Introduction to Overhead Distribution Line Design
Introduction to Overhead Distribution Line Design
 
A comprehensive online program for electric utility and consulting engineers and designers
Orientation: May 12, 2026 | 10:00-11:00 a.m. MDT
Six Course Sessions: May 13-14, May 20-21 & June 3-4, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. MDT each day

Alltricity Network, in cooperation with Collaborative Learning, Inc. and the Academy for Utility Line Design Professionals, is offering a comprehensive e-learning course that you won’t want to miss! 

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. Participants in this program will be better able to prepare designs that are safe, reliable, and in compliance with the requirements of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC). Participants will also return to their work better prepared to help their organizations adopt design practices that comply with applicable professional engineering laws and regulations. A key part of this program is the in-depth presentation and understanding of engineering principles and their practical application using line design engineering software as a learning tool.

Who Should Attend

This course has value for those who work at all levels of overhead distribution line design and should be attended by:

  • Engineering Managers
  • Design Engineers
  • Design/Staking Supervisors & Technicians
  • Resident Engineers
  • Consultant Engineers

Attendees will receive a certificate for 22.0 Professional Development Hours (PDHs).  


Register Now!  

 
Location

Online Course via Zoom

This program will be presented in six (6) “live” half-day sessions. Following each session, participants are expected to work independently on-line design exercises related to the topics presented.

 

 
 
 
 
 
Course Schedule & Details
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All times in Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) 

COURSE ORIENTATION - TUESDAY, May 12, 2026

» 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. 

Session 1 - Wednesday, may 13, 2026

» 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

» Topics: 

  • Overhead distribution fundamentals (function, design voltages, structural components, equipment types, safety considerations, risks, and terminology)
  • Overhead line legal, regulatory, and business accountabilities
  • Overhead line design criteria and construction standards
  • Overhead line design process, documentation, and best practices
  • NESC Part 2: General Requirements applied to overhead lines
  • Overhead joint use
Session 2 - Thursday, may 14, 2026

» 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

» Topics: 

  • Maximum tension determination
  • Sag and tension design
  • Engineering specifications
  • Overview and demo of conductor/cable sag-tension software 
  • Conductor/cable sag-tension application examples and assigned practice problems
Session 3 - Wednesday, may 20, 2026

» 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

» Topics: 

  • Overhead line clearances (NESC Sections 220-239)
  • Overhead line clearances – practice problems
Session 4 - Thursday, may 21, 2026

» 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

» Topics: 

  • NESC requirements for supporting structure design (loading conditions and strength requirements)
  • Determination of mechanical forces on supporting structures 
  • Overhead line guying and anchoring design considerations
  • Supporting structure loading application examples and assigned practice problems
Session 5 - Wednesday, June 3, 2026

» 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

» Topics (sessions 5 & 6): 

  • Wood poles (types, treatments, dimensions, strength classes, and specifications)
  • Manufactured poles (types, characteristics, NESC equivalent designs, and specifications
  • Pole embedment designs
  • Supporting structure loading application examples and assigned practice problems
  • Pole sizing example
  • Supporting structure loading application examples and assigned practice problems
Session 6 - Thursday, June 4, 2026

» 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

» Topics (sessions 5 & 6): 

  • Wood poles (types, treatments, dimensions, strength classes, and specifications)
  • Manufactured poles (types, characteristics, NESC equivalent designs, and specifications
  • Pole embedment designs
  • Supporting structure loading application examples and assigned practice problems
  • Pole sizing example
  • Supporting structure loading application examples and assigned practice problems
learning methods

This program is applications-oriented, including online lecture, interaction, and learning by doing. All sessions incorporate high-quality presentations by qualified instructors, Q&A, group interaction, and hands-on exercises.  Participants will be provided the opportunity to perform more than twenty-five (25) line design practice problems using engineering software that is provided as a learning tool.

PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Obtain a print or digital copy of the 2023 National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and have it available during all sessions.
  • Attend and actively participate in 90% of all live events
  • Complete in-class and after-class Kahoot quizzes 
  • Complete in-class and after-class Practice Problems
  • Complete an evaluation at the end of Session 3 and at the end of the program

Program developers and instructors R. John Miner, Erich Schoennagel, P.E. Tom Black, P.E. and Tom DeBell. P.E. have over 150 years of combined experience in distribution line design and the electric utility industry.

R. John Miner, P.E., President & Principal Consultant, Collaborative Learning, Inc.

Erich F. Schoennagel, P.E., Consultant/Educator, Collaborative Learning, Inc.

M. Thomas Black, P.E., Consultant/Educator, Collaborative Learning, Inc.

Tom DeBell, P.E., Consultant/Educator, Collaborative Learning, Inc.

 
Pricing

Registration fees include: Instructors, electronic handouts (if applicable), and upon completion, a continuing education certificate for 22.0 professional development hours (PDHs).

If you are a non-member and interested in participating, please contact us at info@alltricitynetwork.org for available options. To become an Alltricity Network member and receive significant discounts for this course, all other Alltricity Network events, as well as other membership benefits, contact Alltricity Network at info@alltricitynetwork.org for more information.

MEMBER

STANDARD

COURSE

$1,795

 

Cancellation & Refund Policy: 100% of fees are refundable if cancellation is received 29 days or more before the event date. If cancellation is received by 12:00 p.m. MDT on April 28, 2026, 50% of the registration fee will be refunded. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after this date and time. Substitutions are welcome and preferred if the original registrant can no longer attend. To transfer a registration, please notify Alltricity Network at info@alltricitynetwork.org by May 7, 2026.

 
Questions about this event?

 

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Englewood, CO 80112*

*Please note our new address!

phone: (303) 865-5544
email: info@alltricitynetwork.org

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