Troubleshooting Overhead Lines
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course describes methods of safely locating problems on overhead lines that result in loss of power to customers. These methods are called troubleshooting. This begins by describing the logical steps for troubleshooting, one method of troubleshooting called patrolling, common problems to look for, and safety precautions to observe when troubleshooting overhead lines. This program also describes how to locate problems on a primary line using various sectionalizing approaches. It also describes how to locate trouble on secondary lines using various testing approaches.
COURSE GOALS
Explain the purpose of troubleshooting, and describe the steps for troubleshooting an overhead distribution system.
Explain the purpose of patrolling, and identify problems to look for when patrolling.
Discuss safety precautions to observe when troubleshooting overhead distribution lines.
Describe methods for sectionalizing primary lines.
Describe or demonstrate how to locate trouble on a line by testing secondary lines.
SUBJECTS AND OBJECTIVES
Introduction to Troubleshooting
Explain the purpose of troubleshooting.
Describe the logical steps for troubleshooting an overhead distribution system.
Patrolling
Explain the purpose of patrolling overhead distribution systems.
Identify common problems to look for when patrolling overhead distribution lines.
Troubleshooting Safety
Describe safety precautions that should be observed when troubleshooting overhead distribution lines.
Sectionalizing Primary – Part 1
Explain when it may be appropriate to close in a line that has tripped open.
Describe three ways that a line can be sectionalized.
Sectionalizing Primary – Part 2
Describe the principles for locating trouble on a primary line by sectionalizing and energizing portions of the line.
Testing Secondary – Part 1
Describe how to locate trouble on a secondary circuit by visually checking the circuit and by testing for voltage at a customer’s meter.
Testing Secondary – Part 2
Describe how to locate trouble on a secondary circuit by testing for voltage output from a distribution transformer.
Describe how to locate trouble on a secondary circuit by testing for voltage to a distribution transformer.