2025-12-08 – Weekly Power Lineman News : Why "12k" for 7.2 in the field?

Last week in our Power Lineman forum, members engaged in lively discussions about continuing education requirements and the nuances of our field’s terminology. Conversations highlighted the practicalities of CE hours for operating bucket and derrick trucks, and a spirited debate unfolded about why we refer to 7.2 as “12k” in the field. Additionally, there was valuable advice exchanged for tree trimmers considering a transition to a lineman apprenticeship, providing insights into career progression.


This Week’s Hot Topics

CE hours for bucket and derrick ops
A practical discussion emerged around the CE hours needed for operating bucket and derrick trucks, which is crucial for staying compliant and safe on the job.
Read more here

Tree trimmer eyeing a lineman apprenticeship
A tree trimmer seeks advice on transitioning to a lineman apprenticeship. Members shared personal stories and tips, making it a valuable read for anyone considering a similar path.
Read more here

Why we call 7.2 “12k” in the field
This thread dives into the terminology we use in the field and why “12k” is the go-to term for 7.2. It’s a great look at the jargon that shapes our everyday work.
Read more here


Thanks for staying engaged with our community. Your input helps keep our discussions rich and informative. Looking forward to another week of great conversations.

“why we refer to 7.2 as ‘12k’” — it’s the system class (12.47/7.2 on 15 kV gear), but that shorthand can make apprentices assume P‑P. I just write both values on the tailboard and the can to lock in P‑N vs P‑P — do your crews label maps by class or by P‑N?

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