Utility Products Sept 2014

September 2014
utilityproducts.com
Vol. 18, Issue 8
Features:
FieldWorker
Safety
Line Construction
Product Focus:
Line Construction & Maintenance
Vehicles & Accessories
Smart Meters & Metering Devices
Wire, Cable & Fiber Optics
NECA
Chicago, Il.
Sept. 27-30
International Linemans Rodeo
Overland Park, Kan.
Oct 14-18
SCTE Cable-Tec Expo
Denver, Co.
Sept. 22-25
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contents
September 2014
Volume 18, Issue 8
utilityproducts.com
Richard Baker
Senior Vice President,

North American Power Group
FEATUREStories
6
Teresa Hansen
Editor in Chief
Field Worker Safety: Top Six Concerns

By Jack Rubinger
John Tabor
Associate Editor
johnt@pennwell.com (918) 831-9508
10 Steady Current
Paul Hull
Keeping the National Electrical Safety Code Relevant for all Utility Workers
By Trevor Bowmer and Larry Slavin
Contributing Editor
Daniel Greene
Production Manager
14 Safety Management for Crew Leaders
Clark Bell
By Ronald Schenk
Art Director
Chris Long
18 New Lines
Senior Regional Sales Manager

clong@pennwell.com (205) 647-9137
FAX: (205) 647-9140
Expansion and Replacement of Existng Lines Will Continue Forever

By Paul Hull
PRODUCTFocus
Rhonda Brown
Reprint Manager
rhondab@fosterprinting.com (219) 878-6094
LineConstruction&Maintenance
22 Utility Vegetation Management Optimizes Reliability
Melissa Ward
Utility Products Conference & Expo Exhibit

& Sponsorship Sales Manager
mward@pennwell.com (918) 831-9116
Joanna Shatwell
Vehicles&Accessories
24 Automatic Vehicle Location Technology is Valuable
Ad Services Coordinator
Joannas@pennwell.com (918) 831-9136
for Fleets of All Sizes
26
Go Beyond the Standards When Making Technology

Investments
28
Pure Sine Wave Inverters Offer Work Vehicle Benefits
Linda Thomas
Audience Development Manager

lindat@pennwell.com (918) 832-9254
Frank T. Lauinger
Chairman
Meters&MeteringDevices
30 Meter Replacement: An Evolution Into Efficiency and
Robert F. Biolchini
President & CEO
Mark Wilmoth
Cost Savings
32
Chief Financial Officer
Jayne A Gilsinger
Putting the Smart in Smart Meters
Senior Vice President, Planning, Development

& Strategic Policy Advancement
Wire,Cable&FiberOptics
34 Anchoring Spiraling Cable Costs
36
Cleat Call
September 2014
utilityproducts.com
Vol. 18, Issue 8
S.A.F.E.atWork
52 Thinking Differently About Target Zero
By Matt Forck, CSP & JLW
Features:
FieldWorker
Safety
Line Construction
Product Focus:
Line Construction & Maintenance
Vehicles & Accessories
Smart Meters & Metering Devices
Wire, Cable & Fiber Optics
NECA
Chicago, Il.
Sept. 27-30
INEVERYISSUE
International Linemans Rodeo

Overland Park, Kan.
Oct 14-18
SCTE Cable-Tec Expo
Denver, Co.
Sept. 22-25
4 Editors Letter 40 New Products 51 Advertiser Index
Advertising Offices for Utility Products

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Utility Products September 2014 www.utilityproducts.com
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EDITORSLetter
Field Worker
Safety: Minimizing
Risks Helps You
Stay Safe on the Job
ield workers must do everything possible to minimize risks and stay safe on the
job. When an accident occurs, not only is the employee affected, but the family, company and community as well. This months Utility Products brings you
several great feature articles to help minimize exposure to some of the dangers
utility workers face. Jack Rubingers article, Field Worker Safety: Top Six Concerns,
discusses the dangers of exposure to high voltage, great heights and extreme temperaturesand what can be done to make the workplace safer.
In Keeping the National Electrical Safety Code Relevant for All Utility Workers
by Trevor Bowmer and Larry Slavin, how the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC)
helps ensure the safety and efficiency of workers working with electric supply, communication lines and equipment is presented. Opportunities for conflicts between facilities
and work practices can easily occur, and any conflicts can be eliminated through the
application of the NESCprotecting everyone.
And in Ronald Schenks article, Safety Management for Crew Leaders, how applying a few best practices in transmission and distribution safety management can
keep workers safe is outlined. Safety is the responsibility of the safety department, crew
foreman and crew memberseveryones responsibility. It is important that corporate
culture stress and enforce this concept.
Another feature article is New Lines: Expansion and Replacement of Existing Lines
Will Continue Forever by contributing editor Paul Hull. Hull discusses how, nationwide, bringing power to everyone, commercial and residential, continues to change and
improve. Utilities in power and telecommunications have always accepted that some of
their work is better done by other companies, Hull points out, and line construction and
maintenance should be performed by those who are expertswhether its the utility or
outsourcing to contractors.
This issue of Utility Products also brings you a great lineup of product focus articles.
Read how utility vegetation management optimizes reliability, fleets of all sizes are
helped with automatic vehicle location technology, making wise technology investments
benefits everyone, pure sine wave converters offer work vehicle benefits, meters really
get to be smart, spiraling cable costs can be overcome, and meter replacement evolves
into efficiency and cost-savings.
John Tabor
Associate Editor
johnt@pennwell.com
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FEATUREStory
tility field workers work alone. Theyre exposed to

high voltage, great heights and extreme temperatures. This is dangerous work. By the end of 2013,
more than 50 utility workers had lost their lives on
the job, according to Danny Raines of Raines Utility
Safety Solutions.
While having comprehensive knowledge of Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) safety practices and personal protective equipment is critically important, field workers must also master
bucket and digger derrick truck operations, voltage testing procedures,
capacitor theory and installation and lockout/tag out.
Field Worker Safety:
Top Six Concerns
by Jack Rubinger
Given these challenging working conditions, its time to devote

time and space to gain a better understanding of field worker safety.
Lets start with working solo.
Working Solo
Working alone is stressful. Shift work, inadequate rest and working excessive overtime hours are factors. No one is watching your
back, second guessing, watching for mistakes or errors. And, with
attrition in the workplace, younger and less experienced utility
workers are placed into these positions. But not all are overly concerned.
Our servicemen are first responders to many outage or service related problems, said Jeff Beaman, Central Electric Cooperative Inc.
in Redmond, Oregon. They are trained to quickly identify which repairs they can make without assistance and which require additional
support. Our crewmen always work in teams for two to five.
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Field Safety...
Exposure to High Voltage, Handling Power
Outages, Voltage Irregularities, Transformers
Electric utility line workers are continuously exposed to high
voltage, trouble calls and complicated electrical equipment including transformers and automatic switchgear. The line technician
level requires more formal and on-the-job training than any other
construction trade in the workplace. Personal protection equipment includes arc rated flame resistant clothing, eye protection
and hardhats. Additional protection is prescribed at higher voltages and includes face shields and flame resistant masks.
Working From Heights

Slips and falls leading to strains and sprains represent a majority of OSHA recordable injuries and are an ongoing problem for
electrical workers. Harnesses are required when working at any
height exceeding four feet above the ground. At some 30 feet in
height, crews annually receive hurt-man rescue training. In addition, bucket trucks are used in most cases except those where
a bucket cannot access the work location or the use of a bucket
truck would be less safe than the use of climbing equipment.
Exposure to Extreme Temperatures

Line workers are continually dealing with the environment.
Workers in the lower 48 states face high temperatures of more
than 100 degrees in the Southwest deserts to -0 in the North. Those
in Canada work with temperatures of -40 Centigrade in the winter.
The biggest challenges are sudden weather changessuch as the
Twin City wind storms of June 2013.
A series of three back-to-back wind storms ripped through the
Twin Cities, the most severe in the citys history. Tasked with restoring power to 600,000 customers, more than 1,000 Xcel Energy
field workers working 16 hour days were enlisted to handle power
restorationthe largest field workforce the utility had in Minnesota following a storm. Such efforts usually require setting up tent
cities for exhausted field workers.
In hot weather, Beaman and his crew wear lighter weight flame
resistant shirts. All his trucks carry plenty of drinking water and
electrolyte-replenishing drinks. Regular safety classes address heat
stroke and heat exhaustion. In addition to outfitting crews with
cold weather clothing, protocols call for regular warming breaks.
Hand Protection
The slogan, A linemans best friend is his best friend, has been
around since about 1967, according to Raines, who began his career working at Georgia Power in Macon, Georgia. OSHA 29 CFR
1910.132 personal protective equipment requires employers to provide hand protection for all employees exposed to hand injuries.
Even in a flash accident, a pair of Class 2 rubber gloves has a
90 calorie protective value from the intense high temperature arc
that can reach upwards of 20,000 to 30,000 degrees, Raines said.
Its important to cycle gloves out regularly for electrical testing per
the ASTM standard, inspection and replacement. Rubber gloves
should be inspected for embedded metals, nicks and cuts before
every use.
On the Job Fitness

A utility worker is an industrial athlete, Raines said. The
physical requirements of performing underground and overhead
utility line work are strenuous. Strains and sprains resulting from
improper worker position begin to emerge as workers age. Shoulders, elbows, back and knees are common injuries.
Many companies encourage stretching and warm ups before
beginning work. Warming up muscle groups reduces the frequency of soft tissue injuries. Practicing yoga before work is beneficial for both strength and flexibility.
Communicating these conditions is also important to ensure
field worker safety.
The primary use of signage in our work environment is to
designate the location of all safety equipment and supplies and
provide reminders of the safe operation of work equipment. We
also use signage to designate electric circuitry specifications, tag
equipments status as electrified or not when working on the system, and to post Do Not Operate or Hold tags on circuits during
repairs or construction. Safety and warning signs are also directed to the general public reminding them of the need to remain
distant from electrical systems and equipment, Beaman said.
While it might seem limiting to reduce the list of critical field
worker safety issues to just six items, communication generates
awareness and awareness stimulates action to improve working
conditions. We can all do a better job supporting workersespecially those who are putting their lives on the line for us.
About the author:

Jack Rubinger, Graphic Products, contributes to industrial
communications worldwide. Graphic Products is a provider
of workplace labeling and signage. For more information,
visit www.graphicproducts.com or email
jarubinger@graphicproducts.com.
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FEATUREStory
Keeping the National Electrical

Safety Code Relevant for All
Utility Workers
by Trevor Bowmer and Larry Slavin
n the early years of utility infrastructure rollout in the US,

workers had to deal with masses of lines with multiple
cross arms on poles spanning highways and byways. During the 100-year history of the National Electrical Safety
Code (NESC), the power and communications industries
and regulators have leveraged the code in helping bring
order to the chaos, guiding safe design and activity around such
lines.
The NESC covers a wide range of applications including power
plants (electric supply stations) and tall, high-voltage transmission
10
towers, as well as the more ubiquitous joint-use poles for local

distribution of communication and power services. Opportunities
for conflicts among facilities and work practices can easily arise
for workers on these joint-use polesconflicts that can often be
alleviated through application of the NESC, protecting the safety
of all utility workers and the public.
Maintaining order for the sake of worker and public safety has
grown steadily more important in the decades since 1984 deregulation and the ensuing growth in diversity of stakeholders and
technologies on the poles and in the underground systems and
buried areas in easements and rights of way. Circumstances are
more complex now with multiple joint-users and attachments on
these structures, resulting from the ongoing growth of cable television, the widespread deployment of fiber-optic technology, and
the continuing boom in wireless/cellular services witnessed in the
past three decades. The intensifying rollout of the smart grid and
its two-way flow of power and data is another trend. The line between what is power infrastructure and what is communications
infrastructure was fairly clear until recent years; the smart grid,
however, is gradually blurring that line.
Steady Current...
The NESC provides the basic rules on safety across the different
equipment types and varying skills of the utility workers that must
share the poles and underground space. Keeping the code relevant
and up to date in the face of innovation in power and communications technologies, as well as the increasing service demands, is a
never-ending taskand never a more crucial one with regard to
the safety of utility field technicians and contractors, as well as
the public.
The Codes First Century
The 100-year anniversary of the NESCs creation was marked

in August 2014. The 1914 introduction of the code ushered consistency and safety factors into the design, construction and use
of US electricity and communications infrastructures.
A century later, the NESC has emerged as one of the most
widely adopted safety codes. Through legislative, regulatory or
voluntary action, almost all of the individual states within the
US leverage the NESC in whole or part, and some 100 countries
around the globe use the code in some manner.
The NESC specifies best practices for safe deployment, and
use and maintenance of electric supply and communication systems such as telephone, cable TV and railroad signal systems, as
well as their associated equipment, for public and private utilities. The code applies from the generation or delivery point from
another entity all the way to the customer service point, at which
power or communications systems are transferred to a premises
wiring system.
Over the past three decades, we have seen a much greater diversity of utility workersthose of wireless companies, competing telephone companies, power companies, etc.on the poles
and in the underground trenches to which the NESC applies, as
more antennas, traffic signals and communications infrastructure
have been deployed to address the needs and demands presented
by population growth, mobile communications and Internet proliferation. In fact, power and communications workers can often
find themselves working in the vicinity of each other on adjacent,
or even on the same, joint-usage structures.
Standardized rules regarding how the workers from different disciplines can work safely together are essential. The utility
workers could possibly work out issues that arise on a case-bycase basis, but its safer and more efficient to cooperate within
the parameters of the NESCs basic rules when working near one
another. In addition, having common rules across regions helps
power and communications workers know more precisely what
to expect when they are working in unfamiliar territory, such as
in disaster-response scenarios.
Because language, engineering controls and other aspects
sometimes vary among the different types of utility workers sharing joint structures, it is critical that expertise from all involved
parties have a voice in helping ensure the NESC remains practical, relevant and up to date.
Toward the 2017 Edition
Since 1914, the NESC has been steadily refined to help ensure
protection for the public, utility workers, equipment and property.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
has served as secretariat of the code since 1972. The standards
12
and collaborative solutions arm of IEEE, the IEEE Standards

Association (IEEE-SA), facilitates a structured, five-year process
through which the code is revised through open collaboration
among the professionals and industries it serves.
September 2014 begins an eight-month period of open commentary on the preprint of proposed changes for the 2017 edition of
the NESC, which is scheduled for publication on August 1, 2016.
From now until May 1, 2015, interested parties can review, affirm
or suggest additional changes to the codes change proposals.
This public commentary period is the current phase in a proven,
five-year process of refinement for the NESC that commences with
publication of each new edition of the code. In particular:
Change proposals can be prepared and submitted electronically by any interested person, organization, NESC subcommittee or member of the NESC Committee or its subcommittees.
Each change proposal is considered by an NESC subcommittee, which can then endorse the proposal, propose revisions
or additions, refer the proposal to technical working groups
for more detailed evaluation, seek coordination with other
subcommittees and/or recommend that the change proposal
be rejected.
The preprint of the proposed changes is prepared and made
publicly available at the IEEE Standards Store, at standards.
ieee.org/store.
After a period of open commentary by the public, the proposed revisions to the code and comments are considered by
the relevant NESC subcommittees.
A draft of the revised NESC is prepared based on the subcommittee reports and submitted for approval by the NESC
Main Committee. It also undergoes concurrent public review
by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and,
finally, approval by ANSIs Board of Standards Review.
Conclusion
For 100 years, companies and workers have relied on the

NESC to help ensure the safety and efficiency of electric supply,
communication lines and related equipment. One of the oldest
and most ubiquitous safety codes, the NESC has been in continuous use since August 1914.
The code continuously evolves to stay current with new technologies and developments affecting lines supported on the
poles, as well as those placed in the trenches, that power and
communications workers share. To ensure the NESCs ongoing
contribution to the safety of those workers and the public alike,
a diversity of inputs, expertise and lessons learned from the realworld field is needed during the revision process. The period of
open commentary that continues until May 2015 is an opportune
time for all voices to be heard.
About the authors:

As organizational representatives of the Alliance for
Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS), Larry
Slavin and Trevor Bowmer provide the communicationsindustry perspective on the Main Committee and five of the
technical subcommittees of the NESC.
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FEATUREStory
Safety
Management
By Ronald Schenk
for Crew Leaders
he Occupational Safety and Health Administration

(OSHA), an agency of the Department of Labor,
considers a powerline crew a mobile workforce. Their
work site changes every day and sometimes several
times a day. Managing crew worker safety in this kind
of environment is challenging, but the crew leader can
be successful by applying a few best practices in transmission and
distribution safety management. These best practices, however, begin with the right attitude and safety as a value within the company
culture.
Safety Attitudes and the Corporate Culture

Many crew foremen may ask, Isnt safety management the
responsibility of the safety department? Crew members may be
wondering the same thing. In one sense they are right, arent they?
Management has a broad corporate and legal responsibility for
safety, and organizations often will have a separate department to
help manage their responsibilities. But in another sensethe bigger
picturesafety is everyones responsibility. If the crew foreman and
crew members are asking this question, they havent internalized the
concept of safety as a personal responsibility. It could be that the
14
corporate culture is to blame.

Culture is a word we often associate with the society of a nation
or a region of a country. Culture, however, is also a concept that
can be applied to a single company or even a department within a
company. Every utility and every contractor has a company culture. Each department within that organization is likely to have its
own culture. That departmental culture can mirror the culture of
the larger organization or be at odds with the broader culture of the
company.
Often, cultural differences within the various departments of an
organization are greatest when it comes to safety. Safe work practices, for example, may be enforced in the office or at the generating
plant but may be relaxed during field operations involving transmission and distribution (T&D) crews. It is, however, the T&D operations department of a utility or the field operations of a contractor
that are frequently exposed to the greatest risk. Crews are expected
to repair lines and equipment at night or during storms. But, even
during routine maintenance of the system, high-voltage electricity is
unforgivingallowing no mistakes without serious consequences.
The lack of safe work practices often poses life-threatening hazards
to line workers.
Safety Management...
An Attitude of Compliance
We often find an attitude of compliance within the field operations of utilities and contractors. It is my responsibility to comply
with the rules and regulations, employees think, and the company
culture reinforces that thinking. The crew foreman becomes the
champion of compliance, because too often, that is the only thing
by which he or she is measured.
However, does management really want the workers focusing on
compliance, or does management want the workers doing whats
required to stay safe in the workplace? I think the latter. Is compliance with rules and regulations part of staying safe in the workplace?
Most likely, but it is a means to an end and in reality just one of the
tools used in staying safe. Compliance is not an end to itself. When
we demand that employees focus on compliance with rules and regulations, we miss the point.
The industrys relationship with OSHA regulations is a good example. The agency has accumulated a wealth of important information about safety and safe work practices for our industry since its
inception 40 years ago. The information is specific, often detailed,
and can be a valuable resource for a crew foreman in managing
safety. Unfortunately, during that same 40 years, OSHA has earned
a reputation for being a policemanan enforcer of regulations,
rather than the partner in safety that they wish to be. Too often, our
crew foremen are forced to worry about OSHA inspections and fines
rather than how OSHA regulations can be another tool for them in
their safety tool bag. Compliance with everyones rules and regulations has a place in crew safety managementjust not first place.
Where to Begin
The safety culture in any organization must begin with acceptance
of personal responsibility for safetyyour own and that of others.
Safety for all workers is truly a value within an organization and the
culture begins to change immediately when management accepts it
as such. We talk about our values. We display our values. We are
proud of our values and tell our customers why our values make us
special. We expect our employees to adopt our values. Safety is a
value and each employee has a personal responsibility to perform to
the expectations of our values.
The Safety Tool Bag

Safety for powerline crews is not a thingits a process and a creative one at that. Crews are expected to work on multiple job sites
within a typical day and each one is likely to be different. This variety
makes the job more interesting but can be a safety hazard. So, the
crew foreman and crew members must not become complacent. They
all must remain alert to the unique hazards they face at a site that they
didnt face at the last one. For the foreman, this means our plan for
staying safe on this job is unique. A good pre-job briefing can help.
With everyone involved in observing and planning, hazards can be
identified that are typical to the work but also unique to the job.
Does the foreman need to know all the rules and regulations applicable to the work required for this job? Absolutely. Does he need
to know this in case OSHA drives by or a company manager may
be watching? Those concerns should be the last things on his mind.
If the crew leader is following all the rules out of fear of retribution,
hes following them for the wrong reason. The rules and regulations
are good tools to help him keep crew members safe. Encourage the
foreman to not just read them, but to look beyond the printed words.
16
Each rule, each regulation has a deeper messagea spirit, if you will.
OSHAs 1910.269(a)(2)(vii) regulation, for example, states: The
employer shall certify that each employee has received the training
required by paragraph (a)(2) of this section. Okay, so, well make
sure our workers are trained. Well talk about personal protective
equipment (PPE) at the next safety meeting. The foreman may be in
compliance with the letter of the law by doing this, but he has completely missed the spirit of what is needed. Training, in this sense, is
referring to proficiency in both knowledge and skills. For powerline
workers, this will almost always be the case. Rather than just recite
something, they need to perform it, to become proficient at it. Its not
enough, for example, for a crew member to explain proper care, use
and maintenance of PPEhe needs to demonstrate proficiency at it
to truly be trained. Each rule and regulation has a deeper meaning
and expectation that the foreman should understand. Compliance
with the letter of the written word is not good enough.
The company safety department is another tool or resource often available to the crew foreman. The best-performing organizations have established the safety department as a support function
to operations. They should not be the police department. The safety
department is there to help the crew foreman do his job. Legally,
management has the responsibility to enforce safety regulations
within the company, but operationally, the foreman should be the
enforcer. When the safety department is tagged with enforcement,
they too often become the enemy of the crew rather than the partner
in safety that they should be. This means safety managers and representatives must have a servant attitude and recognize that their success is in direct correlation to how operations perceive and use them.
Begin With the End in Mind

Author Stephen R. Covey suggested that one of the seven habits
of highly effective people is to begin with the end in mind. Thats a
good idea for crew safety management as well. Where do we want
to end up? What does success look like in crew safety management?
In defining that success, most people will include the attitude of the
worker. We want the worker on that crew to have a good attitude
about safety. Another element of success may be personal responsibility. Many things become easier when we accept personal responsibility for safety.
Being accident-free or incident-free, and sending our people home
each evening with the same health they started with that morning,
is usually a measure of success as well. The powerline crew foreman
will have much influence on the success or failure of any measure we
put in place. Lets arm these crew leaders with the best management
and supervisory practices available to help them succeed.
About the Author:

Ronald Schenk, CUSP, is the executive director of the
Institute for Safety in Powerline Construction (ISPC), an
electric utility industry association focusing on safety and
training for lineworkers, and director of T&D PowerSkills
LLC, a lineman training program. Schenk has conducted
seminars and training sessions for utilities and contractors
around the nation on crew safety management. For more
information, call 866-880-1380 or email Schenk at
ron@ispconline.com.
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FEATUREStory
by Paul Hull
Expansion and Replacement of Existing Lines Will Continue Forever
W
e tend to think of line construction as something we do for new developments in the

city, new housing estates, business parks
or expansion for public services, and they
are usually relatively short new lines. But,
nationwide, the business of bringing power
to everybody, commercial and residential, continues to change
and improve. PPL Electric Utilities of Allentown, Pennsylvania,
has sent in a proposal to build a transmission line from Western
Pennsylvania into New Jersey, Maryland and New York, as well
as parts of its home state, Pennsylvania. Thats hardly a short
line. It would be 500-kilowatt transmission line, 725 miles long,
and it would cost in the range of $4 billion to $6 billion. The
proposal from PPL is submitted to PJM Interconnection LLC,
the regional transmission organization that regulates a part of
the Eastern Interconnection electric transmission system in more
than a dozen states: Maryland, New Jersey, West Virginia, North
Carolina, Delaware, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. PPL says such a new regional transmission line would make
electric service more reliable, and it would improve the security
of the electric grid while reducing the cost of electricity for consumers. It would also help replace electricity supplies that will be
lost when existing power plants are closed. Of possible interest
to consumers is that the proposed line would help prevent power
outages during periods of unusually high demandsuch as during this past winters cold weather. PPL Electric Utilities may
have partnerships with other companies to build and develop
some or all of the project.
18
GET YOUR HANDS ON
Partnerships and Teamwork

Utilities in power and telecommunications have always accepted
that some of their work is better done by other companies. Tree
control, for example, is often done by teams from contractors whose
principal business is trimming trees and making them safe. Line construction, too, is often done by outside contractors, companies who
have made it their business to address particular and specific tasks.
When line construction becomes an underground project rather
than its traditional overhead work, there are companies that specialize in that kind of work. Some of their projects will be for electricity
but others can be for any type of system that must be distributed
over a wide area, such as water and natural gas. Such a company
is Utility Line Services (ULS); its driving attributes are safety and
the timely completions of work for the clients. ULS has successful experience in residential, urban and cross-country underground
construction and it can include work for regulator stations, trench
facilities, river crossings, telecommunications, as well as distribution
mains and services.
An interesting facet of ULS services is their quality assurance
control. Its something other contractors could investigate and follow. The quality assurance program was begun with PECO Energy
Co. and has since expanded to allow clients to spend their strongest
efforts on running their own operations rather than on watching
sub-contractors. ULS provides documentation that describes all the
quality checks completed during each phase of a project, making
the use of the project owners field inspectors less time-consuming
and costly. This quality assurance program basically will assure all
clients the work is done in a professional manner.
For another infrastructure project that has impressive attributesthe Thomson-Vogtle project in Georgiamost of the line
construction will be done by a line construction contractor who
will be selected by Georgia Power through a competitive bid process. This Thomson-Vogtle 500 kV transmission line will be built
to support two new nuclear units proposed to help meet the needs
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New Line...
of customers from 2016 and the years beyond. The line route is 55
miles long and begins at Plant Vogtle in Waynesboro, Georgia, in
Burke County. The route will go through four counties (Burke, Jefferson, Warren and McDuffie); the transmission line must be in service by early 2016 to support the new Vogtle units 3 and 4.
Factors in Line Construction
An interesting aspect of the line construction planned in Georgia is the research that has gone into its approval. Many factors
were considered by the location committee, which was comprised of
employees with different expertise in Georgia Power. Some of the
questions and considerationsand they could be appropriate for
your plans for new line constructionincluded the following: What
would be the potential impact on the communities involved? What
are the current uses for the land where the proposed route will be
located? What are the existing environmental conditions in the area
involved? Are there existing corridors? Are current engineering costs
and practices right for the construction, operation and maintenance
of the transmission line? How much of the proposed route for the
line is already used, and could be used for the future line?
Among factors in the planning for line construction, especially
important for customers, are the costs. For the Thomson-Vogtle
project in Georgia, area residents and other customers will not see
any immediate increase in their electricity bills because the costs are
a part of Georgia Powers normal capital improvement budget and
20
will eventually be added into the overall rate base. Explaining the
financial aspects of new line construction must be explained clearly
and openly to all customers. In Georgia, the new project will not
be included in the rate base until it goes into service. At that stage,
rates will only change when the Georgia Public Service Commission
approves a rate base case.
Above or Below?
In recent years, an increasing amount of infrastructure for

telecommunications and power has gone underground, and it is
important to determine where your lines should be. Whether underground lines are safer or less likely to be damaged than overhead lines is something that will always be arguedbut thats not
our concern here. As underground construction for lines becomes
more popular, its essential that we have crews and contractors
who can perform the job well and safely. Experience counts significantly in this area. We dont just dig a trench and shove the lines
down. There are many contractors nationwide who have success in
underground work; it usually involves directional boring. An example of the efficiency of underground work would be a project in
Arizona by Utility Construction Co. Inc., for FNF Construction
Inc., for the Arizona Department of Transportation. The project
involves installation of electrical conduit and duct banks for the
new highway lighting, freeway management system, fiber optics
and ramp metering. The work is done under US Hwy 60 and includes 197 individual bore shots, all crossing under the highway
traffic. Some bore shots are 400 feet long. Utility Construction
mainly serves Texas, Arizona, California and Nevada. There is
probably oneor more than oneexperienced contractor in your
region that can cope with demands for underground work in line
construction and related projects.
Contractors who perform line construction may step out of
that tight arena to do other work and go other places. Most of
these contractorssuch as those who do tree trimming and similar maintenance for youare local companies, but they help
anywhere when needed. An example would be Grattan Line Construction Corp. in Billerica, Massachusetts. While much of their
varied expert work is within reach of home, they have a good record in their ability to move swiftly to help provide reliable, electrical restoration services throughout the US and Canada. The
company helped bring disaster relief after Katrina, Gustav and
Ike, whose destruction was nowhere near the line construction
companys home base, and assist with the aftermath of muchcloser Sandy. Apart from overhead and underground utility line
construction and maintenance, Grattan can provide emergency
storm services, installation and removal of utility poles, wind farm
construction and maintenance, fiber optic and communication cable installation and splicing, and several sports-related services
such as lighting, for example. The company has strict, thorough
training for its employees in line construction and related work,
with safety always the number one priority.
Line constructionand its maintenanceis an expert job, not
just something to give to those guys who can do anything they say.
The people who do it best have the right equipment and the right
people. Its one of the tasks where outsourcing may be the wisest
move. That does not mean utility employees cannot provide good
line construction, but it does emphasize the aspect of safety in all
our work and the speed with which it can be accomplished.
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Utility Vegetation Management

Optimizes Reliabilityy
by Nicholas Abi-Samra
ccording to a 2008 Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Reliability Report, two-thirds of electrical outage minutes
were weather-related, with a third of these attributed
to vegetation contact with utility lines, poles and trans-
formers.
Vegetation management is not only important during severe
weather. Inadequate vegetation managementspecifically tree
trimmingand failure to manage tree growth in transmission rights
of way (ROW) were primary causes of the 2003 Northeast blackout, one of the largest in U.S. history.
Vegetation management is fundamental to mitigating local outages for distribution systems, as well as widespread cascading outages and blackouts for transmissions systems.
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22
Truck Chassis
Vehicle
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Lessons Learned
For vegetation mannagement programs too

be effective, its immportant to review thee
findings from windd
and winter storms:
Line-outage fre-quency can be cor-related with thee
number of trees-per-mile edge of the line.
e.
It is less dependentt
on variables such ass
line and tree heightss
and clearance betweenn
the trees and lines.
For distribution sys-tems, a direct correlationn
exists between the proxim-ity of trees to distributionn
lines and the vulnerability of
the lines to severe wind and winter
er
storms. Tree-related failures increase
exponentially when wind speeds top 60 mph.
Distribution pole failures principally were caused by fallen
treessecondary failuresand not by the impact of the wind on
the power delivery system directlyprimary failures. This is because the risk from airborne debris and trees outside the ROW can
exceed the risk of trees within the ROW by factors sometimes exceeding a 3-to-1 ratio.
Increasing the intensity of the hazard-tree program did not necessarily produce noticeable electric system performance during major storm events.
Targeted vegetation management actions for neighborhoods and
communities experiencing greater than expected reliability challenges have been proven effective.
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Vegetation management frequently competes for budget dollars and often faces strong public oppositionat least until major
storm-related outages occur. Utilities might have several options
to address reliability situations. Take, for example, undergrounding a distribution lateral through a new subdivision compared with
increasing tree trimming on the main overhead trunk. If tree trimming results in higher reliability for lower cost, the loop could be
built as a part of the construction budget and O&M funds can be
boosted of vegetation management in that area. Progressive utilities
routinely perform targeted reliability improvements that include a combination of

vegetation management with selective undergrounding and other system enhancements across the distribution system for
neighborhoods with reliability challenges.
There is no universal solution to fixing reliability issues.
About the author:

Nicholas Abi-Samra is a senior member of
IEEE, a professional engineer and senior
vice president at DNV GL. An expert in
power systems, planning, operations, and
maintenance, he served as the general
chair and technical program coordinator
for the 2012 IEEE Power & Energy

Society (PES) General Meeting. He is the
chair of PES and the Power Electronics
Societies in San Diego. Reach him at
nicholas.abi-samra@dnvkema.com.
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Utilities need to optimize reliability as

they attempt to allocate capital and operational budgets based on well-defined
reliability objectives. Revisiting in-place
vegetation management programs periodically is vital to minimizing wind and winter storms effects on power lines. Utilities
should use the results of storm damage
and subsequent restoration as part of their
vegetation management assessments. In
particular, application of storm data allows a critical review of damage and clearance standards. Finding the true causes of
tree-related outages is critical to employing
the necessary vegetation management. In
addition, utilities should coordinate with
property owners and local officials to plant
and replace downed vegetation that is most
conducive to system reliability. Just ensuring specific branch clearances from power
lines is not as effective as targeted vegetation management. In the past, the public
planted vegetation with little or no consideration of the impacts on surrounding utility systems. This has changed, but localities
could assist in vegetation management by
requiring that any new trees planted under
power lines be those with shorter heights
and longer life cycles.
On the technology side, improved vegetation management can be achieved
through data analytics and business intelligence. Analytics can assist in tracking
vegetation management practices at different regions and tree species at various
times to maximize the return on investment
as measured in system reliability. The ability to track all these metrics on geographic
information systems with vegetation management databases and work histories,
coupled with a data mining engine to develop the business intelligence, will help
utilities tackle this major cause of stormrelated outages. The smart grids advanced
distributed sensors, communications and
data networks will enhance conditionbased maintenance and enable intelligent
vegetation management.
23
VEHICLES&Accessories
Automatic Vehicle Location

Technology is Valuable for
Fleets of All Sizes
hen choosing a global positioning system (GPS) tracking software for your utility
business, you should consider
how many vehicles you have in your fleet.
Whether your fleet is made up of 1,000
mixed-duty vehicles spanning across the
US or if you just need a bucket truck and
a few light-duty vehicles to operate your
local business, automatic vehicle location
(AVL) will provide valuable data and tools
to improve your fleet operations. Whichever category your fleet falls under, it is important to do your research to ensure you
find a solution that meets all your needs.
There are different capabilities you will
require and challenges you will encounter
based on your fleet size. Make sure you
are prepared with the best solution to solve
any fleet related challenge that comes your
way.
Enterprise GPS
Tracking Software
If you manage a large fleet with many
different vehicles, it becomes more important to choose a solution with the capability to support a large amount of data and
interpret it into actionable information.
You will need software that can help you
easily manage all vehicles and drivers

across your fleet.
Hierarchy: With enterprise fleets, there are
many moving parts that are likely spread
over a wide geographical area. You want to
make sure every vehicle is accounted for at
all times and is being properly monitored,
which can be accomplished with an AVL
solutions hierarchy capability.
Many enterprise size businesses have
multiple divisions, branches, etc. that lend
themselves to a hierarchical structure.
With the leading GPS fleet management
providers, hierarchies can be customized
geographically, by organization, or vehicle
type to mimic your internal structure. This
allows you to send customized reports and
alerts to the correct people throughout your
organization.
You can also customize further by classifying your vehicles by attribute. An
attribute is a characteristic that can be associated with anything you are tracking. You
may, for example, want to only view your
trucks that have a boom in a particular part
of town to dispatch to a jobsite. By including this attribute as a filter, you can view
only the trucks with a boom in that area so
you dont waste time looking at information
that is irr
irrelevant.
Simplify the manSimpl
agement of every
agemen
vehicle and driver
throughout your orgathrougho
nization with the right
AVL tec
technology.
Unlimite Historical
Unlimited
Data: So
Some AVL solutions hhave a cap on
how mu
much historical
data is available to
your business and
will purge
24
the data at some point as well. This can be

problematic if there is a dispute of any kind
towards your business. The leading GPS
fleet management solutions should be able
to retrieve historical data from any vehicle
in your fleet as far back as when they were
equipped with GPS tracking devices. If you
request this information from your provider, they should be able to gather this data
for you in a reasonable amount of time.
You never know when a problem will
arise, so you want to have an AVL partner that has the ability to give you the data
needed to protect you against discrepancies
or litigations.
Intermediate Fleet Size

If your fleet is large but does not have
thousands of vehicles, you will still need
more than just any out-of-the-box solution
that only allows you to view dots on a map.
The capabilities you obtain from top tier
AVL technology will improve your fleets
operations in many ways. Use customizable software that will improve productivity, dispatching capabilities, maintenance
procedures and more.
Customizations: With the ability to customize your software platform, you can create
multiple dashboards for all the people on
your team. A dashboard interface is a snapshot into fleet activity that displays maps,
graphs, vehicle lists, alerts, etc. By creating
dashboards with customized reports and
alerts for people or departments throughout your organization, they will only view
relevant reports, alerts, maps or administration that is needed for their jobs.
Creating customized dashboards for
specific departments, such as maintenance
for example, can help you stay in control of
services that could be overlooked without
the right organization. Automated maintenance makes fleet management simple
by sending maintenance reminders to
Groups: So what if your fleet doesnt require hierarchy but you still have different
locations or departments that need to be
monitored separately? Groups are another
valuable functionality that can be used by
intermediate size fleets to ensure all aspects
of fleet management are monitored. Within
an AVL solution, you can create groups for
different departments, locations or vehicle
types. This is another way to easily retrieve
the most relevant data about your fleet.
Small Business Utility Fleets
If you are a small utility business that

only has a few vehicles for your operations
or if you are a small business that is rapidly
growing, you will find value from AVL technology, as well. Small businesses need to investigate potential solutions based on their
ability to save costs, increase productivity
and efficiency, prevent theft, and the ability
to scale the solution as the business expands.
Save Costs and Protect Your Fleet: As a
small fleet, it is important to closely monitor areas where your fleet could be saving
money and also finding ways to run your
operations as efficiently as possible. Updating your older methods of fleet management
will improve operations by preventing theft
and unsafe driving habits, and automating
a time consuming process will let your team
spend their time more productively.
managers and drivers to ensure all vehicles

received schedule services. By having someone specifically monitoring maintenance
for a group of vehicles, you are likely to extend the lifespan of a fleet by not letting any
service go overdue.
Keeping manual
processes that can
easily be automated
will result in more
mistakes, will increase labor costs,
and make it much
more likely that your
business will encounter fuel, vehicle and
labor theft. Without
a system in place to
closely monitor these
metrics, it is easy for
them to slip by unCIRCLE 19 ON READER SERVICE CARD
noticed. Theft recovery is also much more likely with the use provider doesnt have the capability you
of AVL technology. Replacing stolen ve- require.
hicles can be expensive and can even break
a small business.
Whether you have an enterprise fleet
If you are worried that GPS fleet manage- with many vehicles or you are a small
ment will just become another expense, con- utility business with just a few in your opsider all the ways this investment will save eration, you will find value in AVL techyou money in the long run. AVL solutions nology. The important thing during the
have been proven to cut costs across many buying process is to make sure you find
metrics and typically deliver a complete re- a solution that is right for your business
turn on investment and put money back in needs and fleet size.
your pocket.
About the Author:
Scalability: If you are a small business that
Jenny Malcolm is the marketing
is growing, you will need to choose a GPS
administrator for GPS Insight. She
fleet management solution that can adapt graduated from Arizona State University
if you need to track more vehicles later. In with a Bachelors of Communication and
this case, you will need a scalable solution,
is responsible for external marketing
meaning they have the architecture and recommunication for all business segments
sources in place to scale to your needs as
that GPS Insight targets. Contact GPS
your fleet expands, while maintaining the
Insight for more information at (480)
quality and integrity of the product. It will
663-9463 or www.gpsinsight.com.
become a large problem later if you need
to find a new solution because your current CIRCLE 104 ON READER SERVICE CARD
25
Go Beyond the
Standards When
Making Technology
Investments
by Jeff Grosshauser
n a world where change occurs quickly,

all technical managers are concerned
about making the right technology
investment at the right time. A communitys economic well-being and citizens
lives depend on having the right infrastructure in place when disaster strikes. Utility
managers are especially under pressure in
their technology decisions because the communications networks and radios are key
parts of a modern utility infrastructure and
are heavily relied on during a disaster response. Most utility managers are educated
in electric and gas technology, and they realize the right communication technology is
critical. They may not, however, be familiar
with the alphabet soup of communications
technology.
When making technology decisions, industry standards are supposed to make
those purchasing decisions easier. Standards
are put in place to ensure a level of interoperability and a subset of common capabilities among vendors. For mission-critical
entities, such as utilities, standards also provide the potential for a level of coordination
among responders from different agencies
in a disaster.
When different standards exist, the decision on which technology
to invest in becomes complicated, and each standard
needs to be evaluated as
part of the due diligence
process to determine which
is most appropriate. When
it comes to radio communication standards, managers
might have heard of Project
25 (P25), Digital Mobile
Radio (DMR), Terrestrial
26
Trunked Radio (TETRA) or other standards. While products built around these
standards might sound similar in description, they are technically different in their
underlying architectures, audio quality,
redundancy options, network management, lifecycle and other specifications and
features.
The roots of these standards are different
and sometimes indicate differences in architectures and applicability. P25 originated in
North America as a means of creating interoperability between first responders and
is a common standard globally operating
on licensed Land Mobile Radio (LMR) frequencies. P25 as a standard is driven by the
Critical Infrastructure first responder user
community. DMR has its roots in Europe
and targets a variety of markets, designed
for both unlicensed and licensed spectrum.
As a standard, DMR is driven by the
European Telecommunications Standards
Institute (ETSI). TETRA also has its roots
in Europe and operates on licensed LMR
frequencies. Like DMR, the TETRA standard is driven by ETSI. Depending on the
use case, some tradeoffs are inherent in their
architectures and might make some less optimal for a specific geographic region.
Reliability: Many factors contribute to the

reliability of a radios basic functionality.
When first responders push the talk button,
they expect the radio to work and the network to be available for the safety of utility
personnel or for the safety of citizens that
they serve. Bandwidth and capacity in the
overall network matters during a crisis because dozens of people need to be talking
with one another at the same time. In highdensity, a high-traffic inner city situation,
the responsiveness of the radio is a concern.
Responsiveness has architectural implications as well as vendor-influenced attributes.
Does the vendor go beyond the basics of the
standard specifications? Is there redundancy
built into the network? These are questions
that go beyond the standard itself.
transmission. It also involves encryption

and detection within the network and over
the air as bits pass among radios.
the utilitys personnel to address problems.

That requires processes and a level of trust
that comes with experience.
Emergency Response: Another vendor issue
is emergency response. Technical standards
do not dictate vendor performance. Will the
vendor be there when disaster strikes? Can
the vendor place additional radios and other
gear at your disposal in advance of a storm?
Vendors with extensive market and channel
presence have more resources to help you
prepare ahead of a disaster.
Security: Most standards have some level
of encryption. Vendors have to implement
that encryption and some will go beyond
the baseline. Security is also multi-faceted.
Security touches both voice and data
Standards are a good thing. They create

interoperability among different pieces of
equipment and competition among vendors
and an implied safety net for purchasers.
The proliferation of standards can become
confusing as different vendors bid with different standards and different implementations of those standards. Utility managers
dont need to be experts in the competing
technologiesbut rather they should focus
on their real concern: Is this system going
to work when we absolutely need it to work
and deliver the performance needed to meet
the needs of the users?
About the author:

Jeff Grosshauser is area sales
manager, Utility Market, for
Motorola Solutions.
Flexibility: Geographic redundancy built

into the network is necessary in some situations. Disaster can strike anywhere. Sometimes it is necessary to relocate the point
of operational control from one site to another. In regional power outages, this can
mean moving control from one city to another without losing subscriber radios in the
process. Different standards have different
capabilities for this geographical flexibility.
Cost: Cost is one parameter among many.
Some standards are geared toward reducing the radio to a commodity. Yet, tradeoffs
are made elsewhere in the overall solution
to achieve that cost. Cost also has implications for the ruggedness of a radio. Not all
radios are truly designed for mission-critical
applications.
Tech Support: Tech support is a necessary
part of evaluating any technology solution.
It involves several points of coordination
between utility and vendor. Who does basic
maintenance? In some instances, the vendor
monitors the overall system and dispatches
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The decision-making process should not

start with the technology or the standards,
but with assessing use cases and the needs
of your users. Utilities are defined as critical
infrastructure industries, and they have mission-critical and non-mission critical needs.
That reality drives a process that must evaluate the usage models, the capabilities of the
standards, the vendors implementation of the
standard, the success rate of the vendors and
many other factors as it applies to any given
standard. These factors are as follows.
27
Pure Sine Wave Inverters Offer

Work Vehicle Benefits
By William Tomkinson
very day, thousands of workshops

and offices move though the
country propelled by service technicians, installers, inspectors and
other mobile personnel, trained to get the
job done efficiently and correctly. Each of
these mobile workshops, these work trucks
and vans, need to be ready for anything the
job might require. Given the limitations of
space, most use cordless tools every day
and recharge them through an inverter, installed from the vehicles electrical system.
It is no secret that inverter use has proliferated in work vehicles and that cordless
screwdrivers, flashlights, saws and radios
have been high on the list of electrical demands. What is new is the way some of
these cordless tool battery chargers handle
inverter-supplied power and why an informed fleet manager should think carefully about the inverter technology chosen
for life on the road.
A fleet managers checklist for inverter
selection already includes correct sizing,
regulatory compliance, adequate specifications, quality and choosing a bankable
supplier that can meet the varied needs of
a corporate fleet. Now, more than ever, the
fleet manager also has to think carefully
about modified sine wave (MSW) vs. pure
sine wave (PSW) inverters.
MSW and PSW topics are frequent
questions for inverter manufacturers.
While this topic is covered extensively elsewhere, in summary, a modified sine wave is
an older technology that approximates the
ac power that is available from your utility company while pure sine wave (or true
sine wave) is essentially the same as your
house hold power. In North America, this
is 120 Vac.
MSW units have often been selected by
fleets for their lower cost and easy availability, and they have generally performed
well for work truck loads. Now, as a result
of changes to the way manufactures build
their charger products and new efficiency
regulationsstarting in Californiasome
28
charging equipment for cordless tool batteries wont work on MSW products and
the trend is accelerating. In addition, many
tool chargers that do accept the MSW
power will charge the batteries at a higher
temperature, resulting in a shorter lifespan
for potentially expensive batteries.
In 2012, the California Energy Commission began a process to ensure all of the
various chargers and power operate at a
minimum level of efficiency. Starting with
small consumer focused chargers such as
those used in cordless tools, these regulations led to features such as auto shut-off
and power factor correction. Depending
on how the manufacture adapted to these
changes, these chargers may not qualify the
power supplied by a MSW unit. Other devices use internal timers that can be foiled
by a modified sine wave and also not work.
What does this mean for fleet managers
and service truck operators? The trend is
clearly going towards sine-wave units for
work vehicle applications. As the number
of loads that can operate on MSW decrease, the chance of a problem in the field
goes up and this can mean problems for
work vehicle fleets of any size.
Thankfully, PSW technology is increasingly affordable. The switch to PSW power
doesnt need to be
expensive. For battery charging, hand
tools, microwaves,
lamps, laptops and
other common
loads on work vehicles, a PSW unit
such as the Xantrex
ProWatt SW 600W
or 1000W might be
right for the job and
only add $50 to $60
in costbut they
will pay you back
with each trouble
call you avoid or
in your tool budget
when you avoid replacing costly battery

packs. With the exception of heavy utility
vehicles such as bucket trucks and digger
derricks, a ProWatt SW product is a good
fit for work trucks and service vans. For
larger applications, where more surge is
required or the temperatures are extreme,
the PROsine inverter or the Freedom SW
might be more appropriate.
Any truck.
Any job. Miller.
Millerequipment works hard,

so your truck doesnt have to.
Choosing an inverter for work vehicles
generates many questions for fleet managers. It is good to know that there are good
and affordable answers on the market.
With well-priced pure sine wave units already proven in the field, the solution is already available. When specifying your next
truck purchase or refit, think twice about
the low cost MSW option. A change to a
PSW product from Xantrex could save you
and your road warriors.
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About the author:

William Tomkinson is account
manager for Xantrex Brand at
Schneider Electric.
MillerWelds.com/trucks
www.utilityproducts.com September 2014
Meter Replacement:
An Evolution Into
Efficiency and
Cost-savings
By Jason Fox
lectric meter readers used to be a

common sight in every neighborhood across the country. They
would show up every month to
read the meter, say hello and maybe take
a glass of water on hot days. Today, however, its tough to find a meter reader because newer technology takes the legwork
out of keeping track of energy use.
In the past, as meter readers went from
house to house, writing down the numbers

they saw on the meters, it left utility companies open to errors, ultimately impacting
their bottom lines. Newer meters have kept
readers in their cars, driving past homes
and businesses, pointing a meter-reading
device at the building and capturing the
numbers remotely. Its a more efficient and
accurate method, but theres still room for
improvement.
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More recently, even those remote-read

meters have improved, allowing meters to
automatically connect to the utilitys home
office and send the use numbers back wirelesslyanother step toward efficiency and
accuracyallowing utility companies to
rely on a more accurate system to read and
report numbers back to their customers.
For utility companies, the newer meters
mean large cost savings, reducing manpower costs along with the chance for errors, but with this improved technology a
new dilemma is presentedhow do utilities
change between 1,000 and one million electric meters a year, depending on the size of
the utility?
The solution? Highly-trained meter technicians go from house to house, business
to business, replacing older meters with the
latest in technology.
For many companies specializing in
meter replacement, the key is training
crews to handle specific types of meters.
Meter replacement teams at HD Supply
Power Solutions, for example, are made
up of two different crews, each dealing
with a different class of meter: residential
or commercial/industrial. Each team focuses on installing new meters designed to
enhance efficiency and provide a smarter
way to deliver accurate numbers. There
are many misconceptions about the newer
meters. For instance, they are not continually connected to the utility; information is
collected internally and transmitted to the
utility up to four times a day, depending
on the utility.
The training required to do meter replacements is a big job. The residential
team at HD Supply Power Solutions has
an average of more than 12 years experience working on meters, but they still need
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one of their trucks because improved productivity,
safety and efciency are the bottom line.
service meter and apparatus labs continually help support the utilityit can help
test, troubleshoot, repair, reprogram or replace damaged metering components.
Next time you flip the switch to turn
on the lights, think about how that energy
gets into your home or office. The newer
electric meters help utility companies not
only work more efficiently, but also help
ensure system reliability by being more
connected to how and when power is being used throughout the systemespecially
during peak usage periods. And having the
latest electric meters, installed by knowledgeable, highly-trained technicians, is the
key to utility success.
About the author:

Jason Fox is senior director, Services
and Solutions, for HD Supply Power
Solutions.
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classroom training and two weeks working

with a senior installer before theyre left on
their own. The commercial/industrial installers are the elite, having worked at least
two years as a residential installer before
receiving more commercial/industrial-specific training and 18 months of apprenticeship time.
Regardless of whether the meters are being installed in residential or commercial
buildings, the job of a meter replacement
technician goes beyond simply taking off
the old meter and installing the new. Technicians represent the electric utility to their
consumers, so professionalism, respect,
knowledge and safety are a must. In addition to meter exchange services, HD Supply also offers complete service analysis for
commercial and industrial customers. This
testing ensures the entire service is operating as expected and energy usage is being
accurately measured by the newly installed
meter. Once the new metering system has
been installed, HD Supplys three full
31
W
Putting the
Smart
in
Smart Meters
by Scott Laster
32
e often hear the terms smart

meter and smart grid tossed
around, but what does this
really mean? Some would say
its a meter with wireless communications to
integrate into an advanced metering infrastructure. Some would require features such
as time-of-use or other self-read capabilities
to support complex rates and automation
within the meter. Others would consider
power quality features such as sag/swell or
transient detection a must in a smart meter.
But, to truly be smart, a meter needs to have
a flexible, programmable logic engine available, along with multiple communication
ports supporting a variety of protocols.
The more basic functions just mentioned
should, of course, be intuitive and easy to
set up. Setting the reference (nominal) voltage, for example, should be all it takes to
enable all of the power quality functions.
Requiring the user to enter each trigger
point is not a good practice because this is
prone to user error. Instead, the smart meter
should monitor power quality according to
standards or recommended practices such
as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1159, IEEE 519 or International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
61000-4-30. Other settings such as time-ofuse should also be easy to set up, using setup
software. Configurations should be portable
so that setting up a profile and deploying it
to hundreds of devices is efficient.
Where a meter really gets to be smart is
when you give it the ability to gather and
process information, and even take action
based on conditions. Take, for example, a
generator facility with an auxiliary transformer and a generator step-up transformer
(GSU); the losses in such a transformer can
be significant, and to get a proper net-togrid value requires subtracting the station
load from the generator output.
Consider the simple situation of a single generator and auxiliary feed. If there
is already metering on the generator and
auxiliary feeds, then it is easy to add netto-gridwithout losing the raw generator
and auxiliary data. Adding more generators and/or auxiliary feeds to a facility may
seem like it complicates the situation, but
it doesnt.
Each of the meters is connected to a
common voltage bus and provides its voltage and current phasor measurements to a
Modbus map. Leveraging Ethernet communications, the master meter polls other
devices in the network to retrieve their realtime data. The measurements are combined
in the master to obtain the net resultant
phasors for each phase of current. From
that point, there is a virtual metering point
that can be treated as any other. Calculate
the losses on the transformer and you have
another metering point (high side). Calculate the losses in a section of transmission
line on the high side of the GSU and you
have another metering pointall without
adding cost to the project.
Do you have a generation site with multiple generating units but a shared load such
as a coal handler or a stack scrubber? Use
a smart meter to allocate that shared load
to each unit. How about a high voltage ring
bus or a breaker-and-a-half bus? Do you
need to calculate the power flowing in the
lines that feed the station? A smart meter
will do the job. Each meter is connected to
the breakers bushing CTs, monitoring the
power flow through the breaker. Each meter communicates to the meter on the next
breaker and calculates the power flowing in
the line between them.
What about contractual agreements,
which are common with renewables such as
wind farms and solar fields? While it is true
that losses are based on physical characteristics, it is also true that contracts trump physics. Based on real-time conditions, a truly
smart meter can perform necessary calculations and log data according to a legal agreement between two or more parties. This may
include something such as enforcing transformer losses in one direction of power flow,
but not in the opposite directionor anything else the lawyers come up with.
With a flexible logic engine embedded in

a smart meter, coupled with communications, and digital and analog I/O, the possibilities are endless. Monitor breaker status
to enable a function. Calculate totalized or
net consumption. Control capacitor banks.
Use a meter as a low-cost remote terminal
unit for small substations. Read Modbus
data from any device, and map points to a
Distributed Network Protocol (DNP) map
as a data concentrator.
When you start to think outside the meter glass, you see the possibilities of a truly
smart meter are endless.
About the author:

Scott Laster has been programming
ION advanced meters for 20 years
and has developed many solutions to
complicated metering applications.
Born in Ohio and educated at Purdue
University, Scott lives in Indiana where
he represents Schneider Electric as a
metering subject matter expert to the
utility market.
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Wire,Cable&Fiber Optics
Anchoring Spiraling Cable Costs

CNW933 Sinusoidal Wave Filter overcomes
interference problems, other issues.
he cost of cables is rising in manufacturing as the result of the need

for lengthy shielded cable to tackle
attenuation and electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC) issues. Compounded
by increasing commodity prices, this is leading many original equipment manufacturers
(OEMs) to look for cost effective solutions.
OEMs can anchor spiraling cable costs by
using REO-USA sine wave filters.
The demand for cable lengths in industrial environments can be high. Variable
speed devices (VSDs) and long cable runs
over 165 feet between the VSD and the motor are common but can conspire to create
further electrical interference.
Three-phase induction motor control
has been greatly enhanced in recent years
by the use of VSDs. The rotary speed of the
induction motor can be easily manipulated
by altering the frequency of the supply current. The result is a fixed voltage, variable
frequency output. Although the benefit of
the VSD is to lower cost by increasing efficiency, the process has some drawbacks.
Pulse with modulation (PWM), the process used to switch the VSD inverter typically between 8-16 kHz, produces a series of
output pulses that average to a sine wave.
The power conversion process creates
The C
CNW933 eliminates needing shielded cable
by suppressing unwanted frequencies, creates
longer lifetime of motor insulation, and reduces
noise.
unwanted frequency components such

as harmonic currents that, in substantive
quantities, can lead to electromagnetic interference (EMI).
The degradation caused by EMI can be
significant and varied, wearing down the
ability of components to operate at optimal
Without Sinusoidal Filter
performance and potentially even lead to

machine failure. The damage ranges from
overheating transformers, windings and
capacitors, to interference affecting telecommunication equipment and metering
apparatus.
In addition, excessive currents in the neutral cable of a three-phase system and high
voltage fluctuations, known as electrical
flicker, can affect the supply for domestic
users on public low voltage networks or
OEMs on industrial networks.
Continuous and problematic levels of
EMI can constitute electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) issues, rendering some
equipment unsafe to use. Standards set at
European level dictate the minimum requirements for safe usage of VSDs in power
drive systems (PDS). IEC/EN 61800-3 directives apply to manufacturers, panel builders and system integrators. The purpose of
these directives is to minimize harmonics
and demand the assessment of all connected
equipment prior to use and provide sufficient technical documentation for all users.
Further practical requirements aim to
improve conduction and reduce radiation based emissions, as well as reduce the
high voltage differences (dw/dt) generated from the high frequency switching of
With Sinusoidal Filter
The sinusoidal filter converts the distorted voltage waveform from the frequency inverter into a smooth sinusoidal curve. In particular, the ripple
caused by the fast switching of the power semiconductors is smoothed, typically down to 3 percent to 5 percent. When used in conjunction with a
screened cable, this type of filter will remove most symmetric and asymmetric noise, except in extreme cases.
34
Adaptation to motor cables up to 3,280

feet possible; and
Also available with high ingress protection (CNW M 933 IP) or customer specific solutions.
About the company:

REO-USA engineers and manufactures
technology components for integrated

product solutions in diverse fields and
industries including railway, drive
engineering, renewable energies, medical
and automation. For more information,
email info@reo-usa.com or
visit www.reo-usa.com.
insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBT).

Consequently, minimum requirements have
been set for cabinet grounding and terminal
quality using shielded cable.
To implement best practice, many manufacturers have gone one step further and
sought to replace entirely or upgrade a significant portion of their cabling to shielded
cable. It is no coincidence then that this
higher demand for copper has raised the
commodity pricing in international markets,
which, until recently, were falling.
To provide an equally robust yet more
cost effective solution, REO-USA has developed a filter to overcome interference
problems, which are inevitably exacerbated
by the use of long cable runs. The 400V
three-line CNW933 sinusoidal filter range is
available in units rated from 2-1200A.
The CNW933 eliminates the need for
shielded cable by suppressing unwanted
frequencies. This is achieved by an efficient
use of various inductance and capacitance
solutionswhich eradicate harmonic currentssmoothing the peak waveform created by PWM and producing a near sine
wave supply. Motor life is increased while
noise, mechanical stress and thermal conduction are alleviated.
The cost savings of using standard cable
can be considerable. In a typical drive installation using a 4 kW drive at a distance of
650 feet from the motor, cable savings alone
can be around $150. This means that almost
three times as many installations could be
cabled using standard cable as opposed to
shielded.
These savings quickly mount up when
larger drives are used. The savings for a
typical 160 kW installation is some $2,400.
Considering REO-USAs sine wave filters
can be used for cable lengths of up to 3,280
feet, savings for this configuration would
reach $12,000.
In a world becoming increasingly intangible, it seems that cabling is yet to be swayed.
Despite the inordinate amount of regulatory
complexity and financial pressure manufacturers operate under, it is evident there are
still cost-effective measures yielding longer
term return on investment.
The advantages of CNW903 include:
Low heat and noise;
In most instances, the need for screened
cables is avoided;
Easy installation;
Manufactured conforming to UL insulation system E251513 possible;
35
Wire,Cable&Fiber Optics
Cleat Call
by Tony Conroy
arlier this year, Richard Shaw, managing director of U.K.

manufacturer Ellis, called on the IET to reclassify cable
cleats as protective equipmenta move he said would
eradicate overnight, longstanding specification and installation issues that cause health, safety and system integrity problems.
Now he is repeating this call to the global electrical community.
Weve been banging the drum about the importance of correctly cleating cables for what seems like years, yet still it feels like
we are light-years away from reaching a satisfactory conclusion,
Shaw said. In fact, Im still absolutely staggered by the number of
installations I see where cleats have been incorrectly specified and,
in some cases, dispensed with completely in favor of cable ties.
To fully understand Shaws concerns and the impact the reclassification of cleats would have, one must understand the purpose
of cable cleats. Their importance is frequently underestimated, he
said.
What this means in practice is that instead of being treated as
a vital element of any cabling installation, they are lumped in with
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the electrical sundries and seen as fair game for cost cutting, Shaw
said. But for an installation to be deemed safe, cables need to be
restrained in a manner that can withstand the forces they generate,
including those generated during a short circuit, and this is exactly
what cable cleats are designed to do.
Shaw said that without cleats, the dangers are obvious: costly
damage to cables and cable management systems, plus a risk to life
posed by incorrectly or poorly restrained live cables.
Unfortunately, its not just a question of installing any old
cleat, he said. It has to be correctly specified for the project in
hand. If not, the cables might as well be secured with plastic cable
ties; the reason being that different cable cleats are designed to
withstand specific forces, meaning the only thing underspecified
cleats will do in a short circuit situation is add to the shrapnel.
One reason for the confusion is that the cable cleat market
is manufacturer-driven. Therefore, the choice of product tends
to rely on third-party certification in the form of a short circuit
36
Ellis Emperor trefoil cable cleat.
testing certificate, but unfortunately this

can be misleading.
For example, Shaw said, some manufacturers claim a given short circuit withstand
at a given cleat spacing and legitimately
provide third-party certification to support this. Overlooked, though, is that the
quoted short circuit withstand is valid only
for a cable diameter equal to or greater
than the diameter of

the cable used in the
test. If the project in question uses smaller cables (and the fault
level and spacing is the same), then the
force between the cables is proportionally
greater and the certificate is inappropriate.
Plainly and simply you cannot say that
a specific cable cleat has a short circuit
withstand without qualifying the statement, he said. So instead of claiming a
withstand of 150 kA, youd need to say
that the cleat has a short circuit withstand
of 150 kA when securing 43-mm cable in
trefoil at 300-mm centres. To me, the only
way of rectifying this whole complex and
potentially lethal issue is through the adoption of cable cleats as short circuit protection devices.
The reason, Shaw said, is simple: By
giving cable cleats the same importance
as fuses or circuit breakers, no one would
have a doubt about ensuring their correct
specification.
masterack
Ellis
Centaur cable
saddle for high-voltage
cables.
To support this argument, he outlined

three key points:
1. In the event of a short circuit fault,
the maximum electromechanical stress
between the conductors occurs during
the first-quarter cycle, i.e., at or before
0.005 seconds (based on 50 hertz).
2. Typical circuit breakers and other protection devices dont trip and interrupt
a fault until between three and five cycles (0.06 to 0.1 seconds).
3. In contrast, correctly specified cable
cleats earn their crust during the firstquarter cycle, ensuring the cables remain intact and operational.
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Cleat Call...
What these three points demonstrate
is that without properly specified cable
cleats, the time, effort and expense spent
assembling a circuit breaking system will
go to waste as any electrical installation
will be irrevocably damaged by electromechanical stresses long before the short
circuit protection devices are put to the
test, Shaw said.
To date, this argument, despite its
seemingly unbreakable logic, hasnt gathered the support needed to influence industry regulators to make the change. But
rather than admitting defeat, Shaw and
his team continue to focus attention on
changing attitudes wherever and whenever
they can.
Things are changing slowly but
surely, he said. There are European and
international standards relating to cleats
where once there were none. More and
more specifiers and contractors are ensuring cleats are correctly specified, most notably in HV and EHV cable installations
Cleats being put through their short circuit paces.
where ensuring the integrity of the system

is absolutely vital.
And whats more, this process is being replicated in our key markets. We are
enjoying ongoing success in the USA,
Australia, Latin America, China, Russia
and closer to home in mainland Europe
and the U.K., and in every instance contracts are won after we highlight the reasons why cable cleats need to be correctly
specified for each and
every project. Yet for
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every success, I am
sure there are others where corners are
cut, cleats are underspecified and lives
and systems are put
at unnecessary risk.
Its very much an ongoing battle, and it
really shouldnt be.
Shaw said international and European
standards safeguard
against incorrect
specification. For example, levels of cable
protection can be enhanced by selecting
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opposed to just the
cleat.
Yes, the standards are only ad

visory, but anyone
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working in the electrical industry anywhere in the world should pay heed to
them; they have been developed for a reason, and the reason is that electrical cable
installations have the potential to kill,
Shaw said. There is no way of sugarcoating that particular message. They
pose a very real danger that the various
standards, whether international, European or even British have been developed
specifically to eradicate.
The problem, though, is the discrepancy between the prescribed course of
action and the one that the electrical industry as a whole seems to believe is the
right course of action. Where to point
the finger of blame for what is a complex
and difficult problem is hard to do, but
how to resolve this dangerous situation is
straightforward.
The reclassification of cable cleats as
protective equipment would immediately
see electrical cable installations being
specified and installed that delivered the
necessary level of protection both in terms
of excessive temperatures and electromechanical stresses, Shaw said, and, of
course, eradicate the risk to life posed by
incorrectly cleated cables.
About the Author:

Tony Conroy is export director of
Ellis, a Yorkshire, England,-based
manufacturer that designs and
manufactures cable cleats. It is the
only manufacturer in the electrical
industry that focuses solely on
cable cleats and its products. Visit
www.ellispatents.co.uk for more
information.
38
UTILITY
PRODUCTS
exposition
FEBBRUARY 3-5, 2015

SANN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER
SANN DIEGO, CA
utilityproductsexpo.com
Co--located with DistribuTECH
JOIN US
EVERYTHING ON THE LINE.

EXHIBIT AT UTILITY PRODUCTS EXPOSITION 2015
Dont miss your chance to be a part of this unique event co-located with DistribuTECH.
Book your 2015 exhibit space today for the best selection of exhibit locations.
Premium Placement on the 2015

Shared Exhibit Floor with DistribuTECH
For exhibiting and sponsorship information, contact:

MELISSA WARD, Exhibit Sales Manager
Phone: +1-918-831-9116 / Email: mward@pennwell.com
Owned & Produced by:
Offcial Publication:
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NewPRODUCTSShowcase
ComSTAR Full Duplex Headsets
ARS916 Truck Mounted Puller
Eartecs ComSTAR is
a new generation of full
duplex wireless that allows up to eight users to
communicate simultaneously such as on a regular
telephone. These headsets
are not voice activated and
there is no delay when transmitting. They enhance industrial job site
productivity and safety by providing instantaneous, hands free voice communications within an 800 yard range.
The XTreme is a specialty hardhat
compatible ComSTAR headset that features miniaturized wireless circuitry and antenna installed inside the ear cup. This streamlined all in
one design is a breakthrough, eliminating the need for cables and belt
pack transceivers.
ComSTAR operates within the DECT, 1920 1930 MHz band allocated
by the FCC for voice communications only. No FCC licensing required.
The ARS916 hydraulic puller from Condux Tesmec is truck

mounted and completely electronically controlled and self-contained. The unit offers 62,947 lbf of pulling force and is designed
for stringing one rope up to 3 3/4 in. in diameter. The bull-wheel
grooves on the ARS916 are made from heat-treated steel.
Condux Tesmec pullers offers features such as negative selfacting hydraulic brakes, integrated hydraulic dynamometers,
hydraulic cooling systems, advanced user controls and more.
Hydraulically controlled systems allow Condux Tesmec pullers to
eliminate conductor galloping, providing utility contractors maximum pulling control.
A full line of productivity-enhancing
conductor stringing
tools and accessories is also available
including anti-twist
rope, reel winders, reel stands and
more.
Eartec Co.
Condux Tesmec
Drive. Dominate. Repeat.

Add an A.R.E. truck cap or cover to any pickup truck to create the ultimate mobile toolbox/workstation
for your utility and commercial needs, and enable your team to reign supreme at every jobsite. We offer all
the right models and options to meet your needs. Not only will you have the best looking, most functional
y
vehicles on the road,, but youll
save moneyy in the process.
Outfit for Work
40
Check out our FREE Truck vs. Van

n
report at: www.4are.com/eet
Contact us: eetsales@4are.com
TRU
vs. VACNK
REPOR
F RE E !
Ti400 Infrared Camera

The Fluke Ti400 Infrared Camera features
advanced connectivity and accuracy to maximize technicians productivity in the field. It is
equipped with LaserSharp Auto Focus, which
uses a laser to calculate the distance to target for precisely focused images every time.
Place the red laser dot on the equipment you
are inspecting, then pull and release the trigger for a perfect in-focus image.
The Ti400 is part of the Fluke Connect
system, which allows maintenance technicians to wirelessly transmit measurement
data from their test tools to their smart
phones for secure storage on the cloud and
universal team access from the field. More than 20 Fluke tools connect wirelessly with the app, a free download from the Apple App
Store and Google Play Store.
Fluke infrared cameras feature patented IR-Fusion technology,
which merges the infrared and visual images into a single view to
better discover, diagnose and communicate problems.
Fluke
PUPI EZE-Mount
Tangent Crossarm
Assemblies
GEOTEK, the producer of PUPI fiberglass utility products, offers the PUPI EZEMounta braceless tangent crossarm assembly that joins GEOTEKs
line of PUPI brand electrical distribution and transmission products.
The 8-ft. PUPI EZE-Mount tangent assembly weighs 25 lbs., including all of the hardware required. The system is specifically designed
to work with the PUPI 2200 series crossarm in standard 8-ft. and 10ft. tangent applications. The EZE-Mount is made of tough, corrosionresistant cast aluminum and designed for use on wood poles. It is cited
to be among the most economical crossarm assemblies on the market.
The PUPI EZE-Mount crossarm assembly is easy to handle and simple to install. The crossarm and mounting hardware are assembled at
the pole with two bolts. No braces are required, so installation is fast.
Once installed, the EZE-Mounts compact design provides maximum
clearance for line workers and other pole-top equipment.
Standard RUS TYPE 03, 04 and 05 configurations are available.
Custom lengths and drill patterns can be requested.
GEOTEK
800-524-9900
www.havis.com
41
NewPRODUCTSShowcase
Overhead Conductor Delivers Greater Reliability,
Capacity for Transmission Lines
Utilities looking for greater flexibility, reliability and single-failure tolerance for critical transmission lines now have an affordable carbon-fiber option in the new Southwire C7 Overhead
Conductor. The multi-stranded composite core, using advanced polymers, resins and thermoplastics from Celanese, delivers increased performance and a service life in excess of 40
years.
Southwire has been developing the C7
Overhead Conductor for the past seven
years, creating a transmission conductor
with nearly double the capacity and less sag
than the same diameter aluminum conductor steel reinforced (ACSR). The new overhead conductor has a stranded continuous
carbon-fiber thermoplastic composite core
for rugged flexibility and reliability. The carbon fibers are embedded in a heat-resistant
Fortron polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) polymer
matrix and capped with a layer of highperformance PEEK. The design allows for
minimum sag at higher power transfer, and
the stranded core means there is no single
point of failure for the overhead conductor.
TH
HE
EP
PR
ROFESSIIO
ON
NA
AL LIIN
NE
EM
MA
AN
NS
S
CHOICE FOR QUALITY
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
Southwire Co. LLC

Celanese Corp.
Rigid Fittings BlueKote

Universal Conduit Elbow
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The T&B Rigid Fittings BlueKote Universal Conduit Elbow (LU) Form 8 from Thomas
& Betts (T&B) replaces four conduit body
configurations, resulting in a four-to-one
reduction of stock-keeping units (SKUs).
The T&B Rigid Fittings BlueKote LU Form 8
enables fiber-optic cable to be run in a 3/4in. system, instead of a 2-in. system, and
still maintain the cable bend radius, which
provides a reduction in the time needed for
installation.
The angled covered port facilitates wire
pulling and uses standard covers.
Because the BlueKote LU Form 8 is UL
listed as an enclosure, splices are permitted
inside of it. The BlueKote LU Form 8 is rated
for 40 percent wire fill, avoiding the need to
de-rate the system.
Thomas & Betts Corp.
42
Auto Voltage/Continuity Testers

Line Guards Keep Linemen Safe
Deliver Simplified Troubleshooting
Hastings, a manufacturer of hotline tools and equipment,
Milwaukee Tool continues to expand its test and measurement offering with the addition of two new electrical testers.
Combining the simplicity of a traditional voltage/continuity tester with the digital read-out capabilities of a higher functionality
meter, the new units allow users to properly troubleshoot common electrical issues with ease, even as electrical systems
become more diverse.
For accurate troubleshooting, the new units measure voltage, continuity and resistance with precision. While traditional testers
only indicate broad voltage ranges that mask electrical issues such as
voltage drops, the Milwaukee units deliver measurements down to the
decimal and display them on an easy-to-read LCD screen. With built-in
intelligence, the units automatically determine whether to test for voltage
or continuity, and also identify ac or dc voltage to provide users with more
valuable information in a single test.
Complete with a built-in LED work light for low-lit areas, and test lead
holders to conveniently store the probes for when the job is done, both
Milwaukee units are compatible with common threaded carrying and
mounting accessories such as belt clips and magnets.
understands that every day has the potential to bring the unexpected for lineman.
That is why Hastings designs every
product with safety
in mind and one
such critical component of safety is
a Line Guard.
Hastings Line Guards are installed before setting new poles
to guard against accidental line contact. They also guard
against accidental contacts by personnel working in insulating
aerial buckets or on platforms. Manufactured with Hastings
Safety yellow polyethylene, our Line Guards are lightweight
and easy to clean. They also feature a larger I.D. than traditional rubber hoses with an opening of 1.77 in. compared to
the average 1.25 in.
The Line Guards are available in 5 ft. and 6 ft. lengths and
rated 15 kV and 25 kV.
Milwaukee Tool
Hastings
MPP Series Pedestals (Meter Plastic Pedestal) are an

innovative approach to installing meters or other
equipment to a plastic pedestal that does not rust or
corrode.
This pedestal also has room inside for secondary

connectors to be installed to the pedestal walls.
ORDIC FIBERGLASS, INC.

Quality Products for the Electric Utility Industry
This pedestal accommodates

up to 3 meters or other
equipment.
$% %####
# #### ########%
# !!%"
43
NewPRODUCTSShowcase
Voice/Data/Video Cable Tester Line
Expanded With Commander Series
Klein Tools expands its Voice/Data/Video product line with its new
full-featured Commander Series testers. This product has extensive
cable testing capabilities, time-domain reflectometry (TDR) technology for distance to a fault measurement, power over Ethernet (PoE)
detection and testing, link status and
capabilities, as well as report management functionality. With one tool, professionals can confidently determine
the status of each wire in a data, PoE
or communications/video system.
Klein Tools Commander Series is
made specifically for testing of coaxial, network or telephone cables. The
Commander Series consists of two kits:
The Commander Test Kit (VDV501-828)
and the Commander Test & Tone Kit
(VDV501-829).
Klein Tools
44
Escape Kit Keeps

Safety Simple for
Workers at Height
The DEUS Industrial Escape Kit
from DEUS Rescue is a turnkey, individual evacuation solution for
anyone who works in elevated industrial environments up to 500 feet
such as platforms, utility and wind towers, tower cranes, communications and more. The lightweight and compact kit is a complete
escape system that provides workers a safe and simple way down
with nothing to hold, operate or worry about from top to bottom.
The central component of the kit is the DEUS 3700 controlled
descent device. The 3700 has been third-party tested and certified
to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z359.4-2007 fall
protection rescue standard.
Complete, pre-rigged and ready to use, the simple-to-operate
3700 is an automatic, compact, speed-limited descent system.
Ideal for rescue situations, the device even works if the person descending is unconscious.
DEUS Rescue
P-touch EDGE Wireless Industrial

Handheld Labeling Tool
Brother Mobile Solutions Inc. offers the P-touch EDGE PT-E550W wireless
industrial handheld labeling tool, the most powerful member of Brothers EDGE
line of industrial handheld labeling tools.
The full-featured labeling tool is Brothers first industrial handheld product
to feature Wi-Fi connectivity to Windows, iOS, Mac and Android devicesan
enhancement designed to expand the contractors jobsite capabilities. With the
PT-E550W, users can download and store custom label files and databases
from select tablets, smartphones or PCs to print full project labels or individual
labels wirelessly, on demand at the jobsite. The PT-E550W prints labels up to
24mm wide, including heat shrink tubing, and is further differentiated by a dualblade auto-cutter for easy peel label strips. It was engineered from the ground
up to be an alternative to sheet label systems and the labeling tool of choice for
larger infrastructure installations.
With built-in templates, files and
databases instantly available through
wireless connectivity, work crews can
help save time, improve accuracy, and
minimize keystrokes in generating
clear, long-lasting labels for wires, cables, faceplates, patch cords and other
components of an installation.
Brother Mobile Solutions Inc.
FTX128L Mulching Tractor

Fecon offers the FTX128L Mulching tractor as part of
the Fecon FTX Tracked carrier line. Built in their Lebanon,
Ohio facility, this tractor is strong on cutting power with
60 GPM to the Bull Hog Forestry Mulcher. The compact
FTX128L features 20-in. tracks that work effortlessly
while cutting up hill.
In addition, the low ground pressure at 3.8 psi is good
for soft conditions, resulting in minimal ground disturbance. Serviceability is made easy with full access side
doors and engine compartment roof. The Cummins
QSB4.5 diesel engine, running at 128 hp coupled with
Fecons hydraulic technology, allows the FTX128L to outperform machines with higher horsepower.
Fuel consumption remains under 4.5 gallon per hour.
High jobsite performance makes the FTX128L useful for
right of way mulching, clearing and related forestry and
urban interface work.
Fecon
Osmose Pole Products

Everything you need to protect, preserve,
repair, restore and identify your T&D assets
Protect
Preserve
Repair
Restore
Let Osmose help you design and implement a program to protect

your utilitys largest investment by extending wood pole service life.
A Trusted Name in Utilities

Services since 1934
716.319.3420 products@osmose.com
www.osmoseutilities.com
NewPRODUCTSShowcase
Full Color Display Cable Tester, Report Management System
Platinum Tools, a provider of solutions for the preparation, installation, hand termination and testing of
wire and cable, offers the Cable Prowler (TCB300) cable tester and report management system.
The Cable Prowler provides full cable testing on any category network, coax or telephone cable, combining the functions of a high-end cable tester and length measurement tester, with the capability to identify
link status, link capability and PoE detection. The Cable Prowler provides full cable testing, displaying wire
map, numbered ID remotes and any faults, including shorts, opens, miswires, split pairs and reverses. It also enables quick identification of
a network drops link capability and current link
status. This is done in full color and internal
memory to save results, as well as the ability to export to a computer through micro USB
cable for record keeping and printing.
The Cable Prowler PRO Test Kit (TCB360K1)
includes the main unit, coax and network remote set (#1-5, F-Conn coupler includes foam
holder), network/tel testing and ID remote #1,
RJ12 Cable (Qty 2), micro USB cable, protective silicone holster, and a hanging T3 pouch.
Get TOUGH
Platinum Tools
DURABOOK
R11 Rugged Tablet
The GammaTech DURABOOK R11 rugged
tablet PC features an 11.6-in. TFT LCD capacitive touch display and a 4th generation Intel
Haswell Core processor for workers in the utility market. It is citecd to be the lightest 11.6in. rugged tablet PC in its class at 2.73 lbs.,
while remaining tough with Military Standard
810G and IP65 certifications for drop, shock,
dust and water resistance.
Its wide operating temperature range means
it can stand up to the daily wear and tear encountered in office or field settings. The R11
functions for up to seven hours and can be
customized with a wide array of options, including Microsoft Windows 7 Professional or
Windows 8.1 software. Security features include computrace support BIOS, administrator
password, TPM 1.2, Kensington lock and boot
password protection.
Our rugged linemans ratchet wrenches

can handle the toughest jobs that high line
workers face. And because our tools are
specically designed for high line work,
theyre safer to use. Contact us for a
catalog or the name of a distributor.
TOUGH TOOLS FOR TOUGH JOBS.
800.456.9355
www.lowellcorp.com/up
customerservice@lowellcorp.com
GammaTech

46
Remote Switch Actuators for ABB/Sace

Megamax F-Series Circuit Breakers
CBS ArcSafe, a manufacturer of remote racking and switching solutions for low- and medium-voltage switchgear, offers its remote switch
actuator for ABB/Sace Megamax F-Series low-voltage power circuit
breakers. Designed for all sizes of ABB/Sace F-series (F1 to F6) circuit
breakers with current ratings from 1200-6000A, the CBS ArcSafe RSA69A allows technicians to safely close and/or trip
breakers outside of the arc-flash hazard boundary
without any modification to the breaker.
When accompanied by an applicable CBS ArcSafe Remote Switch Operator (RSO) control unit, the
RSA-69A provides open and close operation from up
to 300 feet away, reducing the need for arc-flash
hazard suits and eliminating all hazardous manual
contact with gear during operation. Using strong
magnets, the actuator requires no modifications
for switchgear mounting, and operators can easily
move the actuator from one breaker to another. The
actuator is lightweight, portable, and simple to install and set up, providing technicians with a quick
solution for hard-to-access breaker locations.
Fault Current Limiter Eliminates

Need to Replace Underrated
Switchgear
Capture Fault Current
Limiters from Phoenix
Electric Corp. protect existing switchgear and circuit
breakers by allowing them
to operate within their original short circuit ratings, making
substations safer and the grid more reliable. Through Faultron
electron tube technology by Advanced Fusion Systems, Capture
controls and regulates fault current levels. Automatically resetting in microseconds or less, Capture also eliminates the need
for fuses, the manpower and expense of changing them, and
the cost and time of stocking them.
Capture Fault Current Limiter ratings are factory-set to customer specifications. 15 kV and 27 kV voltage class limiters
have continuous current ratings up to 5000A and BIL ratings of
110 kV for 15 kV class limiters and 150 kV for 27 kV class limiters. An optional integrated monitoring system provides current
and voltage information along with Captures operational status.
CBS ArcSafe
Phoenix Electric Corp.
TEUFELBERGER FIBER ROPE CORP.
UTILITY LINES
Work Smarter, Not Harder with TEUFELBERGER / New England Ropes Brand Utility Lines
HAND LINES - The ideal balance between rmness, exibility, and strength
Our hand lines , Multiline-II and Dapro, are designed to have both superior hand and
durability, have excellent knot holding and spliceability, all without sacricing the strength
needed for the application.
MULTILINE II
DAPRO
WINCH LINES - Professionally spliced for professional line crews

Weve got you covered; whether youre looking for a mainstay winch line like our Sta-Set, a
premium quality, abrasion resistant polyester double braid winch line or a top performance
line like our Endura-12 or Endura Braid, that are made of the nest UHMWPE ber that
yields superior strength and the lowest level of stretch, we have the winch lines you.
STA-SET
ENDURA BRAID
ENDURA 12
STRINGING & PULLING LINES - Pulling lines that perform

Designed for ease of use in the eld, our Nerex single braid polyester pulling line is easily
spliceable while retaining low stretch & high strength, and it is color coated for both
identication and improved abrasion resistance. PCRU with its parallel core design
provides the maximum strength and the minimum stretch of any all polyester pulling line.
PCR-U
NEREX
TEUFELBERGER FIBER ROPE CORPORATION 800-333-6679 NEROPES@NEROPES.COM WWW.TEUFELBERGER.COM

47
NewPRODUCTSShowcase
Build Your Own Hat Application Offers Customization
Honeywell has launched Build Your Own Hat, a Web-based application that enables customers and distributors to fully customize
hard hats from the complete selection of Fibre-Metal and North
brand safety caps. In four easy steps, visitors can create their signature look by selecting a hat style, color, suspension and graphic.
A Honeywell customer service team supports the application by
answering questions, fulfilling orders and ensuring complete customer satisfaction. Build Your Own Hat offers a 360-degree, rotating
product view as well as side-by-side comparisons of up to three
custom caps to help safety managers make the best selections and
meet every workers needs.
All styles of Fibre-Metal and North brand safety caps and hats are available for customization. Hard hat offerings span the full range of ANSI
and CSA ratings for impact and electrical protection, with a bump cap also available.
Build Your Own Hat offers a wide selection of suspension options, with hats that feature four-point, six-point and eight-point suspension, and
Fibre-Metal SuperEight, which delivers comfort and protection. Users may also choose from headgear options such as SwingStrap, TabLok and
Quick Fit for quick, easy-to-use adjustability and all-day comfort.
Honeywell
Enhanced Electric
Telescopic Cranes
LoadLifter 5000
ULTIMATE Air Spring Kits
Provide Comfort, Safety
Air Lift Co. has expanded its line of suspension solutions with the release of its new
LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE air spring kits.
The kits fit half-ton, three-quarter-ton and
one-ton pickups equipped with leaf springs, boosting towing and hauling safety and comfort
when drivers need it most.
The air spring kits provide all the benefits of the LoadLifter 5000 air spring kit line, which
works with the existing suspension to deliver up to 5,000 lbs. of load-leveling capacity, with
the addition of an internal jounce bumper. The jounce bumper is made with Air Lifts closedcell urethane foam and replaces the factory jounce bumper. Maintenance free and able to
safely run on zero air, the LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE air spring kit provides a cushion of air
that absorbs shocks and protects vehicles with heavy loads, eliminating jarring on rough roads.
The LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE air spring kits internal jounce bumper compresses in stages
to protect vehicles during a range of load situations, including unloaded, heavily loaded or
under full compression.
Air Lift Co.
Iowa Mold Tooling Co. Inc. (IMT) has

enhanced its lineup of electric telescopic
cranes to offer customers increased productivity, reliability and operator comfort.
Enhancements to the 2003i, 3203i, 4004i,
5005i and 6006i models include:
Single-sheave boom tip design with a
reduced profile for added reach in tight
quarters,
Hydraulic power unit featuring a new
polyethylene reservoir that reduces
weight and the potential for system contamination,
Updated pin design that improves the reliability of the pin retention system, and
More compact tethered remote control
that provides added ergonomic comfort
in a lighter package.
New maX Contact Touchscreen Mechanics Gloves

for Reliable Touchscreen Performance
Galeton has introduced #12031 Galeton maX Contact Touchscreen Mechanics Gloves. The
company has taken its maX 2.0 Gloves, added touch sensitive tips, and
the result is maX Contact Touchscreen Gloves so you can keep your
gloves on while operating smart phones and touchscreen equipment.
Most touchscreen gloves only place touchscreen material on the
front of the finger, which makes it difficult to use the tip of your finger. The maX Contact goes a step further by having the touchscreen
material on both the front and back of the fingertip to give you reliable
touchscreen performance whether you use your finger pad or tip.
Galeton
48
IMT electric cranes are specifically designed for lighter lifting applications. The
lineup has a maximum horizontal reach
ranging from 6 ft. 6 in. to 22 ft. and capacity ranging from 2,000 lbs. (8,000 ft-lbs) to
6,000 lbs. (38,000 ft-lbs). All models are
compatible with IMT Dominator mechanics
trucks.
Iowa Mold Tooling Co. Inc.
Circuit Breaker Analyzer Application for Windows 7 Tablets, PCs

Circuit Breaker Analyzer Inc. introduces its Circuit Breaker Analyzer application (CBAnalyzer) for Windows 7-compatible tablets and personal computers. Used in conjunction with an external calibrated accelerometer that attaches
magnetically to the breaker under test, the
Circuit Breaker Analyzer app runs on a tablet
or PC to identify potential mechanical failures
before they happen. The tool helps customers
avoid unplanned downtime and confirm arcflash calculations based on trip times without
the need to modify existing equipment or remove them from service.
The CBAnalyzer also allows the user to
operate the breaker in any sequence desired,
including trip, charge or close. The vibration data created by the breaker operation is
captured, displayed locally against previous
tests, and analyzed through a Web-based
application to identify potential problems
based on vibration signature and the model
of the breaker under test. Data saved to the
online accounts can be used for equipment
management, trending, and further analysis
options including specialized issue diagnosis.
HUGHES BROTHERS, INC.
Circuit Breaker Analyzer Inc.
Fast, Friendly Heavyduty Four-post Lifts

Rotary Lift introduces new heavy-duty
four-post vehicle lifts that are user friendly
and fast. The HDC series four-post lifts are
available with capacities of
50,000 lbs. (P/N HDC50) and
60,000 lbs.
(P/N HDC60)
for servicing
a variety of
heavy-duty vehicles including
trucks and buses. The batterypowered lifts are easy to operate, economical
to maintain, and cited to raise a vehicle faster
than any competing four-post lift.
HDC series four-post lifts can be operated from any column, allowing the user
to work from the corner of the bay that is
most convenient. Each post is equipped with
Rotary Lifts patented control system, which
features an intuitive graphic layout of the lift
and real-time height reading. To maximize
efficiency, the control panels can be preprogrammed to remember their locations even
after the power is turned off. And, in addition
to its own control panel, each HDC series lift
column includes a hydraulic cylinder.
Hughes Brothers, Inc. now has 500,000

square feet of manufacturing space
to serve the Electric Utility market.
WWW.HUGHESBROS.COM
MADE IN THE USA
Rotary Lift

49
NewPRODUCTSShowcase
FiberMax Crane Mats, Crane Pads and Outrigger Pads
Designed to improve stability for the largest cranes under maximum loads, DICAs FiberMax Mega Duty
crane mats offer a new solution for cranes working on most ground conditions and soil bearing capacities. Made of fiber reinforced polymers,
the crane mats are strong and rigid like steel, but at 50 percent of the weight. Featuring high compressive and flexural strength, FiberMax crane
mats can distribute concentrated loads over large areas to safely reduce ground-bearing pressure more effectively than wood or steel.
In addition, FiberMaxs engineered material is not affected by the elements or prolonged use. The technology was first developed for building
pedestrian and vehicle bridge systems as a lightweight, long-term replacement to heavy steel structures and rotting wood structures. The result
is that the FiberMax mats wont rot, delaminate, rust or decompose.
FiberMax Heavy Duty and Super Duty products have a high concentration of fiberglass reinforcements, which creates a crush strength in
excess of 400,000 psi and an average flexural yield strength of 60,000 psi.
DICA
EDGE Heavy-duty High Reach Clipper with Wireless Remote Control

CEAttachments Inc., a supplier of attachments and accessories for compact equipment, has added an EDGE Heavy-Duty
High Reach Clipper to its lineup of tree shear attachments for skid steers and track loaders.
The EDGE Heavy-Duty High-Reach Clipper is a more rugged-built clipper than the Standard-Duty model also offered.
Designed for commercial and rental use with its wireless remote, this High Reach Clipper is made of 5/8-in. high strength
steel for maximum durability in the toughest conditions.
The powerful rotator is hard-wearing and built stronger with several extra gussets, and features 110 degree rotation for
greater maneuverability and clipping at various angles.
The mount is also more robust, featuring two extra stabilizer bars for a total of five, rendering more stability and control
during operation.
A wireless remote control allows the operator to activate the solenoid valve for rotation, without the complication of wires
getting tangled in the brush. It features a Velcro strap for securing in
a convenient location.
AND
DELIVER
LIFT, LOAD
WITH SELLICK!
Whether you need to deliver a skid of blocks to a jobsite or move a 16,000 lb.
load of lumber, Sellick has the forklift that is right for you. We have
been engineering and manufacturing rough terrain forklifts for
over 45 years and our nationwide dealer network offers
superior support for all your parts and service
requirements. Call toll-free
or e-mail us today for
all your material
handling needs.
1-877-SELLICK (735-5425)
E-mail: sales@sellickequipment.com
50
CEAttachments Inc.
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The VBO1 voltage booster comes with VOTANO 100. This amplifier supplies the primary side of the transformer with a maximum
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29
7
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51
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4
51
S.A.F.E.@work
Thinking Differently
About Target Zero
By Matt Forck
ver the past decade, many companies and utilities centered the goal of safety to target zero. It is both a journey
(to achieve zero injuries and incidents) and a destination
(a milestone to be achieved each day, week, year over
year). But now that some companies are more than a decade into
target zero, it might be time to think about it a little differently.
On a seemingly unrelated note, last year I was reacquainted with
integers when my daughter was studying the concept and needed
help. The reality is that numbers dont stop at zerothe number
line actually goes past zero, to negative 1, negative 2negative one
million and beyond. In fact, when looking at integers, zero is just
the center point on a number line and there are an equal number of
numbers on each side of zero.
In the late 1800s, less than a dozen men met in St. Louis, Missouri. They were electrical lineman in this new and emerging industry. In the meeting, they decided to do something radical. At that
point in time, safety was trial and error. On average, one out of two
men who began a career as a lineman would be killed on the job.
This group of men formed what would eventually be called the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. They wanted better
working conditions, pay and safety.
From those roots, safety for line workers and utility workers began to improve. Standards developed, as did working clearances,
national electric safety codes, PPE, then OSHA. The industry went
from the bleak fact that nearly one in two workers were killed on
the job, to a much more sustainable safety program. Yet, 100 years
later, the industry looked within and didnt like what it saw. While
fatalities were infrequent, men and women were getting hurt. Total
injuries still numbered in the dozens or hundreds. And serious life
changing events were still occurring, and all too frequent. One by
one, many utilities began to shift values, moving to include safety
as a value and live that value through a themetarget zero. Today,
numbers are much lower, with some utilities going long stretches
with zero incidents or injuries.
Target zero is absolutely the right safety value, but, moving
forward, our thinking of target zero will change. When it was frst
introduced over a decade ago, it was clearly a destinationan aspirational goal. Yet today, with the successes and improvements we
have had in eliminating injuries and improving work conditions,
we are slowly starting to understand, just as my daughter did in
her math class, that zero is not an end point, a stopping point or a
destination, but a mid point. In safety we can clearly hit target zero
for injuries and also employ safety programs and strategies that take
us far beyond zero.
Believe: Henry Ford coined the following phrase, Whether you believe you can or believe you cant, you are generally correct. If you
would have asked line workers in 1900 what was possible in utility
52
safety, they would never have said target zerothey didnt fathom
working conditions where workers and management alike shared
that value. But, about a decade ago, beliefs began to changeand
target zero beliefs were born. Today, we are just starting to push
thoughts and programs that actually send our workers home in better condition in which they came. These programs include health
and wellness programs, and motivational and leadership programs
that tap into our workers talents.
Expect It: Today, many target zero posters and value statements
include something about being responsible and accountable for
safety. That is a good and necessary part of the target zero process,
but, over the last decade, it has many times been understood by
our workers to mean discipline for breaking safety rules. Employers must be proactive in rewarding positive actions and redirecting
choices that are not aligned with target zero. As we move beyond
zero, safety accountability begins to take on an expanded meaning,
What more can I do for safety results.
Living Safety: A number of years ago, Bruce Larson went to a corporate board foundation. The foundation funded research and Bruce
had an idea. Bruce wanted to tour the United States and Europe and
interview the most successful business leaders and politicians of the
time, asking them one question: If you had to sum up success in one
word, what would that word be? The foundation liked the proposal
and funded the research. After two years and hundreds of interviews,
Bruce returned to inform the board he had found the secret. The
one-word secret to successrisk. But, Bruce understood that risk
didnt mean taking a chance or a short cut, he categorized risk into
a number of areas, one being emotional risk. Emotional risk is when
you do something you are a little nervous to do, it is positive and
powerful and it is for yourself or for someone else.
If we are going to hit target zero, then move beyond zero, we need
to take emotional risks each and every day. Living safety means you
take emotional risks. We give feedback to our co-workers. We stop
jobs to review hazards. We ask about job planning and we check
for all PPE and rule compliance. Living safety is giving and taking
emotional risks (feedback).
Target zero is todays valuein time the industry will move beyond zero and values will shift. Believe, Expect and Live!
Matt Forck, CSP and JLW, is a keynote speaker and

writer specializing in the feld of worker safety. Matt serves
clients across the United States and more than 10 countries.
He lives in Columbia, Mo. with his wife and two children.
Eliminate shortcuts today with Bucket List. Learn more at
www.safestrat.com.
These Utilities Bought
Find out who, what & why at

www.fir.com/650
New
thermal
cameras
starting at
$995.
FOCUS ON THE JOB.

DEPEND ON THE TRUCK.

The Freightliner M2 106 offers the safety features you demand: best-in-class driver visibility, up to a
55-degree wheel cut and low step-in height for easy entry/exit. Our chassis is designed for customized
upt of complex body congurations. And our SmartPlex Electrical System provides unmatched exibility
for specialized utility needs. Put simply, we did our job, so you can do yours. Talk to your Freightliner
dealer or visit us at FreightlinerTrucks.com.
Competitive financing available through Daimler Truck Financial. For the Freightliner Trucks dealer nearest you, call 1-800-FTL-HELP. www.freightlinertrucks.com.
FTL/MC-A-1092. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Copyright 2013. Daimler Trucks North America LLC. All rights reserved.
Freightliner Trucks is a division of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company.

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14 Safety Management for Crew Leaders

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About the author:

Utility Products September 2014 www.utilityproducts.com

IL GHTING THE WAY

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FOR UTILITY EQUIPMENT : 904-494-7528Ben.Ballowe@RingPower.com