The bolted pressure switch (BPS) once occupied a central role in 480-V distribution systems across industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities. Known for its rugged construction and ability to withstand high fault currents, the BPS was a workhorse of mid-20th-century, low-voltage power distribution. By using spring-driven mechanical force to bolt contacts together, the BPS ensured a low-impedance path for current flow, …
Stator ground faults are one of the most common disturbances for high-impedance grounded generators. A resistor is connected across the secondary of a single-phase distribution transformer connected from the machine neutral to ground to insert the high-impedance ground. The purpose of the high-impedance ground (Figure 1) is to limit the magnitude of single line-to-ground fault current flowing in the stator …
Power infrastructure failure is a common challenge across commercial, industrial, and utility sites. Failure of the underlying power system can lead to unplanned outages and equipment damage, so the benefits of prevention far outweigh the consequences of failures. It is important to evaluate the health of a facility’s power system. Following the industry-recognized maintenance practices in NFPA 70B®, Standard for …
The days of low-voltage breakers being simple devices with basic overcurrent protection are long gone. Back then, the biggest challenge was to figure out how to defeat a ground fault or remember which jumper disabled thermal memory. Today, manufacturers are leveraging digital technology to add layers of protection and functionality. These advancements can quickly derail a routine day of testing …
If you work around electricity, your career…and maybe your life…depends on what’s hidden in a bowl of alphabet soup. I’m talking about electrical acronyms: NFPA, OSHA, 70E, 70B, NETA, NEC, Z462, EASA, and so on. At first, they may sound like code meant to confuse you. But once you crack that code, everything about your job makes more sense…and becomes …
This issue of NETA World’s “Insight and Inspiration” series features Ken Peterson, Vice President Testing and Commissioning, at Power Engineering Services, where he combines deep technical expertise with strategic business leadership to ensure the successful delivery and activation of critical infrastructure projects. He leads the full lifecycle of testing and commissioning and oversees marketing and sales efforts, bridging the gap …
As we close out the year and look ahead to 2026, I’m filled with optimism for the continued growth and influence of NETA in the electrical power testing industry. Our association remains a trusted leader in advancing standards, training, and professional excellence, and the opportunities before us have never been greater. Across every sector, the demand for skilled testing and …
America’s power demand is increasing at a staggering rate, requiring more infrastructure and, with that, the workforce to ensure it is built, tested, and maintained to the highest standards. However, this is at odds with America’s shrinking labor market, a problem previously highlighted by Steve Park in his NETA World article titled “Workforce Development for NETA Testing Companies.”[1] This deficit …
Before joining Hood Patterson & Dewar (HP&D), I worked in the luxury automotive industry, where I managed an instructional design team for an organization responsible for the distribution, marketing, and customer service for their brand of products in the United States. Our team was responsible for all online and in-person sales and leadership training curricula for their dealerships in the …
As the world increasingly turns to renewable energy sources and grid-scale energy storage, understanding the various battery technologies available is beneficial. Each type of battery offers unique characteristics that make it suitable for specific applications, from grid stabilisation to backup power systems. This article explores the main types of stationary batteries, their underlying chemistry, typical applications, and the pros and …