Any Cable Jointers/Linesmen/Fitters in here?

[expensivegarms]

As above really, wondered how many of us are in the electrical power industry! Is there any specific electrical power engineering forums that anyone frequents? Looking for some more reading material for on my breaks.

For background, I'm a cable jointer, working primarily on LV, 11kV and 33kV networks.

[selym]

I am a lineman for the county.....

[expensivegarms]

I wondered if that would come up in the replies (if any)!

[BRISTOL86]

Where are you based mate? We may share the same employer!

[expensivegarms]

Essex at the moment mate. I'm guessing you're WPD?

[BRISTOL86]

Ah no we don't then haha.

Yeah WPD here. Im in HO though, I don't work on the lines!

[expensivegarms]

What's HO? Not an acronym ive come across before! What's WPD like to work for? It's all shift work these days isn't it?

[BRISTOL86]

Sorry, head office. I'm in finance so can't speak about what it's like in the engineering world! Love my job though.

[expensivegarms]

Ahhhh I see. Office work not for me at the moment, but may be a consideration in the future! Hopefully engineer. How long have you been in the industry?

[BRISTOL86]

expensivegarms said:

Ahhhh I see. Office work not for me at the moment, but may be a consideration in the future! Hopefully engineer. How long have you been in the industry?

2.5 years mate, since I joined WPD in 2012!

[Janluke]

I was an Overhead Linesman for 20 years until a wee accident. I have mostly fond memories of an interesting job. Trained in all 3 trades so have an understanding of fitting/jointing etc although I suspect its changed a bit now

[expensivegarms]

Sorry to hear, was that why you stopped, if you don't mind me asking? I always thought I'd be put on overheads due to my previous career (ohl tree clearance), but in my company's infinite wisdom, I'm on underground cables, but have an ohl course later on in the year which I can't wait for! I miss climbing!

[Janluke]

Fell 20m from a 132kv pylon, lost a leg but survived so it could of been a lot worse. I'm glad to be alive and every day is a bonus. Worked for a while in the office but struggled with being indoors after the freedom of working outside, different place everyday etc etc

[expensivegarms]

st, I'm sorry to hear it. Pylon work is something Id like to get into, I miss the views I used to have! Love the work I do at the moment though, it tickles my liking for making things that will last. (I hope anyway!)

[selym]

expensivegarms said:

I wondered if that would come up in the replies (if any)!

Sorry!

[expensivegarms]

No problem, I laughed!

[Elli5]

I've finally got my foot in the door of a local company as a trainee linesman mate. Three months in so far and loving it!

Currently working Scottish Power around North Wales and Cheshire and should be going for my WL2 authorisation in the next couple of weeks so that I can mate properly as part of a two man team. Quite a change from my previous desk based soul destroying waiting to die job!!

[shirt]

not me, but i work in power generation, mainly in the less salubrious parts of the world. you guys would be horrified as i'm an office based engineer with no LV/HV/EHV training yet have been doing 11kV jointing all week and will be stringing 132kV line tomorrow!