One thing I forgot to mention was the installation of secondary grounds or meter/fuse removal to protect from back feed while removing the primary insert bushing.
Have you ever had a situation where an improperly installed residential backup generator (ie: no transfer switch) back feed to a line you were working on? So when you installed the grounding it shorted out?
@@MicheIIePucca well the idea is that they always ground it out first, and any generator or inverter (think solar etc) will instantly trip itself out of service when it tries to apply backfeed. it could occur without the linesman even knowing, hence the precautions. The only way they would experience actual backfeed would then be electrocution or some other warning system which should not ever happen.
Permits do not add any aspect of safety, its just useless government regulation to benefit another corporation that lobbied for this procedure with cash.
@@deepfried4185 Umm, in this environment, the permits they get are from their utility company central office. Before doing any work on the system, they have to make a plan, communicate it with the dispatch office, have the plan approved, and the required procedures clarified. This way you don't have two service men at opposite ends of the line doing their own thing, and no one is a free agent to make big mistakes and miss something without oversight. And the building permits that I suspect you are thinking of keep people from building unsafe homes or building things where they don't belong (in a flood zone, etc) They serve a very important purpose for society.
@@ke6gwf Yeah when i was young i did a lot with household electricity (i have an irresponsible dad that he let me, now i think back at it), i had 230V on me for about 14 times. One of them was caused by my dad putting back a fuse while i was working on an outlet. LOTO would have saved this. (Aside from banning a teenager from working on electrics at all). Nowaways i do nothing on electrics until the main switch is off. It saves you a shocking experience at 230V, and at any voltage over 500V it saves you instant death. Respect for linemen that they dare to do such a job. One mistake at 7200 volts and your life is over within a second.
I worked as a Parts Runner for an Open faced mine. Every year we had a Safety Course and although only 4 of 100 Workers were Electricians, we were all taught Tool Box Meetings before performing work and proper Lock out Tag out procedures and how to recognize them.
I used to be an "Underground Lineman". I tested 3 phase and single phase transformers and I never saw a transformer without a barrier between the services and the primary. Very interesting to see that. Also my opinion does not matter but looking at the mess of wires makes me frustrated. Maybe its just the parking stand and dust covers that make it look messy but look where H1A's primary comes in at. Where I come from they never had that much extra primary coming in....lol. Anyways I'm new to your channel and you are very educated and safe, you've earned my subscription!
I really like how meticulous and safe these procedures are. I have high respect for these tradesmen that keep us litty like a titty 24/7. I'm a plumber here in ohio.
Excellent videos, your footage as a Troubleman is awesome and really let's the people who aren't in the trade know a little bit of what we go through. How long have you been a Troubleman for?
Thanks Ryan! That was actually my initial goal in creating these videos ... to help the public understand that power outage aren't only a result of storms and often take time and require patience for repairs. I've been I'm the Line trade for 17 years, journeyman for 13 years while on a rotating trouble roster, and exclusively a trouble man/service man for the last 3.
When you say 'customer' do you mean the power vendor for the area or the people actively affected by the service disruption? Are linemen in your area considered contractors? Curious how it works - just catching up on episodes now!
Hey Alystair! When I use the term Customer, I am usually referring to the home/business owner without power. We as a utility have our own lineman trained in all aspects of linework, however there are many smaller companies in the area with certified lineman as well. Sometimes we'll bid out large jobs, projects or even simply require some extra help when things get busy. We us the term contactors in this case. We also contactor out odd jobs as required such as concrete work, large lifts, site clearing, security etc.. Great question! 👊
messy/badly staked wiring is one of the WORST... i have to approach opening every commercial splice box or junction like defusing a bomb. a couple times now, the only thing holding stuff together is the cover. pull it off and everything falls apart, surprise!
Absolutely 💯 very dangerous. If I'm just doing an inspection, I'll usually leave everything energized. If I'm there for a phase out or arcing equipment call , I usually kill the line before opening
Man I know I say this basically every video, but your videos are so motivational to me. Gets me pumped to get into linework, sadly, coronavirus is going to delay that significantly more :(
That's awesome man! I mean... The motivation part! Yeah this virus thing is really slowing things down tho. Hopefully you can move forward with things soon!
I just locked in a phone interview with my local utility. They told me they’re just modifying their hiring process. Keep pushin, there’s still hope in these times
Thanks Joe! While I do have all the necessary hands free equipment to record safely while in the bucket. It's likely that any rubber glove work would be in simulated live conditions. I may also do some videos covering do's and don'ts of rubber glove work and cover some techniques.
curious why you wouldn't come off the secondaries to prevent any backfeed? just like overhead, that would be possible. just curious. thank you for your time
Hope I didn't come across as being a dik..was just thinking out loud really when I posted that.. you do a great job man and appreciate ur dedication to safty.. I'm off this week, so catching up on all ur vids..good stuff !
All good! Often time if only one fuse is blown, we'll just replace the one of we didn't have to open the remaining phases anyhow. So it's a great tip and reminder!
I e had them load break elbows burn up at the bushing l. Usually you can change out the boot and pin and the lug termination is still good l. Just hafta re wipe the insulation. Gotta be careful with the older style lugs, the old aluminum threads oxidize and the pin can pull out while switching. I’ve had that happen to me on some below grade tubs.
I know it's not the same, but if you want to see some messy wiring look in a CATV Ped or Doghouse. When I worked in CATV I ran into messy ped's all the time. Those guys never take time in their jobs. Made my job a hell of a lot more difficult.
Man that is some sloppy work. Been doing underground for 29 years and that looks like the overhead dept did that work. LOL. Do you guys identify your cables with some type of ID tag stating where they are going? We mark every cable in our switch gears, transformers, etc. A trick I use to getting them torn apart before I reach for the hack saw is, try and unscrew the insert from the transformer while the elbow is still connected. If it comes out of the transformer, then pull the insert away from the elbow while unscrewing and usually the probe will unscrew from the cable lug. We have had a lot of those probes swell up and you cant for anything switch on them. They will pull out about 1/2 inch and will not come out.
Definitely some sloppy work inside this padmount, Certainly not an example of our work! We identify all cables with a switch number and color on both ends of the cables, as well as switch number on the padmount. Some of the older equipment is a bit lacking ... The one in this video was not very old tho 🤔 Great tip on removing the cable with the insert! I haven't seen that done. Thanks! As an experienced underground lineman, do you guys often use a "thumper" to remove elbows?
@@Bobsdecline Not sure what a "Thumper" is. If the elbow does not come off relatively easy we do have a tool that grabs the elbow and there is a ratchiting bar that pushes on the back of transformer forcing the elbow off. That is never done energized. I usually just unscrew the bushing like I mentioned.
We have a hot stick that has a fitting on the end that fits around the entire elbow and tightens up as you rotate the stick. Once it's fully attached the is a weight on the end similar to an old school groundrod pounder. The vibration of thumping it backwards breaks the seal to remove the elbow
Hello there, You guys do a great job keeping us lit. Do u ever have a situation where some moron back feeds into the grid with a generator? because they did not know enough to shut off or pull the mains?
Have been watching your video and they are great! Was wondering if you could give me advice. I had my climbing school scheduled with my local utility, and a separate interview for the local apprenticeship training program that works with the contractors. Both have been postponed until further notice. I moved my family for this opportunity and I am now working in a warehouse. I am thankful to be working but it’s no where near how much I would of been making and it’s not where my heart is, since my heart is set on being a lineman. Is there anything you would recommend me do during this period of “waiting it out”. Any advice would help! Thank You!
That's a tough one! Especially after moving your family... It's like that all over right now tho. Personally I would continue to wait it out, and not make any drastic decisions right now. If you were already scheduled with you local climbing school it's likely that as soon as things are up and running they'll let you know. That being said I would still contact the school at some point to express your continued interest. I would also do the same for the contractors training program. Just "check in" more less... Ya never know they may start up with a smaller class. Certainly don't turn down any offers if any arise. Once you start gaining some experience in the trade it will get easier to pick and choose a career path👊
I would have installed a double feed thru on the A out side and capped off the damaged phase on the source side to temporarily get the customer back on
Thanks for channel! Question: why did you blur out the tag you installed? Just curious what sort of info would be on a tag such as that. Full disclosure: not in the trade but I do pull over once in a while to watch mine crews in action.
If a different crew returned, is it still your permit to remove? Or does it become their permit? Or does your permit end when the abnormal condition tag is hung?
Really good question! We are allowed to carry permits for multiple days. In that case it must be us that returns. Otherwise we must do a 1 time permit transfer. The easiest way is to surrender the permit, grounds can remain on the line at our dispatchers discretion (and under their hold). The abnormal condition tag still acts as a "do not operate" along with a reference number containing the information such as: ground locations , previous permit holder and any compromised equipment. The Arriving crew would then apply for a new permit once familiar with the situation
Thanks man! I wish the name Bobsdecline had a more interesting story lol ... So a long time ago I was trying to open an email account. My name was already taken, and I didn't want to just have a bunch of numbers so I typed in "Bobsdecline" and it worked. I was listening to a song called the decline at the time ... It's an old punk song. That was kind of where I came up with the name. I have stuck with it ever since, but not really for any particular reason. It's kind of "OG" I guess lol And sounds a lot more modest the naming my channel Mr. Lineman ... Or the Powerline guy or something. 😬
@@Bobsdecline nice glad to hear, nice to see a fellow punker in the electrical trade. im just a lowly resi wireman but i admire and respect what you do. maybe someday ill make the leap
Anyone have any advice to get my foot in the door at my local Coop? Our Union in my state is weak, and the Coop is just larger and pays more than the Union. Anyways I have my Class A CDL there’s no line school in my state either but I have experience operating Backhoes and such. I’m also a 2nd year Electrician Apprentice. Just really wanting to advance into the trade because I don’t want to have to worry about being contracted out and honestly this type of work fascinates the hell out of me I don’t know much about linework, but am trying to gather more and more knowledge each day. I have applied for a right of way position at my local coop already
Sounds like you've got some of the first steps... Having a CDL being one of them. Travelling is likely in a most cases until you get on your gain some experience in the trade. Perhaps someone with better knowledge of your area can weigh in with some pointers
Matthew Tomlin The best way to get in a Coop is to know someone there or have line work experience. Cops usually want someone that has experience so they can save money and not have to start you from scratch but that’s not always true they will take new guys. My suggestion is if you can’t get on with the Coop you should get on with a contractor or a IOU. It may take time to get on but you will have really line work experience.
Could you by chance reference somewhere to get those style of grounds that clamp onto the lower jaws of the cutout that you mention? Would like to see them as most of the time i end up going from pothead leads to the concentric which are all bonded to system neutral. Thanks man. I appreciate the vids and be safe out there 👍⚡
Yes! I'll see if I can find them at our office and grab some pics, they can be a life saver sometimes! I've got a few loose ends and request similar to this ... I'm not sure If I'll cover then all in a separate video or how I'll approach it, but I'll get something made up for sure! Thanks man 👊
@@Bobsdecline heck yea thanks. It's definitely helpful watching the videos you put out. As it teaches some new tips and tricks even for some experienced guys . Although the principles are the same there is , "more than one way to skin a cat". Thanks brother be safe out there!
Padmount being having a 4 foot wide hole cut by a torch in the middle of the night in an attempt to steal the copper inside! But that's not really an equipment failure 🤔 I've arrived to a few VR's that blew up, which is pretty intense. Transformers that are boiling and blow the top off are pretty crazy too! These ones I've seen in action... You don't want to be anywhere near it. Was also inside a sub a few times when a high tension fuse popped. Not most people's idea of a good time! 🥸
@@Bobsdecline Worst I've seen was a padmount just like the one in the video literally jump right off the pad before it blew up...The secondaries (4 parallel runs of 500mcm copper) were crossed on EVERY SINGLE PHASE plus the neutral. Basically a full dead short on the secondary of that box. It also damaged the main switchgear in the building. The EC responsible said it was well over a million USD in damages. VRs are bad, but cap banks are worse I have heard, my local crews always called them time bombs. You even look at them crossways and they blow up. One crew told me what happens when you bypass a VR not in the neutral tap position....not fun. As for substations...I was just outside of my local sub after the Northridge (Calif) talking to the crews to find out when my power would come back on (several hours as it turned out, they had overhead primary welded together in several spots.) A strong aftershock hit....the sounds coming from that substation were the most evil electrical sounds I had ever heard. I knew it was bad when even the crews came running out the front gate. Found out later what I heard was the transformers going into saturation from the extreme short circuit currents they were under. There is a video from Mexico I think, where they had captured that sound during a severe breakdown. I had nightmares from that sound for weeks. (The sound is like a deep growl with a loud "whoaouhh" with it.)
The transformer had incoming and outgoing high voltage wires (to the next transformer), so they needed both A and B connectors functional to deliver a working system.
Ahh I knew I saw this comment pop up earlier today, I couldn't find it so I answered on another post of yours Lol .. I was 24 years old when I became a Journeyman That's awesome that your starting a program, your gonna love it! It's a challenge so work hard and always bring your best self 👊👊
What would be the best way to get my foot in the door with this career. I dont have much mechanical background, however I really want to learn a trade skill. I'm 24, should I go to lineman school?
Lineman that do shit work or guys that are unqualified, not doing what their supposed to is the most dangerous and laziest thing. What happened with this trade? And I'm talking from upstate NY to upstate SC
Yea man , when you make elbows leave a little bubble or you gonna cause a urd pull in addition to replacing the pad mount. Whoever made up that secondary side as well as whoever inspected the work should be subject to some discipline. That’s trash work.
One thing I forgot to mention was the installation of secondary grounds or meter/fuse removal to protect from back feed while removing the primary insert bushing.
Have you ever had a situation where an improperly installed residential backup generator (ie: no transfer switch) back feed to a line you were working on? So when you installed the grounding it shorted out?
@@MicheIIePucca well the idea is that they always ground it out first, and any generator or inverter (think solar etc) will instantly trip itself out of service when it tries to apply backfeed. it could occur without the linesman even knowing, hence the precautions. The only way they would experience actual backfeed would then be electrocution or some other warning system which should not ever happen.
I am from the UK
I enjoy watching all your vids man, appreciate what you do and your dedication to safety..id work with ya on the line any day 👍💯
I appreciate that you take the time to mention your permits instead of pretending it’s all gung ho. Love safe operations!
Permits do not add any aspect of safety, its just useless government regulation to benefit another corporation that lobbied for this procedure with cash.
@@deepfried4185 Umm, in this environment, the permits they get are from their utility company central office.
Before doing any work on the system, they have to make a plan, communicate it with the dispatch office, have the plan approved, and the required procedures clarified.
This way you don't have two service men at opposite ends of the line doing their own thing, and no one is a free agent to make big mistakes and miss something without oversight.
And the building permits that I suspect you are thinking of keep people from building unsafe homes or building things where they don't belong (in a flood zone, etc)
They serve a very important purpose for society.
@@ke6gwf You deserve every upvote you get my friend
@@ke6gwf Yeah when i was young i did a lot with household electricity (i have an irresponsible dad that he let me, now i think back at it), i had 230V on me for about 14 times. One of them was caused by my dad putting back a fuse while i was working on an outlet. LOTO would have saved this. (Aside from banning a teenager from working on electrics at all). Nowaways i do nothing on electrics until the main switch is off. It saves you a shocking experience at 230V, and at any voltage over 500V it saves you instant death. Respect for linemen that they dare to do such a job. One mistake at 7200 volts and your life is over within a second.
@Ke6gwf - Ben Blackburn Thanks for answering that one. You are exactly right 👊🙌
Great that you clearly explain your reasoning and your focus on safety ...
Looks like a excellent channel for anyone getting into this kind of work - or doing this kind of work.
I worked as a Parts Runner for an Open faced mine. Every year we had a Safety Course and although only 4 of 100 Workers were Electricians, we were all taught Tool Box Meetings before performing work and proper Lock out Tag out procedures and how to recognize them.
I sometimes look up at the power lines and wonder how people work on those safely. Thanks for these videos, they sate my curiosity.
One of my personal rules or observations is if it looks like crap it probably works like crap ! Lol agreed take pride in you work!
I like all your videos thanks
I used to be an "Underground Lineman". I tested 3 phase and single phase transformers and I never saw a transformer without a barrier between the services and the primary. Very interesting to see that. Also my opinion does not matter but looking at the mess of wires makes me frustrated. Maybe its just the parking stand and dust covers that make it look messy but look where H1A's primary comes in at. Where I come from they never had that much extra primary coming in....lol. Anyways I'm new to your channel and you are very educated and safe, you've earned my subscription!
I really like how meticulous and safe these procedures are. I have high respect for these tradesmen that keep us litty like a titty 24/7. I'm a plumber here in ohio.
👊👊🍻 Cheers! .. I could actually use a plumber right now 🤔.... I need a sink in the basement, that's something I probably shouldn't attempt 💦
The comment about cable management also applies in AV and IT. Neat and labeled wires can save a lot of headache when it comes to troubleshooting.
Awesome 👍
Excellent videos, your footage as a Troubleman is awesome and really let's the people who aren't in the trade know a little bit of what we go through. How long have you been a Troubleman for?
Thanks Ryan! That was actually my initial goal in creating these videos ... to help the public understand that power outage aren't only a result of storms and often take time and require patience for repairs.
I've been I'm the Line trade for 17 years, journeyman for 13 years while on a rotating trouble roster, and exclusively a trouble man/service man for the last 3.
Yeah man that's what why i love about line love your knowledge be safe bro
Thanks man! You too 👊👊
When you say 'customer' do you mean the power vendor for the area or the people actively affected by the service disruption? Are linemen in your area considered contractors? Curious how it works - just catching up on episodes now!
Hey Alystair! When I use the term Customer, I am usually referring to the home/business owner without power.
We as a utility have our own lineman trained in all aspects of linework, however there are many smaller companies in the area with certified lineman as well. Sometimes we'll bid out large jobs, projects or even simply require some extra help when things get busy. We us the term contactors in this case. We also contactor out odd jobs as required such as concrete work, large lifts, site clearing, security etc..
Great question! 👊
Just ran across your channel. Watched a few videos, subbing. Interesting watching Canada Lineman. It is so different out here in the desert.
messy/badly staked wiring is one of the WORST... i have to approach opening every commercial splice box or junction like defusing a bomb. a couple times now, the only thing holding stuff together is the cover. pull it off and everything falls apart, surprise!
Absolutely 💯 very dangerous. If I'm just doing an inspection, I'll usually leave everything energized. If I'm there for a phase out or arcing equipment call , I usually kill the line before opening
i love watching underground construction
Man I know I say this basically every video, but your videos are so motivational to me. Gets me pumped to get into linework, sadly, coronavirus is going to delay that significantly more :(
That's awesome man! I mean... The motivation part! Yeah this virus thing is really slowing things down tho. Hopefully you can move forward with things soon!
I just locked in a phone interview with my local utility. They told me they’re just modifying their hiring process. Keep pushin, there’s still hope in these times
Great stuff as usual. I’d like to see some rubber glove/sleeve pole work from the bucket. Possible ?
Thanks Joe!
While I do have all the necessary hands free equipment to record safely while in the bucket. It's likely that any rubber glove work would be in simulated live conditions.
I may also do some videos covering do's and don'ts of rubber glove work and cover some techniques.
curious why you wouldn't come off the secondaries to prevent any backfeed?
just like overhead, that would be possible.
just curious.
thank you for your time
If done correctly, all 3 - 3 phase fuses should be replaced anytime one or more 3 phase fuses are blown.. stay safe 🙏
Hope I didn't come across as being a dik..was just thinking out loud really when I posted that.. you do a great job man and appreciate ur dedication to safty.. I'm off this week, so catching up on all ur vids..good stuff !
All good! Often time if only one fuse is blown, we'll just replace the one of we didn't have to open the remaining phases anyhow. So it's a great tip and reminder!
I'm hooked! Keep the videos coming.
Awesome!
The “insert” is officially called a Bushing Well. FYI. Thanks
I e had them load break elbows burn up at the bushing l. Usually you can change out the boot and pin and the lug termination is still good l. Just hafta re wipe the insulation. Gotta be careful with the older style lugs, the old aluminum threads oxidize and the pin can pull out while switching. I’ve had that happen to me on some below grade tubs.
Ah yes! Most times this is what we do as well! What looks like a nasty job at first can get fixed up pretty quick
I know it's not the same, but if you want to see some messy wiring look in a CATV Ped or Doghouse. When I worked in CATV I ran into messy ped's all the time. Those guys never take time in their jobs. Made my job a hell of a lot more difficult.
Man that is some sloppy work. Been doing underground for 29 years and that looks like the overhead dept did that work. LOL.
Do you guys identify your cables with some type of ID tag stating where they are going? We mark every cable in our switch gears, transformers, etc. A trick I use to getting them torn apart before I reach for the hack saw is, try and unscrew the insert from the transformer while the elbow is still connected. If it comes out of the transformer, then pull the insert away from the elbow while unscrewing and usually the probe will unscrew from the cable lug. We have had a lot of those probes swell up and you cant for anything switch on them. They will pull out about 1/2 inch and will not come out.
Definitely some sloppy work inside this padmount, Certainly not an example of our work!
We identify all cables with a switch number and color on both ends of the cables, as well as switch number on the padmount. Some of the older equipment is a bit lacking ... The one in this video was not very old tho 🤔
Great tip on removing the cable with the insert! I haven't seen that done. Thanks!
As an experienced underground lineman, do you guys often use a "thumper" to remove elbows?
@@Bobsdecline Not sure what a "Thumper" is. If the elbow does not come off relatively easy we do have a tool that grabs the elbow and there is a ratchiting bar that pushes on the back of transformer forcing the elbow off. That is never done energized. I usually just unscrew the bushing like I mentioned.
We have a hot stick that has a fitting on the end that fits around the entire elbow and tightens up as you rotate the stick. Once it's fully attached the is a weight on the end similar to an old school groundrod pounder. The vibration of thumping it backwards breaks the seal to remove the elbow
@@Bobsdecline Ya I have seen that before. We usually get 2 guys on it and go to town, LOL.
@@CHICAGOHAND yup that's the one! Haha
i noticed there was a C/C crimp connector in the pad mount at 5:05
Nice h3b elbow bushing, all our cans look like that inside
From homeless to
substation maintenance.
As crazy as it sounds...
Some of us came from the gutter and became badass..😎
👊👊🍻
@@Bobsdecline You're THE MAN, Aaron! I think you're a great role model of professionalism and integrity. You've a lucky family, and a lucky employer.
What happens when you take a set lineman poles and a bent towards an old man in his home copper sheet? Our lineman like doing this at 3 am
Hello there, You guys do a great job keeping us lit. Do u ever have a situation where some
moron back feeds into the grid with a generator? because they did not know enough to
shut off or pull the mains?
Have been watching your video and they are great!
Was wondering if you could give me advice. I had my climbing school scheduled with my local utility, and a separate interview for the local apprenticeship training program that works with the contractors. Both have been postponed until further notice. I moved my family for this opportunity and I am now working in a warehouse. I am thankful to be working but it’s no where near how much I would of been making and it’s not where my heart is, since my heart is set on being a lineman.
Is there anything you would recommend me do during this period of “waiting it out”. Any advice would help!
Thank You!
That's a tough one! Especially after moving your family... It's like that all over right now tho.
Personally I would continue to wait it out, and not make any drastic decisions right now. If you were already scheduled with you local climbing school it's likely that as soon as things are up and running they'll let you know. That being said I would still contact the school at some point to express your continued interest. I would also do the same for the contractors training program. Just "check in" more less... Ya never know they may start up with a smaller class.
Certainly don't turn down any offers if any arise.
Once you start gaining some experience in the trade it will get easier to pick and choose a career path👊
I would have installed a double feed thru on the A out side and capped off the damaged phase on the source side to temporarily get the customer back on
so you're saying to keep hot with 2 primary wires?
basically an open back now.
What was the root cause of the blown fuse? Arcing on the elbow?
It fine put the cut out back 3:44 😂😂
That must have been quite expensive in sum total.
So the dudes ive seen exploding multiple fuses are doing it wrong?
On 3 phase pad mounts with 208y/120 or 480y/277 volt secondary, how is the primary connected? Three wire delta or four wire wye?
either a wye or delta primary could work.
that particular system looks wye to me.
Thanks for channel!
Question: why did you blur out the tag you installed? Just curious what sort of info would be on a tag such as that.
Full disclosure: not in the trade but I do pull over once in a while to watch mine crews in action.
To protect the ability to track malicious modifications to the equipment.
it contained the company's logo on that tag.
If a different crew returned, is it still your permit to remove? Or does it become their permit? Or does your permit end when the abnormal condition tag is hung?
Really good question! We are allowed to carry permits for multiple days. In that case it must be us that returns. Otherwise we must do a 1 time permit transfer. The easiest way is to surrender the permit, grounds can remain on the line at our dispatchers discretion (and under their hold). The abnormal condition tag still acts as a "do not operate" along with a reference number containing the information such as: ground locations , previous permit holder and any compromised equipment. The Arriving crew would then apply for a new permit once familiar with the situation
@@Bobsdecline Thanks!
What keeps vandals from stealing tags you stick on poles or the weather from blowing them away?
Like the informative videos, very interesting! Curious as to how you came up with the bobsdecline name?
Thanks man!
I wish the name Bobsdecline had a more interesting story lol ...
So a long time ago I was trying to open an email account. My name was already taken, and I didn't want to just have a bunch of numbers so I typed in "Bobsdecline" and it worked.
I was listening to a song called the decline at the time ... It's an old punk song. That was kind of where I came up with the name.
I have stuck with it ever since, but not really for any particular reason.
It's kind of "OG" I guess lol
And sounds a lot more modest the naming my channel Mr. Lineman ... Or the Powerline guy or something.
😬
@@Bobsdecline what punk song?! from what band?!
@@willywill3570 NOFX 🤘
@@Bobsdecline nice glad to hear, nice to see a fellow punker in the electrical trade. im just a lowly resi wireman but i admire and respect what you do. maybe someday ill make the leap
Anyone have any advice to get my foot in the door at my local Coop? Our Union in my state is weak, and the Coop is just larger and pays more than the Union. Anyways I have my Class A CDL there’s no line school in my state either but I have experience operating Backhoes and such. I’m also a 2nd year Electrician Apprentice. Just really wanting to advance into the trade because I don’t want to have to worry about being contracted out and honestly this type of work fascinates the hell out of me I don’t know much about linework, but am trying to gather more and more knowledge each day. I have applied for a right of way position at my local coop already
Sounds like you've got some of the first steps... Having a CDL being one of them. Travelling is likely in a most cases until you get on your gain some experience in the trade.
Perhaps someone with better knowledge of your area can weigh in with some pointers
Matthew Tomlin The best way to get in a Coop is to know someone there or have line work experience. Cops usually want someone that has experience so they can save money and not have to start you from scratch but that’s not always true they will take new guys. My suggestion is if you can’t get on with the Coop you should get on with a contractor or a IOU. It may take time to get on but you will have really line work experience.
Could you by chance reference somewhere to get those style of grounds that clamp onto the lower jaws of the cutout that you mention? Would like to see them as most of the time i end up going from pothead leads to the concentric which are all bonded to system neutral. Thanks man. I appreciate the vids and be safe out there 👍⚡
Yes! I'll see if I can find them at our office and grab some pics, they can be a life saver sometimes! I've got a few loose ends and request similar to this ... I'm not sure If I'll cover then all in a separate video or how I'll approach it, but I'll get something made up for sure! Thanks man 👊
@@Bobsdecline heck yea thanks. It's definitely helpful watching the videos you put out. As it teaches some new tips and tricks even for some experienced guys . Although the principles are the same there is , "more than one way to skin a cat". Thanks brother be safe out there!
With all that access to electricity, you should get an electric truck, one motor on each axle.
That ug is terrible in ca we have to grout up to bell ends and install a 1” pvc through with slope for drainage no fire ants no water probs
dumb question . what is the craziest equipment failure you came across in your career?
Padmount being having a 4 foot wide hole cut by a torch in the middle of the night in an attempt to steal the copper inside! But that's not really an equipment failure 🤔
I've arrived to a few VR's that blew up, which is pretty intense.
Transformers that are boiling and blow the top off are pretty crazy too! These ones I've seen in action... You don't want to be anywhere near it.
Was also inside a sub a few times when a high tension fuse popped. Not most people's idea of a good time! 🥸
@@Bobsdecline Worst I've seen was a padmount just like the one in the video literally jump right off the pad before it blew up...The secondaries (4 parallel runs of 500mcm copper) were crossed on EVERY SINGLE PHASE plus the neutral. Basically a full dead short on the secondary of that box. It also damaged the main switchgear in the building. The EC responsible said it was well over a million USD in damages.
VRs are bad, but cap banks are worse I have heard, my local crews always called them time bombs. You even look at them crossways and they blow up. One crew told me what happens when you bypass a VR not in the neutral tap position....not fun.
As for substations...I was just outside of my local sub after the Northridge (Calif) talking to the crews to find out when my power would come back on (several hours as it turned out, they had overhead primary welded together in several spots.) A strong aftershock hit....the sounds coming from that substation were the most evil electrical sounds I had ever heard. I knew it was bad when even the crews came running out the front gate. Found out later what I heard was the transformers going into saturation from the extreme short circuit currents they were under. There is a video from Mexico I think, where they had captured that sound during a severe breakdown. I had nightmares from that sound for weeks. (The sound is like a deep growl with a loud "whoaouhh" with it.)
Why couldn't you just switch it to the A feed side in the transformer?
The transformer had incoming and outgoing high voltage wires (to the next transformer), so they needed both A and B connectors functional to deliver a working system.
Loose contact. Fuse stress may be the fuse's time current curve does not match the load.
how old were you when you became a journeyman? Im starting my program this fall
Ahh I knew I saw this comment pop up earlier today, I couldn't find it so I answered on another post of yours Lol ..
I was 24 years old when I became a Journeyman
That's awesome that your starting a program, your gonna love it! It's a challenge so work hard and always bring your best self 👊👊
What would be the best way to get my foot in the door with this career. I dont have much mechanical background, however I really want to learn a trade skill. I'm 24, should I go to lineman school?
I hate underground did I say I HATE underground!
Is this in Canada or USA ?
🇨🇦👊
@@Bobsdecline Cheers
man my internet dropped out a lot towards the end there
#345 thumbs uP
Lineman that do shit work or guys that are unqualified, not doing what their supposed to is the most dangerous and laziest thing. What happened with this trade? And I'm talking from upstate NY to upstate SC
Yea man , when you make elbows leave a little bubble or you gonna cause a urd pull in addition to replacing the pad mount. Whoever made up that secondary side as well as whoever inspected the work should be subject to some discipline. That’s trash work.
I'd really like to know how it looked after!