A specialised team of 10 technicians from Creos is responsible for inspecting and repairing high-voltage pylons and overhead power lines throughout Luxembourg. RTL accompanied the team during a repair operation in Lentzweiler, near Clervaux, in the north of the country.
On this particular assignment, the crew needed to replace a damaged glass insulator on a high-voltage line. The repair work was carried out on a pylon, some 30 metres above the ground.
To ensure the safety of the technicians, two out of four high-voltage lines were switched off, while the remaining two continued to deliver 65,000 volts to maintain power supplies to neighbouring areas.
Before beginning their climb, the crew double-checked that the affected lines were safely de-energised.
Once everything was secured, two technicians climbed the pylon, while their colleague Michael coordinated the operation from below, preparing the required tools and sending them up by rope.
Antoine, one of the two working at height, has spent five years in the profession. He says that although he is now used to working at great heights, a certain level of stress remains.
With experience, technicians learn to manage the vertigo and focus on the task at hand.
Safety is paramount. The technicians secure themselves with safety ropes, which they fasten at regular intervals during their ascent and while working.
Michael, who has worked as a technician for 14 years, recalls that it takes time to adapt to the conditions, but with experience, movements become more confident and secure.
Weather conditions add to the challenge. In summer, the protective equipment can become unbearably hot, while in winter, multiple clothing layers make the work physically demanding.
The team’s work takes them to different locations across the country, with operations overseen by Alain Blocman, who has nearly three decades of experience in the field.
At Lentzweiler, the repair was completed in about an hour: the faulty insulator was replaced, and the power line was restored to service.
