Rubber Gloving - Hot Line

Course Description

ETP2102C is a combined lecture and laboratory course in the Energy Power Technology program that provides students with the theory, safety principles, and hands-on skills required to perform energized (hot line) electrical distribution work using the rubber gloving method. Students learn to work safely on energized overhead distribution systems while complying with applicable federal and state safety regulations, including OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 and 1910.137, the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), and applicable ASTM standards for rubber insulating equipment. The course prepares students for entry-level journeyman lineworker duties involving live-line maintenance, construction, and repair tasks on distribution systems up to 34.5 kV.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

• Identify and explain the electrical hazards associated with energized (hot line) overhead distribution work and apply appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
• Demonstrate proper inspection, care, storage, and in-service testing of rubber insulating gloves (ASTM D120) and leather protectors (ASTM F696) in compliance with OSHA retesting intervals.
• Identify, inspect, and apply secondary cover-up equipment — including line hose, blankets, rubber covers, and insulating sleeves — in accordance with ASTM F712, D1048, D1049, and D1050.
• Determine and maintain correct Minimum Approach Distances (MAD) for energized conductors and equipment at various distribution voltage classes.
• Demonstrate safe work practices for rubber gloving tasks from an aerial device (bucket truck), including proper truck positioning, setup, and grounding.
• Perform energized line maintenance tasks using rubber gloving techniques on single-phase and three-phase overhead distribution systems.
• Apply OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 qualified electrical worker standards and employer Job Briefing and tailboard procedures to hot line work assignments.
• Demonstrate correct installation and removal of protective cover-up materials using primary insulating tools prior to encroaching on the MAD.

Optional Outcomes

• Demonstrate rubber gloving techniques on distribution systems operating at 34.5 kV and above with advanced cover-up configurations.
• Perform energized crossarm changeout using rubber gloving procedures from an aerial device.
• Describe variations in rubber gloving procedures across different pole configurations, including armless, crossarm, and vertical construction.
• Coordinate hot line work with switching and grounding operations per utility-specific safety rules and clearance procedures.
• Demonstrate hot line tie and cut-in procedures for adding or removing equipment on energized circuits.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Electrical Safety Regulations: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.137, 1910.269; NESC requirements; qualified electrical worker standards; Job Briefing and tailboard procedure.
• Rubber Insulating Equipment: Glove classes and voltage ratings per ASTM D120; inspection procedures; field care, storage, and retest intervals (6-month OSHA requirement for gloves); leather protector use per ASTM F696.
• Secondary Protective Cover-Up: Line hose, blankets, insulating sleeves, and hard plastic covers; ASTM standards F712, D1048, D1049, D1050; correct installation and removal technique; 12-month retest requirement for sleeves and blankets.
• Minimum Approach Distances (MAD): Voltage classes; approach boundary calculations; encroachment procedures using primary insulating equipment.
• Aerial Device Operations for Hot Line Work: Bucket truck positioning and setup; fiberglass boom insulation inspection; grounding requirements; working in and out of the bucket safely.
• Single-Phase Rubber Gloving Tasks: Energized conductor handling; insulator and hardware replacement; service wire work; tap installations on energized lines.
• Three-Phase Rubber Gloving Tasks: Three-phase system topology; phase identification; cover-up sequencing on multi-conductor assemblies; working near multi-phase energized equipment.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Arc-flash rated clothing; hard hats; safety glasses; fall protection and harness requirements for aerial device work.

Optional Topics

• Advanced Voltage Rubber Gloving: Procedures and equipment adaptations for 34.5 kV distribution systems; extended cover-up configurations.
• Crossarm and Hardware Changeout: Energized crossarm replacement procedures; phase transfer techniques using rubber gloving from a bucket truck.
• Switching and Clearance Coordination: Utility switching orders; tagging and clearance procedures; coordination with system operators during hot line tasks.
• Hot Line Tie and Cut-In Procedures: Energized wire tie techniques; cut-in and cut-out of devices on live circuits.
• Underground Riser Pole Hot Work: Energized termination and switching at riser structures using insulating tools and rubber gloves.

Resources & Tools

• Required PPE: Class 2 or higher rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors, rubber insulating sleeves, arc-flash rated clothing (minimum 8 cal/cm²), hard hat (Class E), safety glasses, fall protection harness
• Cover-Up Equipment: Line hose, rubber blankets, insulating hoods, phase-to-phase covers
• Primary Tools: Insulated hot sticks (ASTM F711), wire tongs, live-line grips
• Aerial Equipment: Aerial bucket truck with insulated fiberglass boom
• Standards References: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.137 and 1910.269; ASTM D120, F696, F711, F712, D1048, D1049, D1050; NESC (IEEE C2); ANSI Z87.1
• Textbooks / References: Electrical Lineman's Handbook (Clyde Wahler); T&D PowerSkills overhead distribution modules; IBEW/NECA apprenticeship training materials

Career Pathways

Completion of ETP2102C prepares students for advancement in electrical utility and line construction careers. Graduates are qualified to perform energized distribution line work as part of a utility, cooperative, or electrical contractor crew.

• Apprentice Lineworker — Electric utility companies, rural electric cooperatives (e.g., Duke Energy Florida, Florida Power & Light, TECO Energy, Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative)
• Journeyman Lineworker — After completing full apprenticeship program (IBEW or NECA joint apprenticeship)
• Line Crew Foreman / Lead Lineworker — Supervising energized distribution construction and maintenance crews
• Electrical Line Contractor Technician — Private line construction and storm restoration contractors
• Utility System Operator — With additional training in SCADA and switching operations

Special Information

This course contains significant live-line laboratory work and requires students to be physically capable of working in an aerial bucket truck while wearing full rubber gloving PPE. Students must adhere strictly to all OSHA and program safety protocols at all times during lab sessions.

• OSHA Qualified Electrical Worker Preparation: Course content is aligned with the training requirements for designation as an OSHA-qualified electrical worker under 29 CFR 1910.269 for distribution voltage work.
• IBEW Apprenticeship Alignment: ETP2102C maps to competencies in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Outside Lineworker apprenticeship curriculum, supporting credit toward a registered apprenticeship program recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.
• Florida Certificate of Professional Readiness: This course is a component of the Electric Power Technology A.S. degree and/or related certificate programs offered at Florida technical colleges and state colleges.
• Physical Requirements: Students must be able to climb and work at heights, lift up to 50 lbs, and wear required PPE for the duration of lab exercises. Students with relevant medical conditions should consult with their program advisor prior to enrollment.