Lineman's and Cableman's Handbook

The definitive guide to distribution and transmission line technology―fully revised for the latest standards

Thoroughly updated to reflect the 2023 National Electrical Safety Code® (NESC®), this classic resource explains the principles and practices of electric transmission and distribution line construction, operation, and maintenance. You will get comprehensive coverage of the newest equipment, techniques, and procedures along with current OSHA, ANSI, and ASTM regulations. Detailed illustrations and photos make it easy to understand the material, and self-test questions and exercises reinforce key concepts. An industry standard since 1928, this guide also serves as a valuable on-the-job reference for electric transmission and distribution grid system professionals.

The Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook, Fourteenth Edition covers:

Electrical principles * Electric systems * Substations * Construction specifications * Wood-pole, aluminum, concrete, fiberglass, and steel structures * Distribution automation * Emergency system restoration * Unloading, hauling, erecting, setting, and guying poles * Insulators, crossarms, and conductor supports * Line conductors * Distribution transformers * Lightning and surge protection * Fuses and substation relays * Switches, sectionalizers, and reclosers * Voltage regulators * Transmission tower erection * Stringing, sagging, and joining line conductors * Live-line maintenance * Grounding * Street lighting * Underground distribution * Vegetation management * Distribution transformer installation * Electrical drawing symbols * Single-line and schematic diagrams * Voltage regulation * Units of measurement, electrical definitions, electrical formulas, and calculations * Maintenance of transmission and distribution lines * Rope, knots, splices, and gear * Climbing and wood poles * Protective equipment * OSHA 1910.269 * Resuscitation * Pole-top and bucket rescue 

Thomas M. Shoemaker (deceased) was a consulting electrical engineer and Lifetime Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). He was inducted into the International Lineman’s Museum Hall of Fame, Shelby, North Carolina, in 2008.

James E. Mack retired from MidAmerican Energy Company. He is a senior member of IEEE and a member of ASTM International and National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE).

James E. Mack (Moline, IL) is Manager, Operations Support, at the Mid-American Energy Company. He is an active committee member of the Missouri Valley Electrical Association. He is a member of IEEE and NSPE.