power-production-plant-operator/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — power production plant operator

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 49-2095.00 (Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay).

Task statements

• [Core] Inspect and test equipment and circuits to identify malfunctions or defects, using wiring diagrams and testing devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or ammeters.
• [Core] Consult manuals, schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering personnel to troubleshoot and solve equipment problems and to determine optimum equipment functioning.
• [Core] Notify facility personnel of equipment shutdowns.
• [Core] Open and close switches to isolate defective relays, performing adjustments or repairs.
• [Core] Prepare and maintain records detailing tests, repairs, and maintenance.
• [Core] Analyze test data to diagnose malfunctions, to determine performance characteristics of systems, or to evaluate effects of system modifications.
• [Core] Repair, replace, and clean equipment and components such as circuit breakers, brushes, and commutators.
• [Core] Run signal quality and connectivity tests for individual cables, and record results.
• [Core] Maintain inventories of spare parts for all equipment, requisitioning parts as necessary.
• [Supplemental] Construct, test, maintain, and repair substation relay and control systems.
• [Supplemental] Test insulators and bushings of equipment by inducing voltage across insulation, testing current, and calculating insulation loss.
• [Supplemental] Disconnect voltage regulators, bolts, and screws, and connect replacement regulators to high-voltage lines.
• [Supplemental] Schedule and supervise the construction and testing of special devices and the implementation of unique monitoring or control systems.
• [Supplemental] Schedule and supervise splicing or termination of cables in color-code order.
• [Supplemental] Test oil in circuit breakers and transformers for dielectric strength, refilling oil periodically.

Detailed work activities

• Analyze test or performance data to assess equipment operation.
• Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order.
• Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.
• Connect electrical components or equipment.
• Control power supply connections.
• Document operational activities.
• Document test results.
• Inspect equipment to locate or identify electrical problems.
• Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
• Maintain repair or maintenance records.
• Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
• Read technical information needed to perform maintenance or repairs.
• Repair electrical circuits or wiring.
• Repair electrical components.
• Repair electronic equipment.
• Schedule repair, installation or maintenance activities.
• Supervise employees.
• Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
• Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Test fluids to identify contamination or other problems.