Electrical Power Line and Cable Workers

Nature of work

Electrical power line and cable workers construct, maintain, and repair overhead and underground electrical power transmission and distribution systems. They work for electric power generation, transmission and distribution companies, electrical contractors, and public utility commissions.

Job duties

Electrical power line and cable workers:

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems including overhead and underground power lines and cables, insulators, conductors, lightning arrestors, switches, transformers, and other associated equipment.
• Build and maintain steel, wood or concrete poles, towers, and guy wires.
• Splice, solder and insulate conductors and related wiring to connect power distribution and transmission networks using splicing tools, related electrical equipment, and tools.
• Inspect and test overhead and underground power lines and cables and auxiliary equipment using electrical test equipment.
• Climb ladders or operate hydraulic buckets when working aloft on poles and towers or work in confined spaces like trenches and tunnels to install power lines and cables and associated equipment.
• Install and maintain street lighting systems.
• Communicate with other workers to coordinate the preparation and completion of work assignments.

Sample job titles

• cable installer and repairer - electric power systems
• cable line worker
• emergency servicer - electric power systems
• line repairer - electric power systems
• meter installer - electric power systems
• powerline technician
• repair lineman/woman - electric power systems
• service lineman/woman - electric power systems

Skills

• Communication skills
• Ability to plan their work
• Mechanical aptitude
• Good hearing, vision, and the ability to distinguish colours
• Strength and stamina
• Coordination and manual dexterity
• Comfort with heights
• Analytical skills to read and interpret diagrams, drawings, and specifications
• Ability to work in a team
• Adaptability to changing tasks and locations
• Safety awareness

Job requirements

• High school or equivalent (usually).
• Training through a 7,200-hour apprenticeship program with four apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
• Trade Qualifier option, 10,800 hours, and other criteria.
• Certification for powerline technicians is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
• Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for powerline technicians.
• Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.

Other considerations

• Setting is outdoors at various worksites, at any hour, and in any weather.
• The work always involves travel to and from the worksite, which is often in remote areas.
• Hazards include working with high voltage equipment, working in confined spaces, working at heights, and in extreme weather conditions. There is possible exposure to asbestos, silica dust, mercury, lead, and PCBs.
• The work may be strenuous and requires frequent heavy lifting, working in awkward positions, carrying, and reaching.
• Getting to powerlines requires climbing poles and structures, working from aerial work platforms, and entering maintenance holes and underground vaults.
• Power lines may be de-energized and grounded, or they may remain energized while technicians are working. Powerline technicians use special equipment and safe work practices and procedures when working with energized power lines.
• Powerline technicians may also specialize in one of the following areas: transmission lines, overhead or underground distribution systems, communication networks, and electrical power stations.
• With experience, powerline technicians may act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They may advance to senior journeyperson, foreperson, supervisory or managerial positions. They can also transfer their skills to related occupations in areas like design, planning, safety, technical support services, and system control.
• While a 40-hour workweek is normal, it may be shift work. In emergencies, technicians may be called upon at any hour and in any weather.
• Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program is completed.
• Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.

Regulations

Contacts