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

2. MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program
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

3. 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

4. MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program
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

5. MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program
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

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

7. Transmission & Distribution System
Power Plants
Switchyard
Transmission
Substation
Distribution Transformers
Residential Service
MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

8. 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

9. MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

10. MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program
Residential Meters
Removable (type S)
Non Removable (type A)
MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

11. MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

12. MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

13. MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

14. MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program
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

15. MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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

17. MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program
Service Wires
Identifying Service Drop Cable
Open Wire construction
Triplex
Identifying telephone and cable wires
MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

18. When service is to be interrupted Follow 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

19. 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

20. Rubber gloves and protectors
Precautions
Testing and Inspecting
Exchange
MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

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

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

23. MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program
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
MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

24. 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

25. MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

26. MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program
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
MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program

27. 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
MABAS Division 10 - Com Ed Program