3rd Step Flashcards
What is a distribution tap line?
A DTL is a distribution voltage line section that has a single source of supply, and can be isolated by a device having no more than once source and one load terminal.
Lines that are connected to a generating facility of any kind cannot be considered a DTL.
CAUTION: It must be specifically noted that a circuit section cannot be considered a DTL if the device used to energize the section is equipped with more than one source and one load terminal
Reference: DOM CO-1 SOB 301 3.3.1
What information is required on a cable tag?
- Adjacent sectionalizing device position
2.Adjacent sectionalizing device number
3.Adjacent sectionalizing structure number - Next adjacent structure number (through structure)
- Footage to next adjacent structure
- Direction to next adjacent structure
- Operating voltage
Reference: DUG, IC 130.4.1
What does a “qualified employee” mean?
An employee who by reason of experience of instruction is familiar with the operation to
be performed and the hazards involved.
Reference: APM Definitions
What does a “qualified electrical worker” mean?
A qualified employee who, by reason of a minimum of two years training and experience
with exposed high-voltage circuits and equipment; and who has demonstrated by
performance, is familiar with the work to be performed and the hazards involved
Reference: APM Definitions
What is the maximum depth of a trench that can be entered without shoring?
5 feet
Reference: APM Rule 146
How many pipe straps are required per 10-foot section of riser?
3 straps
Reference: DUG, CR 110.1 note 7
How many unistruts or kick blocks are required per 10’ section of riser?
2 - Above the 8 foot level
Reference: DUG, CR 110.1 note 8
How soon should hazards be reported?
Employees shall immediately report any defective tool, apparatus, equipment or other hazards condition or work practice to the most available supervisor.
Reference: APM Policy P-18-A
How often should high voltage rubber blankets be dielectrically tested/inspected?
Rubber gloves, sleeves, blankets, used on high voltage (above 600 volts) conductors and equipment shall be dielectrically tested at least once every six months and before being placed into service when received from the manufacturer. This equipment shall be marked with the date the dielectric test was conducted.
Reference: APM Rule 131.h
What should be done when using rubber blankets on the ground?
Rubber blankets, when used on the ground, shall be protected from physical damage and moisture by means of tarpaulin, canvas or protective mat.
Reference: APM Rule 131.f
What is the minimum amount of time to wait before entering an underground structure when new cable has been energized for the first time?
5 minutes.
Reference: APM Rule 303.c
According to the APM, what shall be done prior to and after moving or bending any in-service cable?
The cable shall be carefully inspected before and after moving.
Reference: APM Rule 307.a
When will the automatic circuit recloser on an underground circuit being worked be made non-automatic?
- Splicing or patching energized high-voltage underground cable.
2.Relocating energized high-voltage underground cable or equipment. - Filtering or replacing oil on energized high voltage underground equipment.
- Operating energized loadbreak components.
NOTE: In addition to the above requirements, supervisors in charge may make automatic circuit reclosers non-automatic whenever they deem it necessary for the safety of the employees performing the work
b. When employees are working inside an underground structure to make repairs immediately following a high-voltage failure, the automatic recloser of all energized circuits contained in that structure shall be made non-automatic. For those circuits not equipped with an automatic recloser device, a no test or hot line order shall be issued.
Reference: APM Rule 316
Why is it necessary to use a live-line voltage tester?
To test normally energized parts of a circuit (as being de-energized).
Reference: APM 141.a
What is a clearance?
A clearance is the formal authorization, officially issued to a qualified person, at that person’s request, to work on an electric line or some piece of operating equipment which is inherently too hazardous to work on while in service, and has been de-activated or de-energized, in a prescribed manner and placed in a safe condition to be worked on.
This authority carries with it a statement of the status of the line or equipment and is a guarantee that this status will not be changed in any way which might be detrimental to the safety of personel.
Reference: APM Rule 706
When distribution personnel work inside a station, who takes the clearance?
Except as noted in paragraph d., the only person qualified to take a clearance for work inside a station from an operator, shift supervisor, or station electrician on duty at that station is defined as a person who has been designated as qualified by the division manager (or his/her authorized representative) having jurisdiction.
Reference: APM Rule 707.c
Define a compound fracture.
Compound Fracture: In a compound fracture, the bone is broken and there is a connecting wound usually caused by the bone breaking through the skin.
Reference: APM Rule 1005.a.2
What is the objective when administering first aid to a burn victim?
The objective of the first aid responder attending a burn victim is to relieve pain, prevent infection and treat for shock immediately.
Reference: APM Rule 1006.c
What are the specific symptoms of a first-degree burn?
Mild to moderate pain.
Redness or discoloration
Mild swelling.
Skin warm to touch.
Rapid healing and little, if any, scarring.
Reference: APM Rule 1006.b.1
Can 600 A plug-in terminations and components be removed by hand if they have been tested de-energized with a High Voltage Tester?
Live line tools are required for removing and installing plug in terminations except when complying with applicable sections of Rule 306
Reference: APM Rule 312.a
Prior to a normal vault entry, for what is the structure’s atmosphere tested?
All structures shall be tested for oxygen (O2), combustible gas (LEL), hydrogen sulfide(H2S), and carbon monoxide (CO).
Reference: DOM, TE-13 2.1
An SF6 gas switch - inside a vault - is suspected to have catastrophically failed. What additional atmospheric monitoring is required prior to entering this vault?
Testing for sulfur dioxide (502) is required where it is likely to exist. Sulfur dioxide may exist if a piece of SF6 equipment has failed catastrophically.
Reference: DOM, TE-13 2.1
Is it permissible to pull cable with a cable grip near conductors energized at more than 300 volts? Explain
Yes, when observing the following:
When installing or removing underground cable in proximity to exposed conductors energized above 300 volts, adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent accidental contact between the cable, or metallic pulling devices, and exposed energized conductors.
Reference: APM Rule 308.a
What depth should a CIC riser extend below grade?
CIC shall be installed with a minimum cover of 45 inches in commercial and residential areas.
Reference: DUG, Figure CR 120-1
Between grade and 8-feet high, what is the minimum size and schedule that is used for riser construction?
2½ inches, schedule 80.
Reference: DUG, Figure CR 110-1
When working in or around underground vaults, what protection must be taken at the entrance?
Adequate barricades or standard railings shall be used, unless the opening is constantly attended.
Reference: APM Rule 302.b 3
After de-energizing and before proceeding with the work on all power supply cables normally energized in excess of 600 volts, where should all conductors be short circuited and grounded?
1.Between the place where the work is being done and each possible source of supply,
or
2.at the work location, or
3.as close as practicable to the source of supply.
Reference: APM Rule 306.C
How many bushings do 25 kVA BURD transformers used for ferroresonance mitigation have?
1.6.9 kV BURD
2.9.5 kV BURD
a) 3 bushings
b) 3 bushings
Reference: DUG, Figure TX 300-14
What are the formulas used to calculate full load amps on both single- and three phase transformers?
1 phase FLA= kVa (1000)
V
3 phase FLA= kVa(1000)
V(1.73)
Reference: DDS-18, 3.0 and 4.0
- Identify the four conditions required to create a potential for ferroresonance.
Four conditions are required to create a situation where ferroresonance might occur.
Unless all four are present, ferroresonance will not occur. The four conditions are as follows:
-The transformer or bank has phase-to-phase primary connections, or a wye primary with an ungrounded neutral (floating wye).
-Phases are energized or de-energized one phase at a time.
-Combined secondary load on the radial is insignificant compared to the primary cable lengths being switched.
-If the primary cable will be energized or de-energized one phase at a time; and the length of the cable is greater than or equal to the critical length as shown in Table 1 (Page 9), a ferroresonant condition may exist. Cable length is the total length (of the run, not the sum of all phases) of all cable in the circuit being energized/de-energized and is measured from the connection point to the end of the radial.
Reference: DOM, TR-8 Attachment 8-1
A switch may be considered de-energized for switching only when what conditions exist?
- The switch contains only one circuit and is in a dead section of line as verified through the Switching Center.
- Rules 309 b., c., d., e., f., and g. have been complied with.
b. Each step of routine or emergency switching shall be verified by two qualified employees at the work location.
c. For automatic circuit recloser operations (see Rule 316).
d. Locate, identify, and mark the position to be switched.
e. Check all the existing positions of the switch and compare to the circuit map, switch schematic, and cable and/or equipment tags to ensure that the switching order will accomplish the desired results.
f. If switching on a “RAC” type switch, a blocking device or special handle must be used to ensure that the switch is operated only to the desired position.
g. When switching energized underground single-phase fuses or disconnects in live front PMH type equipment, an approved protective shield shall be affixed to the grip-all stick. This also includes switching in single phase padmounted fuse cabinets. This does not apply to equipment where the fuses or disconnects are required to be de-energized (see Rule 304).
Reference: APM Rule 309.a
With regard to ferroresonance, describe and contrast the terms “cable length” and “critical cable length.
Cable length is the total length (not the sum of all phases) of all cable being energized/de-energized, and is measured from the connection point to the end of the radial.
Critical cable length is the total length per phase that is just enough to make ferroresonance a possibility when switched with unloaded transformers.
If the primary cable being energized or de-energized one phase at a time is of length greater than or equal to the critical cable length, then a ferroresonant condition may exist.
For multiple transformers being switched on a radial, the critical cable length is based on the total kVA being switched; for instance 150 kVA if switching three 50 kVA units.
Reference: DDS-2, 5.13
Name the four ways to eliminate ferroresonance, including design considerations.
The following considerations in design will eliminate ferroresonance in operation:
1. Use phase-to-ground primary connections prevent ferroresonance.
2. Energize/De-energize transformers and cables separately.
3. Use secondary load as a means to eliminate switches.
4. Sectionalize using gang-operated switches, when necessary.
Reference: DDS-2 5.13 B
Explain company policy concerning locking stations and enclosures.
All stations and gates to switch structures containing energized high-voltage equipment shall be kept closed and locked at all times except when a qualified employee has such station or structure under observation.
Reference: APM Rule 103
Explain how and when to address backfeed.
Before contacting the high-voltage (rated in excess of 600 volts) side of a de-energized transformer(s), or conductors connected thereto, all possible sources of backfeed shall be eliminated by disconnecting with an opening (opening primary or secondary jumpers, fuses, primary switches, cutouts, etc.), or by grounding and short circuiting the low or high-voltage side.
open, or ground and short circuit
Reference: APM Rule 149.a
What are the two types of materials used for vault covers? When would either be installed?
Cast-iron is used for traffic loading.
RPM is used for parkway loading.
Reference: UGS, 400.1 1.2
What are the characteristics of a 400-amp RAC switch?
The RAC switch will have four or more ways.
The RAC switch may be manually operated or spring operated.
It should be noted that the far left position has only two attitudes (Open-Bus) while the remaining positions have three attitudes (Tie-Open-Bus). This creates the capability of electrically tying two adjacent positions together without using the bus
Reference: DOM, SW-3 Attachment 1
Explain the periodicity requirements for atmospheric monitoring of underground structures (including logging of results).
Immediately prior to an employee entering, and continuously while occupied.
Results shall be logged initially and at least every 4 hours thereafter
Reference: APM Rule 301.D
According to the APM, when are blocking devices required during switching?
If switching on a “RAC” type switch, a blocking device or special handle must be used to ensure that the switch is operated only to the desired position
Reference: APM Rule 309.f
Per EN-1, if there is an oil spill who must be notified, and when?
Supervisors must contact the on-duty TDBU Environmental Specialist for ALL spills/
releases within one hour of the supervisor’s knowledge of the event.
Reference: EN-1
. Under what conditions should a portable gantry be available for use?
Rescue apparatus shall be readily accessible when entering all underground structures with a depth greater than 4 feet.
Reference: APM 1024
What are the characteristics of a 400-amp RAK switch?
The RAK switch is a four-way, three-position switch with operating characteristics similarto the RAC.
The difference being that the No. 1 way is connected solid to the bus. Thereare, therefore, only three switched positions. The No. 2 position has only two attitudes (Open-Bus). remaining positions will have open, tie, bus. This switch will normally be applied to a 4 kV system (7.5 kV voltage class switch).
What are the characteristics of a 600-amp RAM switch?
The RAM switch may be a two-, three-, four-, five- or six-way switch. The RAM switch
may be manually operated or spring operated
Describe the application of the RAG switch
RAG switches provide an internal grounding attitude on each switchable position. These switches were developed to simplify the grounding procedures utilized when crews work on underground conductors.
Reference: DOM, SW-5 Attachment 2
How many pipe straps are required per 10-foot section of riser or conduit, when attaching directly to the pole?
3 straps.
What is the maximum distance between unistruts, when attaching a riser?
Maximum of 5 feet apart, above the 8-foot level.
How far should a BURD enclosure’s top cap extend above finished grade?
2 inches.
What is the purpose of spiking a cable?
Cable spiking is required to prove the cable de-energized when no other method of testing exists at the work location.
Provide two examples of when spiking a cable might be required.
Examples when spiking may be required but not limited to the following:
* A dig-in (main line, or tap line)
* Adding components (J-Bar, 600 ap T-Body [hammer])
* Blown component
* Lead Cable System
Under what conditions is it permissible for an employee to enter an underground structure without anyone else in attendance?
1.There are no energized cables or equipment in the structure, and;
2. A protective device is placed around the opening, and;
3. Forced ventilation is provided
List and describe the steps for grounding, when replacing cable after a dig-in. The damaged cable is between the pothead and the structure.
- Identify the circuit (using circuit map(s), cable tags, perform amp check, consider cable size, direction of cable, structure numbers).
- De-energize, take clearance and eliminate backfeed.
- Prove pothead(s) de-energized, and float the potheads and isolate the concentric.
- At the other end of the cable, prove the cable de-energized, isolate cable and concentric.
- If contact with the damaged cable/conductor is required, expose the area around dig-in location and remotely spike/cut the cable at dig-in location to prove it deenergized. If minimum approach distance cannot be maintained from exposed conductor, use a testing device (for example, approved high voltage tester/indicator, Wemco), and test the cable de-energized, then use a spiking tool to prove the cable de-energized.
- Replace cable.