POWERGRAMS

4 For years, Storeroom Operations Materialman Derek Largin longed for a better way to move a 245,000-volt circuit breaker. He eventually devised a process, which manufacturers are embracing. "This is something that could revolutionize the entire industry," said Engineer Neil Hutchins, Transmission Substation Design and Support. Largin's idea of using forklifts bypasses the conventional method of overhead cranes to move the gargantuan breakers weighing 5 tons and costing $80,000 to $100,000. Largin's method allows the blades of the lift to slide through tubular slots on a breaker, providing stability, reducing slippage and making it a one-man job, which slashes in half the time needed to move a breaker. The idea sparked in Largin's mind three years ago when he noticed an increase in usage of breakers. His idea failed to get traction until he teamed with Hutchins in May 2014. It took a year for them to reach a legal agreement with one of the main manufacturers of 245-kV breakers. Largin demonstrated the process for manufacturers to show how much better it works with steel tubes. He performed a move using the traditional method, which lasted 10 minutes. He then showcased his method, which took only three minutes. As a result, three companies – Siemens, Mitsubishi and Hitachi – have agreed to manufacture their breakers to be compatible with Largin's forklift option. "When it comes to operating a forklift, he's the most talented in the company," Hutchins said. "Derek has zero drops or damages." Despite Largin's expertise, he and Hutchins are confident anyone in the field with forklift experience can move a breaker using the new method, in any weather condition. "I'm just glad someone finally took the time to look at it for changes to be made," Largin said. "Before, it was an accident waiting to happen. The new design stabilizes these units enough to ensure the safety of the crew and the equipment." Hutchins predicts the impact of Largin's idea will spread far beyond the General Services Complex where it originated. "This could inspire reinvention in many departments" throughout Alabama Power, Hutchins said. By Morgan Ingram Employee's idea changing high-voltage breaker industry INNOVATION Largin's method makes moving 5-ton breakers a one-man job. Photos by Nancy Prater

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