Lineman vs Electrician

[veneer.line]

I was chatting with someone the other day who didn't realize there's a big difference between what we do as lineworkers and what electricians handle. Figured it might be worth tossing this out here since it always sparks a good conversation. As linemen, we're out there on the poles and in the buckets, dealing with the high voltage side of things bringing power from the grid to where it needs to go. Electricians, on the other hand, usually work on the customer side of the meter, wiring homes, businesses, and factories, mostly with much lower voltage. I'm sure most of us here know this
Two totally different environments, we're in the elements, often dealing with dangerous voltages and tough conditions, while they're usually inside, troubleshooting or wiring up new installs

 

[900chickenwings]

I agree. Most people don't see the big difference. I started as an electrician helper before moving to linework, and it was a big change. Working up on poles in cold, wet weather is nothing like putting wires in a warm house. Both jobs need skill, but linework is a lot tougher and more dangerous.