Electrical equipment is selected by a design engineer for a specific purpose. This includes operating within the manufacturer’s specifications, as well as how it functions within the system. For newly installed equipment, it is important for NETA Certified Technicians to critically verify that all aspects of the equipment work as intended to ensure proper and reliable operation of the electrical …
Breaker testing and maintenance can expose personnel to many types of hazards. Mitigating them can be achieved in various ways. First, it must be verified that the personnel are qualified to perform the required tasks. The person doing the work must recognize and understand the hazards that may be encountered while performing the tasks. To better understand the many hazards …
Typically, multi-function numerical generator protection relays are now used to provide out-of-step tripping (OST) for large unit-connected generators. However, some users prefer to maintain older existing infrastructure, such as electromechanical relays. 78 OST protection must meet PRC-026-2 Criterion A of Attachment B requirements as follows: PRC-026 Criterion A of Attachment B indicates that a 78 impedance-based out-of-step protection function should …
If you’ve worked on transformers in renewable energy circuits, as I have for the past six months, you’ve likely seen many—perhaps most—equipped with electrostatic shields, grounded copper or aluminum sheets wedged between the high- and low-side windings. The existence of these shields inside transformers is normally (but not always) readily identifiable via the unit data plates (Figure 1). Some affirm …
We work around electricity every day. We are exposed to hazards every day. But what’s the most dangerous task YOU do every day? DANGEROUS TASKS The Starting Point: Turn It Off! My guess is you treat switching operations like surgery—plan the task, determine the proper shutdown sequence, see which loads are affected, check the one-line diagrams, verify the labels, double-check …
This issue of NETA World’s “Insight and Inspiration” series features Ken Vescovi, Vice President Power—Electrification and Power Solutions, at ABM, where he is responsible for the operation and financial management of ABM Electrical Power Solutions, LLC, and ABM Electrical Power Services, LLC, both NETA Accredited Companies. These responsibilities extend to every aspect of the business, including strategic business and growth …
As we open 2026, I am proud to reflect on what was one of the most consequential years in NETA’s history. In 2025, our Association advanced its mission of promoting safety, reliability, and technical excellence across the electrical power testing industry at a time when our work has never been more critical. Last year marked the release of ANSI/NETA ATS–2025, …
The rapid expansion of AI-driven data center construction has introduced new challenges to an already demanding electrical testing and commissioning industry. Data centers are being built at an unprecedented speed and scale, driven by the growth of artificial intelligence workloads, cloud computing, and global demand for uninterrupted digital services. Accelerated schedules, dense electrical infrastructure, and heightened performance expectations now place …
It is often observed that discontinuities exist between factory acceptance and field commissioning tests of power transformers. Ideally, the two test sessions are well-coordinated, allowing measurements captured at the transformer manufacturer to be easily replicated once the transformer is prepared for service. No two transformers are identical, and if segments of a transformer’s history are unavailable, those responsible cannot make …
With electromechanical and solid-state protective relays now obsolete and nearing the end of life, upgrading to microprocessor counterparts is paramount for the reliability of power systems. Microprocessor relays provide advanced communication, monitoring, and automation capabilities along with all basic protection and control platforms. Raising awareness among customers about the importance of a relay upgrade is vital in the overall contribution …