The book has been prepared for electric distribution companies, in both field and office applications. This book reflects the extensive developments with regards to electric distribution systems of the early 1900's; and even today represents one of the most comprehensive and practical studies of the historic practices in design, construction, operation and maintenance of underground power cable systems typical of urban areas with networked secondaries.
Underground Systems Reference Book
The Bronze Book has been written to be a meaningful reference to utility engineers and personnel involved in the planning, design, manufacture, installation, operation, and maintenance of underground distribution systems. Its development was driven by the impending loss of institutional knowledge through attrition and retirement of experienced resources, and the consequent urgent need to document industry knowledge and practices.
The Bronze Book contains chapter sections that provide information on the state of the industry with respect to underground distribution systems, network and nonnetwork system planning and design, cable ampacity, system protection, civil and electrical construction, underground maintenance and operations including fault location and cable diagnostics, reliability, corrosion, and equipment such as cables, cable accessories, transformers, and capacitors.
Utility companies that own and operate underground distribution systems face a number of challenges and changing needs. Installing and maintaining underground infrastructure is challenging due to its accessibility. Additionally, installed underground distribution infrastructure is aging, and much of the early installed plant is reaching the end of its useful life. Utility managers are charged with managing costs, improving system reliability and resiliency, increasing power throughput, and improving the health and safety of workers and the public. In addition, significant changes to underground electric distribution systems are underway, including the application of new load types, new distributed generation sources, new equipment and materials, and automation technologies. At the same time, many utilities are losing their institutional knowledge due to worker attrition.
This objective of this research is to produce results to support utilities as they manage underground distribution systems, where the challenges include dealing with aging plant, assessing asset health and performance, improving specification and selection, and understanding and leveraging new technologies. This research also emphasizes knowledge capture and transfer to address the challenge of maintaining expertise in managing underground distribution systems.
UG Structure Events: This research focuses on understanding the causes of underground structure (manholes and vaults) events, determining methods to identify precursors to such events, and assessing various event mitigation systems. In 2022, EPRI completed a multiyear research project that tested new and aged low-voltage cable materials to understand the types and production rates of gases formed when cables are subjected to overheating and arcing. For 2023, EPRI will experiment with alternate sensors and placement approaches for gas monitoring informed by this research. In addition, EPRI will continue research into detection of other (non-gas) manhole event precursors. The goal of this research is improved tools for identifying event precursors.
This program intends to assist utilities in resolving challenges related to design, construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of underground transmission systems. Cross-cutting research addresses issues such as design calculations, cable ratings, and inspection technologies.
This report gives the engineer guidelines for designing a high-quality underground distribution (UD) system. Before starting a design, the engineer must have comprehensive knowledge of the components of a UD system. Next, the engineer must understand how these components can be configured to form different types of UD systems and the special design concerns of each.
The use of underground distribution by electric co-ops continues to grow. The NRECA Strategic Analysis Department has determined that the percentage of co-op-owned distribution lines that are underground has more than tripled in 27 years from 5% in 1980 to 16% in 2007. In addition, the number of co-ops that have at least 50 miles of underground distribution has increased from 58% in 1995 to 79% as of 2007. Underground distribution will continue to rise as a percentage of total co-op distribution lines due to the strong preference for it in many rapidly growing suburban co-ops.
Compared with overhead lines, work on underground systems is more complicated to install and more expensive to repair when required. What's more, lineworkers must learn another set of job skills because underground work uses specialized techniques, materials, tools, terminology, equipment, and safety precautions.
(8) Other Local Metal Underground Systems or Structures. Other local metal underground systems or structures such as piping systems, underground tanks, and underground metal well casings that are not bonded to a metal water pipe. window.fbAsyncInit = function() FB.init(appId: '268138333964180', xfbml: true, version: 'v3.1');FB.AppEvents.logPageView(); ; (function(d, s, id){ var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = " _US/sdk.js"; js.async = true;//
The owners/operators of most underground storage tank (UST) systems in Massachusetts are required to have those systems and their components inspected every three years by Third-Party Inspectors (TPIs).
Registering for the ExamThe Candidate Information Bulletin has a list of all exams, outline, reference materials, books, security requirements, rules for using books for open book exams, and how to register for exams. The exam vendor is PSI Services, LLC. Out-of-state contractors may register with PSI to take exams at any of their exam centers (offered in over 26 states). The same person taking the Business and Law is not required to take the trade exam. You may register online with PSI to schedule an exam (they are set up by appointment) and offered in various locations statewide. You may also call PSI (800-733-9267), however, online is found to be quicker. See "Reciprocal" information for trade exam waivers. PSI uses your social security number to register for the exams for identity purposes and you are required to provide a photo-ID.
Exam Guidelines and Security Procedures for BooksBe sure to review important guidelines in PSI's "Candidate Information Bulletin" as to the reference materials (code books, etc.). The testing center does not allow using books which have notes written inside and you may not write in the books during the examination. Doing so may be considered as a security breach of the confidential exam questions. Permanent tabs are allowed, however, post-it notes cannot be used. In addition, only silent, non-programmable calculators may be used when taking the exam. You will be required to show two (2) forms of identification. One must be a valid form of government issued identification(driver's license, state ID, passport) which bears your signature and pre-prited legal name. (Note: If you have a suffix, such as: Jr., Sr., III, etc., this must be included!)
SummaryAll applicants must take the Tennessee "Business and Law" exam which is open book and based upon NASCLA's Tennessee "Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management" reference manual which may be purchased by the publisher, exam vender or professional book stores. Some applicants may be required to take a trade exam (see list of trade exams below). If you do not see a trade exam which falls within your profession, a trade exam probably is not required, but feel free to contact our office by fax at: (615) 532-2868 or by email at: Contractor Exam Information or you may call the office at 800-544-7693 or direct at (615) 532-3983. If you experience problems with PSI, the exam vendor, you may report these complaints to our staff by email at: Contractors.Home-Improvement@TN.Gov
License classifications and monetary limits are based on experience, equipment, as well as a trade exam in some cases. A list of classifications may be reviewed from the web at: "Classification Outlines" or review an outline of license classifications, which is from the published Rules with the Tennessee Secretary of State, Section 0680-1-16. The exam vendor, PSI Services, LLC, administers the exams. Fees, reference books and online registration are available at PSI's Website or you may review the CIB (Candidate Information Bulletin) [pdf] on their website. 2ff7e9595c
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