Overhead and Underground Distribution

On left, linemen install overhead power distribution lines; on right, technicians bury underground electrical cables.

Berger/Cummins has the qualifications required to successfully install new overhead and underground distribution systems and connect existing distribution to a new power source, while providing operations and maintenance to the entire network. A distribution system is made up of several components, including lines or conductors, poles, transformers, substations, ground grids, switches, circuit breakers, fuses and lightning arrestors. The lines comprise a primary distribution system of "stepped-up" power being generated at the power plant and delivered to the end user's secondary distribution system via "step down" transformation.

An equipment-specific routine preventive maintenance plan is developed for each distribution system in accordance with utility industry standards and manufacturer requirements. Based on the equipment installed, this plan addresses how often preventive maintenance and testing will be performed, taking into account environmental concerns and existing equipment conditions that may affect the frequency of these services. Our preventive maintenance plans include circuit patrol, vegetation management, and thermography programs which help us prevent outages before they occur.

Special training is required for high voltage equipment, and only personnel properly trained will work on the specific equipment being maintained or tested. This includes understanding the functionality of the equipment, both electrically and mechanically, and having a thorough knowledge of electrical safety practices and procedures. Our highly trained personnel provide 24/7 response to any outages that occur on our distribution systems.