Covering

[reppy007]

I past a large crew today,they were in the process of changing out a 45' pole that had a cap-bank on it.I noticed that they had all 3 phases covered but not the neutral.Now I mentioned the neutral because Ive seen plenty of photos with the neutral covered when the work in not even close to the neutral and Im ok with that.Now,this was 12 kv and as you know there are grounds above the neutral going to the caps.....no covers there ,even though they are closer to the energized primary than the neutral.So wouldnt it make sense to cover those grounds that are closer before covering grounds/neutrals that are futher away from the primary? Whats your policy on this?

[Lineman8641]

I would imagine there was a ground wire stapled to the pole going from the neutral to the cap bank. It would certainly make sense if they installed a pole wrap while working on it as well. Those cap banks present a different set of challenges.

[reppy007]

I would imagine there was a ground wire stapled to the pole going from the neutral to the cap bank. It would certainly make sense if they installed a pole wrap while working on it as well. Those cap banks present a different set of challenges.

Thats true...so true,I just cant see having a guard on the neutral when the primary is tight and is well out of the way,but not covering up grounds closer to the energized conductor.....maybe the guard on the neutral looks good if a safety man arrives, but still..........what about the area thats closer to the hot primary.

[bobbo]

I don't understand any cover on 2400/4160 on Hendrix that has 15 kv insulation.

i believe in a lot of cover for 7200 and up. Bare wire hitting the structure barks hard.

When it's done and I am not going to touch it anymore I strip cover off. But now adays some idiot will scream where is your cover and your transferring communication, and your finished above.

it was once good practice to isolate out arresters. But you see guys not doing that because they are afraid to take off line or equipment protection for some reason. They are afraid that if they untapped an arrestor God will strike lightning and the earth will shake, and two of every animal will jump in a boat.

we used to cut at the pole if we had porcelains up there and nico sleeve it when we were done. But some places don't know what a nico press and sleeve are.

i don't like to put cover on 6 copper with 10 automatics in a span. Your causing more danger to yourself.

Being job scared with the knuckleheads out there took the logic out of this trade. Because there is no real experience out there anymore.

I have been lucky and grateful working with a lot of 30 year plus lineman. When you have a lot of older lineman in yards things are really quiet, no drama and accidents. No one is job scared. They just get things done!

[rob8210]

When I work anything live , I cover up to cover my arse. Always cover the second point of contact I don't care if it is a guy wire , or a neutral , or another phase. When I am done in that zone the cover comes off. Always check for grounds on x-arms or in work areas and isolate if possible . Lately I have been working on older construction where the primary neutral is on the x-arm, mostly relocating conductor to allow for installing new poles.