Protecting Electrical Infrastructure through Regular Inspections
At Southland Utility Services, our Field Inspections Department is dedicated to inspecting and safeguarding electrical distribution equipment from the substations down to the individual service lines that supply power to homes. Each year, our Field Inspectors conduct thorough inspections of all electrical infrastructure, identifying issues and assessing equipment conditions to ensure reliable, uninterrupted service for consumers. All Southland Field Inspectors carry company-issued photo badges for easy identification.
Working closely with CHELCO (Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative), our Field Inspectors provide timely, detailed reports that help identify any need for maintenance or repairs before they develop into major issues. This proactive approach helps prevent power outages and maintain high-quality service for CHELCO’s members.
What Equipment We Inspect
Our Field Inspectors perform visual inspections on a wide range of electrical distribution equipment. Without physically touching the equipment, they evaluate each component’s condition for potential damage, discrepancies, or signs of wear. Inspections include, but are not limited to, the following equipment:
- Primary and Secondary Electric Lines: Assessing overhead and underground power lines from substations to homes for safe and reliable power distribution.
- Power Poles and Drop Poles: Inspecting poles for structural integrity and signs of damage.
- Transformers (Pad Mounted and Overhead): Checking for any maintenance needs in pad-mounted and overhead transformers to ensure efficient operation.
- Pedestals, Switch/Junction Cabinets, and Capacitors: Verifying the condition and functionality of pedestals, cabinets, and capacitors within the system.
- Switch Gear, Fuse Banks, and Fuses: Ensuring that all switch gear and fuses are operational and in good condition.
- Lightning Arrestors and Surge Protectors: Confirming the effectiveness of lightning arrestors and surge protectors to prevent equipment damage from power surges.
- Meters, Meter Bases, and Service Risers: Inspecting meters, bases, and service risers to ensure accurate readings and secure connections.
- Additional Components: Our inspections also cover seals, eye bolts, ground rods, wires, insulators, cross arms, guy wires, and shields to verify they meet safety and operational standards.
Qualified and Safety-Focused Field Inspectors
Our Field Inspectors receive extensive training in both technical assessment and customer service. They are certified annually in the latest safety practices, ensuring they can effectively analyze equipment conditions from a safe distance and without direct contact. Each inspector is also trained to prioritize Safety First in all inspections and interactions, adhering to strict guidelines for safety and service excellence.
In addition to technical expertise, inspectors are trained to provide friendly, respectful service to the communities they work in. Should a Field Inspector need access to an area on your property, they will communicate clearly and professionally to minimize disruption while carrying out essential inspections for CHELCO’s infrastructure.
How Inspections Benefit Consumers
Regular inspections are crucial in maintaining a stable and safe electrical distribution system. By identifying issues early, Southland’s Field Inspectors help CHELCO prevent potential outages and equipment failures, directly contributing to the reliability of the service that consumers depend on. From spotting minor wear and tear to detecting the need for major maintenance, our inspection process ensures that consumers benefit from a resilient power supply and fewer interruptions.
Supporting Safe and Effective Field Inspections
If you see a Southland Field Inspector on your property, please know that they are there to conduct vital inspections that benefit your service reliability. Field Inspectors follow strict safety and professional standards, working respectfully and efficiently to complete inspections with minimal disturbance. Please Allow Field Inspectors Access for Safe Inspections
Field Inspections Photo Gallery
