“You’re Still Just A Cable Splicer!”
Published 13 Sep 2019
This article was wtitten by John Perez of Quanta Underground Power Services
âž¡ See Part 1Â “You’re Just A Cable Splicer!”
I still am and always will be proud to be a “Cable Splicer”, or as I commonly refer to myself; a dirty tattooed underground rat. There are many of us who proudly holds the title of Cable Splicer, and we have been through multiple training programs to achieve our title.
We are an important part of the electric distribution system anywhere multiple cables are installed in manholes, vaults, enclosures, and other types of Confined Spaces.
While I could, and maybe have a few times, go on for days about the importance of a well built underground distribution system installed by good Cable Splicers, we are here to talk about Splicers.
Currently in the U.S.A., not sure about other countries, there is a shortage of Cable Splicers.
Over the last 2 year period, there isn’t a single week that goes by without someone asking me to refer a good Splicer.
Problem is; there are none available at this point. And the be brutally honest, if you are a Splicer and currently can’t find work, there are probably one of two things going on.
1 – You don’t want to travel
2 – Your reputation has preceded you
In recent years there has been a push to recognize the importance of Lineman and the dangerous work they perform. I am happy to see that Lineman and skilled trades are receiving the recognition they deserve.
During all of this wonderful recognition, we must not forget the Cable Splicer who does work which is equally as dangerous under equally difficult conditions.
Cable Splicers and the work we perform should not be considered “less than” simply because we don’t have the title of “Lineman”. I have met, and am friends with, multiple Lineman who would not consider working on cables in Confined Spaces, much the way I would not consider climbing a tower. So, much the same as the Lineman trade, the Cable Splicer trade is in high demand and does not have enough people to fill the needs.
My opinion may be unpopular and maybe even a bit biased, but it is high time for Cable Splicers to begin to receive recognition for the work we perform.
Without the Cable Splicer, the integral and vital underground electric distribution systems that power many large cities would not be maintained and repaired. The knowledge required for rigging, cable splicing, terminating, installing cables, removing cables, changing transformers, switching, reading maps, etc…. is valuable and necessary. There are more tasks that I should list, but that would take up too much time.
I know I already said it, but it bears repeating; Cable Splicers deserve more recognition than they currently are afforded.
Call me crazy if you will, but I believe I am correct.
I vote for National Cable Splicer Day to take place on 7/24/2020.
Further Reading
- PILC Replacement & Cable Longevity
- Cable Splicing At The Lazy Q Ranch
- Cold Shrink Splices & Cable Jointer Training
THORNE & DERRICK
Thorne & Derrick are national distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing businesses involved in cabling, jointing cables, substation, earthing, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and EHV. Supplying a complete range of power cable accessories to support the installation and maintenance of low/medium and high voltage power systems:
- Slip-on Cable Terminations
- Cold-shrink Cable Terminations
- Heat-shrink Cable Terminations
- Cable Joints – Heat & Cold-shrink
- Separable Connectors (Euromold)
- Surge Arresters & Switchgear/Transformer Bushings
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