Overhead School

Back to Calendar

Overhead School

Overhead School

Date: October 15-18, 2019
Time:
  • Day 1: Oct 15, 2019 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Day 2: Oct 16, 2019 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Day 3: Oct 17, 2019 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Day 4: Oct 18, 2019 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location: MMUA Training Center, 1004 Michigan Road, Marshall, MN
Get Directions
This event is now closed for online registration

NEW DATE

Due to recent response for mutual aid to Florida and the deployment of crews from across the state, this school has been rescheduled to October 15-18. The Lineworker Rodeo will be held on October 15. All schedules will remain the same. Only the dates have changed. The Overhead School will run concurrent with our Cross Training School.

Students who were previously registered for the Overhead School will be automatically moved to the new date (no need to re-register). Students unable to attend the new date must notify MMUA by 4:30 pm September 27 for a full refund. No refunds after September 27.

About the School

Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA), along with our partners Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) and American Public Power Association (APPA), are pleased to offer the 2019 Overhead School. Whether you are an Apprentice just starting out in your career or a seasoned Journeyman looking to stay current, Overhead School offers something for everyone.

When registering, participants need to select their preferred class—either the Multi-Session Class or the Advanced Class. Those who register for the Multi-Session Class will rotate through the four training sessions listed below.

NOTE: Members of MREA need to register on their site directly.

What You Will Learn 

GENERAL SESSIONS

General sessions are held on the first and last day of the School and everyone who registers for the Overhead School is expected to attend (attendance is required in order to obtain the full course hours).

Tuesday, October 15

Round-Table Discussions
Everyone will get involved during our Round-Table Discussions. Participants will engage in small-group discussion to talk about a variety of topics, including:

  • What keeps you at your utility?
  • What is your call-out SOP?
  • What is your process of job briefings?
  • What are your expectations about Mutual Aid (and how does it compare to what actually happens)?

Friday, October 18

Training Trailer
Everyone knows what hazards are involved with working on energized lines and equipment but seeing what can actually happen when something goes wrong will be a real eye-opener! This session will involve a training trailer that will enable individuals to see the hazards associated with an activity when safety rules aren't followed. Demonstrations of a pin hole in a rubber glove and contact with an energized phase will be one of the few features of this session.

CLASS OPTIONS: Multi-Session Class or Advanced Class

MULTI-SESSION CLASS DESCRIPTION

Participants will rotate through all four sessions. These classes are intended for lineworkers of all experience levels.

Session 1:  3-Phase Transformer Bank Troubleshooting
3-phase transformer bank issues can be confusing. This session will go through different scenarios to help better understand troubleshooting. Proper testing and hookup for the bank (both internal and external wiring) will be taught. Safety protocol for replacement of transformers and returning them to service will also be covered, along with important things to be looking out for in the field.

Session 2:  3-Phase Pole Replacement
This session will cover all the proper steps needed to change out a pole with two separate 3-phase circuits attached. Various techniques will be discussed and utilized including safe and proper techniques for truck placement, the importance of using correct cover-up, positive control of the phases and more.

Session 3:  Capacitor Bank and Maintenance
Placing power factor correction and passive harmonic filtering equipment on an electrical systems needs to be properly designed and maintained. This session will cover everything you need to know about capacitor banks—from knowing what a capacitor is to the result of placing one in service. This session will also cover the dangers associated with capacitor banks, proper fusing, proper testing and safety precautions associated with working on capacitor banks.

Session 4:  Preventative Maintenance
Participants will have the opportunity to practice several different types of preventative maintenance. A primary goal will be to focus on becoming proficient at replacing/installing equipment while adhering to all safe work practices and methods. Participants will be instructed to work through different scenarios which may include cutout replacement, insulator replacement, arrestor changeout and squirrel guard installation.

ADVANCED CLASS DESCRIPTION

Relays, Mapping and Switching
This class is designed to help individuals better understand the "ins and outs" of substation relays, mapping strategies and switching procedures.

  • Participants will gain a better understanding of the different types of relays found in substations—both mechanical and digital.
  • Writing up switching procedures and mapping will be covered, including options available for digitizing maps.
  • Participants will work through a variety of scenarios such as tying substations together and different circuits within the same substation.

Minnesota Lineworkers Rodeo

While you're registering for the Overhead School, why not register for the Minnesota Lineworkers Rodeo? The Rodeo is free to members of MMUA and any lineworker can participate—you don't have to be from Minnesota!

Individual Events include:

  • Hurtman Rescue
  • Single Phase Conductor Tie In
  • Obstacle Course

(There are no team events.)

Trophies/plaques will be awarded for top three finishers in each event and each category. Plus we will award an overall trophy in the Apprentice category and Journeyman categories.

NOTE: Separate registration is required - registration deadline has been changed to September 19. Sorry, no onsite registration.

Evening Activities

These optional activities are available at participant’s expense on Wednesday evening. Sign up form will be available during the school.

  • Golf 
  • Sporting Clay Shoot

Schedule *

Tuesday, October 15
1:00 pm  Registration Check In
2:00 pm  General Session: Round-Table Discussions
5:00 pm  Reception/Rodeo Awards Presentation

Wednesday, October 16
8:30 am  Multi-Session Class & Advanced Lineworker Class
12:00 pm  Lunch (provided)
12:30 pm  Multi-Session Class & Advanced Lineworker Class (continued)
5:00 pm  Golf or Sporting Clay Shoot (at participant’s expense)

Thursday, October 17
8:30 am  Multi-Session Class & Advanced Lineworker Class
12:00 pm  Lunch (provided)
12:30 pm  Multi-Session Class & Advanced Lineworker Class (continued)

Friday, October 18
8:30 am  General Session: Training Trailer
12:00 pm  Closing Comments & Wrap Up

* Schedule/program subject to change without notice.

What to Bring

ALL CLASSES:
  • Hard Hat
  • Safety Glasses
  • Work Gloves
  • Work Boots
  • High Visibility Clothing/Outerwear–appropriate for the weather
  • Fall Restraint (if you plan to climb). Required regardless of experience.
ADDITIONAL TO BRING—Advanced Class:
  • Note Pad and Pen/Pencil

Certificate of Attendance

Overhead School participants earn 19.5 hours for attendance and a certificate will be available online upon completion. Watch for an email notification from MMUA after the school. Please note: we must have the participant's email address on file in order to send the certificate.

Registration Information

Registration Fees

Members —$465 per person
Non-Members—$690 per person

Deadline to register: September 19, 2019

Registration fee includes workshop tuition, materials, Tuesday evening reception, Wednesday and Thursday lunch, refreshment breaks and a certificate of attendance.

Cancellations/Refunds

MMUA will issue a refund (less $30 processing fee per person) provided MMUA is notified of the cancellation by 4:30 pm on September 27, 2019, Sorry, no refunds issued for cancellations after September 27.

Hotel / Motel Information - Marshall, MN

For a map of hotels in Marshall, click HERE. The AmericInn and Ramada offer special pricing for participants. Just ask for MMUA's reduced rate when making your reservation.

Photographs

By registering for this event I, the attendee, authorize Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA) to photograph me at this event and use such photographs in MMUA marketing materials (both electronic and print). I understand that I will not be paid for giving this consent. 

Questions?

If you have questions about the program and its content, contact Cody Raveling by email craveling@mmua.org or phone 507.530.2096.

If you have questions or problems with registration or reservations, contact Theresa Neddermeyer by email tneddermeyer@mmua.org or phone 763.746.0713 (direct) or 763.551.1230 (office).


printable version of the Overhead School brochure is also available. (Brochure does not have updated dates.)