A power system is a complex network of key high-voltage components working in synchrony to provide electricity. Power transformers, which help step up and step down voltage so power can be transmitted over long distances, are designed to be in continuous operation. Hence, the life and reliability of transformers is of paramount importance. Multiple factors affect the life and performance …
Jessica Maldonado: Plan Ahead But Have a Backup
Jessica Maldonado is an Electrical Engineer at Tony Demaria Electric (TDE), a NETA Accredited Company in Wilmington, California. In her 10-plus years at TDE, Maldonado has consistently expanded her responsibilities from performing power system studies, reviewing and updating electrical prints and drawings, and teaching safety and technical workshops to providing testing services and analysis for electrical equipment —including transformers, large …
Building on the NETA Legacy of Service
In writing my first President’s Desk message I found myself reflecting on those who laid the foundation for the InterNational Electrical Testing Association it is now my privilege to serve as NETA Board President. It is daunting to look back on NETA’s history for insight from the people who built the Association from a concept to a coveted accreditation protecting …
Improve HVCB Testing Using a New All-In-One Approach
Most of today’s available testing devices use various cables and sources to measure timing and contact resistance in high-voltage circuit breakers (HVCBs). Most have only one source for resistance measurement, so the resistance of each phase is measured individually. This implies that it is necessary to change the connection to the main circuit breaker several times during testing, which requires …
Breaker Failure Schemes: Implementation and Testing
Circuit interrupters or breakers are used to isolate and prevent sustained faults. These breakers have various types of failure modes which include trip coil failure, trip circuit opening, mechanical latch malfunction, and insulating gas leaks, to name a few. A sustained fault is recognized when it takes longer to isolate it than the sum of the normal relay and device …
Circuit Breaker Timing And Time Travel Analysis Testing: the What, How, When, Why, AND Where
Circuit breakers are a critical component for protection against overloaded electrical and short circuits in our electrical infrastructure. When circuit breakers fail to perform their duties as designed and specified per application, the results can be catastrophic, expensive, and life-threatening. Every technician from a NETA Level 1 Trainee to a Level 4 Senior Technician understands the importance of testing circuit …
ANSI/NETA Standards Update
ANSI/NETA ECS–2024 REVISION COMPLETE ANSI/NETA ECS-2024, Standard for Electrical Commissioning of Electrical Power Equipment & Systems, 2024 Edition, completed the American National Standard revision process. ANSI administrative approval was received on July 2, 2024. ANSI/NETA ECS–2024 supersedes the 2020 Edition. ANSI/NETA ECS describes the systematic process of documenting and placing into service newly installed or retrofitted electrical power equipment …
ASTM F18 Committee Report
The ASTM F18 Committee currently has jurisdiction over more than 38 standards and plays a critical role in the protection of electrical workers. The F18 committee meets twice a year to review and revise the standards. There are 300 members and numerous subcommittees. The last ASTM F18 meeting was held from April 8 to April 10, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. …
Dan Hook: ‘Let’s Set New Benchmarks for Our Industry’
Incoming NETA President Dan Hook is Vice President of GCBS Engineering Services & Solutions at CBS Field Services. He is a NETA and NICET Level IV Certified Technician and has served on the NETA Board of Directors for eight years. Hook’s responsibilities are nationwide, including strategically growing the businesses and acquisitions in the company’s Field Services Division. CBS Field Services …
NETA NAMO Program Offers Valuable Certification
The NETA Approved Military Organization (NAMO) program recognizes the U.S. Army 249th Engineer Battalion, the U.S. Navy Seabees Mobile Utilities Support Equipment (MUSE), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Power Reliability Enhancement Program (PREP). They all have access to the NETA Certification program, NETA training materials, the PowerTest annual conference, and many other benefits. This program aligns with the …