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Case Studies
Case Study: Emergency Repair to a Damaged 12 kv circuit
Distribution crews from Electric Conduit Construction (ECC), were called out when another contractor’s construction crew hit a 12 kv distribution circuit while moving a load with a sky-trac, extendable boom forklift. Molten metal exploded from the sky-trac’s forks as they created a short between the conductors and the neutral. The force of the impact broke two poles and pulled 150 feet of conductors and neutral to the ground. This is the kind of accident that kills people instantly. In this case, the operator miraculously escaped. The three phase fuses did their jobs and immediately opened, stopping the flow of power from the ComEd distribution line.
Three images showing the extent of the damage
ComEd crews arrived on site. They removed what remained of the blown fuses and locked and tagged (LOTO) their switches at the ComEd poles. No power was flowing from the distribution system
The ECC crews installed aerial grounds on all three phases at each end of the damaged lateral circuit. The emergency generator had already kicked on at the facility. The ground system provided added insurance that no power would find its way onto the circuit while repairs were underway.
Removing old poles and augering in new holes
Crews then cut away the burned cables and broken bell insulators. They removed the broken poles and augured in new 35-foot poles. The existing cross arms were reused. All new hardware was installed, and “automatics” were used to splice the replacement cables to the clean ends of the existing cables. The three phase cables and neutral were tensioned. All debris were removed.
Augering and setting new poles
Installing aerial grounds (L). Line repairs underway (R).
Night work to get the job done.
ComEd and the facilities manager were notified that the circuit was ready to be energized. The aerial grounds were removed, ComEd installed new fuses and energized the line. The facility was up and running.
Project notes:
- 600 feet of replacement wire
- 2 35' poles
- Insulators and hardware
- Down guides
- Temporary grounding installed and removed
- New fuses
Equipment
- Digger Derrick rigs
- Bucket trucks
- Crane
ECC distribution crews completed this work safely and within 18 working hours over two days, and placed the line in service. Distribution work is demanding under normal circumstances. Under emergency conditions there is pressure to get the customer back up and running. In this case an emergency generator supplied power to the customer. Nevertheless the ECC crews worked fast and safely. There were no incidents.
As a reminder to all who might read this, please be aware of overhead power lines. Heed the caution signs and look up before you cross. Use a spotter to help you judge distances. Obey the Minimum Approach Distances (MAD). If you do not know the voltage of the line or the MAD then don't cross. 120 volts can kill you. With 12 KV you don't stand a chance.
Electric Conduit Construction prides itself on supplying the utility industry with competent, professional crews who deliver quality work safely. Call us for your electrical distribution needs.
View our case studies to get a better insight on how we do business and how we can help you on your next project.
- Emergency Repair to a Damaged 12 kv circuit
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- Replacing a Light Pole & Foundation for Small Cell Installation
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- Forty Mile Fiber Ring
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- Kentucky Manhole Map
- O’Hare Field
- Manhole Rebuild and Cable Modification
- October 2007 Marin St, Oak Park

For over 60 years, we’ve built an environment within our company where safety is everyone’s responsibility. Every phase of every project, we accept nothing less than an accident-free jobsite. We believe this standard leads to safer and more productive jobsites and that’s why we’re dedicated to having the highest level of protection for our employees, our customers and the general public. That’s our standard.
- 1.3 million ft. of pipe installed by Horizontal Directional Drill
- 700 Tower Antenna and Small Cell Sites 2013
- 1 million ft. of pipe installed by Trench
- 6,000 Communication and power cabinets installed
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