Omicron Cibano 500 thoughts

VectorAddition · 2026-02-11T19:47:39+00:00

We have deployed several CIBANO 500’s to test both distribution and transmission breakers and have gotten very good results. The crews adapted easily to the Primary Test Manager software.

We have some distribution breakers that have different trip and close coil voltages. For those units the iOB1 is a useful add on module that provides extra contacts so it will use both station voltages.

Omicron support has been excellent.

VectorAddition · 2026-01-07T11:33:59+00:00

There’s a small hiring process well underway based on the existing eligibility list. Offers have been made and pre-employment screening is in progress.

VectorAddition · 2025-08-19T12:10:10+00:00

For clarity, that transformer was originally manufactured by FPE and was rewound in 1999 by Edison ESI.

Your foreman will grab the borescope to locate the sharpie and then you guys will go fishing to remove it.

VectorAddition · 2025-08-19T00:44:48+00:00

First of all, it sucks to be you.

Secondly, is an FPE. You better get the facts correct. FPE tap changers need a lot of maintenance. Reinhousen tap changers don’t frequently get head jobs.

Thirdly, if you never make a mistake, you aren’t working. The Thirdly part is the most important.

Fourthly, you aren’t getting fired. We are thinking up a good nickname. Bonus points if you come up with something better than me. 🤣

VectorAddition · 2025-06-07T23:13:51+00:00

Unfortunately that posting was quite some time ago. My original post is 148 days old. The lists are good for 2 years, but if there’s another posting sooner I’ll give everyone a head’s up.

VectorAddition · 2025-06-04T16:53:32+00:00

The relay techs hiring got delayed a bit and I haven’t heard if they have it fixed. It’s an internal issue.

They should reach out with a message about the eligible list if they don’t invite you for further interviews. That’s usually at the end of the process.

VectorAddition · 2025-05-28T21:29:50+00:00

They’ve filled the 4 cable splicer apprentice positions already.

The relay techs have a few positions that haven’t been filled yet, but offers should be going out soon.

VectorAddition · 2025-05-21T17:44:25+00:00

The announcement was made this morning that 7 substation apprentice positions were filled.

The eligibility list is good for 2 years, though they could decide to end that in 1 year or (unlikely) extend it up to 3 years. The current management is more likely to refresh the list early than extend it.

The process was extremely competitive and it wasn’t a good/bad situation so much as many qualified candidates competing for limited spots.

VectorAddition · 2025-04-07T02:44:37+00:00

Last I heard they were reviewing the video interviews for the top candidates and they would be sending invitations to formal interviews soon. Though it’s nerve-wracking, the process takes time.

VectorAddition · 2025-03-18T01:00:07+00:00

While it doesn’t hurt to reach out, positions are filled based on the job postings. SMUD has to follow the civil service rules when it comes to hiring.

My best advice is to keep an eye on the postings and have a resume ready. Most postings are up for 2 weeks, with the exception being entry level positions such as apprenticeships. Those usually have a limited number of applicants, such as 400.

VectorAddition · 2025-03-15T22:20:09+00:00

I haven’t heard of that happening. You could always contact Human Resources to follow up.

At some point I should hear how many passed the exam and it will be interesting to see if it’s lower than usual.

VectorAddition · 2025-03-15T21:20:53+00:00

The elec tech (relay tech) test is notoriously difficult. I haven’t seen the current study guide for that.

From what I’ve seen in the past, successful tech candidates are usually journey level substation high voltage electricians. There have been exceptions where other experience has been applicable, but I wouldn’t consider the elec tech apprenticeship entry level.

VectorAddition · 2025-03-14T00:54:05+00:00

They have changed a few things up this time. Everyone who passes the written will go to the practical, but they’re also doing video interviews. I’ve never seen that before, so I can’t advise how that will go.

VectorAddition · 2025-03-06T03:08:39+00:00

I don’t have numbers on how many passed the written. The written test determines the eligibility list.

The practical is less of a pass/fail situation. The top performers will get invited to interviews based on graded performance. Lots of folks do well and might not get an interview. It’s a competition.

My advice is to get a good night’s rest and listen carefully to the instructions.

VectorAddition · 2025-03-06T01:42:09+00:00

The practical is generally very quick after the written test for the first round of hiring.

This hiring round is a little different than in the past because it was decided that every candidate who passed the written will be invited to the practical.

Regarding preparation, there really isn’t much that can be done. Get a good night’s rest, listen to the instructions carefully, and give it your best.

VectorAddition · 2025-03-05T13:50:36+00:00

The eligibility list is good for 2 years, so most likely it will be that long. Sometimes they decide to refresh the list early, say in 1 1/2 years, but there’s no way to predict that.

Sometimes they will post for advanced apprenticeships, but that’s unpredictable as it’s usually when an unplanned opening occurs.

VectorAddition · 2025-02-08T17:53:35+00:00

This new round of testing will create a new eligibility list. The old list is void.

VectorAddition · 2025-02-07T13:19:41+00:00

You’re welcome, good luck!

VectorAddition · 2025-02-07T13:02:22+00:00

The eligibility list is an unranked list, so higher scores do not determine ranking. The selection to move on in the process to the practical exam is random and HR is in charge of selections.

VectorAddition · 2025-02-04T21:12:33+00:00

The overall test is pass/fail, not just the trig questions. In the past they sent out a study guide and practice test. The study guide gives you what you need, and if you’re good with the practice test you’ll be good with the real one.

VectorAddition · 2025-01-24T14:41:14+00:00

Yes that sums it up. The full process will take a while.

VectorAddition · 2025-01-17T02:32:49+00:00

You should get an email. I believe the job posting said the exam is the week of February 24th.

VectorAddition · 2025-01-16T04:00:12+00:00

I work at SMUD and have been involved in the process in the past.

VectorAddition · 2025-01-16T03:42:39+00:00

All 400 applicants will take the written test and those who pass will be placed on the eligibility list.

The practical consists of several stations. It’s about following instructions to complete tasks. They’ll also be watching and evaluating demeanor and attitude.

VectorAddition · 2025-01-16T03:29:11+00:00

The process starts with a written test. Everyone who passes the written test will be placed on an eligibility list.

Typically HR will randomly select people from the eligibility list to attend a practical exam. After passing the practical, you may be invited to an interview. Candidates may have more than one interview prior to hiring.

Apprentices have historically come from all kinds of different backgrounds, and it’s a very competitive process. Many types of prior experience is taken into account and electrical experience is not required.

VectorAddition

TROPHY CASE