Excursion to Omexom

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How is an overhead line actually built?

The participants in our excursion to the Omexom training center in Korbußen on 30 May 2024 dealt with this question.

At the beginning of the excursion, the managers of the training center introduced us to the diverse tasks at Omexom. Omexom is part of the global Vinci Group, which is also involved in road construction and the operation of airports. The training center in Korbußen is the only one of its kind in Germany to train overhead line fitters, which is not a profession in its own right, which is why applicants come from a wide range of industries such as industrial climbing, roofing and scaffolding.

In Korbußen, they are prepared for their challenging task. The range of tasks for overhead line installers not only includes the installation of conductor cables and pylons during the construction phase, but also the maintenance and repair of overhead lines during operation, whatever the weather. In preparation for these tasks, the training center in Korbußen therefore offers courses on the installation of conductor ropes and insulators, the safe handling of work machines and the rescue of injured persons from lofty heights, among other things.

After presenting the broad training program, an employee from the Overhead Lines Division introduced us to some innovations developed by Omexom. These developments include safety mechanisms for overhead lines during the construction phase and options for autonomous inspection of overhead lines during operation. After a safety briefing and a hearty lunch, we were well fortified and prepared for the practical part of our excursion.

After a guided tour of the company premises and an introduction to various training stations, which unfortunately could not be shown in action due to the bad weather, the participants were able to immerse themselves in the world of overhead line installation at three stations. At the first station, the program included the pressing of conductor cables under expert guidance. This work step is necessary when conductor cables have to be connected together on the construction site. At the second station, the participants were allowed to assemble insulator chains. The aim of this work step was to clarify the working methods, which is why the work was carried out on the ground rather than at a height of over 40 m, in contrast to the usual procedure. Under guidance, ladder ropes were secured against falling and the insulator chains were attached to the rope ends. After successfully connecting the ladder rope to the insulator, the last station of the day was about climbing and working safely on the mast. Under supervision, the participants were able to test various climbing aids and the associated safety systems. As is usual in training operations, climbing was carried out with double safety, i.e. the participants were secured against falling with an additional, second system alongside the actual safety system. At the end, those interested were allowed to abseil down from a 4 m high platform using a rescue device.

We would like to thank Omexom for the interesting insights into a profession that, despite its imposing structures, remains hidden to most of us.

Contact Excursions IEEE Student Branch TU Ilmenau:
Dipl.-Ing. Carsten Gatermann (Vice Chair)
E-mail: ieeesb.ilmenau@gmail.com