Physical Planning and Construction Civil Engineering Construction

Inspect Assemble Remove Replace Install And Adjust Section Insulator Runners On 3 Kv Dc Overhead Track Equipment Under Live Conditions Training

SAQA US 119891 | NQF 4 | Credits 14 | Duration 11 Days
From $2,074 per delegate

Description

This course equips learners with the skills to safely inspect, assemble, remove, replace, install, and adjust section insulator runners on 3 kV DC overhead track equipment under live conditions. It ensures compliance with safety regulations and enhances operational reliability of railway infrastructure.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate safe working procedures when inspecting section insulator runners under live conditions.
  • Assemble and install section insulator runners in accordance with manufacturer specifications and industry standards.
  • Remove and replace defective section insulator runners without interrupting service.
  • Adjust section insulator runners to ensure correct alignment and tension for optimal performance.
  • Apply relevant safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment and live-line tools.
  • Evaluate the condition of section insulator runners and identify potential failures.

Target Audience

This course is designed for railway technicians, electrical linesmen, and maintenance personnel responsible for live-line work on 3 kV DC overhead track equipment in South Africa.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to 3 kV DC Overhead Track Equipment and Safety

Objectives:
• Understand the principles of 3 kV DC overhead traction systems.
• Identify key components of section insulator runners.
• Recognise the dangers of working under live conditions.
• Apply relevant safety regulations and procedures.
• Demonstrate correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Topics:
• Overview of 3 kV DC overhead track equipment.
• Section insulator runners: purpose and types.
• Electrical safety fundamentals for live working.
• Relevant OHS Act and SANS standards.
• PPE selection and inspection.
• Emergency response procedures.
• Introduction to live working permits.
• Risk assessment basics.

Day 2: Tools, Equipment and Pre-Work Checks

Objectives:
• Select appropriate tools for section insulator runner work.
• Inspect tools and equipment for serviceability.
• Perform pre-work checks on insulated tools.
• Understand the importance of tool calibration.
• Set up a safe work zone.

Topics:
• Insulated tools: types and ratings.
• Tool inspection criteria and frequency.
• Calibration and certification of equipment.
• Ladder and platform safety.
• Barricading and warning signs.
• Communication equipment and protocols.
• Pre-work checklist completion.
• Storing and transporting tools.

Day 3: Fundamentals of Section Insulator Runners

Objectives:
• Describe the function of section insulator runners.
• Identify different runner designs.
• Explain how runners maintain continuity.
• Understand wear patterns and failure modes.
• Interpret technical drawings.

Topics:
• Section insulator: components and operation.
• Runner types: fixed, adjustable, and sliding.
• Current collection and arcing.
• Wear indicators and measurement.
• Common faults: cracks, misalignment, contamination.
• Reading manufacturer specifications.
• Schematic symbols and diagrams.
• Case study: runner failure analysis.

Day 4: Inspection Techniques for Section Insulator Runners

Objectives:
• Conduct visual and dimensional inspections.
• Use inspection tools correctly.
• Record inspection findings accurately.
• Determine runner serviceability.
• Identify conditions requiring replacement.

Topics:
• Visual inspection: cracks, pitting, erosion.
• Dimensional checks using gauges.
• Measuring runner gap and alignment.
• Insulation resistance testing.
• Documentation procedures.
• Defect classification: minor, major, critical.
• Inspection intervals and records.
• Practical inspection exercise.

Day 5: Safe Work Procedures for Live Working

Objectives:
• Apply live working principles (rubber glove, hot stick).
• Establish minimum approach distances.
• Implement isolation and earthing procedures.
• Use live working permits correctly.
• Coordinate with team members.

Topics:
• Live working categories: glove and barehand.
• Approach distances for 3 kV DC.
• Isolation points and earthing.
• Permit-to-work systems.
• Team roles and communication.
• Emergency shutdown procedures.
• Simulated live working scenario.
• Review of incident case studies.

Day 6: Disassembly and Removal of Section Insulator Runners

Objectives:
• Safely isolate the section.
• Disconnect electrical connections.
• Remove runner assembly systematically.
• Handle components without damage.
• Dispose of removed parts correctly.

Topics:
• Isolation and proving dead.
• Disconnecting clamps and droppers.
• Removing runner from insulator.
• Use of tension relief equipment.
• Component handling and storage.
• Waste management procedures.
• Step-by-step removal demonstration.
• Practical removal exercise.

Day 7: Assembly and Installation of Section Insulator Runners

Objectives:
• Prepare new runner and components.
• Assemble runner to insulator correctly.
• Install runner with proper alignment.
• Connect electrical bonds.
• Verify mechanical integrity.

Topics:
• Pre-installation checks on new runner.
• Assembly sequence: hardware torque.
• Alignment to overhead line.
• Electrical connection: bonding and jumpers.
• Tension adjustment.
• Use of alignment tools.
• Installation demonstration.
• Practical installation exercise.

Day 8: Adjustment and Tuning of Section Insulator Runners

Objectives:
• Measure runner gap and height.
• Adjust runner position for optimal contact.
• Verify smooth passage of pantograph.
• Fine-tune tension and alignment.
• Document adjustment parameters.

Topics:
• Gap measurement tools and techniques.
• Height adjustment mechanisms.
• Lateral alignment correction.
• Pantograph interaction simulation.
• Tensioning bolts and locknuts.
• Post-adjustment inspection.
• Recording as-built settings.
• Practical adjustment exercise.

Day 9: Testing and Commissioning After Installation

Objectives:
• Perform insulation resistance tests.
• Conduct continuity checks.
• Simulate pantograph passage.
• Verify no arcing or interference.
• Complete commissioning documentation.

Topics:
• Insulation resistance measurement.
• Bonding continuity test.
• Pantograph profile gauge use.
• Thermal imaging for hotspots.
• Dynamic testing with train simulator.
• Commissioning checklist.
• Sign-off procedures.
• Troubleshooting common issues.

Day 10: Fault-Finding and Troubleshooting

Objectives:
• Diagnose common runner faults.
• Use systematic fault-finding methods.
• Implement corrective actions.
• Distinguish between mechanical and electrical faults.
• Apply root cause analysis.

Topics:
• Fault symptoms: arcing, noise, wear.
• Diagnostic tools: multimeter, megger.
• Mechanical faults: misalignment, loose parts.
• Electrical faults: poor bonding, insulation breakdown.
• Root cause analysis techniques.
• Corrective actions and adjustments.
• Case studies of field faults.
• Practical troubleshooting scenarios.

Day 11: Integration, Assessment and Close-Out

Objectives:
• Demonstrate full cycle: inspect, remove, replace, install, adjust.
• Complete a live working exercise under supervision.
• Pass written and practical assessments.
• Document all work in logbooks.
• Review course and address gaps.

Topics:
• Integrated practical exercise.
• Live working simulation (if feasible).
• Written assessment covering theory.
• Practical assessment with checklist.
• Logbook completion.
• Feedback session.
• Certification requirements.
• Course evaluation and close-out.

Practicals

No practicals for this training.

This course is made up of exercises and case studies delivered alongside the theory — no separate practical sessions are required to complete it.

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course and a final summative test at the end.

Daily Exercises — 30%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 30% to the final total.

Final Test — 70%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 70% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 30%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 70%
Final Total 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Daily Average 30% + Final Test 70%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

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