Lineman Quality Control Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When inspecting a compression splice on a conductor, which defect would cause immediate rejection?
- Minor surface oxidation on the connector body
- Visible cracks or splits in the compression sleeve (Correct answer)
- Slight misalignment of the connector label
- A small amount of compound residue on the exterior
Correct answer: Visible cracks or splits in the compression sleeve
Cracks or splits in a compression sleeve compromise the mechanical and electrical integrity of the splice and require immediate rejection.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a pull test performed on a newly installed dead-end assembly?
- To verify the conductor's ampacity rating
- To confirm the mechanical holding strength of the connection (Correct answer)
- To check the electrical continuity of the circuit
- To measure the sag under design tension
Correct answer: To confirm the mechanical holding strength of the connection
Pull tests verify that dead-end assemblies can withstand the specified mechanical loads without slipping or failing.
Question 3: Which standard primarily governs the inspection and testing of wood poles used in electrical distribution?
- ANSI O5.1 (Correct answer)
- NESC Rule 217
- IEEE 524
- ASTM F1505
Correct answer: ANSI O5.1
ANSI O5.1 establishes specifications for wood poles used in overhead utility lines, including grading and strength requirements.
Question 4: A lineman notices a transformer oil sample has a dark, burned appearance during a visual QC check. This most likely indicates:
- Normal aging with no concern
- Presence of dissolved gases from internal arcing (Correct answer)
- Excessive moisture contamination from rain
- Overfilling during the last maintenance cycle
Correct answer: Presence of dissolved gases from internal arcing
Dark, burned transformer oil is a strong indicator of internal arcing or overheating, which produces dissolved gases and degrades the oil.
Question 5: What does NESC stand for in the context of quality and safety standards for electrical construction?
- National Electrical Safety Code (Correct answer)
- National Engineering Standards Committee
- Network Equipment Safety Criteria
- National Electrical System Compliance
Correct answer: National Electrical Safety Code
NESC stands for National Electrical Safety Code, which sets minimum requirements for overhead and underground electrical construction.
Question 6: During a QC audit of splice installations, what is the minimum number of compression crimps typically required for a full-tension splice on a large ACSR conductor?
- One center crimp only
- As specified by the connector manufacturer's installation instructions (Correct answer)
- Always two crimps regardless of conductor size
- Determined by field crew preference
Correct answer: As specified by the connector manufacturer's installation instructions
The manufacturer's installation instructions specify the exact number of crimps required for each connector size to achieve rated holding strength.
Question 7: Which QC practice helps verify that a new pole installation meets required setting depth?
- Checking the pole class label at eye level
- Measuring the pole circumference at ground line
- Verifying the amount of pole remaining above ground against total pole length (Correct answer)
- Performing a visual plumb check from 50 feet away
Correct answer: Verifying the amount of pole remaining above ground against total pole length
Setting depth is verified by subtracting the above-ground portion from the total pole length and comparing to the specified minimum burial depth.
Lineman Quality Control Procedures 2
When inspecting a compression splice on a conductor, which defect would cause immediate rejection?