All posts by Tanner Rader

News

Good Catch: Failed Primary Feed

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Good Catch Overview

An InfraSource Harrisburg storm crew was dispatched to address a breaker outage affecting a large commercial customer. After patrolling the line, the crew determined the issue was in a section of underground primary cable. They contacted the System Operator (SO), who decided to re-energize for testing.

As soon as the breaker closed, the crew heard a problem in the underground cable and instructed the SO to open it back up. When they entered the switchgear room, they found it full of smoke and quickly opened the doors to ventilate the area.

Action Taken

Upon investigation, the crew discovered two newly installed primary feeds zip-tied to the energized bus. One feed had failed, and the other was tracking across the bus. The SO was contacted to de-energize the other feed, allowing the crew to safely remove the zip ties and inspect the cable.

Potential Hazard

If this issue had gone unnoticed, the energized bus and failed feed could have caused severe electrical hazards, including equipment damage, arc flash, or injury to personnel.

Outcome

The crew’s quick thinking and thorough inspection prevented a dangerous situation and ensured the safety of the facility and workers.

Kudos to the Harrisburg crew for their alertness and decisive action. Their commitment to safety and hazard reporting reflects the values of our safety culture—where every team member is empowered to observe, respond, and protect.

News

Commitment Coin Awarded After Swift, Life-Saving Response

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Adam Terpay, Daniel Tyler, Jeff Bidden, Mark Becht, Xavier Ingram, and Brad Klucsarits were honored with a Commitment Coin for their outstanding response during a critical incident.

The team was called into action after a 911 report of an electrocution. As details emerged, IFS crews were quickly dispatched to the scene. Working alongside first responders, the team sectionalized the circuit, restoring power to a busy city center while ensuring safety remained the top priority.

The incident involved a father-and-son painting crew operating a non-insulated articulating boom lift. Tragically, they made contact with an energized primary line. Thanks to the swift and professional efforts of IFS crews, the painters were safely extracted, allowing emergency services to provide immediate care.

Despite the high-stakes nature of the call and added pressure from media presence and onlookers, the IFS team remained calm, composed, and focused. Their professionalism ensured a safe resolution. We’re relieved to share that the individual who made contact with the primary is expected to make a full recovery.

In recognition of the crews extraordinary actions, they each were awarded the Quanta Commitment Coin—a prestigious honor reserved for individuals who exemplify exceptional safety practices and unwavering dedication to the well-being of others.

Matt Sarmento and Nick Christoff presented the Commitment Coin. Outstanding work, team!

Photo (Left to Right): Matt Sarmento, Nick Christoff, Adam Terpay, Daniel Tyler, Jeff Bidden, Mark Becht.

Not pictured: Xavier Ingram and Brad Klucsarits.

News

Beyond the Job: A Crew Member’s Quiet Heroism

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While conducting a routine inspection, Allan demonstrated extraordinary compassion and presence of mind in a moment that went far beyond the scope of their daily responsibilities. 

During the inspection, Allan was approached by a man who initiated a conversation with a simple question: “How are you doing today?” After exchanging greetings, the man revealed he was in distress, stating, “I want to kill myself,” before lying down in the middle of the road. 

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the crew member responded calmly and empathetically: “Whatever you have going on, this isn’t the way to deal with it. How about we get out of the road and talk for a little while?” He offered the man cold water and stayed by his side, despite the man’s initial refusal to move. 

After a few minutes of conversation, the man agreed to a deal: he would move to the trailer in exchange for the water. As the crew member walked to retrieve it, he flagged down a passing hospital worker and asked them to alert the nearby fire department. 

By the time he returned, the man had again laid down in the road. The crew member remained with him, ensuring his safety until the fire department arrived. Ultimately, the responders were able to convince the man to accept transport to a hospital for care. 

In recognition of his extraordinary actions, Allan was awarded the Quanta Commitment Coin—a prestigious honor reserved for individuals who exemplify exceptional safety practices and unwavering dedication to the well-being of others.

This act of compassion, quick thinking, and unwavering commitment to safety and humanity exemplifies the spirit of the Quanta Commitment Coin. It’s a reminder that our greatest impact often comes not from the tasks we perform, but from the care we show to others—especially in their most vulnerable moments. 

News

Good Catch: Barn Fire Prevented

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Good Catch Overview
While arriving at a job site one morning, a crew member noticed a large fire dangerously close to a nearby barn. Strong winds were pushing the flames directly toward the structure, creating an urgent and hazardous situation.

Action Taken
The crew member quickly pulled into the homeowner’s driveway and found them unaware of the fire’s resurgence. After alerting them to the danger, they contacted a teammate to bring a vac truck to the scene. Using the truck’s water supply, they worked together to extinguish the flames before they reached the barn.

Outcome & Impact
Thanks to quick thinking and decisive action, the fire was extinguished before it could cause serious damage. The homeowners expressed deep gratitude, and a potentially devastating incident was successfully averted.

Kudos to the crew for their vigilance and commitment to safety. Their actions exemplify our safety-first culture—where every team member is empowered to observe, speak up, and act to prevent incidents before they occur.

Projects

Project Spotlight: Emergency Repair of 138kV HPFF Transmission Line

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InfraSource crews were recently mobilized to respond to an emergency leak on a high-pressure fluid-filled (HPFF) underground transmission line. The situation required immediate action to prevent further damage and restore service safely and efficiently.

The team executed both civil and electrical scopes of work, including excavation of freeze pits, installation of protective structures, and restoration of the transmission line. Electrical crews performed freeze operations, welded sleeve repairs, valve replacements, and fluid refills to bring the line back to full service.

Throughout the project, InfraSource coordinated closely with local businesses to minimize disruption. Custom signage was installed to maintain safe access to nearby storefronts and parking areas.

This project demonstrates InfraSource’s ability to respond quickly to critical infrastructure needs while maintaining safety, precision, and community awareness.

Projects

Project Spotlight: Michigan Solar Farm

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InfraSource crews are contributing to the development of a major renewable energy initiative in Michigan. The project involves directional drilling operations to support underground conduit systems, which are essential for solar panel connectivity and energy transmission.

Despite challenging ground conditions and intense summer heat, the team has completed 71 directional drills totaling over 20,000 feet. These operations are laying the groundwork for efficient and reliable solar energy distribution across the region.

Crews utilized a Vermeer 40×55 drill rig to install conduit ranging in diameter from 4 to 8 inches. The longest drill reached 960 feet, while the shortest measured 130 feet—each contributing to the infrastructure needed to power thousands of homes with clean energy.

This work reflects InfraSource’s commitment to supporting sustainable energy solutions through safe, precise, and resilient field operations.

Projects

Project Spotlight: Failed Conductor on Railroad Bridge

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InfraSource crews completed a vital infrastructure restoration project on a Railroad Bridge. The team was tasked with replacing a failed conductor that maintained the electrical tie between two substations.

Due to the bridge’s active rail traffic and strategic location, the project required close coordination with railroad personnel. Crews used rail-certified equipment and flagging support to safely access and work on the bridge.

Specialized equipment, including an Altec 55MH and an Altec AT48 outfitted with rail gear, allowed the team to perform elevated work and conductor handling directly on the bridge structure.

Protective measures were implemented to safeguard the river environment and ensure crew safety during operations near active rail lines. The successful restoration of the electrical tie-point improved system reliability and load balancing across the region.

News

Good Catch: Melted Shoe Discovered on Storm-Damaged Line

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Good Catch Overview

While responding to a storm-damaged single-phase LBD, the IFS crew initially found no visible damage. However, a closer inspection revealed a black burn mark below the tap dead-end, tracking toward the pole-to-pole guy wire.

Action Taken

An apprentice discovered that the dead-end insulator had flashed over, and the dead-end shoe was melted. The crew replaced both components and safely re-energized the line.

Had this gone unnoticed, the line could have continued tracking, potentially burning the ground or energizing the guy wire—posing a serious risk to future personnel.

Kudos to the IFS crew for their vigilance and dedication. Their actions reflect the core values of our safety culture—where every team member is encouraged to observe, question, and act to prevent hazards before they become incidents.

News

Good Catch: Dual Hot Legs Discovered During Streetlight Maintenance

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Good Catch Overview

While replacing and straightening streetlights, the IFS crew discovered a hazardous wiring issue. Upon opening the transformer, they noticed both hot legs were connected to the streetlight—despite the lights only requiring one hot leg at 120 volts.

Action Taken

The crew initiated a Stop Timeout, de-energized the secondary, and tested the light pole. Upon opening the streetlight door, they found the second hot leg exposed and untaped. They safely terminated the wire ends and re-energized the system after verifying voltage.

If the crew had not verified the transformer setup, the energized pole could have caused electric shock or arc flash, posing a serious risk to both workers and the public.

Thanks to their vigilance and adherence to safety protocols, the crew prevented a potentially dangerous situation.

Kudos to the IFS Crew for their vigilance and dedication. Their actions reflect the core values of our safety culture—where every team member is encouraged to observe, question, and act to prevent hazards before they become incidents.

News

Local Lineman Hailed as Hero After Life-Saving Act at Gas Station

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What began as a routine fuel stop quickly turned into a life-or-death situation—and thanks to the swift actions of Connor, a Journeyman Lineman with InfraSource, a life was saved.

While waiting in line at a local gas station, Connor witnessed an elderly man suddenly collapse, striking his head on the counter. Without hesitation, Connor sprang into action. He immediately assessed the man’s condition, determined he was unconscious, and directed the store attendant to call 911.

Relying on his First Aid and CPR training, Connor administered life-saving care, monitoring the man’s condition and keeping him stable and comfortable until emergency medical services arrived. His calm, decisive response ensured the man received critical care during those crucial early moments.

Witnesses and first responders praised Connor’s quick thinking and readiness to help. “All parties involved are thankful Connor was present, willing to help, and is well trained for this circumstance,” said a spokesperson from InfraSource.

In recognition of his extraordinary actions, Connor was awarded the Quanta Commitment Coin—a prestigious honor reserved for individuals who exemplify exceptional safety practices and unwavering dedication to the well-being of others.

Connor’s actions not only reflect his personal courage and preparedness but also embody InfraSource’s core values and commitment to safety. His story is a powerful reminder of how one person’s training and willingness to act can make a life-saving difference.