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 seven 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. Training includes the safe and responsible operation of a Digger Derrick truck. 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.

Upon successful completion, enrollees will earn TVPPA Certificate of Completion and Department of Labor Certificate of Completion of Registered Apprenticeship Program if the participating utility or construction company’s program is registered with the USDOL Office of Apprenticeship and the apprentice completes both the required number of hours of on-the-job training and the related instruction.

4 Correspondence Units / 7 Field Labs / 1 Final Exam

Our Substation Maintenance program is a two tiered program with hands-on labs. The first tier consists of completing a core curriculum of two required courses. Much like a college curriculum, there are three specialist certificate options after completing the core: Substation Maintenance, Relay & Protection, Electric Utility Metering.

The core curriculum of the program covers all of the components of an electric power system from production to consumption. It also covers the principals of circuit calculations that include inductors and capacitors, items such as the relationships of voltages in currents across different transformer configurations, AC power calculations, and metering fundamentals. Students will learn the basic math skills needed to perform calculations used in the industry.

If you are interested in beginning the program, you will enroll in our Substation Maintenance Program, Unit 1 and Unit 2. The updated Electrical Metering specialist material (Unit 3) is now available.

This is a detailed study of all aspects of metering AC circuits at the transmission, distribution, and customer levels. Topics such as different the different types of meters, metering that is provided by protective relays, Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Smart Grid access to meters, and communication fundamentals of network and wireless systems are included. Testing equipment and procedures will also be included in this module.

 

LAB A

TVPPA’s Meter Lab A covers a variety of concepts pertinent to the meter field. Some of the content included in the A lab includes:

•  Basic Electrical theory
• Metering Math and practical uses
• Understanding metering equipment including CTs, PTs, Test switches, meters and more
• Safety in Meter work
• Meter site inspections
• Vector Diagrams
• Revenue protection
• Trouble shooting skills
• Misc. Metering related topics

Meter Lab A starts with the basic concepts of electricity. The basic concepts of electricity are essential in understanding our electrical system and how to meter it. The loads we can expect on the systems and what characteristics we can expect those loads to exhibit. Meter lab A is also heavily weighted in meter math and understanding formulas. Math is a perishable skill and meter math is no different. Safety in metering is a focal point of lab A and discussed at length. The equipment used to meter customer loads takes center stage early in the week as we start breaking the group down into smaller teams to collectively work through various metering situations. While investigating metering equipment, we do a deep dive into the equipment that provides the measurements. These include current transformers, potential transformers, and the meters themselves. During these investigations we look at how they work, comparison measuring methods, trouble shooting and common industry mistakes. Test switches are also an item of focus due to their complexity and maintenance /inspection needs. As we tie up the equipment portion of the lab, we start to introduce vector diagram. Vector diagrams as found on test equipment and in meter software can play a pivotal role in diagnosing and catching problems. Meter site inspections and testing procedures are also an important part of the lab. During this portion we introduce a few of the more commonly used meter forms and tie them back to our discussion on vector diagrams. Meter software and test equipment are often valuable tools in diagnosing metering issues in the field. As we close our week together the groups will pull from the skills they have learned to trouble shoot and diagnose various metering issues. TVPPA’s meter lab A is not a sit and listen lab. Various hands-on activities, worksheets, and group activities break up the week’s lecture portions and help to re-enforce the presentation topics.

Required/Suggested PPE include low voltage gloves, clear safety glasses and a digital multimeter if possible.

 

LAB B

TVPPA’s Meter Lab B Starts with a short review of the basic concepts of electricity.  Those concepts play an essential role in understanding our electrical system and how to meter it. We also do a quick refresher of common math used in metering. In the Meter Lab B, some of the math focuses on CT sizing and an introduction to vector addition. All of the math is covered with handouts and worksheets to aid in understanding and retention. High bill investigations and techniques are cover as needed depending on the participants. Other items covered in B lab include load estimation, common electrical equipment, usage costs, etc. Meter lab B is designed to quickly cover many of the concepts introduced in Lab A and transition into more complex metering situations. Ample time will be spent exploring meter forms and uses. During this portion of the Lab, we will also discuss common mistakes of metering and demonstrate some of them during one of several hands-on activities. We will demonstrate and discuss meter installation safety and voltage checks to promote safe work practices in metering. Advanced meter testing and troubleshooting is a large part of Meter Lab B. During the testing and trouble-shooting portion of this lab we will look at some of the more confusing vector diagrams. Meter site inspections and procedures are also an important part of the lab as they go hand in hand with testing and safety. TVPPA’s meter lab B is not a sit and listen lab. Various hands-on activities, worksheets, and group activities break up the week’s lecture portions and help to re-enforce the presentation topics. We recommend attendance of Meter Lab A prior to attending this Lab to maximize the learning potential of the program. The topics covered in depth in Lab A are the building block Lab B stands on.

Required/Suggested PPE include low voltage gloves, clear safety glasses and a digital multimeter if possible.