Lineman vs. Rigger — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 13, 2024
A lineman installs and maintains electrical power systems, while a rigger specializes in setting up and securing machinery, equipment, and loads for lifting or moving.
Difference Between Lineman and Rigger
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A lineman, often referred to within the utility industry, is primarily involved with the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical cables and associated equipment on power lines, poles, and other structures. Conversely, a rigger focuses on the setup and operation of the ropes, cables, pulleys, and winches necessary for lifting, moving, and positioning heavy objects in industries like construction, shipping, and entertainment.
Linemen are skilled in tasks that ensure the functionality and safety of electrical power and telecommunications systems, including stringing overhead cables and conducting emergency repairs during outages. On the other hand, riggers are essential for managing the mechanical aspects of moving heavy loads, carefully calculating angles and loads to ensure stability and safety.
The work environment for linemen is typically outdoors, often at significant heights or in extreme weather conditions, reflecting the need to build, inspect, and repair power lines. Rigging, while also potentially conducted at heights, varies more in terms of setting, ranging from the rigging of stages for concerts to the secure loading of cargo ships.
Training for linemen usually involves an apprenticeship or vocational training program focusing on electrical systems, safety protocols, and physical fitness to handle the demanding nature of the job. Rigging also requires specialized training, often through certification programs that emphasize load dynamics, machinery operation, and safety practices specific to the industry.
Safety is a paramount concern for both professions. Linemen must adhere to strict safety standards to prevent electrocution or falls. Similarly, riggers must ensure their setups are secure to prevent accidents involving falling or shifting loads.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Role
Installation and maintenance of electrical power systems
Setup and operation of mechanical systems for moving heavy loads
Work Environment
Mostly outdoor, on power lines and poles
Varied, including construction sites, theaters, and shipyards
Skills Required
Electrical knowledge, physical fitness, high-altitude work
Knowledge of load dynamics, mechanical skills, precision
Training
Apprenticeship in electrical utility work
Certification in rigging techniques
Safety Concerns
High risk of electrocution, falls
Risks associated with heavy lifting and securing loads
Compare with Definitions
Lineman
A role often involving working at great heights and in adverse weather conditions.
Linemen must be prepared to work in extreme conditions to maintain the electrical grid.
Rigger
A technician who specializes in the setup and use of ropes, cables, and chains to move heavy objects.
The rigger carefully calculated the weight distribution before the lift.
Lineman
A worker skilled in maintaining overhead and underground power lines and equipment.
Experienced linemen are critical for effective emergency response during power outages.
Rigger
A key player in settings requiring the assembly of complex machinery or stage setups.
The event’s success depended greatly on the riggers who set up the stage.
Lineman
A technician who installs and repairs electrical power systems.
The lineman climbed the utility pole to restore power after the storm.
Rigger
A worker whose role is critical in industries like construction, shipping, and entertainment.
The rigger ensured that all safety protocols were followed on the construction site.
Lineman
A professional trained to work with high-voltage electrical lines and systems.
The lineman used specialized tools to repair the damaged wires safely.
Rigger
Someone skilled in using mechanical devices to handle large and heavy loads safely.
The rigger operated the crane to hoist the equipment to the rooftop.
Lineman
A person employed to install or repair telephone, telegraph, or electric power lines. Also called linesman.
Rigger
A professional responsible for ensuring the safety and security of loads during movement.
The rigger's expertise was crucial in securely transporting the ancient statue.
Lineman
A person employed to inspect and repair railroad tracks.
Rigger
One that rigs
Oil and gas riggers.
Lineman
(Football) A player positioned on the line of scrimmage near the ball.
Rigger
(Nautical) A ship with a specific kind of rigging. Often used in combination
A square-rigger.
Lineman
A person who installs and repairs overhead cables (either power or telephone); a linesman.
Rigger
One who rigs or dresses; as:
Lineman
(American football) A player who specializes in play at the line of scrimmage.
Rigger
One whose occupation is to fit the rigging of a ship or of a counterweight system.
Lineman
Someone who repairs railway tracks.
Rigger
One whose occupation is to lift and move large and heavy objects (such as industrial machinery) with the help of cables, hoists, and other equipment.
Lineman
One who carries the line in surveying, etc.; the surveyor who marks positions with a range pole.
Rigger
(animation) One whose occupation is to outfit a computer model with controls for animation.
Lineman
A man employed to examine the rails of a railroad to see if they are in good condition; also, a man employed to install or repair telegraph, telephone, television cable, or power lines. Also called linesman.
Rigger
One who rigs or manipulates (an election, etc).
Lineman
A player whose position is in the first (forward) line, as opposed to a back; one who plays on the line of scrimmage.
Rigger
A part of a rowing boat's equipment used to provide leverage for a rowing blade or oar around a fixed fulcrum.
Lineman
A ladies' man who is especially adept at inventing effective introductory phrases (pick-up lines) to gain a woman's attention.
Rigger
A cylindrical pulley or drum in machinery.
Lineman
The position of a player on a football team who is stationed on the line of scrimmage.
Rigger
(NZ) A plastic bottle of beer, typically between 1 L to 2.5 L volume.
Lineman
One of the players on the line of scrimmage
Rigger
A long, slender, pointed sable paintbrush for making fine lines, etc.; said to be so called from its use for drawing the lines of the rigging of ships.
Lineman
The surveyor who marks positions with a range pole
Rigger
(BDSM) A person who applies functional or artistic rope bondage to another person's body.
Lineman
A person who installs or repairs electrical or telephone lines
Rigger
(paraskiing) outrigger
Lineman
The position of a player on a football team who is stationed on the line of scrimmage
Rigger
One who rigs or dresses; one whose occupation is to fit the rigging of a ship.
Lineman
Someone employed by telecommunications companies to manage infrastructure.
The company’s linemen were busy laying new fiber-optic cables in the area.
Rigger
A cylindrical pulley or drum in machinery.
Rigger
A long slender, and pointed sable brush for making fine lines, etc.; - said to be so called from its use by marine painters for drawing the lines of the rigging.
Rigger
Someone who rigs ships
Rigger
A long slender pointed sable brush used by artists
Rigger
Someone who works on an oil rig
Rigger
A sailing vessel with a specified rig;
A square rigger
Common Curiosities
What skills are crucial for a rigger?
Key skills for a rigger include knowledge of mechanical systems, precision, and an understanding of load dynamics.
What does a lineman do?
A lineman installs, maintains, and repairs electrical power and telecommunications lines.
Where do linemen typically work?
Linemen work outdoors on power lines, both overhead and underground.
Can a lineman work indoors?
While primarily outdoor workers, linemen may occasionally work indoors during the installation of indoor electrical facilities.
What industries employ riggers?
Industries such as construction, theater, shipping, and any others requiring the movement of heavy objects employ riggers.
Why is precision important for riggers?
Precision ensures the safety and effectiveness of lifting operations, preventing accidents and ensuring stability of loads.
What is the main job of a rigger?
A rigger sets up and operates the equipment needed to lift and move heavy objects.
What kind of training is required for a lineman?
Linemen typically undergo vocational training or an apprenticeship that focuses on electrical systems and safety.
How do riggers ensure safety?
Rigging safety involves precise calculations, proper equipment setup, and adherence to strict safety protocols.
What are the risks associated with being a lineman?
Risks include electrocution, falls from heights, and other injury risks associated with high-altitude and high-voltage environments.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
