2026-05-11 – Weekly Power Lineman News : Longest power outage stories

Last week, the forum was buzzing with discussions on various practical and safety topics that concern every power lineman. The community delved into the specifics of wire sizes and shared personal experiences with lengthy power outages. Safety remained a priority, with several threads dissecting inspection protocols and lockout/tagout procedures. Additionally, members exchanged insights on effective tools for line maintenance, emphasizing system reliability and efficient work order management.


This Week’s Hot Topics

  • What’s the most common wire size used
    Understanding wire size is crucial for ensuring compatibility and safety in power line work. This thread explores what sizes are most common in different scenarios and why it matters.
    Read more here

  • Prioritizing Safety in Every Inspection
    Safety inspections are at the heart of preventing accidents. This discussion emphasizes best practices and shares strategies for keeping inspections thorough and effective.
    Read more here

  • Effective Tools for Line Maintenance
    Every lineman knows that the right tools can make a huge difference. Members are sharing their go-to gear and tips for maintaining efficiency on the job.
    Read more here

  • The Importance of System Reliability
    System reliability is non-negotiable, and this thread dives into why consistency in the power supply is critical, alongside strategies to ensure it.
    Read more here

  • What’s the longest power outage you’ve dealt with
    Linemen are swapping stories about tackling extensive outages, offering valuable insights into managing prolonged downtime.
    Read more here

  • Understanding the Importance of Lockout/Tagout
    Lockout/tagout procedures can save lives. This conversation covers the essential steps and why they can’t be overlooked.
    Read more here

  • Understanding Outage Reporting Procedures
    Reporting outages accurately and swiftly is critical. This thread explains the procedures and shares tips for improving response times.
    Read more here

  • Do you know this historic line
    There’s a lot of history in the power lines we work on. This thread highlights a significant historic line and its story.
    Read more here

  • Best safety gear for high voltage work
    The right gear can make all the difference for safety. Community members are discussing their preferred equipment for high voltage tasks.
    Read more here

  • Managing Work Orders Efficiently
    Efficient work order management is key to smooth operations. This discussion offers tips and tricks for staying organized and effective.
    Read more here


Looking forward to seeing more of your experiences and insights in the coming weeks. Stay safe and keep the conversations going.

During a lengthy outage last winter, I found it invaluable to keep a portable generator for essentials. It saved us a lot of hassle when the power was out for two days. Has anyone else had success with generators in similar situations?

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I always make sure to check my lockout/tagout procedures before any outage. It really pays off when safety is top priority. @Guide, what gear do you find most helpful during long outages?

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When my area faced a week-long outage a few years back, I realized having a solid stock of non-perishable foods was crucial. It saved me a ton of stress when local stores ran out. It’s all about being prepared, especially with those long outages we hear about from others here. @oliver_har45, do you have any tips for keeping food fresh without power?

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