A 2019 EY Belong Barometer study found that over 40% of U.S. respondents reported feeling physically and emotionally isolated in the workplace. This feeling crossed generational, gender, and ethnic lines. Creating a caring workplace is essential for establishing an environment where employees feel valued and supported. But how can this be achieved? It requires intentional effort; such an environment doesn’t just develop …
When we left Rob in the Summer edition of Training Talk, he and John, the safety program Manager, had made excellent progress on developing a safety plan that was inherent in every employee. John even acknowledged, “I am starting to understand what you meant by culture change by deepening employee understanding, involvement, and ownership.” “We have a lot of work …
Partial discharge is a poorly understood phenomenon, made harder to understand because many different units are used to measure it. Making matters worse, sometimes you have to calibrate a test setup, and other times you don’t. This article explains the various units, when and how they are used, and why we calibrate (sometimes). MEASURING PARTIAL DISCHARGE Partial discharge is a pulsed …
A low-voltage distribution system is the final stage of the electric grid. It is the infrastructure that moves electric power inside buildings and dwellings. Let’s define a low-voltage distribution system. These systems rely on transformers (Figure 1) to step utility voltages down to usable levels. The most common voltages in such systems in the United States include 120, 240, 208, …
This article is the second in a special NETA World International Series, opening a global window into electrical power system commissioning, acceptance testing, maintenance testing, and system management. Commissioning Services International (CSI) is the first InterNational NETA Accredited Company (INAC) to join the Association. CSI has established itself as a leading international provider of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering …
The focus of this article is the need for emerging technology to support the life extension of electrical power equipment into the future. I’m well-versed in most of the new testing techniques, but I think it’s important to determine the need. My world revolves around 480 V through 38-kV switchgear. I’m from the switchgear, rotating equipment, and transformer service side of …
Nearly 200 NETA Accredited Company representatives, Alliance Partners, and Corporate Alliance participants gathered on Monday, March 10, 2025, for NETA’s 2025 Annual Member and Alliance Meetings. The annual meetings are held the day before PowerTest and are the traditional kickoff to the conference. NETA MEMBER MEETING This gathering of representatives and technicians from NETA Accredited Companies brought reports from all …
NETA launched the Qualified Electrical Equipment Maintenance Company (QEMC) program in 2024 and is pleased to welcome seven newly qualified companies and their 43 Qualified Electrical Equipment Maintenance Workers (QEMWs). Congratulations, NETA QEMCs! Blackmon Power Fleming Controls & Power Specialties Industrial High Voltage Jesse Stutts, Inc. Piquette & Howard Electric Recore Electric Sabino Electric, Inc. NETA’s recognition of these seven …
THE PREMIER ELECTRICAL POWER SAFETY AND RELIABILITY TRAINING EVENT OF THE YEAR! “The comradery, the mutual respect, and the collective mindset of the Power Professionals at PowerTest is what sets it apart.” Harnessing Power Potential, the theme of this year’s PowerTest Conference, inspired the opening message. The 1,100 PowerTest25 attendees were acknowledged for their dedication to advancing themselves and their …
“The James R. White Electrical Safety Awardis given in honor of Jim White’s legacy,” began NETA Board Member Scott Blizard, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Asplundh Electrical Testing,“ and Vickie White, Jim’s wife, is here with me to present the award to this year’s recipient.” “Jim White dedicated his career to electrical safety, so this award is presented …