MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program1 Electrical Safety Reference: The Power of Training Electrical Safety Commonwealth Edison Company

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program2 Knowledge Objectives u 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 Program3 Performance Objectives u 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 Program4 Introduction u 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. u ComEd prefers that the electrical service be left intact u Call ComEd for service disconnects

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program5 If the Incident Commander decides the service must be disconnected immediately: u Call ComEd u Open buildings main disconnect u Remove meter if necessary u Cut drip loops when meter cannot be removed u Utilize Voltage Tester to verify power disconnect

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program6 Firefighters are only to remove the meter to the residence that is on fire

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program7 Transmission & Distribution System u Power Plants u Switchyard u Transmission u Substation u Distribution Transformers u Residential Service

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program8 Residential Meters u Removable (type S) u Non Removable (type A)

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program9 Service Wires u Identifying Service Drop Cable –Open Wire construction –Triplex u Identifying telephone and cable wires

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program10 Transmission Pole Configuration u Highest voltage is usually located at top of pole. –Other voltages may be present on pole also u Transmission Poles u Distribution Poles u Secondaries u Cable and Phone may also be present

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program11 Downed Wires u Voltage Gradient is present –Consider the Step Potential u Guarding wires and exposed live electrical equipment u Principles for guarding wires, and electrical equipment u Precautions u Rescue Procedures

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program12 All cables & wires must be treated as energized until proven dead !

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program13 When service is to be interrupted Follow these steps: u Don protective equipment u Open Mains if possible u Remove meter if necessary u Cut the tap (drip loops) at the house

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program14 Safety Equipment Needed u Rubber glove set –Leather over rubber u Eye/Face protection u Full Protective clothing recommended u Voltage Tester u Meter Cover u Hotstick

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program15 Rubber gloves and protectors u Precautions u Testing and Inspecting u Exchange

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program16 Live Line Tool u Also known as Hotstick –Inspect for damage prior to use –Tool may be used for cutting drip loops only!!

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program17 Low Voltage Tester u Tests for de-energized circuits u Tests for secondary voltage u Checking & using –Condition –Operation u Interpreting the tester reading

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program18 Removing a Type S Meter u Protective Clothing required u Open disconnect if possible u 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

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program19 Steps for Cutting Drip Loops u Identify the drip loop at building u Identify the neutral wire first DO NOT CUT u X and Y conductors should be cut –Separate two parts from each other u Cut neutral wire u Avoid cutting support wire if present

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program20 Summary u This program was designed to aid the firefighter on the scene of a fire or emergency to correctly and safely remove electrical hazards. u WHEN IN DOUBT, WAIT FOR ComEd TO ARRIVE ON THE SCENE

MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program21 Written Exam and Practical u Take 15 question written examination u Complete practical evaluation –Cut Drip loop connection –Identify type A and S meters v Remove type S meter