TVPPA offers four technical distance learning programs. Each course’s basic curriculum covers mathematics, electrical theory and fundamentals of alternating current. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on training to reinforce the material taught in the correspondence units.
The administrative functions of the distance learning program are housed at the TVPPA headquarters in Chattanooga, TN. Distance learning labs and technical training are held at TVA's Bellefonte facility near Scottsboro, AL. Laboratory sessions are scheduled on a regular basis, and may be scheduled in-house. Detailed information on each program is provided below.
Lineworker Apprenticeship (Revised 2010)
Apprentice Lineman training introduces the beginning apprentice to the basic math, electricity and alternating current fundamental principles that are the groundwork for understanding the "hows and whys" of this profession. Students learn the basic tools and equipment used in everyday operations, and applications include stringing and sagging wire; underground distribution systems; transmission and distribution line maintenance; transformer connections; meter applications; substation operations; and phasing and measuring voltage and current.
The six laboratory sessions plus the final exam enable students to apply the knowledge learned from the correspondence units. Participants learn basic knots and safe climbing techniques, as well as pole-top rescue, both climbing skills necessary for overhead line construction. Participants construct and frame lines using specifications, and learn grounding and preparation of stress cones for underground cable. Effective job briefing and basic troubleshooting steps for overhead and underground systems are demonstrated, as well as transformer banking, bucket truck pre-trip inspection, and bucket truck rescue.
11 Units: 4 Correspondence / 6 Laboratory / 1 Final Exam
For Frequently Asked Questions about the revised program, click here.
Protective Relaying
Protective Relaying provides a comprehensive knowledge of protective relay operations and procedures. Individuals study and receive practical training working with potential and current transformers; over-current, power differential and distance relays; linear couplers; fiber optics; instrument transformer connections; capacitor voltage transformers; testing and inspection procedures; analysis of electrical equipment and fault current calculations.
4 Units: 3 Correspondence / 1 Laboratory
Substation Maintenance
Substation Maintenance covers the basic operations and maintenance of electrical substation equipment. Individuals study substation maintenance including power transmission system theory, power system standards, distribution transformers, instrument transformers, and the installation acceptance and maintenance of electrical substation equipment. The laboratory session provides training in electrical safety, AC and DC instruments, inspection, testing and maintenance of various substation equipment, cable testing, fault finding, and low resistance measurement.
5 Units: 3 Correspondence / 2 Laboratory
Electrical Metering
Electrical Metering provides training in electrical metering and electronic register equipment and operations. Laboratory sessions provide training with single-phase hookups, single-phase network metering, self-contained polyphase, three-phase hookups, delta and Wye hookups, test board applications, and recent developments in electronic register testing, maintenance and programming.
4 Units: 3 Correspondence / 1 Laboratory*
Laboratory sessions are not scheduled through TVPPA. *
Training centers for Electrical Metering Labs:
Mid-South Electric Metering Association Meter School, www.msema.com
Southeastern Metering School, www.semeterschool.com |
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