Protection Systems Technician and Relay Technician
PPL Corporation
Company Summary Statement Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve more than 1.3 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 334,000 natural gas and 433,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 569,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and five counties in Virginia. LG&E and KU are major employers and active supporters of the communities they serve. They empower employees, community members and initiatives across their service territory through volunteerism and investments in organizations that support education, sustainability and wellbeing. Overview Generally, works under oversight of engineers or more experienced technicians, and is responsible for performing installation, maintenance and testing of protective systems including instrument transformers, batteries, DC circuitry, protective relays, communication systems, RTUs, and all other duties related to transmission protection. Supports regional SC&M crews with testing and troubleshooting of transmission equipment. Responsibilities Schedule, perform, and log the required testing of the protection system according to NERC compliance standards. Protection system components include, but are not limited to: potential transformers, current transformers, DC circuits, station batteries, circuit breaker components, protective relays, communication systems, and test switches. Proficient understanding of three phase power systems and Ohm’s Law. Calibrate and perform functional tests on microprocessor, solid-state, and electromechanical type relays. Install, maintain, analyze, and troubleshoot digital fault recorders (DFR’s), remote terminal units (RTU’s), SCADA equipment, etc. Assist with installing, maintaining, and testing electrical control equipment, electrical circuitry and components according to engineering specifications. Install, maintain, and test power line carrier equipment. Diagnose, analyze, troubleshoot, and make recommendations related to malfunctions/failures and perform preventive/corrective maintenance on protection system equipment. Verify that all documentation and prints meet applicable LKE specifications and standards and modify drawings to reflect any necessary changes. Provide technical direction, training, and oversight to contractors and/or less experienced technicians. Coordinate with Telecom, Energy Delivery, Transmission Lines, and Transmission Substations personnel to support construction, maintenance, and testing activities. All other duties and projects as assigned. Qualifications EDUCATIONAL_EXPERIENCE-Associates degree in Instrumentation, Electronics, Engineering, Technology, Computer Science or related technical field. Experience Detailed knowledge of transmission and substation equipment, including relay equipment, power line carrier equipment, station batteries, DC Circuitry, instrument transformers, station transformers, switches, and breakers. Familiar with commissioning and testing of microprocessor relays. In-depth knowledge of Boolean Logic and the ability to modify settings as needed. Knowledge of numerous RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) software’s including but not limited to Cooper SMP Manger, GE DSAgile, and SEL RTAC. An ability to learn quickly, apply practical skills, and deal with rapid technological and business change. Excellent communication skills (oral & written), encourages two-communication, and support team goals. Knowledge of transmission protection and relay functionality, including relay protection schemes. Proficient in reading and utilizing dc control circuitry drawings, ac three-line drawings, panel wiring diagrams, equipment drawings and all other drawings associated with the protection of transmission equipment. Capability to follow Electric Safe Work Practices for voltages less than 480V and capability to work in proximity of Transmission voltage levels. Licensure / Other Qualifications A valid driver’s license is required to perform this job . Note: Must meet all requirements within this section before considered as a candidate. SPECIAL_QUALIFICATIONS-Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation, Electronics, Engineering, Technology, Computer Science or related technical field. Prior professional protection/relay system experience. Understanding of calculating settings, testing, and calibrating electromechanical relays. Knowledge of relay testing software platforms including Doble ProTest and/or ENOSERV RTS. This includes developing test routines and modifying existing test routines. Familiar with numerous DFR (Digital Fault Recorder) software including but not limited to: Mehta Tech Tesla ERLPhase, and APP. Understanding of multiple communication protocols including but not limited to: DNP3, RS-485, and Conitel. Basic understanding of Powerline carrier protection. Ability to enter and maintain information in a database, document job tasks performed (in writing), and manipulate data in a spreadsheet. Understand Human Performance and how it is used in the workplace. Knowledge of NERC/SERC and the role they play in compliance within LKE. Able to identify PRC assets in the transmission system. WORK_CONDITIONS-Position requires on-call availability 24/7. Substation and transmission system field work which includes working independently at remote substation locations. Regular travel is required to Transmission and Distribution sites across the entire service territory. Travel across the state of Kentucky and into Virginia is required up to 95% of the time, with overnight stays approximately 10% of the time. Regular travel is required to Transmission and Distribution sites across the entire service territory. Travel across the state of Kentucky and into Virginia is required up to 95% of the time, with overnight stays approximately 10% of the time. PHYSICAL_EFFORTS-Frequent standing and walking. Frequent lifting of test equipment and other devices up to 50lbs. Some climbing of ladders. #LG&EKU
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