Technical Cable Jointer

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Electrical linespersons install, repair and maintain overhead lines and cables carrying electricity to domestic, commercial and industrial users and electric train services.

Electrical linesworkers install, repair and maintain the network of overhead powerlines and cables that carry electricity from generators to end users. For example: in the south west corner of WA alone, stretching north from Albany to Kalbarri and east to Kalgoorlie, there is over 88,000 km of powerlines to maintain.

In addition to working on the lines themselves, electrical linesworkers also install power poles and associated equipment including supports, cross arms, street lights and electrical equipment such as transformers and circuit breakers. During emergency situations, such as when live wires have been knocked down by severe weather, electrical linesworkers are called out to safely repair the damage and remove hazards.

ANZSCO ID: 342211

Alternative names: Electrical Distribution Trades Workers, Electrical Linesworker, Overhead Lineworker, Electrical Lineman, Electrical Lineperson,

Specialisations: Electrical line mechanic (distribution) (NZ), Electrical line mechanic (transmission) (NZ), Electrical linesworker (distribution), Electrical linesworker (transmission), Railway traction line worker

Electrical Distribution Trades Workers prepare, install, repair, maintain and patrol electric power distribution networks.

Did You Know? A lineman (American English) or linesman (British English), also occasionally called a lineworker or a powerline technician (PLT), is a tradesman who constructs and maintains electric power transmission and distribution facilities. The term is also used for those who install and maintain telephone, telegraph, cable TV and more recent fibre optic lines. "Linemen" The occupation began with the widespread use of the telegraph in the 1840s. Telegraph lines could be strung on trees, but wooden poles were quickly adopted as the method of choice. The term 'lineman' was used for those who set wooden poles and strung the wire. The term continued in use with the invention of the telephone in the 1870s and the beginnings of electrification in the 1890s. This new electrical power work proved to be much more hazardous than telegraph or telephone work because of the risk of electrocution. Between the 1890s and the 1930s, line work was considered one of the most hazardous jobs in existence. Approximately 1 in 3 linemen were killed on the job, mostly from electrocution. This led to the formation of labor organizations to represent the workers and advocate for their safety. (Source: Wikipedia)

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• enjoy outdoor work
• enjoy practical work
• willing and able to work at heights
• awareness of safety
• normal colour vision
• good with hands
• able to work well as part of a team.
  

Duties and Tasks

Electrical linespersons may perform the following tasks:

• patrol electrical lines and inspect poles and towers
• install earth stakes, power poles, towers and guy wires using power tools and other equipment
• install and maintain aerial equipment such as conductors, cross arms, insulators, street lights, customer supply points, transformers, pole-mounted circuit breakers and switches
• trim tree branches clear of power lines using machinery
• cover live wire with insulating materials
• adjust the tension of cables and join overhead conductors using compression and wrap-on fittings
• perform emergency repairs such as isolating live wires
• make sure that conductors are correctly connected between the mains and customers' premises when performing installations or repairs
• monitor safe working conditions, and practise resuscitation, rescue and first aid procedures.
• installing conductors and aerial equipment, and underground cables and equipment
• installing and maintaining equipment associated with electrical supply such as transformers
• attending to electrical breakdown and emergencies
• maintaining poles and associated hardware, and continuity of electrical supply and street lighting
• conducting routine maintenance on the aerial and underground electricity supply network
• conducting low-voltage switching operations
• fitting pole hardware and crossarms
• preparing lowand high-voltage cable joints and cable terminations while connecting and installing electrical equipment and overhead lines
• using heavy plant equipment such as elevated work platforms and portable equipment such as hydraulic drills
• may undertake substation installation and maintenance, and specialised testing and revenue meter installation

Working conditions

As electrical linespersons work with high and low voltages at considerable heights, they are given extensive training in safety procedures. They may be called out during emergencies at any time of the day or night and in all weather conditions.

Some large companies with high energy usage, such as mine sites in remote locations, may operate their own private network. Electrical linesworkers work outdoors in most weather conditions, at heights and with extremely high voltage electricity. In order to minimise the danger, they must follow strict safety requirements. They may be required to work shifts, which can include nights and weekends. These workers may also be expected to be on call to respond to emergencies that occur outside of regular hours.

Tools and technologies

Electrical linesworkers use special line-testing equipment to measure the strength of the electrical current and help identify where faults are occurring. Ladders and elevated work platforms can be used to reach the tops of poles, where they use tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, drills and wire strippers to carry out maintenance and repair work. Safety equipment is very important to these workers, and they are usually required to wear gloves, boots, overalls, safety glasses, hard hats and reflective vests.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become an electrical linesworker you usually have to complete an apprenticeship. An electrical powerline worker – distribution apprenticeship usually takes 48 months to complete.

Did You Know? ABC Catalyst 10 August 2021 This video shows, in the first few minutes, the role of the linesperson in cleaning the insulators with demineralised water, that does not conduct electricity. Watch and see the work done by this particular team. They use a helicopter to get within 10m of the electrical insulators. See how they spray demineralised water to clean the insulators. The helicopter is hoovering near live wires.

 

Technical Cable Jointers join insulated electric power cables installed in underground conduits and trenches, and prepare cable terminations for connection to electrical equipment and overhead lines.

Cable jointers lay, joint, terminate and repair underground power cable. Cable jointers lay new power cables through underground pipes and terminate them at electrical equipment. They also conduct tests to check cable integrity and locate faults.

ANZSCO ID: 342212

Alternative names: Cable Jointer, Cabler, TCJ,

Knowledge, skills & attributes

• Complete a cable jointer apprenticeship or related qualification
• A valid driver's license to travel from one work site to another.
• Enjoy practical work
• Normal vision
• Safety conscious
• Strong work ethic
• Able to work in a team
• Good communication skills
• Can handle the physical demands of the job
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Able to work efficiently in challenging situations
• Good Collaboration skills
• Able to establish good relationships (particularly with property owners, authorities, and tenants)
  

(Source: MRG)

Duties and Tasks

• Installing underground electrical cables: one of the main responsibilities of a cable jointer is to install underground electrical cables. This type of work typically requires professionals to fit into small and confined spaces, which can require physical stamina and strength. Installing underground electrical cables means that professionals require an intensive understanding of the underground electrical network. During this task, professionals use tools to minimise the dangers of working with high-voltage power lines and ensure that cables connect effectively to the power grid. Cable jointers may liaise frequently with landowners and businesses to assess if power reaches a particular location. When installing underground electrical cables, these professionals ensure that cables are protected from any external damage, such as from rain or moisture.
     
• Conducting safety and fault tests: Cable jointers may also conduct thorough safety and fault tests during their workday. Safety tests ensure that underground power lines carry a safe voltage and that there are no issues with the cables that may lead to dangerous surges. These safety tests help to ensure that all cables are in good condition and aren't fraying, which reduces the risk of serious faults or injuries during maintenance. Safety tests can also involve securing the site around the location of power lines. This helps to ensure that members of the public can't access cables and that protective structures surrounding the cables remain intact. Fault tests typically occur when a cable jointer responds to an emergency call. During a fault test, a cable jointer examines the symptoms of the fault, such as loss of power, and checks the cable to find the source of the issue. This can involve a physical inspection of the cable site or use of technology to diagnose the issue.
     
• Updating location guides: When cable jointers install new power cables, it's important for them to update the location guides. These guides allow other professionals to locate certain cables, so they can conduct repair and maintenance work in the future. They may also create new diagrams for new installations to ensure that future professionals understand where the high voltage cables lie. This is an important safety step that ensures future professionals don't accidentally disrupt power or injure themselves when working near cables. The layout diagrams and location guides are also important for saving time, as professionals can easily locate the exact cable they're looking for by simply looking at the guide. This way, they don't require travelling the entire length of the cable to conduct repairs or maintenance.
    
• Liaising with property owners and local authorities: When conducting repair work or installation, it may be necessary for these professionals to work collaboratively with landowners and local authorities. This is important, as new installation of underground cables may require planning permission or extensive communication with the landowner so the work doesn't disrupt activities on their land. Tasks such as these can involve cable jointers examining contracts to ensure their work is legal and within the landowner's or authority's boundaries. Additionally, cable jointers who work for government energy authorities may take direct instruction from local authorities to improve powerline connectivity in a certain area.
     
• Checking cable integrity: Cable jointers regularly assess the condition of cables by testing their integrity. Cable integrity refers to the cable's ability to withstand high voltages and residual heat. Integrity also means examining the insulation and structure of the cable so that it's capable of containing high voltages, thus limiting the danger to tradespeople. This also means checking there are no visible signs of wear that could potentially pose a threat to health and safety. Conducting these tests ensures that jointers can quickly address potential hazards and maintain optimal cable function.
    
• Training new employees on safety precautions: Depending on their level of seniority, cable jointers may be in charge of training new employees. This is a key role, as it allows new cable jointers to learn about the importance of safety precautions. During this time, cable jointers may train new employees by setting smaller tasks or having them shadow experienced jointers while they work. It may also be necessary to write reports on the employee's progress. These types of supervisory roles may entail cable jointers spending more time liaising with senior figures in the business. It can also include compiling reports on the day's work regarding repair and maintenance tasks.
  
  

(Source: Jobs & Skills WA)

Working conditions

These professionals install, maintain and restore electrical systems, such as underground power lines, so they operate safely and effectively. Cable jointers work outside all year round, which can include working in challenging weather conditions. Some industries rely on cable jointers to locate faults along the power line and restore its safe functioning, so the job can also involve investigative and troubleshooting work.

Working with high-voltage electricity in these environments can present many hazards. These professionals take constructive steps to ensure their safety by wearing the appropriate safety gear and abiding by all industry regulations to reduce the risk of injury.

Cable jointers typically work on a standard weekday basis, but they may also be required to do after-hours emergency calls. This means their working hours may change, as they may deal with electrical emergencies at any time throughout the day or night. These professionals can work on behalf of private energy companies or government agencies, such as energy regulators.

Cable jointers work outdoors in most weather conditions, and may be in confined spaces. In order to minimise the risks associated with working with high-voltage electricity, they must follow strict safety requirements. They may also be expected to be on call to respond to emergencies that occur outside of regular hours.


Tools and technologies

Cable jointers lay insulated power cables and use specialised tools and electrical equipment to joint and terminate these cables. They also use electrical instruments, such as multimeters, insulation resistance testers and specialised instruments to assess the cables integrity and whether it is performing appropriately.

Uses heavy plant equipment such as elevated work platforms and portable equipment such as hydraulic drills.

Safety is a key concern when working with power cables, so cable jointers must wear protective clothing including, protective clothing, safety footwear, safety glasses and for some tasks they must wear specialised personal protective equipment.

(Source: Jobs & Skills WA)

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a technical cable jointer you usually need to complete an apprenticeship. The electrical supply industry (ESI) cable jointing apprenticeship usually takes 48 months to complete.

Enrol in and complete a traineeship or apprenticeship program in ESI-Power Systems-Distribution Cable Jointing, National Broadband Cabling Installation and Maintenance, or ESI - Network Systems.

To legally work as a cabler in Australia, you must register with the respective state body of the place of employment.

In NSW, you need accreditation to work as a cable jointer, while in the ACT, you may need an electrician's license.

As per Section 43 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 Queensland, you must have an electrical jointer license to work on electrical cables, including performing specialist installing, terminating, and jointing HV electrical cables.

Cable Jointers repairing overhead powerlines must equip themselves with safety access equipment before starting to work.

Those who install equipment to telecommunications networks must have a valid cabling registration. These networks include intelligent home systems, closed-circuit television, and monitored security alarms.

Employment Opportunities

Cable jointers can be employed by government owned electricity network operates, by specialised cable jointing companies, by electrical contractors or by large companies who operate their own private electricity network.

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