Vol: 1 Substation & Overhead Flashcards
1
Q
What is the preferred distribution voltage in the Air Force?
A
7,200/12,470 volts.
2
Q
List three functions a substation can perform.
A
Voltage change, voltage regulation, switching, metering, converting, frequency changing, and so forth
3
Q
Name six major substation components.
A
Power transformers, circuit breakers, meters, relays, lightning arresters, and batteries.
4
Q
Which color indicates that a circuit is energized?
A
Red.
5
Q
What two main requirements must a switch in a high-voltage electrical circuit meet?
A
Must carry its rated current safely without overheating and must have proper clearances and insulation for
its rated voltage.
6
Q
At least how many lightning arresters must be installed in a substation with one incoming circuit
and one outgoing circuit?
A
Six
7
Q
Which type of regulator has the primary or exciting winding connected in shunt and the
secondary or regulating winding connected in series?
A
An induction-voltage regulator.
8
Q
Which type of regulator uses taps to regulate the amount of induced voltage?
A
A step-voltage regulator
9
Q
Which type of instrument transformer requires the secondary side to be closed at all times when
the primary side is energized?
A
A current transformer.
10
Q
What suppresses the arc in an OCB?
A
Oil.
11
Q
Name the three main functions of an OCB.
A
To protect the system by opening the circuit automatically in case of a ground fault or other overcurrent
situation; to restore power automatically for temporary faults; and to provide a means of switching under
load.
12
Q
Explain the difference between an indoor and outdoor OCB.
A
Indoor OCBs are made in a cubicle-type construction; outdoor OCB type is normally dome constructed.
SF6 and similar switches have skirted insulator construction.
13
Q
How many different ways can an OCB operate?
A
3
14
Q
State the purpose of the OCB timer port.
A
During maintenance the timer port is where we place a timing device that is used to see if the OCB opens in
the correct amount of time.
15
Q
Name the three basic functions of a recloser.
A
Automatic testing of the line and restoration of service if the fault has cleared, selecting the device to isolate
permanent faults in a coordinated protective system, and interrupting fault currents in minimum time to
protect against conductor burn down and equipment damage
16
Q
How does a fault make the recloser trip open?
A
The recloser’s solenoid is set to trip at a certain current. When the fault current reaches that limit, the
increased magnetic field moves the solenoid plunger down through the coil, tripping the contact assembly
to open the contacts and break the circuit
17
Q
When does the sectionalizer operate?
A
During the time the recloser has opened the line
18
Q
Name the main components of a sectionalizer.
A
A set of contacts, a spring-controlled trip, and a solenoid-operating coil
19
Q
What piece of equipment must we use to back up a sectionalizer?
A
A recloser.
20
Q
How is an air-break switch normally operated?
A
Manually or automatically.
21
Q
What equipment does the air-break switch use to break the arc?
A
Arcing horns.
22
Q
Where are air-break switches normally mounted?
A
On substation structures or on poles.
23
Q
What allows the switches of an air-break switch to open and close at the same time?
A
A gang-operated switch
24
Q
How is the arc broken by a vacuum recloser?
A
The high-voltage contacts are enclosed in a vacuum and, as the contacts separate, the lack of oxygen
extinguishes the arc rapidly.
25
Which switches operate much like a vacuum switch?
SF6 switches.
26
Before installing a high-voltage switch, what data plate information must you check?
The voltage rating and current interrupting rating.
27
How do you position the vehicle before final placement of the high-voltage switch?
So the operator can observe the switch placement.
28
What is the first connection you make in connecting the high-voltage switch into the circuit?
The ground connection
29
Why must you never let an OCB trip while the oil tank is lowered?
Without the oil to absorb the shock, equipment damage and personal injury are likely.
30
What do you look for when you inspect an OCB’s contacts?
Check alignment and firm uniform pressure.
31
When moisture is in oil-filled equipment, what problem occurs?
Moisture decreases an oil’s insulating strength
32
What must you ensure before you “top off” oil-filled equipment?
That the liquid being added to the equipment is compatible with the liquid already in it.
33
Which items do you check visually in inspecting bushings?
Excessive contamination, cracked or broken porcelain, low oil level (oil-filled bushings), broken or
deteriorated seals, fractured metal parts, excessive operating temperature, loose or missing parts, and so
forth.
34
On what does scheduling maintenance on reclosers depend primarily?
On the severity and number of reclosings incurred and the dielectric strength of the insulating oil
35
How do you inspect the contacts on vacuum breakers?
Each interrupter has an external indicator called a “wear gap” that provides a way to gauge the amount of
contact erosion.
36
How can you test vacuum breakers to see if the vacuum is adequate to interrupt current?
We can give vacuum breakers a high-potential test
37
What piece of equipment can aid your visual inspections of air switches?
Binoculars.
38
State what you accomplish by repeatedly opening and closing an air-break switch.
You clean the contacts
39
Field experience indicates that switch interrupters with gas-filled chambers normally need
recharging how often?
Every 2 1/2 to 3 years
40
How often do you check storage batteries
Monthly
41
Once you check the storage battery, what do you record?
Record voltage, specific gravity, level of electrolyte, charging rate, internal and nearby temperature,
ventilation, and cleanliness
42
What is the gravity reading of a fully charged battery cell in stationary standby service?
1200
43
Explain what you can and can not use as additives to storage batteries.
The only additive is approved distilled water. Items that should not be added are acid, electrolyte, or any
special powder, solutions, or jellies.
44
What instrument do we most commonly use to test a battery cell charge?
Hydrometer
45
What contacts can we best clean with a fine burnishing tool or crocus cloth?
Silver.
46
How often do you check relay settings?
Once a year.
47
In checking contact resistance of relays, what may be indicated by a high resistance?
Insufficient spring pressure.
48
What test voltage do you use in dielectric testing of relays that are rated under 6,000 volts?
Twice the rated voltage plus 1,000 volts with a minimum of 1,500 volts AC for 1 minute.
49
What is the best way to make an operational test of a relay?
With a test current
50
On what effect do thermostats, thermal overload, and temperature devices operate?
Heating effect of electric current
51
As a general rule, how often do you inspect mechanically operated substation devices?
Every 6 months
52
For general maintenance, what type of meter do you use?
A multimeter.
53
What are you looking for during visual inspection of a voltage regulator?
Leaks, cracked bushings, loose connections, corrosion, and similar problems may be noticed before serious
problems could develop that could affect the continuity of service
54
When you’re removing a voltage regulator from service for maintenance, what’s your first step in
isolating it?
Place the regulator in the neutral or zero position
55
What’s the maximum time between dielectric oil tests on voltage regulators?
5 years.
56
What do you do if two successive monthly cell readings show a particular cell low in either
voltage or specific gravity?
Check to see that this cell gasses properly on charge. If it doesn’t, do not act unless the reading decreases
further the next month. If the reading goes lower, an insufficient charge, a short circuit, or impure
electrolyte is indicated and the trouble should be corrected promptly.
57
If impurities dissolved in a battery cell’s electrolyte are causing irregular cell operation, how can
you correct the problem?
Replace the electrolyte immediately after flushing the cell thoroughly with distilled or approved tap water.
58
What must you do to keep storage batteries clean?
Keep the battery, its connections, and the surroundings clean and dry by wiping with a dry rag. Vent plugs
must be in place with their gas escape holes clean. If you spill electrolyte or if surrounding parts are damp
with acid, apply a solution of bicarbonate of soda or baking soda (1 pound of soda to 1 gallon of warm
water), followed by rinsing with water and drying. Scrape clean corroded terminals or connectors, wash
with a soda solution, and thinly coat with petroleum jelly or nonoxide grease.
59
After repair work on a relay, what must you do before returning the relay to service?
Make complete performance tests on the relay.
60
How would you test a transformer for a “short”?
By connecting one megger lead to a high-voltage bushing and the other lead to a low-voltage bushing and
observing the reading. Test between all primary and secondary bushings to be certain. A reading of
continuity indicates a short, and a reading of infinity indicates the transformer is not shorted.
61
What does a reading of zero indicate when testing a transformer winding for an open?
“Zero” indicates no resistance between two points, therefore the winding is good.
62
Why must you separate the secondary windings of a transformer when testing for opens?
A false reading could be obtained on parallel-connected secondary windings.
63
When troubleshooting an oil circuit breaker and you find dirty oil, what could be the cause?
Carbonization from many operations.
64
List causes and remedies for a circuit breaker that’s tripping prematurely.
Causes include a setting that’s too low, repetitive closing and jogging, under voltage device and control
circuit and auxiliary pilot devices affected by operating circuit, and incorrect rating. Remedies include
resetting or increasing the trip setting, checking the load and current peaks against the setting, and checking
the circuits.
65
Why must you not wear coveralls with the top half wrapped around your waist?
Wearing coveralls in this manner increases the likelihood of injury from clothing getting caught in
machinery
66
What test requirements must hard hats meet?
20,000 Volts AC for three minutes.
67
Can you use rubber glove protectors as work gloves?
No
68
What are the requirements for long sleeves while working on electric lines greater than 50 V?
Sleeves must be rolled down and buttoned.
69
How often must you clean body belts and safety straps?
Every three months.
70
What two types of soap can we use to clean leather goods?
A neutral soap and saddle soap.
71
How often do you oil body belts and safety straps?
Every 6 months.
72
In regard to oiling, in what condition must leather straps and belts be before the bending test?
The leather should contain enough oil to be soft and pliable.
73
List some advantages belts made of webbing have over leather belts.
(a) Webbing withstands impact loads better, (b) webbing requires no special care and treatment as leather
would, (c) webbing can be evaluated more accurately by visual inspection.
74
State two major reasons for pole climbing accidents.
Improper climbing techniques and improper care and maintenance of climbers
75
How do you store climbers?
Wrapped in pairs in gaff guards and fastened with their straps.
76
List several things to look for when inspecting climbers.
Your answer might include: Loose or dull gaff; excessively worn, cracked, or torn straps and pads; enlarged
buckle holes in the straps; excessively worn stirrups; defective strap rings.
77
Name three ways to tell whether gaffs are sharpened properly.
Gauging, plane test, and pole cutout.
78
What do you need to hone the gaff of a machine-sharpened climber?
A pocket-size, smooth Carborundum stone.
79
What is the average life of a pair of climbers?
5 years.
80
Name two tools you need to field sharpen gaffs that aren’t machine sharpened.
A file and a Carborundum stone.
81
Why must you avoid rocking motions in sharpening a gaff with a file?
This will round the edges of the gaff.
82
What things must you inspect before attempting to climb a pole?
Climbers, body belt, safety strap, hardhat, leather gloves and pole itself.
83
To what does the positioning of gaffs on opposite sides of the pole lead?
Gaffs will point away from center of pole. This leads to cutouts and falls.
84
What is the approximate difference in step length when going up and down a pole?
When descending a pole, your steps should be approximately twice as long as when ascending a pole.
85
How does attachment of the ground wire affect climbing?
The climber should not use the side of the pole where the ground wire is attached.
86
What is the proper placement of the safety strap during climbing?
Fasten both ends of the safety strap to the “D” ring; NOT hanging loose.
87
Which type of manufactured rubber protective equipment is subject to ozone and corona
deterioration?
Type I, natural or polyisoprene synthetic rubber.
88
List signs of chemical deterioration of rubber protective equipment.
Corona cutting, ozone or sun checking, texture changes such as swelling, softening, hardening, or becoming
sticky or inelastic.
89
In which ANSI/ASTM specification would you find the in-service inspection requirements for
rubber insulating gloves?
ANSI/ASTM D120, Rubber Insulating Gloves.
90
What problem would you most likely encounter with rubber gloves that are a little too big for
your hands?
Loss of dexterity.
91
Why does the leather gauntlet have to be shorter than the rubber glove?
The gauntlet does not have the insulation value that the rubber glove has.
92
How do you wear rubber sleeves in conjunction with rubber gloves?
Tuck the sleeves inside the rubber gloves.
93
How often must you field air-test rubber gloves?
Before they are used each day and more frequently if you suspect damage.
94
How do you store rubber sleeves?
In a bag or rolled up.
95
What are the items to look for when inspecting a rubber sleeve?
Pinholes, cuts, scratches, abrasions, aging corona cutting, oil markings, or other chemical injuries.
96
What do you do if you find a petroleum product on a rubber blanket?
Wipe it off immediately.
97
How do you locate defects in a blanket?
The blanket must be rolled twice on each side so that the second roll is at a right angle to the first roll.
98
What is the electrical testing requirement for rubber blankets?
Electrically test them upon receipt from manufacturer and retest them at least once a year.
99
How do you store rubber blankets?
Flat or rolled in blanket rollups or canisters.
100
How often must the supervisor inspect rubber protective equipment?
Every 6 months.
101
For what purpose do you use hot-line tools?
To minimize the number of power interruptions or outages.
102
What is the minimum manufacturer certification test voltage for hot sticks?
75,000 volts AC per foot for 3 minutes on wooden sticks, and 100,000 volts AC per foot for 5 minutes on
fiberglass and epoxy sticks.
103
Where do you store hot-line tools?
In bins or on racks.
104
How often do hot sticks require a moisture test?
Upon receipt, and at least every six months, or when you suspect moisture penetration
105
How often does the supervisor inspect hot-line tools visually?
At least every 6 months.
106
You find a hot stick that needs cleaning; list the steps in sequence.
(1) Wipe stick surface clean with a clean rag. (2) Clean stick surface with an approved hot-stick pole
cleaner. (3) Wax hot stick with hot-stick wax.
107
Why must you not use silicone cloths to protect the glossy finish of fiberglass hot sticks?
Silicone has a migrating characteristic and, over a period of time, may hamper refinishing processes.
108
How many overall electrical tests are required for each stick?
Five, four 1-foot segments and one overall test.
109
What are the test contacts for the electrical hot-stick test?
Two spiral springs, 5/8 inch to 1 inch in diameter, or clamps which make contact with the entire
circumference of the stick. Springs must be wound of spring steel, 40 (±5) thousandths inch diameter.
110
Why do you use a plastic bag to cover the “hot” lead while you’re testing a hot stick electrically?
To eliminate corona.
111
In testing a hot stick electrically, at what rate do you raise the voltage to 80 kV and how long must
you maintain that voltage?
Raise the voltage at a rate of 10 kV per second and hold it for 1 minute.
112
How often must you test the aerial lift controls?
Each day before use.
113
How many people make up an aerial crew?
At least two qualified workers
114
Cite four aerial lift device travel procedures.
(1) Drivers must be alert to the fact the vehicle has exposed equipment above the elevation of the truck cab.
(2) Backing must be done slowly and under the direction of one person on the ground who has an
unobstructed view of the intended path of the vehicle, and of its driver.
(3) A truck must not be moved with the boom elevated.
(4) In traveling to and from job sites, pin-on buckets must either be removed and stored on the truck or
secured in a horizontal position to avoid obstructing the driver’s vision.
115
What precaution must an operator take before lowering the truck’s jacks?
The operator must be sure no one is close enough to be injured.
116
When it’s necessary to get within reach of energized conductors with the bucket, what precautions
must the operator take?
The bucket operator must wear rubber gloves and sleeves.
117
What precaution does the operator use if the aerial bucket is operated from the ground controls?
Workers operating ground controls must be on the vehicle or insulated from the ground using primary
rubber gloves and other protective equipment.
118
What tests must we perform on all new, stored, or modified aerial lift devices?
Tested in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and special requirements and do a pretest
inspection and acceptance test.
119
What test do you make on “in-use” aerial lift devices?
They get a daily pretest inspection and a periodic verification test.
120
If the fiberglass boom is dirty on the preinspection test, what do you do?
Remove dirt with fiberglass cleaner and then wax and buff with a dry cloth for a glossy finish.
121
What voltage do you use for the periodic verification test?
The voltage the truck will be working near that day.
122
What is the maximum allowable leakage for the upper insulated boom moisture test?
No more than 100 times that observed in the dry test—never more than 1.0 milliamperes.
123
State the purpose of the composite upper boom test.
To assure the collective insulation strength of the combined upper booms, air and hydraulic lines, and
leveling mechanism together
124
How do you test an aerial lift basket without a liner?
Place the basket in the test tank, fill the tank and basket with water to within 6 inches of the top, and place
the tester circuit ground on the test tank and a jumper to the truck frame. Put the source electrode in the
water inside basket and apply 100 kV DC for 1 minute. Maximum allowable leakage must not exceed 100
μA.
125
Who is responsible for testing the aerial lift device dielectrically?
Civil Engineering or other people trained to work with high voltage
126
What size winch cable handles loads of less than 10,000 pounds?
1/2-inch wire rope
127
What advantages are there in using a fabric winch cable instead of a wire rope cable?
It has no steel strands to cut skin, it’s lighter and more manageable to work with, and is nonconductive.
128
State the purpose of the boom and winch.
To raise, set, pull, and lower poles; load and unload poles from the pole trailer; and load, unload, raise, or
lower pole line equipment
129
How many people are needed for boom and winch operations?
At least two people.
130
How do you position the line truck when the job site is on a crown or slope?
So that you can work on high side.
131
What can you do if the line truck must be set up on hot asphalt or soft ground?
Place planks under the jack pads.
132
What piece of equipment do we use to pull a pole?
A pole jack.
133
How do you compensate for various loads while using a capstan?
Vary the number of turns of the rope from 3 to 6 or more.
134
Who must the ground worker always face?
The operator.
135
How do we signal winch operations?
With arm extended to the side and bent at the elbow.
136
How can you stop all operator action using hand signals?
Holding up a closed fist.
137
Which form do we use to note discrepancies found on the line truck?
AF Form 1806, Operator’s Inspection Guide and Trouble Report.
138
Name three checks you make during daily use of the line truck.
Preoperational, operational, and postoperational.
139
State the purpose of the postoperational check.
This check lets the operator identify any damage that may have been overlooked during the day’s work.
140
Whose responsibility is it to maintain line truck fluid levels?
The operator’s.
141
Name problems that can arise from low tire pressure on the line truck.
Uneven tire wear and inability to control the vehicle.
142
How often do we check the tire pressure? Where do we annotate it?
Check it at least monthly and annotate AF Form 1806.
143
Hole diameter
size of the pole butt, plus an additional 4 inches per side to allow room for
tamping. Adding 8 inches to the pole butt diameter gives you the minimum hole size.
144
Hole depth
poles longer than 60 feet need an extra 6 inches of hole
depth for each 5 feet of pole height. In rocky soil a pole doesn’t need to be set as deeply as it would in
normal soil. Set poles deeper in sandy or swampy soil or hold it up with guys, braces, or cribbing.
145
Each pole has a brand mark about 10 feet up from the butt that tells
length, class, timber species,
| and type of treatment.
146
three types of roofs on wooden poles
flat top, slant (single cut), and the gable
| double cut
147
Drilling the through-bolt hole
drill with an 11/16-inch
wood bit. This procedure allows a
standard 5/8-inch through-bolt to pass
through the hole with ease.
148
guy guard ensures
that the guy wire is more visible, therefore less hazardous
149
Why is it best to follow roadways in building a pole line distribution?
It is easier to build, inspect, and maintain the line
150
For low- and medium-voltage circuits, how much of the right-of-way must we clear?
An area extending 10 feet on each side of the pole.
151
How far from the edge of a curb do we set a pole?
2 feet.
152
State the purpose of a staking sheet.
It shows the pole location, how they’re to be installed, and the material required.
153
What must accompany a staking sheet?
A digging permit, AF Form 103, Base Civil Engineering Work Clearance Request.
154
List three things you check on a digging permit for before you start digging.
See that all areas are cleared, check the back side of the form for special instructions, and check for the
planning officer’s signature.
155
How much space do we leave around the butt of a pole for tamping?
4 inches all around.
156
How deep do we set a 45-foot pole set in normal soil?
6 1/2 feet.
157
What does a stake driven in the ground in the area where you are going to set a pole mean?
The exact center of a pole to be set.
158
How do you remove dirt from an earth auger?
By rapidly spinning the dirt off of the auger.
159
What is the principal objective of the pole unloading operation?
To unload poles so that none are broken and they don’t roll onto any of the workers.
160
Name two ways to bind the pole load so you can remove or cut the stakes and binding wire on the
unloading side.
One is to use two trucks with winch lines, the other is to use two or three guy wires.
161
Which tool do we use to cut the binding wires?
Long-handled wire cutters.
162
What tool do we use to position the poles once they are on the ground?
Cant hooks.
163
What is the preferred height for storing poles above ground?
30 inches.
164
In what position do we place the pole trailer in relation to the poles for loading?
Parallel to the poles, with the trailer tongue in the same direction as the butts of the poles.
165
If the poles are too long for the pole trailer, what can you do?
Use one of the long poles as a king pole.
166
Name three factors that determine the class of a pole.
Length, circumference at the top, and circumference 6 feet up from the butt
167
What minimum height and class pole do we use for an unguyed dead-end pole?
30 feet high, class 2.
168
What do we use as the grounding system for the installed equipment of concrete poles?
The reinforced steel rods cast into the poles.
169
Aluminum poles are commonly used in what types of circuits?
Roadway and area lighting circuits.
170
State the purpose of a roof on a pole.
To drain rain, melted snow, and other types of moisture.
171
At what angle do we cut the slant roof?
15°.
172
What is the purpose of a gain in a pole?
To steady, support, and straighten the crossarm.
173
How do we determine the height of a gain?
By the height of the crossarm.
174
How deep do we cut a gain into a pole?
1/2 inch deep.
175
What do you do to the gain to improve the crossarm’s stability?
Make its surface slightly concave.
176
What size hole do you drill in a pole for a 5/8-inch through bolt?
An 11/16-inch hole.
177
Name two additional pieces of equipment you need when you set poles in an energized circuit.
A pole guard and rubber gloves.
178
What does it mean to “rake a pole”?
To lean the pole against the direction of pull.
179
Once the pole is in the hole, what is the next step prior to backfilling?
It must be aligned with the other poles.
180
What keeps the water away from the base of the pole?
A mound of dirt piled against it following tamping.
181
Which anchor does not require a pilot hole?
The screw anchor.
182
Which anchor do we most often use in hard compact soil?
Expanding anchor.
183
You see that your crew is installing a cone anchor. What type of soil was probably encountered?
Rocky.
184
Describe a down guy.
A guy wire that runs from the top of the pole to an anchor in the ground.
185
State the purpose of a terminal down guy.
They’re usually used at the end of a pole line to counterbalance the pull of the line conductors.
186
Describe a span guy.
A span guy runs from the top of a pole to the top of the next pole or to a stub pole.
187
What is the purpose of three-eye thimbles on an anchor rod?
This lets you use individual down guys for primary, secondary, and communication circuits.
188
At what angle do we dig the hole for the anchor rod?
At the same angle as the guy wire.
189
Why do we use strain insulators in guy wires?
The strain insulator keeps the lower part from being energized if the upper part touches energized
conductors.
190
Acceptable climbing and working clearances and conductor clearances are specified in
AFJMAN 32–
| 1082, Facilities Engineering, Electrical Exterior Facilities.
191
wood crossarms made
| of
fir or pine fir arm lasts longer than the pine and is less knotty
192
Spool insulators are mostly used for
low-voltage and neutral
| (grounded) circuits or conductors
193
Guy strain insulators (“Johnny balls”) are used to
insulate guy wires
194
The class of insulator you use depends upon
operating voltage and degree of atmospheric pollution
195
ANSI
American National Standard Institute
196
Name the three elements that determine the loading zones for conductors and their supports.
Ice, wind pressures, and temperatures.
197
How far can a bolt extend into the climbing space?
2 inches.
198
How much is the horizontal climbing space for poles with wires carrying 750 volts or more?
No less than 30 inches.
199
What is the minimum height above a public street that a 7,200-volt primary circuit can be
installed on a pole?
20 feet.
200
How far apart must a 4,800-volt primary circuit and a 240-volt secondary service rack be on a
pole?
At least 2 feet 6 inches.
201
What is the highest primary distribution voltage you can place in a streetlight circuit?
5,000 volts.
202
Why is armless mounting preferred for open wire circuits?
Its attractive appearance and lower maintenance cost
203
Why must a crossarm have certain spacing and clearance requirements?
Because energized lines must be spaced far enough apart to keep the lines from arcing or shorting together
and to allow for climbing space.
204
What is the distance between pole pins on a 4,800-volt circuit?
30 inches.
205
How far from the peak of the pole do we install the first conductor on a pole in vertical
construction?
9 inches
206
In vertical construction, how far apart do you install conductors?
At least 4 feet apart for voltages to 8.7 kV and 6 feet apart for voltages from 8.7 kV to 50 kV.
207
What material types are found in crossarms?
Wood, steel, or epoxy.
208
What problem do you encounter when using glass insulators?
The insulators being shattered from vandalism.
209
What type of insulator do low voltage and neutral circuits mostly use?
Spool insulator
210
How many nuts and washers are needed for each DA bolt used to space two crossarms apart?
Each DA bolt requires four washers and nuts.
211
What knots do we normally use to raise a crossarm?
Half hitch at the top and clove hitch at the bottom of the crossarm.
212
Where do we place the guys on a pole with a vertical construction?
18 inches below the top conductor and 18 inches below the third conductor
213
List the tools you’ll need to string a new section of wire.
Handtools, handline, wire cutters, wire grip, and chain hoist
214
Why do you NOT pay out conductors from a non-rotating reel?
Because each turn you remove from the reel gives the conductor a twist that could kink or damage it.
215
How do we hang conductors on steel crossarms?
In snatch blocks
216
How do you install the conductors on an in-line pole?
Raise an inside conductor first, then send up the outside conductor.
217
What safety precautions must you take in stringing conductors?
Check for energized conductors, wear protective equipment, and ground conductors after they are hung.
218
Which type of splice produces the most trouble-free connection?
The compression splice
219
How does the automatic splice work?
The automatic splice has internal gripping jaws. As you push the conductor ends into the splice, they pass
by these tapered jaws. When you put tension on the conductors, the jaws clamp down and stay clamped as
long as you keep tension on the conductor.
220
Where do we use hot-line clamps?
In places where it is convenient or necessary to use hot sticks or where the connection must be opened
occasionally
221
Why do we use stirrups in conjunction with hot-line clamps?
To avoid “burn-through” of the conductor
222
What design feature lets you fit the compression tap connector on a conductor without cutting?
The connector has a U-shaped opening
223
What two types of troubles can occur with hot-line clamps?
Burning of the main conductor at the contact due to looseness and high resistance, and difficulty of removal
due to freezing of the body bolt.
224
What position should the conductors be in before you start sagging?
They are laid in the insulator grooves.
225
What special tools do you need for conductor sagging?
Conductor grip and chain hoist.
226
Why do we sag the two outside conductors first?
To balance the pull on the crossarms
227
Why do we allow the conductors to creep and for how long?
From 30 minutes to 4 hours so the tension and sag in each span is the same.
228
List four factors that determine the amount of sag in a line.
Size and material of the conductor, temperature, length of the span, and loading district.
229
At what location do we use the sighting method to sag a pole line?
Select a span near the middle of the length to be sagged
230
On in-line poles, what is the best groove to use on an insulator?
Top groove
231
How do we fasten conductors to insulators?
With tie wires or clamps
232
What type of wire do we use for tie wire?
Soft drawn.
233
What size tie wire would you use on 1/0 and larger wire?
No. 2.
234
Why do we use armor rod on aluminum conductors?
To reduce stresses placed on the conductor
235
Name the four transformer installation methods.
Directly to pole, cluster bracket, pad mount, and H-frame
236
How do we mount the radial cluster bracket to the pole?
Bolted around the pole
237
If a transformer is to serve several buildings, where do you locate it?
Closest to the center of the secondary loads served.
238
How do you mount a 500-kVA transformer in most cases?
Pad mounted
239
What are the three ways to mount a small single-phase transformer to a pole?
Block and tackle, snatch blocks and winch, or boom and winch
240
Why do we use a tag line when raising a transformer?
The tag line keeps the transformer from bumping into crossarms, accessories, and other units you are
raising.
241
What do you connect to the top and bottom connection points of a lightning arrester?
The top you connect to a primary wire, the bottom to a ground wire.
242
What causes a low power factor on a distribution line?
Large induction load
243
What piece of equipment contributes to a large amount of induction?
An idle transformer.
244
How do you raise the power factor on a distribution line?
By adding capacitors to the circuit
245
What do we use on distribution capacitors to discharge them?
Discharge resistors
246
How soon after disconnection can we consider a capacitor to be fully discharged?
5 minutes
247
What kind of sound does a solid pole emit when you strike it with a hammer?
A sharp ringing sound.
248
How do fungi affect the condition of a pole?
They break down the wood (rot and decay).
249
In what area of the pole is surface decay most likely to occur the quickest?
At the ground line.
250
Which affects pole strength more, surface rot or heart rot?
Surface rot.
251
How often do we schedule poles for inspection?
At least every 5 years.
252
How can you spot interior deterioration of a pole?
By boring a 1/2-inch hole into the pole
253
To what areas on a pole must we give special attention?
The upper portion and areas where crossarms and the other devices are attached
254
How deep do you trench around a pole to inspect for rot and decay?
8 to 18 inches
255
How do you keep water from puddling around the pole?
Leave a mound of dirt around the pole
256
When do we inspect crossarms?
The same time we inspect the poles (at least every 5 years).
257
What do we use to treat a pole?
Creosote and pentachlorophenol (penta).
258
When do you replace bolts?
If the head is rusted.
259
What do you look for in checking conductors?
Uniform sag in all conductors
260
Which type of insulators requires the most reliability in service?
Switch-and-bus.
261
When do you clean insulators?
While they’re out of service.
262
What type of cleaning solution is effective for tenacious deposits on insulators?
Muriatic acid diluted with water.
263
When do you replace guy wires?
When they’re weak from corrosion or physical damage.
264
When do you make the initial inspection on a newly installed capacitor bank?
Within 24 hours after energizing.
265
How long do you let capacitors discharge, and what do you do after they’re discharged?
Wait 5 minutes then short the terminals to ground.
266
What percent of rated voltage can a capacitor withstand?
110 percent.
267
Why must we clear tree limbs and branches away from overhead lines?
Tree limbs can break off into the lines, cause shorts, and ground out the circuit.
268
From what equipment item must we do tree trimming?
An insulated aerial bucket
269
In making a side cut, where do you cut off the limbs? Why?
At a crotch; so the limb can continue to grow parallel or away from the lines.
270
What is the purpose of tying tree limbs off with a rope?
To keep the limbs from falling into the wires
271
Why is an undercut necessary in large tree limbs?
To keep from peeling the bark off the main portion of the tree when the limb falls.
272
Which is the best way to fell a tree?
In one piece
273
What do you wear when you’re handling chemical plant sprays?
Rubber gloves and protective clothing.
274
What do you do if your skin comes in contact with poisonous plants?
Wash with warm water or rubbing alcohol
275
What is usually the first step in troubleshooting an overhead distribution circuit that has lost
power?
Inspect the circuit visually for signs of trouble.
276
After you make a visual inspection on an overhead circuit that has lost power, what do you do
before energizing the circuit?
Check in with the service call desk to see if someone has seen the fault occur.
277
What must you do before testing an overhead line for voltage?
Open all breaker switches
278
How do you use “Danger” tags when you work on an overhead line?
Hang danger tags (signed by the person in charge) on switches opened to “kill” a line, and don’t remove
them until the work is finished and you are directed to do so by the person in charge of the work.
279
What type of test are you performing when testing a conductor and you connect one lead from a
megger to the end of the conductor while connecting the other megger lead to a water pipe?
You are testing the line to see if it is grounded
280
How do you use a megger to test a 3-phase line for shorts?
Connect the megger between two lines for each of the three phases. A zero resistance shows a short
281
How do you prepare a 3-phase line to test it for an open?
Short the distant ends together with a jumper or ground all three phases. Test for continuity between all
three phases.
282
When testing for an open line, what is indicated by a megger reading of infinity?
An open.
283
List the three main causes of noises on a power line system.
Defective equipment insulation, loose connections, and poor location of ground wire staples.
284
When are loose connections most apparent?
On a windy day.
285
What types of problems show up in an infrared inspection?
Any condition that would produce excess heat.
286
What must you do before you work on deenergized lines?
Test for voltage and ground properly
287
What size must the ground set be?
They must be of such size as to carry the induced current and maximum fault current that could flow at the
point of grounding for the time necessary to clear the line.
288
What is the cable insulation requirement for a ground set?
It must be 600 volts insulated rubber or synthetic-covered flexible copper.
289
After testing for voltage, what is the next step prior to attaching the ground set to the conductors?
Ground the ground set
290
What minimum specification must single, temporary grounds meet?
A single rod, six feet long, 5/8 inches in diameter with at least 5 feet of the rod driven in the ground.
291
Why may a broken line require that some of the wire be cut out and replaced?
Wire may have become soft and weak on each side of the break
292
What else do you inspect when replacing a blown fuse on a transformer bank?
Inspect the other fuses for discoloration, which indicates overheating and possible weakness
293
Name three causes of lightning arrester failure.
Dirt, mechanical damage, and lightning.
294
What condition in the lighting circuits of a building might an open neutral may cause?
May cause some lamps to be brighter while some too dim when the load is out of balance.
295
What requirement must be met before we can use the aerial bucket truck to make a midspan
splice?
The minimum high-voltage resistance
296
How do we position the aerial bucket truck to do a midspan splice?
So that the boom clears all lines but still allows the worker to face the bad line from the front of the bucket.
297
List the tools to use when making a midspan splice.
Two wire grips (one left hand and one right hand), two grip-all sticks, insulated hoist, three wire holders,
one hot-line cutter, and an insulated crimping tool.
298
How much line do you leave between the wire grip location and cut?
At least 1 foot.
299
What precaution must you take to secure a jumper wire that is in the way?
Anchor it down so that it is a safe distance away
300
What do you use to keep the ends of the wire from curling back into another line?
Two wire holders placed on the ends of the cut wire.
301
What do you use to handle the section of wire that is cut out and the new section that is spliced
in?
A third wire holder
302
What do you use to remove the wire grips when the splice is completed and the jumper wire and
hoist have been removed?
A grip-all stick.
303
State the purpose of the tool hanger.
It holds several hot sticks.
304
What tie stick would you use to untie a tie wire?
Fixed-blade and rotary-blade.
305
How often should you cut the tie wires when you are untying them?
Cut the tie wire each time it passes around the conductor
306
How many wire tong saddles usually support the wire tongs?
2
307
Where do you assemble the auxiliary crossarm?
On the ground before you need it.
308
What makes up the center mast wire tong?
Two wire tongs of a larger size that are spliced together to form one piece or assembly.
309
What secures the conductors to the auxiliary crossarm?
Wire holders
310
What type of chain tightening device does the snubbing bracket have?
Wheel or lever
311
What are the chain-tightening device and rib-reinforced bracket usually made of?
Heat-treated aluminum alloy
312
How far do you raise the conductors above the original crossarm?
Approximately a 42-inch working distance
313
When installing the conductors on the new crossarm, how do you keep the conductors from
slipping out of the insulator grooves until they are tied in?
Lower the auxiliary crossarm until there is a slight downward pressure on the conductors
314
What can you do to make it easier to untie the tie wires in the future?
Put looped ends on the tie wires
315
What factor must you observe throughout the job?
Safety.
316
How many line hoses and insulator hoods are required to change out a crossarm supporting 3-
phase conductors?
Eight line hoses and two insulator hoods
317
Within how many feet of the old pole do we usually install the new pole ?
2 to 3 feet
318
How do you clear the two outside phases from the working area?
Remove the conductors from the insulator, tie a tag line to the covered portion of the lines, and have the
ground personnel pull and tag the lines away from the pole.
319
What is the best method to use when transferring conductors?
Auxiliary arm method
320
What is the best method for testing voltage with the high voltage-audible indicator?
Test a live circuit, then a dead circuit, and retest on the live circuit again.
321
When replacing a crossarm on a de-energized system, how do you clear the inside conductors
from the work area?
Drive two screwdrivers into the top of the utility pole and place the two conductors on top of the pole
between the two screwdrivers
322
What is the first step in removing the crossarm from the pole?
Remove the lag screw securing the crossarm braces to the pole and swing them to the outside of the
crossarm out of the way
323
What types of knots do we use to secure the crossarm to the hand line?
A clove-hitch and a half-hitch.
324
While waiting for the ground person to send up the new crossarm, what does the electrician on
the pole do with his or her belt to ensure the throughbolt stays in position?
Place his or her safety strap over the head of the through bolt
325
When installing the insulators on top of the insulator pins, how do you orient the grooves on top
of them?
Parallel with the conductors.
326
Explain the use of a service or facility meter.
To determine how much power has been used by a facility or organization.
327
Name the two types of service meters.
The dial and the digital
328
In an AC circuit, what is the watt-hour meter designed to measure?
True power in an AC circuit.
329
What caution must we take with current transformers?
The secondary side of CT must be shorted while there is any current flowing in the primary.
330
When transposing the numbers from the dial meter to a piece of paper, why do you need to start
on the right hand dial then work to the left?
The reason for this is to reduce the chance of misreading the meter
