In the know. Keeping employees up-to-date on training and providing the specialized equipment they require to do their best job for members is all part of the package at Rio Grande Electric Cooperative (RGEC).
This year, RGEC invested in a new underground fault location system called the 3M Dynatel locator tool. These locator devices have integrated interfaces with precision locating capabilities, 6 active frequencies for direct connect and trace view mapping display. A GPS communication system is incorporated, and they also includes a transmitter that has 4 induction frequencies. In order to become skilled at using the new technology, RGEC partnered with 3M to have representative Wesley Horky conduct a training session for Rio Grande’s Operations personnel.
With underground being the popular trend in many of the Cooperative’s more urban communities and on our nation’s military bases, it becomes increasingly important to be able to quickly and safely locate faults.
While it is true that an underground line is not as susceptible to storm damage from wind, hail, and lightning strikes as an overhead conductor, it is not completely indestructible, nor is it immune from the occasional outage.
Underground faults can be caused by a variety of things, including the breakdown of cable insulation, a short circuit, or an open circuit. In Rio Grande’s territory, the type of soil can contribute greatly to faults during times of drought, when the ground dries out and shrinks, causing additional stress on the underground cable.
Thanks to superior equipment and a highly trained workforce, RGEC's underground distribution system will continue to be reliable and maintainable for years to come.