46.0303

(Associate of Applied Science Degree)


The Electrical Distribution Systems program prepares individuals to climb wood pole structures, build and maintain electrical distribution systems (both overhead and underground), use safe work practices, first aid, and pole top rescue.  Students will also receive a strong foundation in math, communication, and critical thinking skills.  The students will be required to participate in an approved internship. This field has a high demand for experienced individuals resulting in relatively high pay.  Students who graduate from this program will have attained the basic knowledge in the understanding of distribution systems.  This will prepare the student for employment in the field with an advanced apprenticeship rating.

Enrollment in the Electrical Distribution Systems program is limited and students are selected for this program on a competitive basis.  Contact the Office of Admissions for the specific application requirements and deadline,

The Electrical Distribution Systems program at Linn State Technical College is taught on a full-time basis and provides extensive hands-on training in small classes taught by faculty who have worked in the related field.  The Electrical Distribution Systems program is accredited by the National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT).

Courses in climbing skills, pole framing, equipment operation, transformers and transformer theory, and general studies will develop the competencies of the electrical line worker.  All students become CPR certified, and safety and electrical code requirements are stressed in all classes.

A grade of “C” (72%) must be maintained in all courses, including the internship, as part of the graduation requirement.  The attendance policy for Electrical Distribution Systems students is also stricter than the college-wide policy.  Students should be aware that, in addition, they might also be subject to random drug testing as a safety precaution.  Due to industry employment requirements, to enroll and remain enrolled in the Electrical Distribution Systems program students are required to receive and maintain at all times a current, valid Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL)

Program Mission
The mission of the Electrical Distribution Systems program is to provide the students the knowledge and technical skills required to succeed in the electrical distribution industry as an above average entry level employee.

Program Goals
The goals of the program are to:

• Provide students the opportunity to demonstrate effective communication skills both verbally and written.
• Provide students the opportunity to develop skills necessary for computing of mathematics for the figuring of electrical loads, weights, and measures.
• Provide students the opportunity to develop industry wide safe work practices per American Public Power Association guidelines.
• Provide students the opportunity to develop the necessary skills to gain entry-level employment in the electrical field.

Program Assessments

• Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP)

• Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC)

 
EDS  105  Electrical Distribution Systems.  This course will give the student an overview of the types of electrical distribution systems in use.  It is a comprehensive class with real world applications, operations, power conversion, control, measurement and quality issues.  Transmission and distribution structures and the power gird will also be covered.  2 credit hours.

EDS  202  Safety and Accident Prevention. The student will gain the knowledge of the hazards associated with electrical distribution systems.  The pupil will be able to administer the proper climbing techniques, Safety Rules and Safe Work Practices from the American Public Power Association Safety Manual, successful completion of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid, which will enable the student to be certified in Red Cross First Aid and CPR certification.  The student will learn OSHA rules and regulations associated with this industry, reporting and the penalties that pertain to these regulations.   3 credit hours.

EDS 205  Climbing Skills.  The student will gain the knowledge of the proper care of climbing tools, and the mastering of climbing wood structures.  Upon completion of this course the student will also be able to determine the proper aspects of pole inspection, and be able to recognize the hazards of climbing.  Successful completion of timed pole top rescue in two different methods.  An introduction to aerial pole framing is included in this discipline.  Prerequisite:  EDS 202.  2 credit hours.

EDS 210  Pole Framing and Construction Specifications.  This will give the student a working knowledge of the RUS line construction specifications set forth by the Department of Agriculture.  This will include the aspects of 12,500; 14,400; and 34,500 volt construction.  The student will be able to recognize the different types of materials used for the different types of construction by sight and definition.  The pupil will be required to demonstrate the working specification knowledge both in an aerial and a ground situation as well as installation and repair of conductors, guy assemblies, cross arms, and insulators.  They will also be introduced to the different sizes and types of overhead and underground conductors. Basic line staking principles and NESC clearances will be included.  Prerequisite:  EDS 202.  3 credit hours.

EDS 220  Equipment Operation. This course provides classroom instruction and actual truck driving experience intended to enable the student to obtain a class A Commercial Driver's License.  The student will also learn the various operations of different digger/derrick and bucket/basket aerial platform trucks used in the construction of electrical distribution systems.  The student will be taught the basic operation of trencher/backhoe equipment.  This section covers units on mobile hydraulic systems, vehicle maintenance and inspection, safety rules, rigging and lifting capacities, vehicle grounding practices, and the hands-on operation of equipment.  Prerequisite: EDS 202.  3 credit hours.

EDS 225  Setting and Replacing Poles.  The student will learn the basic principles in setting and replacing poles.  There will be an emphasis on the proper use of cover-up material and vehicle grounding practices while the electric lines are energized.  Temporary pole supports, rigging and worksite hazard protection will also be recognized. Prerequisite:  EDS 202.  2 credit hours.

EDS 235  Utility Internship.  This will provide the student with a day to day knowledge of a working utility.  The student will be required to complete at least two written assignments and fill out the required forms from the instructor.  The instructor will check with the student on the jobsite to be sure that the requirements for the internship are being administered.  This course will be completed between the second and fourth semesters of the Electrical Distribution Systems program.  The student will be required to successfully complete this course to complete the Associate of Applied Science Degree.  Prerequisites:  EDS 205, EDS 210, EDS 220, and EDS 225.  8 credit hours.

EDS 237  Transformer Theory and Installation.  The student will gain a thorough knowledge of transformer theory and installation.  Single-phase and three-phase configurations with different types of connections will be included.  Other units covered will include over voltage and over current protection, equipment grounding, cutout protection, proper cover-up techniques, lightning arrestor application and installation, RUS specifications and pole framing.  Basic troubleshooting practices and current and potential transformers will also be included.  Prerequisites:  EDS 105, and EDS 235.  5 credit hours.

EDS 241  Conductor Installation, Service and Metering.  The student will gain extensive knowledge of single- and three-phase watt-hour meters; meter locations; and the different types of copper and aluminum conductors.  The student will also gain practical experience in the sizing, installation, stringing, sagging, dead-ending, and splicing of service conductors.  The student will also be exposed to the construction of meter loops and poles; instrument metering; temporary meter locations; compression sleeves; connectors and tools including strap hoists, chain hoists, sag charts and tables, pulling grips and mechanical jumpers.  Also included are disciplines on meter tampering, power theft, proper grounding techniques and safe work practices. Prerequisites:  EDS 105, and EDS 235.  4 credit hours.

EDS 251  Rubber Gloving and Underground Distribution.  The student will obtain basic discipline in the methods of working on energized lines with rubber gloves and rubber sleeves from an insulated aerial platform in a safe and efficient manner.  Students will be exposed to the care and well-being of soft and hard shell rubber goods and their application.  Students will also receive instruction on personal protective equipment, hot-line tools, live-line maintenance and will also review the safe operation of aerial platforms and grounding practices.  Additionally, the student will gain working knowledge of URD systems.  Students will receive practical experience in the direct burial of primary and secondary cables, installation of 200 and 600 amp elbows, splices, lightening arrestors and overhead terminations.  The installation will also be covered.  The requirements of shoring and sloping of trenches required by the safe work practices will be used in practical experience.  Troubleshooting of primary and secondary cable fault locating, review of backhoe/trencher operation and safe work practices and procedures are also covered.  Prerequisites:  EDS 105, and EDS 235.

EDS 271  Fusing, Substation and Voltage Regulation.  The student will be familiarized with the different types and methods of system coordination, substations, capacitors, voltage regulators and auto-boosters.  A working knowledge of oil reclosures, sectionalizers and the application of fuses will also be gained.  Practical experience in the grounding, inspection, maintenance and operation of basic substations will be expanded.  The student will learn to install and operate single- and three-phase pole mount reclosures, gang operated air break and load break switches, and substation fuses and reclosures.  This course will also cover SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), the operation of high side switches, power transformers, buswork and transfer switches, voltage regulators within the substation.  Prerequisites:  EDS 105 and EDS 235.  3 credit hours.

EDS 299  Special Topics in Electrical Distribution Systems.  Special Topics in Electrical Distribution Systems (EDS) may include instruction on topics not covered in other EDS courses.  Topics covered in other EDS courses may also be covered in more depth in this special topics course.  Projects may be undertaken in any area related to the major program with credit hours determined by the level and amount of involvement.  The minimum involvement required for one credit is 30 contact hours.  The specific topic(s), objectives, plan of instruction, and evaluation criteria must be documented in the syllabus; approved by the Department/Division Chair; and filed in the Academic Records Office.  Students may complete more than one Special Topics course, provided that the credits earned in this manner do not exceed a total of four (4) credits.  Prerequisite:  Department Chair approval.  1-4 credit hours.