This handbook covers basic principles and efficient procedures for the construction, operation and maintenance of overhead and underground electric distribution and transmission lines. It shows how to maintain systems at peak capacity, avoid expensive errors, diagnose and repair failures and ensure optimum safety through sound preventative practices. The eighth edition has been updated to include new information on accident prevention (including Occupational, Safety and Health Act Standards and National Safety Code Rules), a section on Tomcat equipment that can be used to repair high-voltage transmission lines, addtional material on high pressure sodium street lighting, and revised coverage of polyvinyl chloride duct use and helicopter-assisted maintenance of energized high voltage transmission lines. Shoemaker's investigation of accidents involving lineman make his coverage of accident and injury prevention particularly valuable.