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Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers - 49-9051.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Lineman
  • Journeyman Lineman
  • Electrical Lineworker
  • Lineworker
  • Power Lineman

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Adhere to safety practices and procedures, such as checking equipment regularly and erecting barriers around work areas.
  • Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.
  • Clean, tin, and splice corresponding conductors by twisting ends together or by joining ends with metal clamps and soldering connections.
  • Climb poles or use truck-mounted buckets to access equipment.
  • Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.
  • Cut and peel lead sheathing and insulation from defective or newly installed cables and conduits prior to splicing.
  • Cut trenches for laying underground cables, using trenchers and cable plows.
  • Dig holes, using augers, and set poles, using cranes and power equipment.
  • Drive vehicles equipped with tools and materials to job sites.
  • Identify defective sectionalizing devices, circuit breakers, fuses, voltage regulators, transformers, switches, relays, or wiring, using wiring diagrams and electrical-testing instruments.
  • Inspect and test power lines and auxiliary equipment to locate and identify problems, using reading and testing instruments.
  • Install watt-hour meters and connect service drops between power lines and consumers' facilities.
  • Install, maintain, and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems, including conduits, cables, wires, and related equipment, such as transformers, circuit breakers, and switches.
  • Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduit running through the trenches.
  • Open switches or attach grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.
  • Place insulating or fireproofing materials over conductors and joints.
  • Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.
  • Replace or straighten damaged poles.
  • Splice or solder cables together or to overhead transmission lines, customer service lines, or street light lines, using hand tools, epoxies, or specialized equipment.
  • String wire conductors and cables between poles, towers, trenches, pylons, and buildings, setting lines in place and using winches to adjust tension.
  • Test conductors, according to electrical diagrams and specifications, to identify corresponding conductors and to prevent incorrect connections.
  • Travel in trucks, helicopters, and airplanes to inspect lines for freedom from obstruction and adequacy of insulation.
  • Trim trees that could be hazardous to the functioning of cables or wires.

Detailed Work Activities

  • analyze operation of malfunctioning electrical or electronic equipment
  • apply cleaning solvents
  • climb ladders, scaffolding, or utility or telephone poles
  • de-energize high tension power lines for repairs
  • distinguish colors
  • drive automobile, van, or light truck
  • erect power or communication poles or towers
  • fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
  • install electrical conduit or tubing
  • install power or communication lines, lead-in lines or cables
  • install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
  • install/string electrical or electronic cable or wiring
  • move or fit heavy objects
  • perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting
  • read blueprints
  • read schematics
  • read tape measure
  • read technical drawings
  • repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
  • repair power or communication lines
  • solder electrical or electronic connections or components
  • splice electric cable
  • splice electric or communications trunk lines
  • test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
  • use electrical line repair equipment
  • use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
  • use hand or power tools
  • use high voltage apparatus
  • use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
  • use soldering equipment
  • use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Cable and Antenna Systems Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cable and Antenna Systems Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cable and Antenna Systems Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cable and Antenna Systems Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cable Splicing Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Communications Antenna Systems Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Communications Cable and Antenna Systems, Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Construction Electrician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Construction Electrician Basic (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Powerline Distribution Specialist (RC) (Army - Enlisted)
  • SSN Radio Frequency (RF)Equipment Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Transmission and Distribution Specialist (RC) (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Cable Installer-Repairer
  • Cable Splicer
  • Line Erector
  • Line Maintainer
  • Line Repairer
  • Trouble Shooter II

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Cable Installer-Repairer
  • Cable Splicer
  • Cable-Splicer Apprentice
  • Line Erector
  • Line Installer, Street Railway
  • Line Maintainer
  • Line Repairer
  • Line-Erector Apprentice
  • Service Restorer, Emergency
  • Third-Rail Installer
  • Tower Erector
  • Trolley-Wire Installer
  • Trouble Shooter II