Correction: In the Industry Topic article “Life After 40: A Critical Look at Electrical Safety’s Most Contentious Number,” by Matthew J. Robinson, published in the Fall 2025 issue of NETA World, Sigma C Power Services LLC was twice incorrectly referred to as Sigma C. The article byline should read: By Matthew J. Robinson, Sigma C Power Services, LLC. The opening sentence in …
The reliability of medium-voltage underground systems is a foundational element for the continuous performance of wind farms, particularly in regions with challenging environmental conditions. In a global context of increasing integration of renewable energy sources into the electrical matrix, failures in buried insulated cables not only affect system availability but also jeopardize operational and economic safety. The investigation described in …
Soil — most think, “Hey, it’s just dirt,” but when it comes to electricity, soil becomes more complex. Electrical resistivity (resistance to current flow) is one characteristic of soil that requires specific knowledge regarding testing and application in grounding system design. Soil is made up of combinations of clay, sand, loam, and various types of rocks. These components have differing …
Employers must ensure that competent and qualified workers complete electrical work. Focusing on work development is a key part of ensuring your organization meets the qualification requirements. NETA’s Electrical Testing Technician (ETT) certification program helps companies gauge the competency of their electrical workers. 1. How many levels of technician certification does NETA define?a. Threeb. Fourc. Fived. Six 2. Which of …
Switching devices must be adequately lubricated so they operate smoothly and efficiently as designed. This helps ensure a safe environment for employees working with, on, or near the equipment. Many things must be taken into consideration when selecting a lubricant for electrical equipment. Let’s take a look at some of those factors. First, the correct type of lubricant must be …
Asset failures versus time are often non-linear. As assets degrade over time, the degree of degradation and the rate of degradation often increase. If asset degradation were linear, the rate of degradation would be constant. This implies that an asset, such as a circuit breaker, could function properly for approximately 30 years, develop a detectable defect at year 31, and …
Electricity doesn’t take breaks. It doesn’t sleep. It doesn’t care how experienced you are, how close you are to retirement, or how many safety meetings you’ve sat through. It’s always there…silent, invisible, and deadly. And it’s always hunting. If that sounds dramatic, good. It should. Because electricity kills, and it only takes one mistake. One missed step. One lapse in …
This edition of NETA World’s “Insight and Inspiration” series features Zachary (Zak) Houk, General Manager at RESA Power Canada, a NETA Accredited Company headquartered in Calgary, AB, Canada. A NETA Level 4 Senior Technician, Houk is the newest member of the NETA Board of Directors and is already active on the Member Application Review Committee, Training Committee, and Technical Exam …
In this issue of NETA World, we tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing our industry today: workforce development. Across the electrical testing industry, companies are grappling with how to staff critical projects while pursuing ambitious growth goals. The talent gap is real and growing. Organizations must balance workforce transitions, technological adaptation, and cultural shifts to remain competitive and attract, …
The electric power sector’s workforce is older than that of most industries and is grappling with a crisis that has been building for over a decade and has now reached a critical point. UNFOLDING CRISIS IN THE ENERGY WORKFORCE An aging workforce, combined with surging energy demand driven by EV charging infrastructure, massive data center growth, the expansion of renewable …