Chongqing- Before the May Day holiday, many electric workers had kept working to ensure the electricity supply. They entered the underground tunnel and used advanced equipment to test cables.
Here we share a story about the electric guardians in the underground tunnel.
On April 27, in an underground cable tunnel on Juxian Avenue in Fuling High-tech Zone, Fuling Electric Power Company workers had their hands full. They busily carried out special security patrols to ensure electricity use during the holiday.
Now, let's go underground with the workers to record their busy work.
First, workers prepared inspection tools like ladders, safety helmets, and flashlights. After checking all the tools, Wu Yong, a team leader of the company, and his colleague Ran Ke were ready to enter the tunnel.
Workers were checking equipment. (Photo/Huang He)
According to Wu, this tunnel has more than 20 cables responsible for transmitting electrical energy to enterprises and urban living areas in the high-tech zone. "This tunnel is also known as an invisible artery, which plays a critical role in urban development," said Wu Yong.
Before entering the tunnel, workers needed to use a gas detector to detect the oxygen content and toxic gases. "The data is normal, the oxygen content is sufficient, and no harmful gas is found. We can go down now," said Ran.
Workers use professional equipment to test oxygen levels and toxic gases before going underground. (Photo/Huang He)
Then Wu and Ran entered the tunnel through the ladder. The entrance is relatively narrow to accommodate only one person, so they must be cautious when going down.
Electric workers prepare to go underground. (Photo/Huang He)
When entering the tunnel, they could vaguely see some situations with the light from the wellhead. Then it was pitch black after a dozen meters further, and they could only continue moving with the help of flashlights.
"The middle joint of the cable is 24 degrees, and the temperature is normal." Wu Yong took the infrared thermometer and scanned the cable carefully. According to Wu, "temperature" is the data that can reflect the cable's operation best. If the temperature increases significantly, insulation breakdown and other conditions may result in a power interruption.
Workers detect the operating temperature of cables. (Photo/Huang He)
Workers detect the operating temperature of cables. (Photo/Huang He)
After the inspection, they carefully handed the testing equipment to another colleague at the wellhead and then climbed up the ladder warily.
Back to the ground. (Photo/Huang He)
"With the rapid growth of urban construction, underground cables are increasing yearly. So far, we have more than 500 kilometers of lines to manage. Every month, we have to inspect vital cables around the whole region. Due to the rising precipitation in the coming summer, we worry that the cable tunnel may accumulate water and affect the power supply, so we have arranged more inspections," said Wu.
Around the May Day holiday, electric workers in the cable crew of Fuling Electric Power Company conduct daily patrols. They will be on duty 24 hours a day to prevent cable breakage, ensure people's life safety, and enterprises' regular operation.