Return to the Overhead Distribution Systems Virtual Series
Orientation Session: February 22 (Noon – 1 pm ET)
Each subsequent session will be held from Noon – 4 pm ET. |
Timing
Participate in a 60-minute orientation session on February 22, followed by six (6) live sessions from Noon – 4 pm Eastern on Feb 23, 24, 25; March 2, 3, 4. There will be two 10-minute breaks incorporated into each session.
Delivery Method/Learning Environment
This course is a Group Internet based offering (via Zoom) and combines real-time presentation, polling questions, real-world examples, Q&A and group discussion.
Course Overview
Overhead distribution continues to play an essential role for most utilities in delivering electric service to end-use customers either directly or as the source for underground line extensions. Overhead line design is an engineering discipline that requires the consistent and proper application of engineering principles and ethics to prepare quality designs and reduce liability exposure.
Learn how to enhance your line design processes and prepare designs that are safe, reliable, and in compliance with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) requirements. Review industry best practices, engage with your peers, and complete over twenty-five (25) practical hands-on design exercises using line design software.
Course participants will return to their work better prepared to help their organizations adopt design processes and practices that comply with applicable professional engineering laws and regulations.
Course Topics
- Overhead Line Design Accountabilities and Process
- Overhead line design protocols and processes
- NESC general requirements for overhead lines
- o Joint use, rights-of-way, aesthetics, and other considerations in overhead line design
- Conductor/Cable Sag, Tension, and Clearance
- NESC requirements for maximum conductor/cable sag determination
- NESC and practical requirements for maximum conductor/cable design tension
- Conductor/cable sag and tension calculations, sag-tension software, and application examples/exercises
- NESC Clearance Requirements
- Clearances to ground and water surfaces; buildings and other structures; and between conductors, cables, and equipment
- Selected special clearance conditions and application examples/exercises
- Overhead Line Structure Loading and Strength
- NESC requirements for supporting structure design
- Determination of mechanical forces on supporting structures
- Overhead line guying and anchoring design considerations
- Supporting structure loading application examples and exercises
- Wood poles (types, treatments, dimensions, strength classes, and specifications) and manufactured poles (types, characteristics, NESC equivalent designs, and specifications)
- Pole embedment designs
- Line Design Applications and Certification Exam
- Line design exercises, software applications, and discussions will be included each day of the course.
Sample Agenda/Learning Outcomes
View a sample agenda and learning outcomes from the 2025 version of this course [PDF].
Recommended for
Those who work at all levels of overhead distribution line design including:
- Engineering managers
- Design engineers
- Design/staking supervisors and technicians
- Consulting engineers
- Crew supervisors and senior lineworkers
| It is highly recommended that you attend this course in conjunction with the Overhead Distribution Principles and Applications virtual course (March 17-19 & 24-26). Discounts apply for attending both courses. |
Course Level | Prerequisites | Advanced Preparation
Intermediate (Level 2): No prerequisites, though it is recommended that attendees have foundational knowledge of overhead distribution systems, their components, and basic design principles, either through attending APPA’s Overhead Distribution Principles and Applications (Level 1) virtual course or through work experience. Foundational topics covered in APPA’s Level 1 course include:
- Introduction to overhead distribution
- Introduction to the NESC
- Overhead line conductors and cable types and characteristics
- NESC overhead line clearance requirements and compliance
- Overhead line structure types and functions including guying
- Basic concepts of structure loading
- Introduction to NESC loading/strength requirements and compliance
- Overhead distribution grounding, insulation coordination and overvoltage protection
Some advance preparation is requested, including attending an orientation session on February 22 (Noon – 1 pm Eastern – this will be recorded) and logging into the line design software platform.
Accreditation
The following continuing education credits will be provided, after successfully completing 90% of all six live sessions. Certificates will be available by March 18. These sessions will be recorded, though certificates can only be awarded to those who participate in the live events.
- Recommended: CEUs 2.2/PDHs 22
Application Exercises/Homework
- Following each session, participants are expected to complete an online quiz to test their knowledge (required to receive a completion certificate).
- Participants will also be asked to work independently on line design exercises related to the topics presented (some exercises will be conducted during the live sessions).
- Further instructions will be provided at the beginning of Session One. The estimated time for completing these items is up to 1 hour per class day.
Line Design Software
You will use Utility Line Design software programs to perform line design calculations and application exercises, which will require you to download the program to your computer in advance of the course. We’ll provide detailed instructions on how to do so and be available to answer questions and troubleshoot as needed. You’ll receive complimentary software access for 30 days (from the start of the course).
Technology Requirements/What to Bring
- Computer: Each attendee needs to work from their own computer, to fully participate in the discussions and exercises.
- Contact Academy@PublicPower.org if you are participating as a group in a conference room.
- Zoom: You’ll need strong Internet access to run the Zoom meeting platform.
- Audio/Webcam: You will need to enable computer audio to listen and speak (alternatively a call-in number will be provided) and you will also need a webcam, so you can fully engage in the small group breakout sessions and group discussions.
- Kahoot! App: Instructors will use the Kahoot quiz app during and after live sessions. Please download the free app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) on your mobile device. You’ll receive a game PIN for each quiz.
- 2023 NESC: Participants are required to have a copy of the 2023 National Electrical Safety Code® on hand to reference during the course (hard copy or a digital version).
Instructors
Lead Instructor: R. John Miner, P.E., is an accomplished executive manager and educator with over 50 years of experience in the electric utility industry. He is president of Collaborative Learning, Inc., of Austin, Texas, and has been an APPA instructor for more than 35 years and an instructor for the University of Wisconsin for more than 20 years. Before forming his own company, he worked as C.O.O. for the Austin, Texas, Electric Utility Department (Austin Energy), General Manager of Rochester Public Utilities in Minnesota, and as an assistant professor at the University of Houston. John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering (with honors), and a Master of Science degree in engineering science, both from the University of Toledo. John is a Senior Life Member of the IEEE and is a registered Professional Engineer in the states of Texas and Minnesota.
M. Thomas Black, P.E., is an accomplished executive manager, consultant and course instructor with more than 35 years of experience in the electric and gas utility industries. In addition to working with Collaborative Learning, Tom’s experience includes employment with both municipal and investor-owned utilities across multiple jurisdictions in Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. He teaches a variety of courses on technical topics and also has extensive executive level experience in managing electric and gas utility systems, including serving as chief energy officer and energy delivery general manager. Tom has also served on the boards of RMEL (now Alltricity Network) and the Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities and is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Erich Schoennagel, P.E., has cultivated over 45 years of experience in the electric industry. He is a former manager and engineer with CenterPoint Energy and managed the Transmission Project Engineering group. Erich served for 15 years as a member advisor and chairman of the Underground Transmission Task Force for the Electric Power Research Institute until his retirement from CenterPoint Energy. There he directed research related to underground transmission and superconductivity. He was a board member of the annual TSDOS symposium, and a former member of the American Concrete Institute 336 committee related to foundation design and construction.
Disclosure: The instructors have no proprietary or financial interests in any products, services, or materials discussed in this course.
Questions?
- Registration/Billing: Registration@PublicPower.org
- Schedule/Content/Accreditation: Academy@PublicPower.org
Held in partnership with:
Collaborative Learning, Inc., and the Academy for Utility Line Design Professionals
Registration
Registration will be available soon!
Registration Fees
Save $200 when you register for both classes!
Registration is for individual access. If you have multiple people interested in attending, group discounts are available.
| Members* | |
| Overhead Distribution Systems Series: Includes Both Courses (save $200) | $2,990 |
| Overhead Distribution Systems Principles & Applications (January) | $1,495 |
| Best Practices in Overhead Distribution Line Design (February – March) | $1,795 |
| *Non-member pricing is double the member rate. | |
Group Discounts
Save money when your organization registers five or more people for the same class or the bundled series. The larger your group, the more you save! Registrations must be submitted on the same order (at the same time) to qualify for the group discount; discounts cannot be retroactively applied to previous orders.
If you need assistance, contact Registration@PublicPower.org.
| Number of registrants | Individual Courses | Discount (per person) - Bundled Series |
| 1-4 | n/a | n/a |
| 5-9 | $50 | $100 |
| 10-14 | $100 | $200 |
| 15-24 | $150 | $300 |
| 25+ | $200 | $400 |
Cancellations/No-Show/Refunds/Substitutions
All events will be recorded and attendees will automatically receive a copy of the recordings, in case you can’t attend live.
Registrants who cancel in writing at least 7 days before the first day of a course are entitled to a refund of their registration fee, minus a $100 cancellation fee. Registrants who cancel after that will not receive a refund, but attendee substitutions will be allowed for this event only. Registrants and no-shows who do not cancel at least 7 days before the course start date are responsible for the full registration fee and are not entitled to a refund.
Cancellation deadlines:
- Overhead Distribution Systems Virtual Series (both classes): Cancellations must be received on/before January 12
- Overhead Distribution Principles and Applications (virtual): Cancellations must be received on/before January 12
- Best Practices in Overhead Distribution Line Design (in-person): Cancellations must be received on/before February 16
Cancellation requests should be made through your My.PublicPower portal, or addressed to: Registration@PublicPower.org
Accreditation & Event Policies
Learn more about APPA’s Accreditation and Event Policies or contact APPA’s Education Team with questions.
Code of Conduct
All who register to participate, attend, speak at, or exhibit at an APPA Event, and all participants in APPA committees, work groups, courses, or other APPA groups, must agree to comply with this Code of Conduct (review and acceptance of the Code is included in the registration process).
Questions?
- Registration/Billing: Registration@PublicPower.org
- Schedule/Content/Accreditation: Academy@PublicPower.org
Accreditation
Earn While You Learn!
Participate in live virtual programs to earn IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs), Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and NASBA Continuing Professional Education credits (CPEs). Participate in live virtual programs to earn IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs), Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and NASBA Continuing Professional Education credits (CPEs)—credit availability, completion requirements, and number of credits vary by course and are confirmed with attendees upon registration and before and during a course.
Learn more about APPA’s Accreditation and Event Policies here.
Requirements for Successful Completion: Virtual
Registration is for individual access, so each person participating must register. If you have multiple people interested in attending, group discounts are available. To receive continuing education credits for live learning events, attendees must meet the requirements for successful completion which include:
- Attendance: Individuals must attend at least 90% of all live sessions (based on electronic timestamps in Zoom).
- Active participation: Engage in learning event activities (tracked electronically).
- Activities vary by class: Active participation in class will include engagement activities such as: Zoom polling/check-in questions, reactions and chat box contributions, and knowledge-check quizzes (all tracked electronically). There may also be small group breakout sessions, in-class exercises, and Q&A sessions.
- Information on participation requirements will be provided at least 24 hours before (and at the beginning of) class.
- Activities vary by class: Active participation in class will include engagement activities such as: Zoom polling/check-in questions, reactions and chat box contributions, and knowledge-check quizzes (all tracked electronically). There may also be small group breakout sessions, in-class exercises, and Q&A sessions.
- Online evaluation: Each person must complete an online evaluation after the course concludes (tracked electronically).
Important Notes
- Individual Registration: Each participant must register separately and will receive a unique Zoom login link. Attendees should join from their own computer to fully participate in discussions and exercises. Individual Zoom login links will be sent 24 hours before the course. Group discounts are available for multiple attendees.
- No Partial Credit: Credit cannot be awarded for partial attendance.
- Completion Certificates: Certificates will be available within two weeks of course completion via your APPA user portal (instructions provided) for those who meet the criteria for successful completion.
- Session Recordings: All virtual sessions are recorded (unless otherwise noted). Attendees will receive access within one week of the final session. Recordings remain available for 90 days, but continuing education credits require live attendance.
Guidelines for Group Participation in Virtual Events
- Individual Logins Recommended: If a group joins from a conference room, each participant should log in individually from a laptop to meet attendance and participation requirements.
- If Individual Logins Are Not Possible:
- Designate one point of contact for the group.
- Email Academy@PublicPower.org before the event with:
- Name of the person responsible for tracking attendance and participation (APPA can provide a sample tracker).
- Submit the completed attendance record to APPA within 2 business days after the event.
- Ensure each participant completes the required online evaluation.
Accreditation
What educational credits are available?
You can earn the following kinds of continuing education credits for attending live sessions — provided the Requirements for Successful Completion noted above are met:
Continuing Education Units (CEUs): The American Public Power Association is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training. For information regarding certification status, attendance requirements and obtaining attendee transcripts, contact Academy@PublicPower.org. Verify our IACET Accreditation.
Professional Development Hours (PDHs): The American Public Power Association’s educational practices are consistent with the criteria for awarding Professional Development Hours (PDHs) as established by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Course eligibility and number of PDHs may vary by state.
Questions?
- Registration/Billing: Registration@PublicPower.org
- Schedule/Content/Accreditation: Academy@PublicPower.org
Additional Information
Format and Log-In Information
These Group Internet based classes will be offered on the Zoom meeting platform.
Communication
- Within 24 Hours of Registration: You’ll receive a confirmation email with preliminary details about your course.
- 24 Hours before the event
- You’ll receive your Zoom log in link the day before the first session in a course (sent from the APPA Academy’s Zoom account <no-reply@zoom.us>)
- You’ll also receive a final logistics email 24 hours in advance of the first class.
- If you don’t receive this, email Academy@PublicPower.org
Course Access and Materials
- Zoom links: Zoom log in credentials will be sent out 24 hours before the start of the orientation session.
- Course materials: Attendees will receive access to course materials the day before each session through the "Documents" section of their My.PublicPower.org user portal.
- Recordings: All sessions will be recorded and can be accessed through your user portal as well (within a week of the last class in the program), in case you can’t attend the live versions. Recordings will be accessible for 90 days after the last session. Note: Continuing education credits can only be issued for attending live sessions.
Technology Requirements
- Computer: Each attendee needs to work from their own computer, to fully participate in the discussions and exercises.
- Contact Academy@PublicPower.org if you are participating as a group in a conference room.
- Zoom Meeting Access: You’ll need strong Internet access to run the Zoom meeting platform.
- Audio/Webcam: You will need to enable computer audio to listen and speak (alternatively a call-in number will be provided) and you will also need a webcam, so you can fully engage in the small group breakout sessions and group discussions.
- Download the Kahoot! App: The instructors will be using Kahoot during (and after) live sessions and will provide you with the game PIN number needed for each quiz. Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and download the free Kahoot! app on your phone.
New to Zoom?
If you haven't participated in a Zoom meeting before, please download the Zoom web client from the Zoom Download Center. This will enable you to access all of the Zoom tools and functionality vs. using the web version. Then, visit Zoom.us/test to ensure you are able to join a meeting.
If you are not able to download the Zoom web client, you can still participate via your Internet browser. We recommend using Chrome for the best results.
Privacy and Security
The American Public Power Association takes your privacy and security very seriously. For this reason, we have put the following security measures in place for this course:
- A random Meeting ID
- Password-protected
- Enabled waiting room to screen meeting participants
- Restricted screen sharing to hosts only
Questions?
- Registration/Billing: Registration@PublicPower.org
- Schedule/Content/Accreditation: Academy@PublicPower.org
