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FAST FACTS
OVERVIEW Line installers and cable splicers construct, maintain, and repair the vast net work of wires and cables that transmit telephone, cable television, the Internet, and electric power lines to commercial and residential customers. Line construction and cable splicing is a vital part of the communications system. Workers are involved in linking electricity between generation plants and homes and other buildings, merging phone communications between telephone central offices and customers, and bringing cable television stations to residences and other locations. There are approximately 275,000 line installers and cable splicers working in the United States. About 59 percent work in the telecommunications industry. HISTORY The occupation of line installers and cable splicers is related to major developments in electromagnetic technology since the late 19th century. The roots of this technology are traced to 1831, when Michael Faraday discovered electric induction. In the late 1880s came the invention and patents for the incandescent lamp, and by the turn of the century electric lighting was a common phenomenon throughout urban areas. The generation of electricity took on further commercial significance as the telecommunications industry was born after Alexander Graham Bell’s patent of the telephone in 1876. During the first quarter of the 20th century, the electronics industry focused on communications and broadcast entertainment. As the need developed for more and more telephone lines to connect distant points through out the country, line installers and cable splicers were trained and employed to construct and maintain these lines. After World War II, the television started to become a common addition in homes around the country. In the 1950s, cable television systems were designed for better reception of network broadcasts in remote areas, and by the 1970s such systems were becoming familiar to residential viewers. Extensive construction of cable systems began during the 1980s to provide service to people in all geographic regions. In the 1990s, many cable television companies started to use fiber optics for new systems and to upgrade existing systems. Fiber optic technology increases network capacity, thus allowing more channels to subscribers, and allows for higher-quality sound reception. Today, both cable television and telephone companies are using advanced technologies to modernize their equipment and build new telecommunications systems that allow voice, data, and video transmissions over the same lines. Telephone companies are building networks of cables and other equipment that will allow them to offer cable services, and cable television companies are entering the telephone business. Cox Communications and Cablevision Systems are examples of major cable operators offering phone, Internet, and cable service to homes and businesses in many markets. This is expected to generate increased construction activity during the 21st century; however, it is uncertain how many jobs will be generated from the expected boom, as much of the new equipment is maintenance-free and requires far fewer workers in terms of repairs and upkeep. THE JOB In the installation of new telephone and electric power lines, workers use power-driven machinery to first dig holes and erect the poles or towers that are used to support the cables. (In some areas, lines must be buried underground, and in these cases installers use power- driven equipment to dig and to place the cables in underground conduits.) These line installers, also called outside plant technicians and construction line workers, climb the poles using metal rungs (or they use truck-mounted work platforms) and install the necessary equipment and cables. Installers who work with telephone lines usually leave the ends of the wires free for cable splicers to connect afterward; installers who work with electric power lines usually do the splicing of the wires themselves. In addition to working with lines for electric power and telephones, installers set up lines for cable television transmission. Such lines carry broadcast signals from microwave towers to customer bases. Cable television lines are hung on the same poles with power and phone lines, or they are buried underground. In some cases, installers must attach other wires to the customer’s premises in order to connect the outside lines to indoor television sets. After line installers have completed the installation of under ground conduits or poles, wires, and cables, cable splicers complete the line connections; they also rearrange wires when lines are changed. To join the individual wires within the cable, splicers must cut the lead sheath and insulation from the cables. They then test or phase out each conductor to identify corresponding conductors in adjoining cable sections according to electrical diagrams and specifications. At each splice, they either wrap insulation around the wires and seal the joint with a lead sleeve or cover the splice with some other type of closure. Sometimes they fill the sheathing with pressurized air so that leaks can be located and repaired. In the past, copper was the material of choice for cables, but fiber optics are now replacing the outdated material. Fiber optic cables are hair-thin strands of glass that transmit signals more efficiently than do copper wires. For work with fiber optic cable, splicing is performed in workshop vans located near the splice area. Splicers of copper cables do their work on aerial platforms, down in man holes, in basements, or in underground vaults where the cables are located. Preventive maintenance and repair work occupy major portions of the line installer’s and cable splicer’s time. When wires or cables break or poles are knocked down, workers are sent immediately to make emergency repairs. Such repair work is usually necessary after the occurrence of such disasters as storms and earthquakes. The line crew supervisor is notified when there is a break in a line and is directed to the trouble spot by workers who keep a check on the condition of all lines in given areas. During the course of routine periodic inspection, the line installer also makes minor repairs and line changes. Workers often use electric and gas pressure tests to detect possible trouble. To allow for the demands of high-speed, high-definition trans missions, many telecommunications companies are installing fiber optic cables. The use of hybrid fiber/coax systems requires far less maintenance than traditional copper-based networks. Line installers and cable splicers will spend significantly less time repairing broken wires and cables once hybrid fiber/coax systems become more prevalent. As the cost of fiber cables decrease and become more in line with the costs of copper cables, more cable companies will make the switch. Included in this occupation are many specialists, such as the following: section line maintainers, tower line repairers, line construction checkers, tower erectors, and cable testers. Other types of related workers include troubleshooters, test desk trouble locators, steel-post installers, radio interference investigators, and electric power-line examiners. REQUIREMENTS High School You’ll need math courses to prepare for the technical nature of this career. While in high school you should also take any shop classes that will teach you the principles of electricity and how to work with it. In addition, you will benefit from taking any classes that deal with electricity at a vocational or technical college in your area. Other high school shop classes, such as machinery, will give you the opportunity to work with tools and improve your hand-eye coordination. Science classes that involve lab work will also be beneficial. Take computer classes so that you will be able to use this tool in your professional life. Because you may be frequently interacting with customers, take English, speech, and other courses that will help you develop communication skills. Postsecondary Training Many companies prefer to hire applicants with a high school diploma or the equivalent. Although specific educational courses are not required, you’ll need certain qualifications. It is helpful to have some knowledge of the basic principles of electricity and the procedures involved in line installation; such information can be obtained through attending technical programs or having been a member of the armed forces. Many employers, particularly for cable television installation, prefer to hire applicants who have received some technical training or completed a trade school or technical program that offers certification classes in technology such as fiber optics. Training can also be obtained through special classes offered through trade associations. The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) offers seminars that provide hands-on, technical training. In many companies, entry-level employees must complete a for mal apprenticeship program combining classroom instruction with supervised on-the-job training. These programs often last several years and are administered by both the employer and the union representing the employees. The programs may involve computer- assisted instruction as well as hands-on experience with simulated environments. cif-telecom-104.jpg Work in this field often involves climbing poles and ladders, so you’ll need to feel comfortable with heights. Certification or Licensing Though not a requirement for employment, certification demonstrates to employers that a line installer has achieved a certain level of technical training and has been proven qualified to perform certain functions. The SCTE offers several certification designations to applicants who show technical knowledge and practical skills by passing both multiple-choice and essay-based examinations. (Contact information for the SCTE is listed at the end of this article.) Employers may also give pre-employment tests to applicants to determine verbal, mechanical, and mathematical aptitudes; some employers test applicants for such physical qualifications as stamina, balance, coordination, and strength. Workers who drive a company vehicle need a driver’s license and a good driving record. Unions represent many workers, and union membership may be required as a condition for employment. Two unions that represent many line installers and cable splicers are the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the Communications Workers of America (CWA). Other Requirements You’ll need manual dexterity and to be in good physical shape. Much of your work will involve climbing poles and ladders, so you’ll need to feel comfortable with heights. You also need to be strong in order to carry heavy equipment up poles and ladders. Also, because lines and cables are color coded, you should have the ability to distinguish such colors. You may have extensive contact with the public and need to be polite and courteous. EXPLORING In high school or vocational school, you can test your ability and interest in the occupations of line installer and cable splicer through courses in mathematics, electrical applications, and machine shop. To observe line installers and cable splicers at work, it may be possible to have a school counselor arrange a field trip by calling the public relations office of the local telecommunications company. Direct training and experience in telephone work may be gained in the armed forces. Frequently, those who have received such training are given preference for job openings and may be hired in positions above the entry level. EMPLOYERS There are approximately 275,000 line installers and cable splicers working in the United States. About 59 percent work in the telecommunications industry. Most work for telephone or cable television companies. They also find work with electric power companies. Some installers also work for the freelance construction companies that contract with telecommunications companies. STARTING OUT Those who meet the basic requirements and are interested in becoming either a line installer or a cable splicer may inquire about job openings by directly contacting the personnel offices of local telephone companies, utility companies, and cable television providers. Those enrolled in a trade school or technical institute may be able to find out about job openings through their schools’ career services office. Occasionally, employers will contact teachers and program administrators, so it is helpful to check with them also. Some positions are advertised through classified advertisements in the newspaper. Because many line installers are members of unions such as the CWA and the IBEW, job seekers can contact their local offices for job leads and assistance or visit these unions’ Web sites. ADVANCEMENT Entry-level line installers are generally hired as helpers, trainees, or ground workers; cable splicers tend to work their way up from the position of line installer. After successfully completing an on-the-job training program, the employee will be assigned either as a line crew member under the guidance of a line supervisor or as a cable splicer’s helper under the guidance of experienced splicers. Cable splicers’ helpers advance to positions of qualified cable splicers after three to four years of working experience. Both the line installer and the cable splicer must continue to receive training throughout their careers, not only to qualify for advancement but also to keep up with the technological changes that occur in the industry. Usually it takes line installers about six years to reach top pay for their job; top pay for cable splicers is earned after about five to seven years of work experience. In companies represented by unions, opportunities for advancement may be based on seniority. Workers who demonstrate technical expertise in addition to certain personal characteristics, such as good judgment, planning skills, and the ability to deal with people, may progress to foremen or line crew supervisors. With additional training, the line installer or the cable splicer may advance to telephone installer, telephone repairer, communications equipment technician, or another higher ranked position. EARNINGS For line installers and cable splicers, earnings vary according to different regions of the country, and as with most occupations, work experience and length of service determine advances in scale. The U.S. Department of Labor reports the following median annual earnings for telecommunications line installers and repairers by employer in 2006: wired telecommunications carriers, $55,620; telecommunications resellers, $54,420; cable and other subscription programming, $39,720; and cable and other program distribution, $38,800. Salaries for all line installers and repairers ranged from less than $24,700 to $68,220 or more per year. When emergencies arise and overtime is necessary during unscheduled hours, workers are guaranteed a minimum rate of pay that is higher than their regular rate. Beginning workers and those with only a few years of experience make significantly less than more experienced workers. As mentioned earlier, the turnover rate in these occupations is low; therefore, many workers are in the higher wage categories. Also, cable splicers who work with fiber optics tend to earn more than those who work with copper cables. Telecommunications companies often provide workers with many benefits. Although benefits vary from company to company, in general, most workers receive paid holidays, vacations, and sick leaves. In addition, most companies offer medical, dental, and life insurance plans. Some companies offer pension plans. WORK ENVIRONMENT Most line installers and cable splicers work standard 40-hour weeks, though evening and weekend work is not unusual. For example, line installers and cable splicers who work for construction companies may need to schedule their work around contractors’ activities and then be required to rush to complete a job on schedule. Shift work, such as four 10-hour days or working Tuesday through Saturday, is common for many workers. Most workers earn extra pay for any work over 40 hours a week. Some workers are on call 24 hours a day and need to be available for emergencies. Both occupations require that workers perform their jobs outdoors, often in severe weather conditions when emergency repairs are needed. There is a great deal of climbing involved in these occupations, and some underground work must he done in stooped and cramped conditions. Cable splicers sometimes perform their work on board a marine craft if they are employed with an underwater cable crew. The work can be physically demanding and poses significant risk of injury from shocks (for workers who install electric power lines) or falls. The hazards of this work have been greatly reduced, though, by concerted efforts to establish safety standards. Such efforts have been put forward by the telecommunications companies, utility companies, and appropriate labor unions. OUTLOOK The U.S. Department of Labor anticipates that employment for line installers and cable splicers will grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2016, though the trend will vary among industries. For example, average employment growth is expected for those working specifically for electric companies, while those working as telephone or cable television installers are predicted to have slower-than-average job opportunities due to the growing popularity of wireless and satellite telecommunications technology. There tends to be a low rate of employee turnover, but new employees will be needed to replace those who retire or leave the field. FOR MORE INFORMATION For information about union representation, contact Communications Workers of America 501 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001-2797 Tel: 202-434-1100 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 900 Seventh Street, NW Washington, DC 20001-3886 Tel: 202-833-7000 For information on careers and the cable industry, contact National Cable and Telecommunications Association 25 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 100 Washington, DC 20001-1434 Tel: 202-222-2300 For information on training seminars and certification, contact Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers 140 Philips Road Exton, PA 19341-1318 Tel: 800-542-5040 Email: scte@scte.org For information about conferences, special programs, and member ship, contact Women in Cable Telecommunications 14555 Avion Parkway, Suite 250 Chantilly, VA 20151-1117 Tel: 703-234-9810 PREV: Industrial
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