Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which statement accurately describes the characteristics of transmission lines?
Which statement accurately describes the characteristics of transmission lines?
- They exclusively carry electricity within city limits.
- They are supported exclusively by underground structures.
- They operate at a maximum of 250,000 volts.
- They will have at least six insulators (correct)
What voltage level is characteristic of Tulsa's transmission lines?
What voltage level is characteristic of Tulsa's transmission lines?
- 450,000 volts
- 345,000 volts (correct)
- 120,000 volts
- 75,000 volts
Where can transmission lines be found?
Where can transmission lines be found?
- Only in rural areas and not within city limits.
- Only at generation sites.
- Both in city limits and leading to substations. (correct)
- Exclusively over water bodies.
How can one identify transmission lines?
How can one identify transmission lines?
What role do transmission lines serve in the electrical system?
What role do transmission lines serve in the electrical system?
What is the maximum voltage that the distribution lines can carry?
What is the maximum voltage that the distribution lines can carry?
Which material is NOT mentioned as being used for distribution lines?
Which material is NOT mentioned as being used for distribution lines?
Which of the following statements is true regarding the coating on the distribution wires?
Which of the following statements is true regarding the coating on the distribution wires?
In what type of neighborhoods are the buried distribution lines predominantly found?
In what type of neighborhoods are the buried distribution lines predominantly found?
Which type of wire configuration can be used for distribution lines?
Which type of wire configuration can be used for distribution lines?
What is the primary function of substations within an electrical distribution system?
What is the primary function of substations within an electrical distribution system?
What aspect of voltage is highlighted regarding substations?
What aspect of voltage is highlighted regarding substations?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a substation?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a substation?
Which type of transformer is not designed specifically to reduce voltage for consumer use?
Which type of transformer is not designed specifically to reduce voltage for consumer use?
What is a significant hazard associated with subsurface transformers?
What is a significant hazard associated with subsurface transformers?
When will TFD personnel enter underground vaults to combat fires?
When will TFD personnel enter underground vaults to combat fires?
Which of the following transformer types is NOT explicitly mentioned as being aerial or pad mounted?
Which of the following transformer types is NOT explicitly mentioned as being aerial or pad mounted?
What common factor is shared by aerial and pad mounted transformers?
What common factor is shared by aerial and pad mounted transformers?
What is the primary function of the service connection in the distribution system?
What is the primary function of the service connection in the distribution system?
Which type of wiring is most commonly used for service connections in residential structures?
Which type of wiring is most commonly used for service connections in residential structures?
How many wires in the triplex wiring carry voltage, and what is their voltage rating?
How many wires in the triplex wiring carry voltage, and what is their voltage rating?
Through which structure does the service connection typically enter a residential building?
Through which structure does the service connection typically enter a residential building?
What protects the service wires as they enter a structure?
What protects the service wires as they enter a structure?
What is the primary cause of step potential risk when walking near a downed energized wire?
What is the primary cause of step potential risk when walking near a downed energized wire?
Which of the following actions is recommended if a responder finds themselves in a step potential situation?
Which of the following actions is recommended if a responder finds themselves in a step potential situation?
What factor does NOT affect the extent of the grounded field near a downed wire?
What factor does NOT affect the extent of the grounded field near a downed wire?
In which scenario would a responder MOST likely experience tingling sensations in their feet?
In which scenario would a responder MOST likely experience tingling sensations in their feet?
What is the main characteristic of ground gradient related to electrical hazards?
What is the main characteristic of ground gradient related to electrical hazards?
What precaution should be taken when responding to a manhole that is smoking or on fire?
What precaution should be taken when responding to a manhole that is smoking or on fire?
Where can one find the manual for the Wilbur TAC stick?
Where can one find the manual for the Wilbur TAC stick?
Under what circumstances should the TAC stick be used?
Under what circumstances should the TAC stick be used?
What should happen before TFD enters a manhole to fight a fire?
What should happen before TFD enters a manhole to fight a fire?
Which of the following is not true regarding manholes?
Which of the following is not true regarding manholes?
What happens to an electrical wire during installation when it is unrolled from a cable spool?
What happens to an electrical wire during installation when it is unrolled from a cable spool?
How many times can a recloser attempt to restore a circuit after it initially opens due to a fault?
How many times can a recloser attempt to restore a circuit after it initially opens due to a fault?
What should be considered when checking a downed wire?
What should be considered when checking a downed wire?
What is the potential hazard when an object falls on a wire under extreme tension?
What is the potential hazard when an object falls on a wire under extreme tension?
What is the function of a recloser or line restorer?
What is the function of a recloser or line restorer?
Within the city limits of Tulsa what is the percentage of underground distribution lines from PSO?
Within the city limits of Tulsa what is the percentage of underground distribution lines from PSO?
Within the city limits , PSO has approximately __ % of their distribution lines below grade
Within the city limits , PSO has approximately __ % of their distribution lines below grade
Commercial occupancy’s also have unbroken power supply rooms that contain batteries that will deliver over ___ volts of direct current for temporary power
Commercial occupancy’s also have unbroken power supply rooms that contain batteries that will deliver over ___ volts of direct current for temporary power
Flashcards
Transmission Lines
Transmission Lines
High-voltage lines transporting electricity from generation sites to substations. They can be identified by at least six insulators and may be located within city limits.
Substations
Substations
Fenced areas that reduce voltage for distribution. They serve as critical nodes in the electrical system.
Below-Grade Distribution Lines
Below-Grade Distribution Lines
Underground distribution lines, often in new residential areas and apartment complexes.
Distribution Lines
Distribution Lines
Lines carrying voltages up to 34,500 volts, built with materials like copper, aluminum, or steel.
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Insulating Coatings
Insulating Coatings
Coatings on distribution wires that protect against wear and corrosion but are not insulation.
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Transformers
Transformers
Devices that reduce voltage to a usable level for customers.
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Subsurface Transformers
Subsurface Transformers
Transformers located underground, often within vaults, posing hazards to responders in confined spaces.
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Service Connections
Service Connections
The final part of the distribution system, delivering power directly to customers.
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Triplex Wiring
Triplex Wiring
Wiring typically used for residential service connections, consisting of three wires twisted together carrying 120 volts and one neutral wire.
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Ground Gradient
Ground Gradient
The area around a downed energized wire where voltage potential decreases from the point of contact.
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Step Potential
Step Potential
The potential for a shock when a responder walks near a downed wire, due to a difference in voltage between their feet.
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Reel Memory
Reel Memory
The tendency of electrical wire to coil back towards its original winding direction.
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Reclosers
Reclosers
Devices that automatically detect problems in downed lines and attempt reconnections.
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TAC Stick
TAC Stick
A tool used for testing downed lines, requiring caution as circuits may appear inactive yet become re-energized.
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Manholes
Manholes
Underground spaces that serve as splice points for PSO wires, considered confined spaces posing hazards.
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TAC Stick Manual
TAC Stick Manual
The manual outlining the operation and limitations of TAC sticks, essential for responders.
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Ground Current
Ground Current
The flow of electrical current through the ground.
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Energized Field
Energized Field
A hazard zone surrounding a downed energized wire where the voltage potential decreases concentrically.
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Ground Moisture and Voltage
Ground Moisture and Voltage
The extent of the energized field is influenced by these two factors.
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Step Potential
Step Potential
The potential for a shock when a responder walks near a downed wire, creating a circuit with differing voltages.
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Shock Result
Shock Result
A tingling sensation or severe injury that can result from contact with a voltage potential.
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Hop Away
Hop Away
Responders should take this action when encountering a step potential.
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Respecting Energy
Respecting Energy
Maintaining a safe distance from downed wires is critical.
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Reel Memory
Reel Memory
The coiled state of the electrical wire.
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Wire Snapping
Wire Snapping
Wire under tension can snap back to its original coiled state, posing a safety hazard.
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Reel Memory
Reel Memory
Tendency of electrical wire to recoil towards its original winding direction during installation.
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Tension from Falling Objects
Tension from Falling Objects
The tension on electrical wire can be heightened by falling objects.
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Reclosers
Reclosers
Automatic devices that try to reconnect downed lines multiple times.
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Deceptively Inactive Lines
Deceptively Inactive Lines
Reclosers may re-energize downed lines even when they appear inactive.
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Testing with TAC Stick
Testing with TAC Stick
Using a TAC Stick to test downed lines requires caution because of the possibility of re-energization.
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Electrical System Overview in Tulsa
- Transmission lines transport electricity up to 345,000 volts, primarily from generation sites to substations.
- Transmission lines can be identified by having at least six insulators and may be located within city limits, supported by towers or poles.
- Substations, fenced areas, reduce voltage for distribution; they serve as critical nodes in the electrical system.
Distribution Lines
- PSO maintains around 35% of distribution lines below grade within city limits, primarily in new residential areas and apartment complexes.
- Distribution lines carry voltages up to 34,500 volts and are typically made of copper, aluminum, or aluminum-coated steel.
- Insulating-looking coatings on distribution wires protect against wear and corrosion but are not actual insulation.
Transformers
- Transformers reduce voltage to a usable level for customers; they can be aerial, pad-mounted, or subsurface, the latter often located in vaults.
- Responders face hazards when dealing with subsurface transformers, particularly in confined spaces; TFD personnel require PSO presence for safety in emergency situations.
Service Connections
- Service connections are the final part of the distribution system, delivering power to customers.
- Wiring typically enters residential structures through a weatherhead or conduit, often using triplex wiring (three wires twisted together) carrying 120 volts and one neutral wire.
Electrical Hazards
Ground Gradient
- Downed energized wires create a ground current and a hazard zone where voltage potential decreases concentrically from the point of contact.
- Ground moisture and voltage determine the extent of the energized field, which can extend several feet and pose risks.
Step Potential
- Step potential occurs when responders walk near downed wires, creating a circuit with differing voltages, increasing shock risk.
- Tingling sensations or severe injuries can result from contact; responders should keep feet together and hop away from hazardous areas.
Cable Installation Considerations
- Electrical wire has a "reel memory," tending to recoil towards its original winding direction during installation, which can be dangerous if under tension due to fallen objects.
Line Restoration Technology
- Reclosers automatically detect problems in downed lines, attempting reconnection multiple times before needing manual reset; maintain caution while testing with a TAC Stick as circuits may appear inactive yet become re-energized.
Manholes Safety
- Manholes serve as splice points for PSO wires and are considered confined spaces; explosions can cause covers to be ejected.
- TFD will not respond to manhole incidents without PSO present due to potential dangers.
TAC Stick Guidelines
- The TAC stick manual, accessible through the Intranet, provides operation and limitation guidance; it is essential for any company responding to downed electrical lines.
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