Scope of Profession - Powerline Technician

In this section,

• “power line electrical transmission and distribution systems” includes the following:
  • overhead and underground transmission and distribution systems;
  • poles;
  • towers;
  • transformers;
  • switching equipment;
  • capacitors;
  • protective devices;
  • metering equipment;
  • voltage regulators;
  • portable generation systems;
  • street lighting equipment;
  • light rail transit and trolley systems;
• “undertakings of the designated trade” means the installation, construction, maintenance and repair of power line electrical transmission and distribution systems.

Undertakings and Activities

When practicing or otherwise carrying out work in the undertakings of the designated trade, the following are activities within the designated trade of powerline technician: 

• installing, constructing, maintaining and repairing power line electrical transmission and distribution systems; 
• using test equipment and specialty tools required by the designated trade; 
• operating vehicles and equipment related to the designated trade; 
• operating mobile lifting devices used in power line and electric utility services to auger holes and to set utility poles and place associated equipment; 
• giving directions respecting and supervising the placement of overhead and underground transmission and distribution lines; 
• inspecting, testing, disassembling, assembling, framing, erecting and setting poles, anchors, towers and associated equipment; 
• loading and offloading equipment, materials and supplies in overhead and underground systems;
• installing, sagging, deadending, connecting, splicing, terminating, inspecting, testing, maintaining, repairing and locating overhead and underground primary and secondary conductors and cables; 
• installing, testing and maintaining the following: 
  • transformers in overhead and underground systems; 
  • voltage regulators in overhead and underground systems; 
  • capacitors and switching equipment; 
  • isolating and protective devices on overhead and underground systems; 
  • street lighting equipment; 
  • traffic signal systems; 
  • related metering equipment; 
  • light rail transit and trolley systems; 
  • precast vaults, pads, bases and duct work; 
• performing live line maintenance techniques; 
• operating, testing and re-fusing overhead and underground isolating and protective devices; 
• interpreting and applying regulations and standards related to power line electrical transmission and distribution systems.

Restricted Activities

The following activities, when performed within undertakings of the designated trade and by the specified classes of individuals, are restricted activities within the designated trade of powerline technician:

• installing, constructing, maintaining and repairing power line electrical transmission and distribution systems;
• using test equipment and specialty tools required by the designated trade;
• operating vehicles and equipment related to the designated trade;
• operating mobile lifting devices used in power line and electric utility services to auger holes and to set utility poles and place associated equipment;
• giving directions respecting and supervising the placement of overhead and underground transmission and distribution lines;
• inspecting, testing, disassembling, assembling, framing, erecting and setting poles, anchors, towers and associated equipment;
• loading and offloading equipment, materials and supplies in overhead and underground systems;
• installing, sagging, deadending, connecting, splicing, terminating, inspecting, testing, maintaining, repairing and locating overhead and underground primary and secondary conductors and cables;
• installing, testing and maintaining the following:
  • transformers in overhead and underground systems;
  • voltage regulators in overhead and underground systems;
  • capacitors and switching equipment;
  • isolating and protective devices on overhead and underground systems;
  • street lighting equipment;
  • traffic signal systems;
  • related metering equipment;
  • light rail transit and trolley systems;
  • precast vaults, pads, bases and duct work;
• performing live line maintenance techniques;
• operating, testing and re‑fusing overhead and underground isolating and protective devices;
• interpreting and applying regulations and standards related to power line electrical transmission and distribution systems.