Lineman Quality Control Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct QC procedure when a lineman discovers a hardware item on the job site without any manufacturer markings or load ratings?
- Use it only for temporary work
- Remove it from service and do not install it (Correct answer)
- Estimate the load rating based on size and use accordingly
- Install it in a non-critical location such as a secondary rack
Correct answer: Remove it from service and do not install it
Unmarked hardware with no traceable load ratings must be removed from service because its safe working load cannot be verified.
Question 2: When performing a QC check on a newly installed guy wire, which condition requires correction before the job is complete?
- The guy wire has a preformed grip termination
- The guy anchor rod is installed at a 45-degree angle
- The guy wire bisects the angle of the supported conductors
- The guy wire is installed on the wrong side of the pole relative to the line angle (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The guy wire is installed on the wrong side of the pole relative to the line angle
Guy wires must be installed on the side opposing the mechanical load; placing them on the wrong side provides no structural benefit and may worsen loading.
Question 3: A thermographic inspection of a distribution line identifies a hot connection at a tap point. The QC significance of this finding is:
- Cosmetic only — heat dissipates over time
- A potential failure point due to high resistance caused by a poor connection (Correct answer)
- Normal operating temperature for aluminum connectors under full load
- Indication that the conductor is overloaded, not the connection
Correct answer: A potential failure point due to high resistance caused by a poor connection
Hot spots at connections indicate elevated resistance, which can lead to connector failure, conductor damage, or fire if not corrected.
Question 4: What document should a lineman consult to verify that a specific insulator meets the required wet flashover rating for the line voltage?
- The project work order
- The insulator manufacturer's datasheet or ANSI specification (Correct answer)
- The OSHA 1910.269 standard
- The crew supervisor's verbal authorization
Correct answer: The insulator manufacturer's datasheet or ANSI specification
Insulator electrical ratings, including wet flashover voltage, are found in manufacturer datasheets and applicable ANSI insulator standards.
Question 5: During a QC inspection after a storm repair, a lineman observes that a neutral conductor has been repaired with an automatic splice. What must be verified about this splice?
- The splice is painted to match the conductor color
- The splice is rated for the conductor size and has been fully engaged (Correct answer)
- The splice is located at least 10 feet from the nearest pole
- The splice has been wrapped with electrical tape for moisture protection
Correct answer: The splice is rated for the conductor size and has been fully engaged
Automatic (pre-loaded) splices must be rated for the conductor size and fully seated so that the internal wedge mechanism is fully engaged.
Question 6: Which measurement tool is used during QC to verify conductor sag on a newly strung span without climbing to the conductor?
- A micrometer
- A transit or digital level with sag boards (Correct answer)
- A clamp meter measuring line current
- A tensiometer attached to the pulling rope
Correct answer: A transit or digital level with sag boards
Sag boards and a transit or digital level allow linemen to visually verify that conductor sag matches the design sag for the given temperature and span.
Question 7: Under quality control for underground cable terminations, what is the purpose of checking the stress cone installation?
- To ensure the cable jacket color is visible for phase identification
- To redistribute electric field stress at the cable end and prevent breakdown (Correct answer)
- To provide mechanical protection for the cable connector
- To verify that the cable length meets minimum service loop requirements
Correct answer: To redistribute electric field stress at the cable end and prevent breakdown
A stress cone (or stress relief cone) controls electrical field concentration at the cable termination point to prevent insulation breakdown at the cut end.
Lineman Quality Control Procedures 3
What is the correct QC procedure when a lineman discovers a hardware item on the job site without any manufacturer markings or load ratings?