How To Properly Identify Medium Voltage Cable
During the demolition
phase of the VAB Medium Voltage Feeder Replacement one of our
Electricians had a very close call and without the proper PPE incident
could have been fatal. We would like to share this incident because we
had always had difficulty properly identifying multi-conductor covered
medium voltage cables, the method that was being used was a hand over
hand method which meant that you physically traced the conduit from
level to level which obviously had room for error.
 After the incident we tasked our Safety Director with finding a
method to positively identify cables within the VAB and underground lead
covered cables within the manhole system. The method that we found
happened to be old technology in a meter that is typically marketed to
the Utility Companies. The solution to our problem was the TIMCO
Impulse Phaser Cable Identification System, this meter accurately
identifies single conductor, multi-conductor and lead covered medium
voltage cables.
To view product literature you can visit their web site at
http://www.timcoinstruments.com/541001.html . In addition to
identifying the cable with the TIMCO Meter we use a remote hydraulic
cutter so the operator can keep a safe distance from the cut in the
event of human error in the identification process, remember that the
cost of a blown remote cutter is insignificant because you probably just
saved a life. After NASA conducted their investigation and shared the
findings with AEI they asked us to participate in an annual Super Safety
meeting to share our mishap and inform other competitors in our industry
along with base operation support contractors, AEI and a representative
from TIMCO presented the information, demonstrated the meter and the
techniques we use in this process to insure the Safety of our employees.
Be responsible and pass this along to anyone involved in tracing Medium
Voltage Cable.
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