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Changhui Instruments http://yunrun.com.cn/ When it comes to high-voltage electricians, many people’s first impression is probably of men wearing blue work uniforms and blue helmets, climbing up various power poles. So, what kind of group are high-voltage electricians actually? What exactly are their specific job responsibilities and scope of work? First, what is high pressure? Unlike the low-voltage category, from the perspective of voltage levels in power systems, low voltage means ≦1 kilovolt (1000V), while high voltage is >1 kilovolt ； From the perspective of the power grid, low voltage is further divided into 220V and 380V, while high voltage includes 10kV (for distribution), 110kV, 220V, etc. Generally, in industrial, commercial, agricultural, and residential electrical circuits, the voltage between the live and neutral wires in single-phase circuits is 220V, while the voltage between the phase wires in three-phase equipment is 380V. There are also power electronic devices with voltages of a few volts, a dozen volts, or even just a few tenths of a volt; these all belong to the category of low-voltage devices. High voltage is also quite common, such as high-voltage poles and overhead lines along roads, substations in the suburbs, cables laid underground in sidewalks, distribution transformers that can be seen everywhere, and transformer distribution cabinets in residential area power rooms. Secondly, what is an electrician? The scope of electrical engineering is very broad in a general sense. Here, we are only talking about those who work in industrial production sectors such as power generation, electrical manufacturing and maintenance, as well as construction and installation. There are a wide variety of classifications for electricians. For example, based on the voltage level, they can be divided into high-voltage electricians, low-voltage electricians, and special-purpose electricians. In power supply companies, they can also be categorized by their work location as indoor electricians and outdoor electricians; indoor electricians include those who work in substation operations, those responsible for relay protection, electrical testing, and meter installation ； Field electricians, also known as line electricians, include transmission line workers, distribution line workers, and power cable workers. Obviously, based on these two points, high-voltage electricians are those who work in the field of power systems with voltage levels above 1 kV. While low-voltage electricians are responsible for the installation and maintenance of various electrical devices used in daily life, high-voltage electricians are mainly tasked with high-voltage operations related to power generation, transmission, transformation, and distribution, such as inspecting line equipment and performing switching operations. After understanding what a high-voltage electrician is, let’s move on to discussing how one can become one – in other words, what knowledge and skills are necessary for a high-voltage electrician? Here, we will briefly discuss it from the perspectives of theoretical knowledge and practical application. I. Theoretically, first and foremost, whether it is high voltage or low voltage, knowledge of circuit fundamentals (basic electrical engineering) is essential. Moreover, although the objects of work for high-voltage electricians seem simple, such as a single high-voltage appliance, in reality it involves operating and monitoring an entire high-voltage system; therefore, a basic understanding of power systems is also necessary. In addition, there are also relevant theoretical knowledge areas such as electrical wiring diagrams, electromechanics, high-voltage electrical equipment and complete power distribution systems, high-voltage power lines, overvoltage in power systems, relay protection, and electrical safety techniques. Secondly, due to the requirements of high-voltage operation and maintenance management as well as safety insulation, low-voltage devices for the secondary circuit are inevitably required, such as relay protection automation devices and the secondary circuit itself. Therefore, in addition to understanding the knowledge essential for high voltage, it is of course beneficial to acquire as much knowledge as possible regarding low voltage as well. II. In terms of practical application, just as with theory, whether it is high pressure or low pressure, such practical operations can only be carried out after mastering the relevant theoretical knowledge. This includes the specific applications of commonly used electrical tools and instruments, power transformers, high-voltage electrical equipment and complete power distribution systems, high-voltage power lines, switching operations and accident handling, as well as electrical safety techniques. Compared to theory, practical application is more about the accumulation of experience. Moreover, due to its danger, higher voltage requires stricter safety controls; being familiar with safety regulations and operating procedures are essential requirements for working with high voltage. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills, when it comes to a specific job role, the knowledge and skills that high-voltage electricians need to master depend naturally on the requirements of that particular role. For example, those working as substation operation supervisors must be proficient in the operation, maintenance, and upkeep of various components in the substation, such as transformers, busbars, and switching equipment ； Relay protection technicians need to master relevant knowledge and skills in relay protection and automatic control ； Distribution line workers need to master the most basic skills such as climbing towers. Furthermore, for both high-voltage and low-voltage electricians, obtaining the appropriate electrical certification is sometimes essential; for example, carrying out on-site operations on high-voltage equipment circuits requires a special operations permit. Finally, what can they do once they have the relevant qualifications as high-voltage electricians? Or rather, what kind of company to join? What kind of work do you do? Compared to low voltage, which is closely related to our work and daily life, professionals in high voltage electrical work are not very common among the general public. They mainly move around various construction sites, substation stations, and up and down high-voltage power line towers in the landscape. Given the nature of power supply enterprises in our country, power grids of 10 kV and above are under central control and managed by grid companies; the operation, maintenance, and management of high-voltage line equipment are primarily the responsibility of the internal staff at Southern Power Grid and **Grid. Most other power companies operate as subcontractors for grid companies, with their tasks including the design, installation, maintenance, and technical upgrades of high-voltage line equipment. Furthermore, the demand for high-voltage electricians is also increasing among some large factories, power plants, real estate developers, and power equipment manufacturers. Clearly, compared to office workers in comfortably air-conditioned rooms, the work of high-voltage electricians involves harsh conditions similar to those faced by most front-line workers, and it is also highly dangerous. Yet, it is precisely because of their hard work and dedication that the lights in thousands of homes can shine, which is truly exciting and inspiring! Author: Yang Sihui