2
Is it permissible to reduce the required 6-foot clearance between secondary
conductors and communications lines? If so, how?
- Clearance between secondary and communication circuits of existing poles may be reduced from 6 feet to 4 feet with the installation of a guard arm.
Reference: DOH, Figure DC 200-1 Note 2
What are the ampacities for each of the following conductor types/sizes?
4 ACSR - 160
1/0 ACSR - 280
4/0 ACSR - 415
336 ACSR - 605
653 ACSR - 920
#4 AT - 110
#2 AT - 145
1/0 AT - 190
4/0 AT - 300
1/ AQ - 180
4/0 AQ - 275
2nd Step Self-Study Question
Reference: DOH, CO 106
What is the requirement for placing HIGH VOLTAGE signs on wood poles with crossarm(s) supporting the lowest level of the line conductors energized in excess of 750 V?
A. Wood Poles — The standard location for marking wood poles with HIGH VOLTAGE signs is on the pole. Use the plastic HIGH VOLTAGE sign (SAP 10135280) with engraved black letters on yellow background and galvanized nails. HIGH VOLTAGE signs are to be placed in order to approximately encircle the pole so that the top of the sign is located no more than 40 inches below the lowest level of the line conductors energized in excess of 750 V.
if you cant put it on the pole, every arm must have high voltage signs.
Reference: DOH. PO 120.2 3.1
What is the WLL of a stabilizer (silver) gin?
2000 Ibs
Reference: Rigging Standards Manual, Figure 205
What is a USA, and when would it be required? What company provides SCE with USA service?
USA = Underground Service Alert.
USA information is provided to SCE by DigAlert.
State of California Government Code 4216 mandates that anyone doing excavation work shall call at least two working days prior to commencement of any excavation. If you are performing this type of work in California or Nevada, please call Underground Service Alert at (811) or (800) 227-2600.
Reference: Electrical Service Requirements, ER-1
What are the secondary climbing space dimensions for the following?
a) Arm construction
b) Triplex construction
c) Rack construction
a) 30 inches square
b) 30 inches square
c) Diameter of pole + 5” (2 ½” and 2 ½” on each side) × 30” deep × 38” across the
backside.
Reference: DOH, Figures DC 100-1, 100-4, and 320-1
What are the three basic nylon sling hitches?
Straight Pull
Choker Hitch
Basket Hitch
Reference: Rigging Standards Manual, Figure 84
When using a hand hoist, is it acceptable to use the chain and hook in a choker configuration? Why or why not?
No. The hook will break under stress.
Reference: Rigging Standards Manual, Figure 147
What is the correct type of wire used in under the arm fiber?
All wires must be insulated conductors.
Reference: DOH, DC 323 and G.O. 95, 54.6C2
What are the clearance requirements for a streetlight electrolier and secondary
conductors?
3’ from arm
12” from service drop
Reference: DOH, Figure SL 106-1
What is the maximum height at point of attachment for residential services?
30 feet
Reference: ESR, ESR-2 Figure 2-1
A clip-on ammeter reads 10 A on a 120 V conductor. What is the resistance?
R = E÷I
R= 120 V ÷ 10 A = 12 ohms
Reference: 2nd Step Basic AC/DC Electrical Theory Training Manual
How much current would a 240 V heater, with 30 Ohm resistance, draw?
I = E÷R
1 = 240 V ÷ 30 ohms = 8 A
Reference: 2nd Step Basic AC/DC Electrical Theory Training Manual
If a circuit has a total resistance of 20 Ohms and a current of 3 A, what is the voltage of
the circuit?
E=IxR
E =6 Ax 20 ohms = 120 V.
Reference: 2nd Step Basic AC/DC Electrical Theory Training Manual
A 5000 W electric heating unit is supplied by a 240 V circuit. What is the current drawn by the heater?
I = P÷E
I = 5000 W ÷ 240 V = 20.8 A
Reference: 2nd Step Basic AC/DC Electrical Theory Training Manual
How is the total resistance in a series circuit calculated?
It is cumulative (the sum of all resistors), i.e. Rt= R1+R2+R3 etc.
Reference: 2nd Step Basic AC/DC Electrical Theory Training Manual
- What is the full load (in amps) for a 100 kVA single-phase transformer with 120/240 V secondary service?
I = VA ÷ E
100KVA(1000)=100,000VA
1 = 100,000 VA ÷ 240 V = 416.66 A
Reference: 2nd Step Basic AC/DC Electrical Theory Training Manual
- A single-phase 120/240 V circuit is tested with a voltmeter and an ammeter with the following results: 240 V and 200 A. At the time of measurement, the service meter measures 36 kW. What is the power factor?
PF= W
I(E)
PF= 36,000 = .75
200A(240V)
Reference: 2nd Step Basic AC/DC Electrical Theory Training Manual
What is the full load for a 300 kVA three-phase transformer bank with 240 V secondaries?
Full load amps= VA
E (1.73)
FLA= 300(1000) = 300,000 =722.5A
240 (1.73) 415.2
Reference: 2nd Step Basic AC/DC Electrical Theory Training Manual
What is the main benefit and drawback of a radial distribution system?
Benefit: Cheapest and simplest
Drawback: Least reliable. you cant pick it up from the back end
Reference: 2nd Step SCE Electrical System Overview Training Manual
What is the purpose of a distribution transformer?
Distribution transformers reduce primary voltages to secondary voltages to supply electrical service to customers.
Reference: 2nd Step SCE Electrical System Overview Training Manual
List four different types of generating stations.
Fossil fuel plants
Nuclear plants
Hydroelectric plants
Wind turbines
Reference: 2nd Step SCE Electrical System Overview Training Manual
What is a “B” bank substation?
“B” banks are SCE’s distribution transformers.
Reference: 2nd Step SCE Electrical System Overview Training Manual
List eight different types of “B” banks.
66/16 kV
66/12 kV
66/4 kV
33/12 kV
33/4 kV
16/4 kV
12/4 kV
12/2.4 kV
Reference: 2nd Step SCE Electrical System Overview Training Manual
What must an employee do upon entering an attended substation?
- Report to the System Operator.
2.Enter required information in the Visitor Log. - Provide System Operator with suitable contact information.
- Inform the System Operator when leaving the station.
Reference: APM Rule 403.a
Using the transformer diagram below, draw in the wiring for a three-phase, 3-wire -
three- phase, 3-wire, with a floating neutral, delta-wye configuration.
Reference: 2nd Step Transformer Connections Training Manual