COMPANY: UMEME LIMITED

NAME: BWANGO JOSHUA

UNIQUE NO.: U1908015

SIGNATURE: ………………………

NETWORK ENGINEER: Mr. KAMWESIGYE

ROBERT

SIGNATURE: ……………………….

This training report is to be submitted in to customer

service engineer in partial fulfillment of the
requirements of the company.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION ....................................................................................................................................................... iii
APPROVAL............................................................................................................................................................. iv
DEDICATION ........................................................................................................................................................... v
ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................................................................................................................... 1
MV- Medium Voltage (33kV and 11kV) ............................................................................................................... 1
CHAPTER ONE ........................................................................................................................................................ 2
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................................. 2
1.1 Definition of practical training .................................................................................................................. 2
1.2 Objectives of training to the; .................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMVOLTAGES ............................................................................................................. 2
CHAPTER TWO ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 OVERHEAD POWER LINES ............................................................................................................................. 3
2.2 MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE OVERHEAD LINES............................................................................................. 3
CHAPTER THREE ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
3.0 OVERHEAD CONSTRUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 4
3.1 LINE SUPPORTS............................................................................................................................................. 4
3.2 WOODEN POLES ........................................................................................................................................... 5
3.3 WOODEN POLES BY HEIGHT AND WHERE THEY ARE APPLIED ........................................................................ 5
3.4 MV line formations: ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Vertical formation: - ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Horizontal formation:..................................................................................................................................... 6
3.5.0 STRUCTURES:............................................................................................................................................. 7
3.5.1 TYPES OF STRUCTURES .............................................................................................................................. 7
CHAPTER FOUR .................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.0 MV JOINTS ................................................................................................................................................. 12
MV Joints: .................................................................................................................................................... 12
CHAPTER FIVE ...................................................................................................................................................... 13
5.0 CROSS ARMS .............................................................................................................................................. 13
CHAPTER SIX ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
6.0 GUYS AND STAYS ........................................................................................................................................ 13
CHAPTER SEVEN ................................................................................................................................................... 15
7.0 INSULATORS ............................................................................................................................................... 15
CHAPTER EIGHT .................................................................................................................................................... 18
8.0 CONDUCTORS............................................................................................................................................. 18

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 8.1 Advantages of ABC ..................................................................................................................................... 19
CHAPTER NINE ..................................................................................................................................................... 22
9.0 EARTHING .................................................................................................................................................. 22
CHAPTER TEN ....................................................................................................................................................... 23
10.0 SAFETY RULES: .......................................................................................................................................... 23
Safety precautions during execution of overhead works, .............................................................................. 23
CHAPTER ELEVEN ................................................................................................................................................. 23
11.0 TOOLS I USED IN THE FIELD ....................................................................................................................... 23
CHAPTER TWELVE ................................................................................................................................................ 24
NETWORK BUILD UP AND CONSTRUCTION. ...................................................................................................... 24
12.0 LOADING OF POLES................................................................................................................................... 24
12.1 HOLE EXCAVATION (FOUNDATION) ........................................................................................................... 25
12.2 POLE DRESSING ........................................................................................................................................ 26
12.3 POLE ERECTION ........................................................................................................................................ 27
12.4 HARDWARE FITTING ................................................................................................................................. 28
12.4.1 Hardware fitting on LV Structure........................................................................................................ 28
12.4.2 Hardware fitting on MV structure ...................................................................................................... 28
12.5 CONDUCTOR LAYING, JOINTING AND STRINGING ...................................................................................... 29
12.5.1 Procedures followed for Pit excavation for the pole and stay wire (when man labor is used) .................. 29
12.5.2 FOR POLES IN SWAMPS, .................................................................................................................... 30
12.5.3 Procedures followed for erection of LV poles (when man labor is used) ............................................. 30
CHAPTER THIRTEEN .............................................................................................................................................. 31
13.0 LINE MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................................................. 31
CHAPTER FOURTEEN ............................................................................................................................................ 31
14.0 POLE CLIMBING ........................................................................................................................................ 31
14.1 TOOLS OF POLE CLIMBING ........................................................................................................................ 31
CHAPTER FIFTEEN................................................................................................................................................. 32
15.0 COMMON FAULTS ON OVERHEAD LINES ................................................................................................... 32
CHAPTER SIXTEEN ................................................................................................................................................ 33
16.0 CHALLENGES FACED DURING THE TRAINING PERIOD................................................................................. 33
RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................................................... 34
CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................................................ 35

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DECLARATION
I BWANGO JOSHUA hereby declare that am the sole writer of this report and the details of
training and experience engulfed in this report describe my involvement as a trainee in the field
of electrical engineering with UMEME line construction and maintenance in Mukono for the
period of two months. All the information contained in this report is certain and correct to the
best of my field knowledge and Umeme standards.

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APPROVAL
I hereby certify that this report was written by BWANGO JOSHUA basing on the knowledge and
skills as well as working experience obtained from UMEME line construction and maintenance
in Mukono. All the information contained in as a trainee for duration of two months of 10th
October to 18th December.

Trainer: Mr. Mayengo Henry …………………………………. Date……………………….

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DEDICATION
I DEDICATE THIS REPORT TO MY SUPERVISORS ESPECIALLY ENG MANSOOR AND ENG MOSES for
Efforts and support that they have granted me during the training period and giving me an
opportunity of acquiring skills and getting exposed to the world of work and not of cause
forgetting MAYENGO HENRYS for chance of training and willingness to teach and train me.

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ABBREVIATIONS
MV- Medium Voltage (33kV and 11kV)
LV- Low Voltage (415 and 240)

Cct- Circuit

ACSR- Aluminium Conductor Steel Rein enforced

ABC- Aerial Bundled Conductors

Tx- Transformer

X-arm Cross Arm

Sec- Secondary

m- Meters

mm- millimeters

i.e.- That is

WPFRD- Wood Pole Fall Restriction Device

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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Definition of practical training
This refers to all the activities that are undertaken by a trainee in order to obtain professional
working experience in the field of engineering.

1.2 Objectives of training to the;

Trainee

➢ To know and get used different materials used on the power lines.

➢ To perfect my pole climbing skills.

➢ To know and get practical experience of different structures that make up a

distribution network.

➢ To know and experience different faults on power lines and how to solve them.

Company

➢ To expose the new employees to different skills of construction and

maintenance of distribution lines so as to fulfill their responsibilities in an
expected manner.

1.3 DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMVOLTAGES

In Uganda, the current systems the supply authority collects the bulk energy at 132 kV or less
from the transmission substation. There is specific voltage values used in the distribution of
electrical power, these voltage values which are all ‘line to line’ values are 33kV, 11kV, and 415
however; some of these values are rarely used in public distribution networks but are common
in private networks in large industrial sites (e.g. 3.3kV, 11kv).

The choice of voltage to be used on any particular section in the distribution system will be
influenced, among other factors, by:

➢ Decisions associated with voltage drops resulting from large current loads
➢ Capital cost of transformers used to change voltage levels
➢ Capital costs of construction of distribution lines and associated switchgear to operate
at the chosen voltage
➢ Environmental aspects of the system installation.

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CHAPTER TWO
2.1 OVERHEAD POWER LINES
Distribution lines are vital links between substations and consumers. Power is distributed to
various substations located at various places and localities through distributions lines. Due to
industrial growth, requirement of power has grown high and it becomes imperative that
distribution of power from various substations to consumer units should be carried out with
minimum possible losses and disturbances.

This objective can be achieved when the distribution line is designed and constructed in a way
that it is efficient, technically sound and stable system. The line should have sufficient current
carrying capacity so as to transmit the required power over a given distance without an
excessive voltage drop and overheating. This can be achieved by using rated, treated
standardized materials.

The line losses should be small and insulation of the line should be adequate to cope with the
system voltage.

The line should have sufficient mechanical strength to cope with the probable weather
conditions and small satisfactory service over a long period of time without a necessity of too
much maintenance.

2.2 MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE OVERHEAD LINES

The main components of overhead lines are enlisted below:

2.2.1 Supports: These are poles or towers depending upon the working voltage and region
where these are used. The function of the line supports is to support conductors to as to keep
them at a suitable level above the ground.

2.2.2 Cross arms and Clamps: These are either of wood or steel angle section and are used on
pole structures to support the insulators and conductors.

2.2.3 Insulators: Pin, Strain or Suspension types for supporting conductors and taking strain or
suspending the conductors respectively.

2.2.4 Conductors: copper, Aluminium or ACSR depending upon the current too be carried and
the span of the line.

2.2.5 Guys and Stays: Braces or cables and somewhere guy poles are fastened to the pole at
the termination or angle poles to resist lateral forces.

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2.2.6 Lightning Arrestors: To discharge excessive voltages built upon the line to earth due to
lightening.

2.2.7 Continuous Earth wire: Is ran on top of the poles or towers to protect the line against
lightning discharges.

2.2.8 Fuses and isolating switches: To protect and isolate different parts of the overhead line.

2.2.9 Dander plates: They are put on every pole as a warning measure indicating the voltage of
the line or the words kabi, Danger Hatari. They are put 2.5m on the pole from the ground.
2.3.0 Barbed wire: Put on poles 2.5m from ground to prevent climbing of the pole by
unauthorized persons.
2.3.1 Miscellaneous items: such as pole caps, pole savers and others.

CHAPTER THREE
3.0 OVERHEAD CONSTRUCTION
3.1 LINE SUPPORTS
The function of the line supports is to support conductors. Line supports must be capable of
carrying the load due to insulators and conductors including the wind loads on conductors
along with the wind loads on the support itself. On most of umeme networks, we used wooden
supports but the line supports are of various types including steel and rein enforced concrete
poles and steel towers.

The main requirements of the line supports are:

➢ High mechanical strength to withstand the weight of conductors, insulators and wind
load.
➢ Light in weight without loss of mechanical strength
➢ Cheaper in cost
➢ Low maintenance costs
➢ Longer life
➢ Easy accessibility for erection of line conductors and insulators.
➢ Good looking.
The choice of the line supports for a particular situations depend upon the line span,
cross-section area, line voltage, cost and local conditions.

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3.2 WOODEN POLES
These supports are cheap, easily available, provide insulating properties and therefore are
intensively used for distribution purposes and keeping the costs low.

They are always used for low and medium voltage transmission and hence the commonest on
Umeme networks.

These poles must be straight, strong with gradual taper and free from knocks.

They should be properly seasoned to prevent rapid decay due to opening of cracks.

Poles are treated with chemicals to give them long lifespan of about 25 to 30yrs.

Wooden poles are designed on lines depending on the span, load by conductors and the circuits
to be carried by the structures.

3.3 WOODEN POLES BY HEIGHT AND WHERE THEY ARE APPLIED

Height(m) Application

10 Mostly used on LV network

12 Used on LV to cross the roads and on MV network but in a horizontal

formation

14 Used on MV mostly on a vertical formation (also used depending on the

shape of the land)

16 This pole is used in any formation depending on the shape of the land.
Also used on MV to cross the roads in a vertical formation.

5
3.4 MV line formations:
Vertical formation: -

Figure 1: Vertical staggered single cct Single pole

Horizontal formation:

Figure2: Horizontal section single cct

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3.5.0 STRUCTURES:
3.5.1 TYPES OF STRUCTURES
There are various structures on the Umeme network, each designed to support the weight of the
conductors carried as well as the dynamic loads on the network. The choice of structure to use depends
on the operating voltage, available space, cost, nature of terrain and the materials available at the time.

1) Vertical structure: This structure has conductors aligned vertically to the ground. It used majorly on
LV lines (415V). It is also used on ‘HV’ lines (11kV and 33kV) where there are sharp angles that may not
be achieved using a cross arm. The distance between the pole top and the first conductor is 0.5 ft. while
the distance between conductors (line to line clearance) is 1 ft. for 415V lines, 2.5 ft. for 11 kV lines and
3.5 ft. for 33kV.

Figure 3: Vertical structure.

2) Three-member structure: This structure has three vertical poles placed 12 ft apart and one bolted
across them as a cross arm. It is used for conductors carrying 33kV with very long spans or where the
conductors are crossing valleys. The length of the span can be as high as 250m or even more.
Conductors are aligned horizontally to the ground. They add mechanical strength to a line thereby
blocking its collapse.

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Figure 4: Three-member structure

3) Horizontal structure: This structure has conductors aligned horizontally to the ground. It is used for
11kV and 33 kV voltages. It is created on a line every after 10 spans and where there is no line deviation.

Figure 5: Horizontal structure

4) Double circuit structure: This is a two-member structure with circuits running parallel to each other.
The conductors are aligned vertically to the ground. It is used for HV lines and both circuits carry the
same voltage i.e. 11kV or 33kV.

Figure 6: Double circuit structure

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5) Piggyback structure: The piggyback construction is similar to the double circuit construction with the
difference being the voltages carried. Unlike the double circuit, the circuits on the piggyback are of
different voltages.

6) Staggered structure: This structure is used on MV lines. Polymeric post insulators are used on
opposite sides of the pole. Conductors are aligned vertically to the ground.

Figure 7: Staggered structure

7) Flying angle structures: This structure is used on HV lines. Strain polymeric insulators are used to hold
the conductors in place. It is used where the line deviation is 10 to 60 degrees.

Figure 8: Flying angle structure

8) Light angle structure: This structure finds application in areas of limited space e.g. for lines
constructed along the road. It is also used on HV lines aligned vertically to the ground. Polymeric post
insulators are used for this structure and are all placed on the same side of the pole.

9
Figure 9: Light angle structure

9) Two-member structure: It is mainly used on 33kV lines. The two members offer additional support to
carry the weight of the conductors and to withstand wind force. They are preferred for line construction
across valleys, roads, swamps.

Figure 10: Two-member structure

10) T-off structure: A T-off is a line section that branches off the main power line.

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11) Terminal structure

Figure 11: Terminal structure

This structure is constructed at the terminal of a power line. It should be able to support the maximum
full pull of the conductors. For MV lines it should have surge arresters installed for line protection
against lightning.

12) Cable structure: This is an H-pole structure applied at a point where the MV underground network
transforms into the overhead network and vice versa. This structure is either supported by single or
double terminal stay assemblies installed on each pole to counteract the pulling force due to tensioned
conductors. MV poles are used and surge arresters installed to protect the line against surges in voltage
due to lightning.

Figure 12: Cable structure

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13) Transformer structures: These are structures on which transformers are placed on overhead lines.

I. H structure: It consists of two MV poles placed side by side. This is used in instances where the
transformer is placed under the MV line.

II. Lay pole structure: This structure is used for 11kV lines. It is an H-structure with the lay and main
poles. Both poles are in line and in the direction of the line. The lay pole precedes the main pole. The
main pole is an intermediate not a section. This is used in cases where the transformer is situated at the
end of an MV line or is remote from the MV line.

Figure 13: Transformer structure

CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 MV JOINTS
Mostly used when making jumpers

Figure 14: PG clamps.

MV Joints:
❑ Joints are made using PG clamps

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 ❑ Joints not supposed to be placed in road crossing spans
❑ A span is not supposed to have more than one joint norms

CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 CROSS ARMS
Cross arms support conductors, insulators, transformers on the power line. They differ in construction
and specifications depending on the voltage of the power line (11kV line cross arms are of length 8 feet
while 33 kV cross arms are 12 feet) and their location on the power line. Listed below are some types of
cross arms classified basing on their location on the power line;

1. Intermediate cross arms

2. Terminal cross arms

3. Pilot cross arms

The support structures basically serve the purpose of supporting equipment (underneath the object and
holding it up) on the power line. For example; a pole mounted transformer is supported by the
transformer platforms, a cross arm is supported by struts.

CHAPTER SIX
6.0 GUYS AND STAYS
Stays supports are applied to support standing structures which are under stress to give them stability.
In distribution networks, they are applied where conductors tend to pull a pole or cross arm out of its
proper position in the line. Their functions and applications are;

i) They prevent the structure under stress from tilting or even falling.
ii) They help the structure to withstand heavy winds.
iii) They are used on terminal poles where long straight section of wire line ends, at the angle and
at T-offs.
There are several stay assemblies.

13
6.1 Guy pole stay support: Guy poles are used in cases where there is insufficient space for a stay. The
guy pole is placed inside the angle to keep the pole from leaning inwards. It should be treated and of the
same height as the main pole.

Figure 15: Guy pole stay support

6.2 Inline stay support

This stay support is assembled away from the angle so that it acts outwards preventing the pole from
leaning inwards. Four guy grips are used if there is no pole top make off. Otherwise three guy grips are
used.

Figure 16: Inline stay support

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6.3 Outrigger stay: This is used where there is a bit of space but not enough for a normal stay. So in this
case the distance of the stay from the pole at the ground is less than two thirds.

Figure 17: Outrigger stay

6.4 Flying stay assembly: This is used where there are obstructions to the intended position of the stay
like roads.

Figure 18: Flying stay assembly

CHAPTER SEVEN
7.0 INSULATORS
There are different types of insulators used on overhead power lines.

● Pin insulators: These are placed on the cross-arms. They have a groove at the top where the
conductor is placed and then held firmly using binding wire. 33kV pin insulators are bigger in size than
the 11kV ones. There are various pin insulators used. These include R50 and R70 used for 11kV line and
R90 and R110 used on 33kV lines. R50 and R90 are used for intermediate line constructions while R70
and R90 are best suited for lines that move across roads.

15
Figure 19: Pin insulator - R90

● Disc insulators: These are disc-like in structure and are made of glass. The insulation levels have been
found to decrease with time hence causing faults line to ground faults over time. Two discs are used for
11 kV, three for 33kV and 11 for 132kV lines.

● Reel insulators: These are used to fasten LV conductors onto the pole. On LV structures, the reel
insulator is bolted (with a 5/8x12” bolt) directly onto the pole and the conductor fastened onto the
insulators. These insulators are made out of porcelain. They are small in size. The figure shown below is
of a reel insulator;

Figure 20: Reel insulator

● Polymeric insulators: These are rubber-like in structure used on sections. It may come as part of an
entire polymeric set consisting of a pig tail, polymeric insulator and a socket thimble.

16
Figure 21: Strain polymeric insulator

● Post insulators: Post insulators are used to hold a line on a vertical structure.

Figure 22: Polymeric post insulators

● Stay insulators: Stay insulators are used on the stay set. They are categorized as HV and LV stay
insulators. The stay insulator hangs below live equipment.

Figure 23: Stay insulators

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CHAPTER EIGHT
8.0 CONDUCTORS
The choice of the conductor to use on the network is dependent on the current carrying capacity, cost
and load. The following conductors are used on the Umeme distribution network;

1. Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) is the most commonly used conductor as it is a type of
high-capacity, high-strength stranded conductor typically used in overhead power lines. The outer
strands are made of high purity aluminium, chosen for its excellent conductivity, low weight and low
cost. The center strand is made of steel for additional strength to help support the weight of the
conductor. Steel is higher strength than aluminium which allows for increased mechanical tension to be
applied on the conductor. There are 25, 50, 100 and 150 mm2 ASCR sizes on the network. The 25mm2 is
however being phased out.

2. All Aluminium Alloy Conductor (AAAC) Conductors have only aluminium.

3. Aerial Bundled Conductor (ABC) this is where all the three phases and neutral are bound in one
conductor and insulated. The maximum allowable span for ABC is 60m due to weight limitations. ABC
conductor sizes are;

• 35mm2 which is mostly used on T-offs and for small load.

• 70mm2 this is normally used on main lines and for bigger loads.

To terminate ABC, the following materials are used;

I. M-16 Bolt

II. Strain clamp is used to terminate ABC where the conductor is under strain.

Figure 24: Strain clamp

III. Suspension clamps are used on intermediate poles or where there is an angle when stringing ABC on
the pole as shown below.

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Figure 25: Suspension clamp

IV. Insulation Piercing Connectors (IPC) are used to connect the ABC phases to the meter tail.

Figure 26: Insulation Piercing Connectors (IPC)

V. End caps used to cover and protect the two redundant phases not being used in a single-phase
distribution.

8.1 Advantages of ABC

• It is safer because of the insulation.

• It reduces the level of hooking (illegal connections) on the network.

• Vegetation clearance is not an issue with ABC.

• Outages due to poor sagging are reduced as all phases are fully insulated and short circuits are
minimized. Disadvantages of ABC

• It's expensive in terms of the infrastructure needed.

• A fault on the line is hard to localize.

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Figure 27: Aerial Bundled Conductors (ABC)

8.2 Bare conductors by sizes:

✓ 25mm2 conductor for single phase

c 25mm2 conductor

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 ✓ 50mm2 conductor for LV and three phase or 11Kv

Figure 29: 50mm2 conductor

✓ 100mm2 conductor 33Kv line

Figure 30: 100mm2 conductor

There are three important features taken into consideration during the designing of distribution
networks are;

➢ Span; this is the distance between one leg pole and the next leg pole. The span for High
voltage poles is 100 meters and for low voltage poles is 50-70 meters.
➢ Sag; this is the difference in level between the points of adjacent supports and the
lowest point of the conductor and it is also referred as a dip.
➢ Weight of the conductor.

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CHAPTER NINE
9.0 EARTHING
Means connecting apparatus electrically to a general mass of earth in such a manner that it will always
ensure an immediate safe discharge of electrical energy. Normally on overhead power lines the
following equipment are earthed;

• Transformer tank for MV side

• MV cables (Amour and cable-ends boxes)

• Air brake switches, Line isolator structures

• MV lines (different types of construction)

• MV lines – Wishbone construction grounded at all second poles.

• MV lines – Top bracket make off. Grounded at all second poles.

• MV lines – H-Pole construction

• HV lines – Towers earth wire top run off. Grounded at all structures (Steel pylons)

• HV lines – H-pole conductor suspended construction. Top double earth wire run off. The process of
earthing in overhead power lines involves digging an earth pit (1-2 feet) through which the earth wires
are laid and burying of an earth mat plus earth rods in that pit. In intricate areas like swamps and rocky
places, good soil has to be imported or the earth wire is flown to good soil.

9.1 Working earth: A working earth is a supplementary portable earthing device used on apparatus in
such a position that is visible from and applied as close as possible to the point of work to create an
equipotential zone. This includes personal earths and bonding/shunt conductors. The figure below
illustrates a working earth.

Figure 31: Working earth

22
When there is need to one on just one or two phases of a line with a high nominal voltage, working
earths may be selectively applied to the phase or phases that are to be worked on, provided safe
clearances to other phases can always be maintained.

CHAPTER TEN
10.0 SAFETY RULES:
Safety precautions during execution of overhead works,
Some precautions were taken, and they include;

• The workers wearing appropriate PPE.

• Using the appropriate tools for the task at hand.

• Only competent staff were part of the team.

• For each work site risk assessment was done.

• Work was paused when heavy rains poured.

• Where necessary especially for MV pole replacements, a work permit was acquired, and isolation of
supply done.

• Reflecting cones and barricading tape were used for roadside works

CHAPTER ELEVEN
11.0 TOOLS I USED IN THE FIELD
1) Auger:

Figure 32: Auger

The auger was used to drill bolt holes through the poles

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2) Climbing equipment i.e. climbing irons, safety belt, working gloves, helmet

Figure 33: WPFRD Figure 34: climbing irons

3) Sass rope: The sass rope was used for offloading and loading poles as well as passing tools to the
person up on the pole.

4) Come along: It was used to firmly hold the conductor during stringing

Figure 35: Come along

5) Warning signs e.g. tape and reflecting cones: These were used to barricade the work site especially
when working on congested areas or besides the road.

6) C-ring: This supported the pulley lift Figure 36: Tools used for overhead works

Other tools used include the tape measure for measuring span length, root length, rammer for
compacting soil, cutter for cutting conductors etc.

CHAPTER TWELVE
NETWORK BUILD UP AND CONSTRUCTION.
12.0 LOADING OF POLES
We loaded poles onto the self-loader to be dropped at the job sites and even most of the times we
could load them on to our truck. 10m poles are used for LV works while 12m poles are used for MV

24
works. The self-loader was used to lift and load poles onto itself. A pulley lift was used for tying the
poles onto the truck.

Figure 36: Loading poles onto self-loader

After loading poles, the linesman follows the sketch map on the connection form to the work site. For
breakdowns the customer is contacted for directions.

On reaching the site, the self-loader is used to offload the pole or at times we could offload poles
ourselves.

Figure 37: Tying poles onto self-loader

• The earth wire is connected to the pole using nails and a hammer.

• A stub and stay rod are also dropped off for cases where a stay is needed.

• The linesman then directs the JCB team to the pole site so that they carry out pole erection or we
could also erect poles ourselves where needed or where the JCB couldn’t reach.

12.1 HOLE EXCAVATION (FOUNDATION)

The JCB was used and sometimes personal labor (man) for hole excavation, erection, ramming and
compacting of the soil. For poles being replaced, the hole was excavated as close to the existing pole as
possible. For a 10m pole, the hole was excavated to a depth of about 5ft (approx. 1.5m) while for a 12m
pole, the hole was excavated to a depth of 6ft (approx. 2m). The hole excavated was in a rectangular

25
shape and in the direction of the line. For stays, a rectangular hole that is 1.2m long, 2m (6ft) deep and
perpendicular to the direction of the line was excavated.

Figure 38: Hole excavation by JCB

Figure 39: Excavated hole for stub

12.2 POLE DRESSING

Pole dressing can be described as fixing accessories onto the pole. Non-fragile hardware or stay
assembly were fixed on the pole. The following were done in the process;

• Fixing the pole saver onto the pole

• Drilling of the required holes through the pole using an auger of appropriate diameter (in accordance
with the fittings to be installed).

• Nailing the danger plate sign and pole cap onto the pole

• Fixing the top pole make off and stay insulator

26
Figure 40: Fixing pole saver on pole using gas.

12.3 POLE ERECTION

Pole erection means placing of the pole in an upright position with part of it buried in the excavated pit
which is a 1/6th of the pole height. The JCB was used for this and the machine operator was guided by
the mates and we could also erect poles manually (ourselves without a JCB)

Figure 41: Pole erection in progress

27
Figure 42: Pole erection and soil compaction complete

12.4 HARDWARE FITTING

After the pole had been erected, the next phase was to install the line hardware. This includes; cross
arms, insulators, support structures (where applicable) and conductor attachments.

12.4.1 Hardware fitting on LV Structure

The parts required are insulator, bolt, D-iron, stay assembly, pole cap, danger plate. This activity was
carried out in the following steps;

• A pulley block was anchored on top of the pole and a rope of about 30m was passed through it.

• The appropriate hardware (Bolts/nuts, washers, reel insulators, D-iron) were attached on the rope and
taken up.

• The reel insulator assembly was fixed appropriately onto the pole using the bolts/nuts and washers.

12.4.2 Hardware fitting on MV structure

The components are insulators, spindles, eye bolt and nuts, PG clamps, pig tail hooks, jumpers, danger
plate, stay assembly, socket thimble, dead end, pole cap, pole saver, anti-climbing device. This activity
was carried out in the following steps;

➢ A pulley block was anchored on top of the pole and a rope of about 30m was passed through it.
➢ A cross arm with cross arm struts fitted on and bolts/nuts with washers where attached to the
end of the rope. They were then taken up.
➢ Holes for bolts are drilled into the pole with the help of an auger.
➢ The cross arm with its struts were fixed on the pole using the bolts/nuts and washers
➢ The spindles and pin insulators were then attached to the end of the rope and taken up.
➢ The spindles were fixed on the cross arm and thereafter the pin insulators screwed onto them.

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12.5 CONDUCTOR LAYING, JOINTING AND STRINGING
This activity involved putting up the conductors for each of the phases and tensioning. It required the
use of a come along to pull and tension the conductors.

Figure 43: Stringing of conductors in progress

While assembling the stay supports, the components from top to bottom are as below;

a) Pole top make off: Physically connects the stay to the pole.

b) Guy grip: Steel grip used to connect conductors together

c) Stay insulator: Placed below the live equipment making the stay wire and stay rod dead.

d) Guy grip

e) Stay wire: it is a steel wire connected to the stay rod

f) Guy grip:

g) Stay rod (includes turn buckle and washer)

h) Stub: this is the wooden part through which the stay rod is attached. It is placed deep into the stay pit
and covered with soil. It enables the stay to stay fixed firm into the ground.

12.5.1 Procedures followed for Pit excavation for the pole and stay wire (when man labor is
used)
The following procedures are used during excavation for both the pole and the stay wire.

➢ Gather all tools to be used (crowbar, spade, rammer hoe and others depending on the
need)

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 ➢ A rectangular shape is first created of approximately 3 feet wide
➢ Excavate the pits up to 6th deep using a crowbar and a spade to scoop out the soil.

12.5.2 FOR POLES IN SWAMPS,

➢ Excavate until firm ground is reached.

➢ Drum shall be made of Heavy-Duty Hard PVC Material.
➢ Drum shall be properly perforated to allow water seepage.
➢ Drum shall have open base and open top.
➢ Murrum band shall be constructed up to the existing road level to allow access to the
Structure during Maintenance Operation.

12.5.3 Procedures followed for erection of LV poles (when man labor is used)
The following procedures are followed in order to erect the poles.

➢ Carry the pole in a group and position it where the pit is excavated.
➢ Then drill holes into the pole using an augur in order to make provisions for bolts where
reel insulators were to be fastened.
➢ Ropes are then tied on the pole in such a way that the pole to be erected would be
supported in four directions.
➢ A boundary board is then placed at the wall of the pit for support and right positioning
of the pole.
➢ The pole is first pushed near the support wood in the pit.
➢ We then raised the pole in a group.
➢ The first rope pulls the pole upwards with the pole pike supporting the pole, while
second rope help to prevent the pole from falling back, then the remaining ropes hold
the pole not to fall in sides.
➢ Enough soil is put around the pole to ensure that it is firm enough to withstand all
external forces.
➢ The pole is then dressed according to its function.

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 CHAPTER THIRTEEN
13.0 LINE MAINTENANCE
This operation was intended to ensure that both low and high voltage lines were in normal
operating conditions.

In order to achieve this, a number of activities had to be undertaken. These included;

• Pole replacement; this work is intended to replace a rotten pole with a new one on the
line.
• Line clearance; the removal of vegetation growing under the line or network.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN
14.0 POLE CLIMBING
Pole climbing is the ascending and descending on the pole.

It is done to do several activities up the pole such as fixing cross arms, insulators and
conductors.

14.1 TOOLS OF POLE CLIMBING

o Wood pole fall restriction device(belt, primary lanyard, secondary lanyard)
o Climbing irons
o Hand gloves
o Helmet
o Overall.

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Figure 44: (a)-climbing irons, (b)-WPFRD, (c)-ascending up a pole, (d)-working up from a pole

CHAPTER FIFTEEN
15.0 COMMON FAULTS ON OVERHEAD LINES
The common faults on overhead lines are:

• Sagging conductors
• Broken conductors
• Broken poles and aged poles.
• Lining poles due to natural calamities and line vandalization.

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 Figure 45: (a)-broken conductors with poles, (b)-Sagging conductors, (c)-broken pole

CHAPTER SIXTEEN
16.0 CHALLENGES FACED DURING THE TRAINING PERIOD.
The following are the challenges that I faced during my training period.
➢ One of the main challenges was lack of an overall. I borrowed an overall that was not
Umeme overall
➢ Heavy rainfall was also a challenge because our truck could not reach some muddy
places.
➢ Some customers could not explain to us very well on the directions and the real
problems.
➢ Lack of technical skills among customers in that some cannot really tell what the
challenge is.
➢ Traffic Jam was also a problem to me to reach the office(Mukono)
➢ Lack of materials in the store also denied me a chance of seeing some tools and
material.

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RECOMMENDATIONS
I recommend the company to provide overalls for safety purposes.

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CONCLUSION
I conclude by saying that this period of training is very essential for new employees because it
bridges the theory being taught at the colleges, classes and Umeme class trainings with the
practical work that is being done in the field.

Furthermore this period has really improved my pole climbing skills, knowledge of materials on
over headlines, different structures on over headlines, activities done on over headlines and
common faults on over headlines with their solutions.

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