Tips & News - September 2012

TIPS NEWS & ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Migrating to USCO® Center BreakV Switches

STREAMLINE PURCHASING The support from Hubbell Power Systems didn’t end with on-site training. When we first began purchasing USCO switches, we bought two different models: a vertically stacked configuration and a delta configuration. One came with a 1.5-inch pipe (handle) and the other with a 2-inch pipe. TDES asked if USCO/Hubbell Power Systems could provide APS with only one size pipe for both configurations. Hubbell Power Systems confirmed that the 2-inch pipe would work for both switch configurations. This made standardization, purchasing, and shipping simpler and more efficient and, since then, we haven’t had any issues with receiving our orders. T&D Engineering and Standards has experienced many companies extolling the virtues of their customer service department, but this doesn’t mean they know what they’re talking about. Not once did Pete or Ron unduly praise Hubbell’s customer service department; they didn’t need to pat themselves on the back. They knew what needed to be done and, once it was completed, they started to work on a follow-up plan. Hubbell Power Systems gets an A+ and 100% from me, because of the continued technical and customer support on the USCO Center Break V switch.

TRAINING IS KEY This on-the-job training was warmly received by all the crews and they really appreciated Ron’s knowledge and training skills. Our crews were particularly impressed by the extent to which Ron endorsed the switch, a good indication of a quality product. Ron’s customer service didn’t end with his training. He passed out his business cards to the crews, with an invitation to call him with any questions or problems they might encounter. Several linemen have taken advantage of Ron’s offer, and he was able to resolve their issues over the phone. When the switches were not operating correctly, a lot of the crew members lost their confidence in the switch and no longer wanted them. But, after showing everyone how to properly install the USCO Center Break V switch, the crews don’t want to use anything else. After the training, complaints about the USCO switches dropped from eight or nine per week to zero.

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