Major Work Activity C - Installs conductor systems
Table of Contents
- Task C-9 Installs overhead conductors and cables
- Task C-10 Installs underground and underwater cable
Task C-9 Installs overhead conductors and cables
Task Descriptor
Overhead conductors and cables are installed to deliver electricity from the generating facilities (wind, solar, coal, hydro) to customers. They are also used to interconnect utilities. This includes communication lines such as fibre optic cable.
Overhead conductors are easier to access than underground or underwater conductors. There are various types of overhead conductors such as primary and secondary. Some are bare and others are insulated.
C-9.01 - Strings overhead conductors and cables
| NL | NS | PE | NB | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | BC | NT | YT | NU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| yes | yes | yes | yes | NV | yes | NV | yes | yes | yes | NV | NV | NV |
| Reference Code | Performance Criteria | Evidence of Attainment |
|---|---|---|
| C-9.01.01P | select and use tools and equipment | tools and equipment to string overhead conductors and cables are selected and used according to job requirements |
| C-9.01.02P | install travellers | travellers are installed on pole or steel lattice structures |
| C-9.01.03P | run conductor or rope through travellers | conductor or rope is temporarily run through travellers to reduce friction when sagging |
| C-9.01.04P | attach pulling equipment | pulling equipment is attached to conductor or rope |
| C-9.01.05P | set up and operate stringing equipment | stringing equipment is set up and operated when installing overhead conductors and cables |
Range of Variables
- tools and equipment include: pulling equipment, tension stringing equipment, grounding equipment, break-a-ways, cover-up
- overhead conductors and cables include: transmission, distribution
| Reference Code | Learning Outcomes | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| C-9.01.01L | demonstrate knowledge of overhead conductors and cables, their characteristics and applications | define terminology associated with overhead conductors and cables |
| identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to overhead conductors and cables | ||
| interpret utility standards pertaining to overhead conductors and cables | ||
| interpret information pertaining to overhead conductors and cables found on drawings and specifications | ||
| identify tools and equipment relating to stringing overhead conductors and cables and describe their applications and procedures for use | ||
| identify types of overhead conductors and cables and describe their characteristics and applications | ||
| identify considerations and requirements for selecting overhead conductors and cables | ||
| C-9.01.02L | demonstrate knowledge of conductor and cable protection methods, procedures and their applications | identify conductor and cable protection methods and describe their characteristics, procedures and applications |
| describe conductor and cable protection methods used to provide electrical protection | ||
| C-9.01.03L | demonstrate knowledge of distribution lines, their applications and operation | define terminology associated with distribution lines |
| identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to distribution lines | ||
| interpret codes, standards and regulations pertaining to distribution lines | ||
| interpret information pertaining to distribution lines found on drawings and specifications | ||
| identify tools and equipment relating to stringing distribution lines and describe their applications and procedures for use | ||
| explain principles of electrical distribution | ||
| identify types of electrical distribution systems and describe their characteristics and applications | ||
| C-9.01.04L | demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to string distribution lines | describe procedures used to string distribution lines |
| describe distribution line design theory | ||
| identify basic electrical design requirements of distribution lines | ||
| C-9.01.05L | demonstrate knowledge of transmission lines, their applications and operation | define terminology associated with transmission lines |
| identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to transmission lines | ||
| interpret codes, standards and regulations pertaining to transmission lines | ||
| interpret information pertaining to transmission lines found on drawings and specifications | ||
| identify tools and equipment relating to transmission lines and describe their applications and procedures for use | ||
| identify types of transmission lines and describe their characteristics and applications | ||
| C-9.01.06L | demonstrate knowledge of electrical principles | explain principles of electricity |
| identify transmission lines components and describe their applications and operation | ||
| describe procedures used to install transmission lines | ||
| C-9.01.07L | demonstrate knowledge of procedures used in temporary grounding and bonding of transmission and distribution lines | identify temporary grounding and bonding procedures pertaining to transmission and distribution lines |
| describe procedures used for temporary grounding and bonding of transmission and distribution lines | ||
| explain troubleshooting and repair procedures pertaining to transmission and distribution lines |
Range of Variables
- overhead conductors and cables include: transmission, distribution
- conductor and cable protection methods include: mechanical, electrical
- tools and equipment include: pulling equipment, tension stringing equipment, grounding equipment, break-a-ways, cover-up
- procedures used to string distribution lines include: conventional stringing, non-tension, tension stringing
C-9.02 - Sags overhead conductors and cables
| NL | NS | PE | NB | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | BC | NT | YT | NU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| yes | yes | yes | yes | NV | yes | NV | yes | yes | yes | NV | NV | NV |
| Reference Code | Performance Criteria | Evidence of Attainment |
|---|---|---|
| C-9.02.01P | select and use tools and equipment | tools and equipment to sag overhead conductors and cables are selected and used according to job requirements |
| C-9.02.02P | adjust conductor and cable tension | conductor and cable tension is adjusted based on information |
| C-9.02.03P | secure conductor and cable | conductor and cable are secured to dead-end fixtures depending on type and size of conductor |
Range of Variables
- tools and equipment include: jacks, slings, chains, grips, sag boards, scopes, transits, dynamometer
- information includes: sag charts, temperature, conductor type, weights and tensions
| Reference Code | Learning Outcomes | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| C-9.02.01L | demonstrate knowledge of effects of sagging on overhead conductors and cables | define terminology associated with sagging overhead conductors and cables |
| identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to sagging overhead conductors and cables | ||
| interpret codes, standards and regulations pertaining to sagging overhead conductors and cables | ||
| interpret information and perform calculations pertaining to sagging overhead conductors and cables found on drawings and specifications | ||
| identify tools and equipment relating to sagging overhead conductors and cables and describe their applications and procedures for use | ||
| explain effects of sagging on overhead conductors and cables | ||
| identify types and sizes of overhead conductors and cables and describe their characteristics and applications | ||
| identify considerations and requirements for selecting dead-ends for overhead conductors and cables | ||
| C-9.02.02L | demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to sag overhead conductors and cables | describe procedures used to sag overhead conductors and cables |
Range of Variables
- information includes: sag charts, temperature, conductor type, weights and tensions
- tools and equipment include: jacks, slings, chains, grips, sag boards, scopes, transits, dynamometer
C-9.03 - Ties-in overhead conductors and cables
| NL | NS | PE | NB | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | BC | NT | YT | NU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| yes | yes | yes | yes | NV | yes | NV | yes | yes | yes | NV | NV | NV |
| Reference Code | Performance Criteria | Evidence of Attainment |
|---|---|---|
| C-9.03.01P | select and use tools and equipment | tools and equipment to tie-in overhead conductors and cables are selected and used according to job requirements |
| C-9.03.02P | transfer conductor and cables | conductor and cables are transferred from travellers to insulators |
| C-9.03.03P | install components | components are installed according to company standards |
| C-9.03.04P | secure conductor and cables | conductor and cables are secured using clamps or ties |
| C-9.03.05P | remove travellers | travellers are removed |
Range of Variables
- tools and equipment include: lineman pliers, ratchets, wrenches, cordless impact driver
- components include: dampers, spacers, aerial markers, armour rods
| Reference Code | Learning Outcomes | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| C-9.03.01L | demonstrate knowledge of overhead conductor and cable tie-ins and components | define terminology associated with overhead conductor and cable tie-ins and components |
| identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to overhead conductor and cable tie-ins and components | ||
| interpret utility standards pertaining to overhead conductor and cable tie-ins and components | ||
| interpret information pertaining to overhead conductor and cable tie-ins and components found on drawings and specifications | ||
| identify tools and equipment relating to tying in overhead conductor and cable tie-ins and components and describe their applications and procedures for use | ||
| identify overhead conductor and cable tie-ins and components | ||
| identify considerations and requirements for selecting overhead conductor and cable tie-ins and components | ||
| C-9.03.02L | demonstrate knowledge of conductor and cable protection methods used for tie-ins | identify conductor and cable protection methods used for tie-ins |
| describe conductor and cable protection methods used to provide mechanical protection and support | ||
| C-9.03.03L | demonstrate knowledge of distribution and transmission lines, their components, applications and operation | identify distribution and transmission lines and their components |
| describe the application and operation of distribution and transmission lines and their components |
Range of Variables
- components include: dampers, spacers, aerial markers, armour rods
- tools and equipment include: lineman pliers, ratchets, wrenches, cordless impact driver
- conductor and cable protection methods include: mechanical, electrical
C-9.04 - Installs splices and connections to overhead conductors and cables
| NL | NS | PE | NB | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | BC | NT | YT | NU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| yes | yes | yes | yes | NV | yes | NV | yes | yes | yes | NV | NV | NV |
| Reference Code | Performance Criteria | Evidence of Attainment |
|---|---|---|
| C-9.04.01P | select and use tools and equipment | tools and equipment to splice overhead conductors and cables are selected and used according to job requirements |
| C-9.04.02P | select and apply sleeves | sleeves are selected and applied on ends of overhead conductors and cables to be spliced according to engineering standards |
| C-9.04.03P | select and apply connectors | connectors are selected and applied on ends of overhead conductors and cables to be connected according to engineering standards |
| C-9.04.04P | follow splicing techniques | splicing techniques are followed according to manufacturers’ specifications |
Range of Variables
- tools and equipment include: wire brushes, cable cutters, presses, jacks, powder-actuated tools
- sleeves include: automatic, mechanical, compression, implosive
- connectors include: powder-actuated, mechanical, compression, implosive
| Reference Code | Learning Outcomes | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| C-9.04.01L | demonstrate knowledge of splices and connections for overhead conductors and cables | define terminology associated with splices and connections for overhead conductors and cables |
| identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to splices and connections for conductors and cables | ||
| interpret utility standards pertaining to splices and connections for overhead conductors and cables | ||
| interpret information pertaining to splices and connections for overhead conductors and cables found on drawings and specifications | ||
| identify tools and equipment relating to splices and connections for overhead conductors and cables and describe their applications and procedures for use | ||
| identify types of splices and connections for overhead conductors and cables and describe their characteristics and applications | ||
| C-9.04.02L | demonstrate knowledge of conductor and cable protection methods for splices and connections | identify conductor and cable protection methods for splices and connections and, describe their characteristics, procedures and applications |
| describe conductor and cable protection methods used to provide electrical protection for splices and connections | ||
| C-9.04.03L | demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to splice conductors and cables | describe procedures used to splice conductors and cables |
Range of Variables
- tools and equipment include: wire brushes, cable cutters, presses, jacks, powder-actuated tools
- conductor and cable protection methods include: mechanical, electrical
Task C-10 Installs underground and underwater cable
Task Descriptor
Powerline technicians install underground and underwater cable for aesthetic, clearance, geographic and safety reasons. These types of installations require special care when installing. If improperly installed, repair is more costly and time consuming which in turn affects customer service because of longer outages.
C-10.01 - Installs conduit and cable
| NL | NS | PE | NB | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | BC | NT | YT | NU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| yes | yes | yes | yes | NV | yes | NV | yes | yes | yes | NV | NV | NV |
| Reference Code | Performance Criteria | Evidence of Attainment |
|---|---|---|
| C-10.01.01P | select and use tools and equipment | tools and equipment to install conduits and cable are selected and used according to job requirements |
| C-10.01.02P | excavate trenches | trenches are cut for conduit and cable placement |
| C-10.01.03P | place conduits | conduits are placed in trench or waterway according to company standards and jurisdictional regulations |
| C-10.01.04P | install pulling ropes or tape | pulling ropes or tape are installed to facilitate future cable installation |
| C-10.01.05P | backfill trenches | trenches are backfilled using materials |
| C-10.01.06P | tamp soil | soil is tamped using compacting equipment |
| C-10.01.07P | prepare conduit for cable installation | conduit is prepared for cable installation by cleaning and clearing conduit |
| C-10.01.08P | apply cable lubricant | cable lubricant is applied to reduce friction when running cable through conduit |
| C-10.01.09P | attach pulling connections | pulling connections are attached to pulling rope |
| C-10.01.10P | pull cable through conduit | cable is pulled through conduit |
| C-10.01.11P | label cable | cable is labeled to identify circuit and phasing |
Range of Variables
- tools and equipment include: trenchers, vibratory plow, directional drill, backhoe, tamper, shovel, tugger, winch, swivel, cable pulling sock
- materials include: sand, clean fill, native soil
- pulling connections include: swivels, cable pulling sock
| Reference Code | Learning Outcomes | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| C-10.01.01L | demonstrate knowledge of underground and underwater systems, their components, characteristics and applications | define terminology associated with underground and underwater systems and their components |
| identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to underground and underwater systems | ||
| interpret utility standards pertaining to underground and underwater systems | ||
| interpret information pertaining to underground and underwater systems found on drawings and specifications | ||
| identify tools and equipment relating to underground and underwater systems and describe their applications and procedures for use | ||
| identify types of underground and underwater systems and describe their characteristics and applications | ||
| identify underground and underwater systems components and describe their characteristics and applications | ||
| identify considerations and requirements for selecting underground and underwater systems and their components | ||
| C-10.01.02L | demonstrate knowledge of cable protection methods and their applications | identify cable protection methods and describe their characteristics and applications |
| describe procedures used to provide protection for underground and underwater cables | ||
| C-10.01.03L | demonstrate knowledge of underground and underwater systems construction principles | explain principles of underground and underwater systems construction |
| C-10.01.04L | demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to install underground and underwater systems, and their components | describe procedures used to install underground and underwater systems, and their components |
Range of Variables
- underground and underwater systems include: radial, loop, network
- components include: cables (concentric neutral, non-shielded, shielded), cable protection, system grounds, conduit
- tools and equipment include: trenchers, vibratory plow, directional drill, backhoe, tamper, shovel, tugger, winch, swivel, cable pulling sock
- cable protection methods include: mechanical, electrical
C-10.02 - Places direct buried cable
| NL | NS | PE | NB | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | BC | NT | YT | NU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| yes | yes | yes | yes | NV | yes | NV | yes | yes | yes | NV | NV | NV |
| Reference Code | Performance Criteria | Evidence of Attainment |
|---|---|---|
| C-10.02.01P | select and use tools and equipment | tools and equipment to place direct buried underground and underwater cable are selected and used according to job requirements |
| C-10.02.02P | excavate trenches | trenches are cut for direct buried underground and underwater cable placement |
| C-10.02.03P | lay direct buried underground and underwater cable | direct buried underground and underwater cable are placed in trench or waterway according to company standards and jurisdictional regulations |
| C-10.02.04P | label direct buried underground and underwater cable | direct buried underground and underwater cable are labeled to identify circuit and phasing |
| C-10.02.05P | backfill trenches | trenches are backfilled using materials |
| C-10.02.06P | tamp soil | soil is tamped using compacting equipment |
Range of Variables
- tools and equipment include: trenchers, vibratory plow, directional drill, backhoe, tamper, shovel, swivel, cable pulling sock
- materials include: sand, clean fill, native soil
| Reference Code | Learning Outcomes | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| C-10.02.01L | demonstrate knowledge of direct buried underground and underwater cable | define terminology associated with direct buried underground and underwater cable |
| identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to direct buried underground and underwater cable | ||
| interpret information pertaining to direct buried underground and underwater cable found on drawings and specifications | ||
| interpret codes, standards and regulations pertaining to underground and underwater systems | ||
| identify tools and equipment relating to direct buried underground and underwater cable and describe their applications and procedures for use | ||
| identify types of direct buried underground and underwater cable and describe their characteristics and applications | ||
| identify direct buried underground and underwater cable components and accessories and describe their characteristics and applications | ||
| C-10.02.02L | demonstrate knowledge of cable protection methods and their applications | identify cable protection methods and describe their characteristics and applications |
| describe procedures used to provide protection for direct buried underground and underwater cable | ||
| C-10.02.03L | demonstrate knowledge of direct buried underground and underwater systems construction principles | explain principles of direct buried underground and underwater systems construction |
| C-10.02.04L | demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to install direct buried underground and underwater systems, and their components | describe procedures used to install direct buried underground and underwater systems, and their components |
Range of Variables
- tools and equipment include: trenchers, vibratory plow, directional drill, backhoe, tamper, shovel, swivel, cable pulling sock
- cable protection methods include: mechanical, electrical
- underground and underwater systems include: radial, loop, network
C-10.03 - Splices underground and underwater cable
| NL | NS | PE | NB | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | BC | NT | YT | NU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| yes | yes | yes | yes | NV | yes | NV | yes | yes | yes | NV | NV | NV |
| Reference Code | Performance Criteria | Evidence of Attainment |
|---|---|---|
| C-10.03.01P | select and use tools and equipment | tools and equipment to splice underground and underwater cable are selected and used according to job requirements |
| C-10.03.02P | prepare cable | cable is prepared according to manufacturers’ specifications and company standards |
| C-10.03.03P | apply sleeve | sleeves are applied on ends of cables to be spliced according to engineering standards |
| C-10.03.04P | make mechanical or compression connection | connection is installed according to manufacturers’ specifications |
| C-10.03.05P | complete splice | splice is completed according to manufacturers’ specifications and company standards |
| C-10.03.06P | label cable | cable is labeled to identify circuit and phasing |
Range of Variables
- tools and equipment include: wire brushes, cable cutters, cable strippers, presses, tape measure, ratchets, hacksaws, lineman pliers, hack knife
- cables include: concentric neutral, non-shielded, shielded
- sleeves include: mechanical, compression
| Reference Code | Learning Outcomes | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| C-10.03.01L | demonstrate knowledge of underground and underwater splices for cables, their characteristics and applications | define terminology associated with splices for underground and underwater cables |
| identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to splices for underground and underwater cables | ||
| interpret utility standards pertaining to splices for underground and underwater cables | ||
| interpret information pertaining to splices for underground and underwater cables found on drawings and specifications | ||
| identify tools and equipment relating to splices for underground and underwater cables and describe their applications and procedures for use | ||
| identify types of splices for underground and underwater cables and describe their characteristics and applications | ||
| C-10.03.02L | demonstrate knowledge of cable protection methods and their characteristics, applications and procedures used to provide protection | identify cable protection methods and describe their characteristics and applications |
| describe procedures used to provide protection for underground and underwater cable splices | ||
| C-10.03.03L | demonstrate knowledge of underground and underwater systems, their characteristics and applications | define terminology associated with underground and underwater systems |
| identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to underground and underwater systems | ||
| interpret codes, standards and regulations pertaining to underground and underwater systems | ||
| interpret information pertaining to underground and underwater systems found on drawings and specifications | ||
| identify tools and equipment relating to underground and underwater systems and describe their applications and procedures for use | ||
| identify types of underground and underwater systems and describe their applications | ||
| identify underground and underwater systems components and accessories and describe their characteristics and applications | ||
| C-10.03.04L | demonstrate knowledge of underground and underwater systems construction principles | explain principles of underground and underwater systems construction |
| C-10.03.05L | demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to splice and test underground and underwater cables | describe procedures used to cut, strip and splice underground and underwater cables |
| describe procedures used to test underground and underwater cables |
Range of Variables
- cables include: concentric neutral, non-shielded, shielded
- tools and equipment include: wire brushes, cable cutters, cable strippers, presses, tape measure, ratchets, hacksaws, lineman pliers, hack knife
- cable protection methods include: mechanical, electrical
- underground and underwater systems include: radial, loop, network
- underground and underwater system components and accessories include: cables (concentric neutral, non-shielded, shielded), cable protection, system grounds, duct systems, direct-buried systems
C-10.04 - Terminates underground and underwater cable
| NL | NS | PE | NB | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | BC | NT | YT | NU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| yes | yes | yes | yes | NV | yes | NV | yes | yes | yes | NV | NV | NV |
| Reference Code | Performance Criteria | Evidence of Attainment |
|---|---|---|
| C-10.04.02P | prepare underground and underwater cable for termination | underground and underwater cable is prepared for termination by following manufacturers’ specifications and company standards |
| C-10.04.03P | apply fittings | fittings are applied on end of underground and underwater cable to be terminated according to engineering standards |
| C-10.04.04P | make connection | connectors are installed on underground and underwater cables according to manufacturers’ specifications and company standards |
| C-10.04.05P | install terminations | terminations are installed on end of underground and underwater cable according to manufacturers’ specifications and company standards |
| C-10.04.06P | test underground and underwater cable integrity | confirm underground and underwater cable integrity using methods |
| C-10.04.07P | label underground and underwater cable | underground and underwater cable is labeled to identify circuit and phasing |
Range of Variables
- tools and equipment include: wire brushes, cable cutters, cable strippers, presses, tape measure, ratchets, hacksaws, lineman pliers, hatchet, heat gun
- terminations include: elbows, stress cones, t-body
- methods include: ultra low frequency (ULF), very low frequency (VLF), resistance test, high potential test
| Reference Code | Learning Outcomes | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| C-10.04.01L | demonstrate knowledge of underground and underwater cable terminations | define terminology associated with underground and underwater cable terminations |
| identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to underground and underwater cable terminations | ||
| interpret utility standards pertaining to underground and underwater cable terminations | ||
| interpret information pertaining to underground and underwater cable terminations found on drawings and specifications | ||
| identify tools and equipment relating to underground and underwater cable terminations and describe their applications and procedures for use | ||
| identify types of underground and underwater cable terminations and describe their characteristics and applications | ||
| C-10.04.02L | demonstrate knowledge of underground and underwater cable protection methods and their applications | identify cable protection methods and describe their characteristics and applications |
| describe procedures used to provide protection for underground and underwater cable terminations | ||
| C-10.04.03L | demonstrate knowledge of underground and underwater systems, their characteristics and applications | define terminology associated with underground and underwater systems |
| identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to underground and underwater systems | ||
| interpret codes, standards and regulations pertaining to underground and underwater systems | ||
| interpret information pertaining to underground and underwater systems found on drawings and specifications | ||
| identify tools and equipment relating to underground and underwater systems and describe their applications and procedures for use | ||
| identify types of underground and underwater systems and describe their applications | ||
| identify underground and underwater systems components and accessories and describe their characteristics and applications | ||
| C-10.04.04L | demonstrate knowledge of underground and underwater system construction principles | explain principles of underground and underwater systems construction |
| C-10.04.05L | demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to terminate and test underground and underwater cables | describe procedures used to test underground and underwater cables |
| describe procedures used to terminate underground and underwater cables |
Range of Variables
- cables include: concentric neutral, non-shielded, shielded
- tools and equipment include: wire brushes, cable cutters, cable strippers, presses, tape measure, ratchets, hacksaws, lineman pliers, hatchet, heat gun
- cable protection methods include: mechanical, electrical
- underground and underwater systems include: radial, loop, network
- underground and underwater system components and accessories include: cables (concentric neutral, non-shielded, shielded), cable protection, system grounds, duct systems, direct-buried systems