Date:	May 10-13, 2022
Time:	Day 1: May 10, 2022 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Day 2: May 11, 2022 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Day 3: May 12, 2022 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Day 4: May 13, 2022 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

Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association and our partners—Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) and American Public Power Association (APPA)—are pleased to offer the 2022 Underground School.

The Underground School offers a hands-on training track with a variety of training sessions and an advanced technical course. Whether you are a seasoned Journeyman looking to stay current or are an Apprentice just starting out, this school offers something for everyone. 

Individuals registered for the Multi-Session Class will rotate through six different sessions, covering a variety of topics that can enhance safety and improve efficiency.

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

What You Will Learn 

GENERAL SESSIONS

The General Sessions are held on the first and last day of the School. Participants must attend these sessions to receive full credit for course hours.

Tuesday, May 10

Regulations Pertaining to Temporary and Emergency Installations
This presentation will offer insight on the rules regarding temporary and emergency power. After attending this session lineworkers will have a better understanding of what work can and cannot be performed on low-voltage equipment that is owned by another entity.

Friday, May 13

Cave Ins—One of Safety's Worst Enemies
Cave ins are the #1 killer when it comes to excavations. All excavations, regardless of depth, pose significant risk. Understanding and recognizing the hazards and taking steps to mitigate them can make all the difference to ensure it doesn’t happen on your watch. We will cover the proper procedures for a variety of digs and best practices to prevent a cave in.

TWO CLASS OPTIONS: Multi-Session Class or Advanced Class
*NOTE: AS of 4/6 Advanced Class option is cancelled.

MULTI-SESSION CLASS DETAILS

Note: This Multi-Session Class is intended for lineworkers of all experience levels. Registrants will rotate through the following sessions. (The Advanced Class does not rotate.)

Session #1 - Grounding and Use of Phasing Sticks
Everyone understands that working on lines or equipment as deenergized requires testing and grounding. This class offers instruction on the proper methods of grounding lines and equipment. Students will be taught the proper way to utilize phasing sticks in the process of grounding, as well as phasing in cables.

Session #2 - 600-Amp Terminations
This session will help participants gain important knowledge in the process of terminating 500 MCM aluminum wire. Three different types of terminations will be taught. A skirted termination for a riser, 600-amp elbow in a PME switch, and a splice will all be covered. Proper tool selection and grounding will also be covered.

Session #3 - Accident Scenario: Vehicle vs. J-Box
When a vehicle strikes any piece of electrical equipment it poses a variety of threats and challenges. This session will cover the steps that need to be taken—from securing the scene and working with emergency personnel, all the way through to accomplishing the goal of restoring power to those areas affected.

Session #4 - Locating and Fault-Finding on Secondary Wire
This session is designed to give individuals a better understanding of locating URD cables. Participants will work with various brands of locators with the most up to date styles available. Using different techniques in locating will be taught, along with demonstrating and using an A-frame locator for locating faulted secondaries.

Session #5 - Troubleshooting and Fault-Finding Primary Cable
In this session, students will be taught how to isolate and restore power on URD primary systems. Proper use of phasing sticks with DC hi-pot adapters, fault indicators and thumpers will be demonstrated to help students understand and address the issues related to URD faults.

Session #6 - Transformer Connections and Rotation
With the different voltages that are available, it’s crucial that every lineworker knows what type of transformer bank will be needed to best fulfill the customer’s needs. This class is designed to offer participants hands-on training with transformer connections. Participants will learn about and build wye and delta banks, as well as open wye and open delta banks.

ADVANCED CLASS
*NOTE: AS of 4/6 Advanced Class option is cancelled.

Underground Distribution Design, Protection & Management
Underground distribution design is an extensive and complex capital venture. Understanding proper system layout & design, coupled with critical planning is essential to ensure system reliability, operability and economic return on investment. We will review fundamental principles of proper underground design and other important topics to consider including:

• Financial considerations (can we afford it, how do we pay for it, and why depreciation is an important factor)
• Justify the need; near-term and long-term demands of the electrical system 
• Substation expansion and planning
• Feeder capacity & design
• Switchgear and protective schemes; device considerations
• Reliability system: maintenance and future expansion
• Proper transformer sizing for commercial, residential using loss evaluation methods

Schedule*

Tuesday, May 10

12:00 pm  Registration/Check In
1:00 pm  Welcome
1:15 pm  General Session: Regulations Pertaining to Temporary and Emergency Installations
4:00 pm  Wrap-up

Wednesday, May 11

8:30 am  Instruction: Multi-Session Class & Advanced Class
11:45 am  Lunch Served
12:30 pm  Instruction: Multi-Session Class & Advanced Class
4:00 pm  Wrap-up
5:00 pm  Optional activities (at participant's expense):

• Golf
• Sporting Clays
• Archery

Thursday, May 12

8:30 am  Instruction: Multi-Session & Advanced Class
11:45 am  Lunch Served
12:30 pm  Instruction: Multi-Session & Advanced Class
4:00 pm  Lineworker Rodeo Mystery Event

Friday, May 13

8:30 am  General Session: Cave Ins—One of Safety's Worst Enemies
12:00 pm  Wrap-up

*Schedule/program subject to change without notice.

Lineworker Rodeo Mystery Event

This mystery event is open to all classes of lineworker, from first-year apprentice to the advanced journeyman. This is a fun event which demonstrates safe working practices and a little speed. A trophy will be awarded to the person with the best time and fewest infractions.

Optional Evening Activities

Wednesday, May 11

Sporting Clay Shoot, Golf or Archery
Participants are responsible for any fees associated with these optional activities.

Certificates

Participants will receive a certificate of achievement. Watch for an email notification from MMUA after the event.

Hotel / Motel Information - Marshall, MN

Marshall has many options for hotel accommodations. The following offer special pricing for participants (based on availability). Call the hotel directly and be sure to ask for MMUA’s reduced rate when making your reservation. 

AmericInn by Wyndham
1406 East Lyon Street, Marshall
Phone 507-537-9424

EverSpring Inn (formerly Ramada Inn)
1500 East College Drive, Marshall
Phone 507-532-3221

Sleep Inn 
1300 Nwakama Street, Marshall
Phone 507-337-0103

Registration Fee

Registration fee includes: workshop tuition, materials, refreshment breaks, two lunches, and a certificate of achievement. Participants are responsible for their own transportation and lodging.

Deadline to register is April 18.

Cancellations/Refunds

MMUA will issue a refund on advance registrations (minus $30 processing fee per person) provided MMUA is notified by 4:30 pm on April 18, 2022. No refunds after April 18.

Photographs

By registering for this event I/we 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/we understand that I/we will not be paid for giving this consent. 

Questions?

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

If you have questions or problems with registration or reservations, contact Theresa Neddermeyer by calling 763.551.1230 or email tneddermeyer@mmua.org.

This information is available in a printable brochure as well. *NOTE: AS of 4/6 Advanced Class option is cancelled. Brochure has not been updated.