Maintaining a constant line of communication is a vital part of electric utility field operations. This is especially true in the work of linemen. Every day, as an apprentice lineman IV for Greystone Power Corp., I am required to perform numerous tasks that involve staying in contact with the larger workforce to accomplish our goals. Specific jobs such as pulling wire, installing a pole in line and setting underground residential transformers are some of the numerous instances where a team effort is only possible because of the mobile phones, radios and other communications devices we use to communicate with other crew members.

Unexpected Switch Malfunctions

A good example of this occurred on an emergency switching job at a substation in west Atlanta, Georgia. Without communication devices this unanticipated situation could have put the public, our customers, my coworkers and me at risk.

At the Central Church Substation, while I was performing maintenance with three other linemen, one of the workers noticed that three of the switches were not functioning properly on Circuit 1 and needed to be changed out immediately. We discovered that we didn't have the proper switches necessary for the task. Our supervisor used his mobile phone to call the warehouse supervisor and requested the proper material. Not having to drive back to the office in search of materials, and instead having the material delivered on-site, saved valuable time.

Transferring Overload

After receiving the proper switches, we began the switching process testing to ensure that the system was running within acceptable parameters. At that time, we found there was too much load on Circuit 1 to combine it with Circuit 3. Therefore, we had to transfer some of the load onto Circuit 2. The supervisor ordered two of us to open up an air-break switch on nearby Highway 5. We were to communicate with him after we had completed this operation, so that he could prevent anymore damage to the equipment.

The only problem was that neither my co-worker nor I had a mobile phone at the time. Fortunately, we were equipped with a two-way radio that Greystone provides in all of our trucks. We used the radio to inform the crew at the substation that we had successfully opened the air-break switch, making it possible for the crew to change out the switches with relatively little lost time.

Without these communication devices, there was an urgent concern that the connection points could weld shut, which would have prevented linemen from operating the switches. A prolonged switch malfunction could have resulted in a disabled circuit, shutting down service to businesses and residents on the line. There was also the potential for additional damage to other system components at the substation.

Basic Tools of the Trade

“Don't leave home without it” has become our motto at Greystone for communication devices. A lineman doesn't feel like he is ready for work without a radio or a mobile phone at hand. Two-way radios are our main source of communication. Radios allow everyone, including dispatch, to hear what we are doing and where we are located. Mobile phones are used as backup and for noncritical communications.

All lead linemen are issued mobile phones and all vehicles are equipped with companywide two-way radios. In some cases, trucks are outfitted with external speakers and wireless laptop and data ports. Some technicians also carry portable radios. The primary criteria for selecting these devices are range of coverage and complete coverage in our service area.

New technology such as the global positioning system (GPS), which is available on all company-issued mobile phones, is growing to be another useful communications tool. GPS is becoming the preferred method for identifying and locating where equipment and work locations are on our system. Laptops generate mapping with GPS coordinates, and our linemen now document repairs and maintenance location with GPS.

By fully utilizing communication devices, we are creating a safer and more proficient working atmosphere. In situations where a technical malfunction or failures in machinery are discovered, we can quickly make others aware of the unanticipated situation, preventing additional problems or injuries.

Charles Camp is an apprentice lineman IV at Greystone Power Corp., based in Douglasville, Georgia. The member-owned electric cooperative powers more than 111,000 home, business, school and industrial meters in portions of eight west metro Atlanta, Georgia counties. Corey.Parr@greystonepower.com