Powerline Technician (Optional Co-op)

Description: This co-op work term will provide students with college-approved work experience in an authentic, professionally relevant work environment. Students will be provided the opportunity to connect theory and practice by leveraging their academic training to develop a broad base of vocational skills. The practical applications of this work term will promote students’ awareness of key concepts and terminology in their field, cultivate their problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, encourage their development of professional autonomy and collaboration, and enhance their capacity to analyze and reflect on their demonstrated abilities in the workplace.

• Hours: 420
• Credits: 14
• Pre-Requisites: CDEV1020 OR CEPR1020
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Description:

Building on the foundation of Electrical Theory I & II, students will solve complex circuit problems by using Ohm's and Watt's Laws. Alternating Current principles are introduced, including induction, effective voltage, reactance, and power factor correction. Students will gain a thorough understanding of single-phase transformer operating principles, features, connections, and banks.

• Hours: 28
• Credits: 2
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Description:

Students will be introduced to the electrical hazards of live line distribution system maintenance, and the proper mitigation of such hazards through the use of the Electrical Utility Safey Rules. Approach distances, in the form of the Safe Limits of Approach, will be thoroughly examined and practically implemented. Working from an Insulated Aerial Device, a Material Handling Aerial Device, and from a wood pole, students will use rubber glove work methods to install rubber protective equipment and/or equipotential point-of-work grounding. Various rigging and tensioning scenarios will be solved by selecting the equipment most appropriate for the task, according to Working Load Limits and electrical environment applicability, including an introduction to relocating energized overhead conductors using a MHAD. Single-phase underground distribution systems will be used to introduce to the basic concepts of the Utility Work Protection Code, and students will install, connect, and terminate medium and low voltage underground cables. The installation of overhead transformers will be completed using a MHAD, and students will transfer overhead residential services from an open secondary bus to a spun secondary bus. Students will work in small teams to build a 5-pole three-phase line according to USF Construction Standards, using a Radial Boom Derrick and conventional stringing methods.

• Hours: 210
• Credits: 11
• Pre-Requisites: ELEC1595
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Description:

In this third OH&S course of the Powerline Technician Program, students will further their understanding of hazard assessment and control, the hierarchy of controls, the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act and its applicable Regulations, the Electrical Utility Safety Rules, and other industry standards (including USF, CSA, and ASTM), policies, and procedures. Students will apply their knowledge of these areas by completing detailed Job Safety Analyses and working in groups to design a Safe Job Procedure. Arc Flash hazards and powerline-specific Occupational Diseases will also be explored.

• Hours: 14
• Credits: 1
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Description: This co-op work term will provide students with college-approved work experience in an authentic, professionally relevant work environment. Students will be provided the opportunity to connect theory and practice by leveraging their academic training to develop a broad base of vocational skills. The practical applications of this work term will promote students’ awareness of key concepts and terminology in their field, cultivate their problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, encourage their development of professional autonomy and collaboration, and enhance their capacity to analyze and reflect on their demonstrated abilities in the workplace.

• Hours: 420
• Credits: 14
• Pre-Requisites: CDEV1020 OR CEPR1020
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Description: This course expands on many of the topics covered in Electrical Theory III. The relationship between inductance and capacitance within an AC circuit will be studied to gain a practical understanding of the need for capacitor use, voltage regulation and power factor corrections. An analysis of three phase AC systems and sine waves relating to three phase motor/equipment operation as well as the theoretical principles regarding troubleshooting three phase systems. This course also examines ferroresonance, tingle voltage and work on the neutral conductor. Students will study three phase power generation and the formation of Wye and Delta electrical systems. Three phase transformer bank schematic development evolving into practical bank construction, wiring and loading calculations. Students will also be able to identify different types of transformers used in the electrical distribution system and logically solve common voltage problems.

• Hours: 28
• Credits: 2
• Pre-Requisites: ELEC2200
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Description: Students will learn how to properly use and maintain live line tools and protective equipment and to safely execute a range of procedures such as changing insulators. As the students move onto the next stage of training they will be introduced to significant voltages, amperages and hazards inherent in this type of work. This activity is designed to supplement the students' awareness of the powerline trade. The student acts as a lead hand responsible for the safety, schematic interpretation and finally the construction of a distribution system. The student selects, organizes the tools, equipment, material and personnel to complete the distribution system build. Students will use a Material Handling Aerial Device (MHAD) to complete live line exercises. Students will discuss the relevance of industry policies, procedures and standards and the importance of teamwork. Utility Standards Forum (USF) will also play an important role in this semester.

• Hours: 210
• Credits: 11
• Pre-Requisites: ELEC2215
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.