01/13/2009 94390

HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICIAN

DEFINITION: This is specialized electrical work in the operation and maintenance of a high voltage electrical supply system for the Commonwealth at the Harrisburg Capitol Complex, a State System University, or a Department of Military and Veterans Affairs' installation.

An employee in this job performs a variety of skilled duties operating and maintaining an electrical substation with an incoming line voltage at or above 23,000 volts and the associated electrical power distribution system. Work involves installing and maintaining emergency standby generators; operating and maintaining a substation including a line side switch, a transformer, a load side switch and a power distribution panel; maintaining switchgears for state office buildings; troubleshooting problem areas; splicing underground electrical wires; and installing, testing, and maintaining electrical machinery, devices and associated equipment. Work is performed independently within procedural and safety guidelines and requirements. Work is reviewed by a High Voltage Electrician Foreman or an administrative or maintenance supervisor for adherence to standards.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Operates a high voltage substation utilizing status board, relays, switches and breakers.

Checks and interprets substation instrument readings and takes corrective action as necessary.

Maintains watch at the plant’s power distribution switchboard to control the distribution of electrical power to various substations and building unit systems.

Performs weekly preventive maintenance and test runs on emergency standby generators.

Makes emergency cutouts and substitutions in the event of breakdowns or necessity for extensive repairs.

Maintains effective operation of generators, synchronous motors, and motor generators using electrical and mechanical tools and testing instruments.

Repairs and calibrates watt-hour meters, ammeters, synchroscopes, and other devices, comparing them with control instruments and standards.

Works on “hot” electrical systems in adherence to safety rules, precautions and procedures, including the use of appropriate safety equipment.

Cleans, adjusts and repairs electrical control equipment such as air and oil circuit breakers, starters, switchgears, generators and synchronous motors.

Changes, connects, disconnects, parallels or affects substitutions for electrical equipment and conductors, using the switchgear mode of operation.

Installs transformers, insulators and materials, underground cable and conduit, and string lights and power wires to make electrical connections.

Diagnoses and troubleshoots problems with capacitor banks, making adjustments as necessary.

Reads blueprints to trace underground routing of electrical cable.

Reads schematic diagrams to determine and resolve electrical system problems.

Selects and uses the appropriate splice kit and tape for line repair.

Tests insulated oil, cables, transformers, motors, circuit breakers, and
other electrical equipment.

Complies with legal, procedural, safety and recordkeeping requirements for high voltage electrical work.

Prepares and interprets logs and reports reflecting power production, consumption, and operating conditions.

Operates a lift truck or a 50 foot two-person bucket lift truck to make electrical repairs on transformers, lines and street lighting.

Operates a 50 foot digger truck to set poles and replace pole mounted transformers.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and theories of electricity.

Knowledge of the methods, practices, standard tools and materials of the high voltage trade.

Knowledge of the occupational hazards, required safety precautions, and legal requirements involved with high voltage electrical work.

Knowledge of electrical codes, and state and federal high voltage electrical regulations.

Skill in the care and use of standard tools, safety equipment, and testing devices used in high voltage electrical work.

Ability to read and interpret federal, state and local codes, regulations and standards applicable to high voltage electrical work.

Ability to read and interpret electrical measuring devices, blueprints, and schematic diagrams.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Successful completion of a High Voltage Electrician Training program;

                                                                                                                                                          or

Six years of journey-level electrical experience, including eighteen months of experience in high voltage electrical work.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Certain positions in this job require possession of a valid Master Electrician License from a recognized licensing authority.

POST EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: Certain positions in this job are required to obtain a valid Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License within one year from date of hire.

Certain positions in this job are required to complete an on-the-job cable splicing training course.