High Voltage Electrician

Class Specifications – G.15

Lead High Voltage Electrician – 7783
High Voltage Electrician – 8154

June 2010

SERIES CONCEPT

High Voltage Electricians troubleshoot, repair, install, and service medium- and high-voltage electrical systems and associated equipment; they operate, inspect, and perform preventive maintenance on medium- and high-voltage overhead and underground distribution systems; they prepare estimates; plan and manage projects within allotted budgets; and perform related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

High Voltage Electrician is a full journey level classification performing skilled high-voltage electrical work in accordance with the techniques of the trade, based on completion of a recognized apprenticeship or its equivalent. This classification is distinguished from other classifications which may perform limited elements of electrical work by its focus on voltage systems above 480 volts and equipment, and by the scope of work and level of skill required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

The following duties are intended to illustrate examples of duties typically performed by incumbents in this classification. Individual incumbents may not perform all of the duties listed, nor are all of the duties an incumbent will perform necessarily listed.

Troubleshoots and repairs overhead and underground distribution systems, including transformers, circuit interrupters, reclosers, capacitors, voltage regulators, medium voltage switches, utility poles, and supporting hardware
Replaces and installs medium voltage overhead and underground electrical circuits and terminations
Fabricates and installs a variety of components including but not limited to duct banks; cable runs, concrete pads for electrical equipment, risers, transformer banks, and low voltage electrical panels
Operates various components on the medium and high voltage distribution electrical system including isolation switches, interrupters, capacitor banks, transformers, overhead fused cutouts, and voltage regulators; isolates and clears sections of the system for maintenance, installation, and load shedding
Inspects overhead and underground distribution systems, tests, and documents findings
Responds to emergency calls and takes necessary actions
Provides support for in-house capital and in-house projects with commissioning, testing, and inspecting finished work
Uses personal protective gear such as hot sticks, respiratory protection, and places or erects clearance tags, barricades, warning signs and devices to protect others
Directs the work of unskilled and semi-skilled helpers assisting in projects, assuring that proper safety practices are followed
Provides on-the-job training to apprentices
Operates a variety of testing, calibration and repair devices, tools and equipment including voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, insulation resistance testers, high potential test sets, circuit breaker testers, etc.
Coordinates work with customers, project managers, other crafts, and inspectors
Inspects job sites and reviews detailed plans and drawings
Prepares detailed estimates including labor and materials, and prepares lists of materials
Assists other craftspeople as needed
Maintains tools and equipment
Maintains current knowledge of equipment and materials through self-study and training
Prepares and maintains a variety of records and paperwork regarding work

CLASS CONCEPTS

Lead High Voltage Electrician

Under supervision, incumbents serve as work leaders for high voltage crews and helpers assigned to a specific job. Incumbents typically transmit and explain work orders; may make minor changes in material needs or modifications to assigned work due to material delays or other problems; communicate work order revisions, material delays, or other problems to the supervisor and await further instruction; maintain time and material records; and perform the full range of duties as outlined in the series concept. Additionally, incumbents may have limited responsibilities for making or modifying daily work assignments and evaluating personnel.

High Voltage Electrician

Under supervision, incumbents perform the full range of duties as outlined in the series concept. Positions at this level may direct the work of less skilled helpers on projects, and train apprentices; and may work independently or in conjunction with other crafts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants for the High Voltage Electrician and Lead High Voltage Electrician classifications are expected to possess a certificate of completion of a recognized apprenticeship, accredited trade school, or the equivalent amount of experience and training comparable to journey-level crafts status as a High Voltage Electrician.

Knowledge of:

Electrical theory and terminology.
Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the maintenance, repair, and testing of high and medium voltage overhead and underground systems, and associated equipment.
Safety and safe working practices relevant to high-voltage electrical work, including ensuring clearances and working on energized lines and equipment.
Laws, codes and regulations relevant to high voltage electrical work, including NEC, IEEE, GO 95, and 128.
Mathematics used in electrical calculations, including algebra.
Job planning and basic estimating.

Skill in:

Performing repairs, fabrication, operations, and maintenance of medium and high voltage electrical systems and associated equipment
Using testing equipment, troubleshooting complex electrical problems and developing effective resolutions.
Operating and maintaining tools and equipment of the trade
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with customers, project managers, inspectors, and other craftspeople, including assisting others and working cooperatively
Maintaining records related to work performed
Reading and interpreting plans, diagrams, drawings, instructions, and related technical materials..
Planning and directing the work of semi-skilled workers and apprentices

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Possess a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.