MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program1 Electrical Safety Reference: The Power of Training Electrical...

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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Electrical Safety

Reference: The Power of TrainingReference: The Power of Training

Electrical SafetyElectrical Safety

Commonwealth Edison CompanyCommonwealth Edison Company

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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Knowledge Objectives

The Firefighter shall be able to:– Explain the basic function of overhead

wires and equipment– Identify Type A and S Meters– Explain hazards of step potential, touch

potential, vehicles in contact with energized lines, and downed wire movement

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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Performance Objectives

Given the proper tools and equipment, the firefighter shall be able to:– Remove residential meters– Conduct low voltage electrical tests– Cut service entrance “drip loops”

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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Introduction

This program is designed to train firefighters in properly removing meters or cutting drip loops to disconnect service to a residence that is on fire.

ComEd prefers that the electrical service be left intact

Call ComEd for service disconnects

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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If the Incident Commander decides the service must be disconnected immediately:

Call ComEd Open buildings main disconnect Remove meter if necessary Cut drip loops when meter cannot be

removed Utilize Voltage Tester to verify power

disconnect

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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Firefighters are only to remove the meter to the residence that is

on fire

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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Transmission & Distribution System

Power Plants Switchyard Transmission Substation Distribution Transformers Residential Service

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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Transmission Pole Configuration

Highest voltage is usually located at top of pole.– Other voltages may be present on pole also

Transmission Poles Distribution Poles Secondaries Cable and Phone may also be present

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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Residential Meters

Removable (type S) Non Removable (type A)

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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Downed Wires

Voltage Gradient is present– Consider the Step Potential

Guarding wires and exposed live electrical equipment

Principles for guarding wires, and electrical equipment

Precautions Rescue Procedures

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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All cables & wires must be treated as energized until proven

dead !

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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Service Wires

Identifying Service Drop Cable– Open Wire construction– Triplex

Identifying telephone and cable wires

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When service is to be interruptedFollow these steps:

Don protective equipment Open Mains if possible Remove meter if necessary Cut the tap (drip loops) at the house

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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Safety Equipment Needed

Rubber glove set– Leather over rubber

Eye/Face protection Full Protective clothing recommended Voltage Tester Meter Cover Hotstick

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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Rubber gloves and protectors

Precautions Testing and Inspecting Exchange

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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Live Line Tool

Also known as Hotstick– Inspect for damage prior to use– Tool may be used for cutting drip loops

only!!

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Low Voltage Tester

Tests for de-energized circuits Tests for secondary voltage Checking & using

– Condition– Operation

Interpreting the tester reading

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Removing a Type S Meter Protective Clothing required Open disconnect if possible Remove meter

– Cut meter seal with wire cutters– Remove meter retaining ring– Contact top outer edge with a downward and

outward angle– Grasp meter with two hands and pull straight

out. Do not twist meter while removing

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Steps for Cutting Drip Loops

Identify the drip loop at building Identify the neutral wire first DO NOT

CUT X and Y conductors should be cut

– Separate two parts from each other Cut neutral wire Avoid cutting support wire if present

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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Summary

This program was designed to aid the firefighter on the scene of a fire or emergency to correctly and safely remove electrical hazards.

WHEN IN DOUBT, WAIT FOR ComEd TO ARRIVE ON THE SCENE

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Written Exam and Practical

Take 15 question written examination Complete practical evaluation

– Cut Drip loop connection– Identify type A and S meters

Remove type S meter