Overhead 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 Overhead School.

One of MMUA’s most popular technical training offerings, Overhead School is an ideal opportunity to interact with fellow lineworkers from across the state, refresh on the best safety practices, and sharpen your skills to deliver the best value for your community.

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

The Overhead School is held annually at the MMUA Training Center in Marshall. To learn more about the program and the topics covered, click on the event brochure. 

Event details
Date: 

September 9-12, 2025

Location: 

Marshall Training Center

Training Topics
Hands on training sessions

Lineworkers of all experience levels can further develop their skills by working through a variety of activities. Participants at this year's Overhead School will rotate through the following four hands on training sessions:

Session 1: Wire stringing

Participants will learn the techniques involved in stringing overhead wire. This session will be conducted on a double circuit construction. Awareness of the hazards involved and how to properly control those hazards is essential to completing the task safely. Proper procedures will be discussed and followed throughout the session.

Session 2: Troubleshooting and system maintenance

In this session, participants will practice several different troubleshooting techniques, while utilizing proper protective cover-up. Instructors will emphasize becoming proficient at system maintenance while adhering to safe work practices. Participants will be challenged to solve and work through various scenarios such as broken jumpers, delta-bank back feed, tracking insulators, cracked/broken cutouts, and more.

Session 3: 3-Phase transformer bank troubleshooting

Assessing 3-phase transformer bank issues can be challenging and often confusing. In this session, participants will go through different scenarios to increase troubleshooting skills. 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 be covered, along with important things to be looking out for in the field.

Session 4: Dead-end arm changeout

This session will involve changing out a simulated energized three phase dead-end arm. Participants will get a good understanding of the different techniques that can be utilized to do this work safely. This session will be catered to meet each individual’s level of experience to ensure participants can increase their knowledge and skill at this important task.

General sessions

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

Fault circuit indicators: using them, best practices, and their differences

This session offers an overview of faulted circuit indicators (FCIs)—their use, best practices, and the differences among various types. With a mix of technical detail and practical guidance, this session will explore:

  • The role and importance of FCIs in electrical distribution systems
  • A comparison of FCI types, focusing on both technical and practical differences
  • Best practices for using FCIs to improve system reliability and efficiency