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Line Installers and Repairers

Nature of the Work About this section



Every time you turn on your lights, call someone on the phone, watch cable television, or access the Internet, you are connecting to complex networks of lines and cables that provide you with electricity and connect you with the outside world. Line installers and repairers, also known as line workers or linemen, are the people who install and maintain these networks.

Because these systems are so complicated, most line workers specialize in certain skill areas; the areas in which they specialize depend on their employers and on what part of the network the workers service. Line workers can be divided into two categories: electrical power-line installers and repairers, and telecommunications line installers and repairers. Workers can further specialize in either installation or repair. Electrical line workers can also be divided into workers who install and maintain the multistate power grids, and those who work for local utilities. Similarly, telecommunications line workers specialize in telephone, cable, fiber-optic, and other networks. Each of these specializations requires specific skills, and it may be difficult to transfer skills learned in one area to another. In many cases, two or more skills sets will be combined, especially for experienced workers and supervisors.

Electrical power-line installers and repairers install and maintain the power grid—the network of power lines that moves electricity from generating plants to customers. They routinely work with high voltage electricity, which requires extreme caution. This can range from hundreds of thousands of volts for long-distance transmission lines that make up the power grid to less than 10,000 volts for distribution lines that supply electricity to homes and businesses. Line workers who maintain the interstate power grid work in crews that travel to work locations throughout a large region to maintain transmission lines and towers. Workers employed by local utilities work mainly with lower voltage distribution lines, maintaining equipment such as transformers, voltage regulators, and switches. They may also work on traffic lights and streetlights.

In contrast, telecommunications line installers and repairers install and maintain the lines and cables used by local and long-distance telephone services, cable television, the Internet, and other communications networks. These services use a variety of different types of cables, including fiber-optic cables. Unlike metallic cables that carry electricity, fiber optic cables are made of glass or plastic and transmit signals using light. Working with fiber optics requires special skills, such as splicing and terminating optical cables. Additionally, workers must be able to test and troubleshoot cables and networking equipment.

Line installers are workers who install new cable. They may work for construction contractors, utilities, or telecommunications companies. They generally start a new job by digging underground trenches or erecting utility poles and towers to carry the wires and cables. They use a variety of construction equipment, including digger derricks, which are trucks equipped with augers and cranes used to dig holes in the ground and set poles in place. Line installers also use trenchers, cable plows, and borers, which are used to cut openings in the earth for the laying of underground cables. Once the infrastructure is in place, line installers string cable along poles and towers or through tunnels and trenches.

Line repairers are employed by utilities and telecommunications companies that maintain existing power and telecommunications lines. Maintenance needs may be identified in a variety of ways, including remote monitoring equipment, inspections by airplane or helicopter, and customer reports of service outages. Workers may also replace aging or outdated equipment. Many of these workers have installation duties in addition to their repair duties.

When a problem is reported, line repairers must identify its cause and fix it. This usually involves testing equipment and replacing it as necessary. In order to work on poles, line installers usually use bucket trucks to elevate themselves to the top of the structure, although all line workers must be adept at climbing poles when necessary. Workers use special safety equipment to keep them from falling when climbing utility poles. Storms and other natural disasters can cause extensive damage to networks of lines. When a connection goes out, line repairers must work quickly to restore service to customers.

Work environment. The work of line installers and repairers can be very physically demanding. Line installers must be comfortable working both at heights and in confined spaces. While bucket trucks have reduced the amount of climbing workers must do, all line workers must be able to climb utility poles and balance while working on them. They must also be able to lift equipment and work in a variety of positions, such as stooping or kneeling. Their work often requires that they drive utility vehicles, travel long distances, and work outdoors under poor weather conditions.

Line workers encounter serious hazards on their jobs and must follow safety procedures to minimize potential danger. They wear safety equipment when entering utility holes and test for the presence of gas before going underground. Electric power-line workers have somewhat hazardous jobs. High-voltage power lines can instantly electrocute a worker who comes in contact with a live cable. When possible, workers arrange for lines to be de-energized and test to make sure that any remaining voltage has been neutralized. When workers must work with live wires, they use electrically insulated protective devices and tools to ensure their safety. Power lines are typically higher than telephone and cable television lines, increasing the risk of severe injury due to falls. To prevent injuries, line installers must use fall-protection equipment when working on poles or towers.

While safety procedures and training have significantly reduced the danger that line workers face, the job is still among the most dangerous jobs in the American economy. Both telecommunications and electrical line workers have relatively high rates of nonfatal occupational injuries. In the early days of electricity, one in four line workers suffered fatal injuries on the job. Today, however, fatalities are extremely rare.

Workers on the interstate power grid or on long-distance communications systems are often required to travel extensively as part of their jobs. Since line installers and repairers fix damage from storms, they may be asked to work long and irregular hours during unpleasant weather. They can expect to frequently be on-call and work overtime. When performing normal maintenance and constructing new lines, line installers work more traditional hours.

Most line installers need several years of on-the-job training.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement About this section

Most line installers and repairers require several years of long-term on-the-job training and some classroom work to become proficient. Formal apprenticeships are common.

Education and training. Most companies require that line installers and repairers have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Employers look for people with basic knowledge of algebra and trigonometry and good reading and writing skills. Technical knowledge of electricity or electronics obtained through military service, vocational programs or community colleges can be helpful, but it is rarely required for new employees.

Many community colleges offer programs in telecommunications, electronics, or electricity. Some programs work with local companies to offer 1-year certificates that emphasize hands-on field work. More advanced 2-year associate degree programs provide students with a broader knowledge of the technology used in telecommunications and electrical utilities. They offer courses in electricity, electronics, fiber optics, and microwave transmission.

Line installers and repairers receive most of their training on the job. Electrical line installers and repairers often must complete formal apprenticeships or other employer training programs. These programs, which can last up to 5 years, combine on-the-job training with formal classroom courses and are sometimes administered jointly by the employer and the union representing the workers. Safety regulations strictly define the training and educational requirements for apprentice electrical line installers, but licensure is not required.

Line installers and repairers working for telephone and cable television companies receive several years of on-the-job training. They also may attend training or take online courses provided by equipment manufacturers, schools, unions, or industry training organizations.

Other qualifications. Physical fitness is important because line workers must be able to climb, lift heavy objects (many employers require applicants to be able to lift at least 50 pounds), and do other physical activity that requires stamina, strength, and coordination. They often must work at a considerable height above the ground, so they cannot be afraid of heights. They must also work underground and in bucket trucks, so they must also be comfortable working in confined spaces. Normal ability to distinguish colors is necessary because wires and cables are often color coded. In addition, line workers usually need commercial driver's licenses to operate company-owned vehicles, and a good driving record is important.

Line installers and repairers must also be able to read instructions, write reports, and solve problems. They should also be mechanically inclined and like working with computers and new technology. Workers often rely on their fellow crew members for their safety, so teamwork is critical. Being able to get along with other people is very important in this job.

Advancement. Entry-level line workers generally begin with classroom training and begin an apprenticeship. Their on-the-job training begins with basic tasks, such as ground work and tree trimming. As they continue to learn additional skills from more experienced workers, they may advance to stringing cable and performing service installations. In time, they advance to more sophisticated maintenance and repair positions in which they are responsible for increasingly larger portions of the network.

After about 3 to 5 years of working, qualified line workers reach the journeyman level. A journeyman line worker is no longer considered apprenticed, and can do most tasks without supervision. Journeyman line workers may also qualify for positions at other companies. Workers with many years of experience may become first-line supervisors or may advance to trainer positions.

Employment About this section

Line installers and repairers held about 284,900 jobs in 2008. Approximately 171,000 were telecommunications line installers and repairers while the remaining 113,900 were electrical power-line installers and repairers. Nearly all line installers worked for telecommunications companies, including both cable television distribution and telecommunications companies; construction contractors; and electric power generation, transmission, and distribution companies.

Job Outlook About this section

Little or no change in employment is expected. Retirements are expected to create very good job opportunities for new workers, particularly for electrical power-line installers and repairers.

Employment change. Overall employment of line installers and repairers will grow by 2 percent between 2008 and 2018. Despite employment declines in some of the major industries that employ these workers, some growth will occur as population growth and expansion of cities create increased need for power and communications lines. Further, the emphasis of both the electrical power and telecommunications industries on reliability will lead to reinforcement of these networks, which will require more workers.

Employment of telecommunications line installers and repairers will grow by about 1 percent over the 2008–2018 decade, the equivalent of little or no change. As the population grows, installers will continue to be needed to provide new telephone, cable, and Internet services for new developments. Additionally, the exponential growth of the Internet will require more long-distance fiber-optic lines, including interstate and undersea cables.

Employment of electrical power-line installers and repairers is expected to grow by about 4 percent between 2008 and 2018, slower than the average for all occupations. As with telecommunications line installers and repairers, growth will be largely attributable to the growing population and expansion of cities. With each new development, new lines are installed which will require maintenance. In addition, the interstate power grid will continue to grow in complexity to ensure reliability.

Job prospects. Very good job opportunities are expected, especially for electrical power-line installers and repairers. Because of layoffs in the 1990s, more of the electrical power industry is near retirement age than in most industries. This is of special concern for electrical line workers, who must be in good physical shape and cannot necessarily put off retirement in response to incentives. Telecommunications line workers face a similar demographic challenge. Additionally, technically skilled workers who do not have a college degree have an increasing number of employment opportunities, creating competition among employers. As a result, opportunities for new entrants should be very good.