Distance Protection Impedance Measurement Fundamentals: Phase-to-Phase and Phase-to-Ground Faults

Steven Turner, ConsultantColumns, Relay Column, Winter 2024 Columns

Distance protection measures loop impedances to determine the location of a fault on the protected line. There are six loops: A-B, B-C, C-A, A-G, B-G, and C-G. This article demonstrates how distance protection measures the apparent loop impedance for B-Phase-to-C-Phase and A-Phase-to-Ground faults. The loop impedances for phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground faults are not equivalent due to the presence of neutral …

ANSI/NETA Standards Update

NETA World StaffSpecifications & Standards, Winter 2024 Specifications & Standards

ANSI/NETA ATS–2021 REVISION UNDERWAY FOR RELEASE IN 2025 ANSI/NETA ATS, Standard for Acceptance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment & Systems, 2021 Edition, is currently being revised following the ANSI consensus process.  The Recirculation Ballot began on September 20, 2024, and runs through October 20, 2024, with the Public Comment period extended to November 4, 2024. ANSI/NETA ATS covers suggested …

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Why Does Informative Annex Q Matter at All?

Ron Widup, Shermco IndustriesColumns, NFPA 70E and NETA, Winter 2024 Columns

We’ll get to the punch line first. Your personal safety relies on one person and one person only….and that person is you. Look in the mirror — that’s it. Electricity is a powerful force — one that helps us each and every day in all that we do. With that power comes an element of significant risk: severe injury or …

Adis Talović: Learning, Persistence, and Finding Your Own Answers

NETA World StaffInsights & Inspiration, Winter 2024 Insights & Inspiration

Adis Talović is the Lead Power Systems Engineer at RESA Power in Charlotte, North Carolina. His responsibilities include supporting the branch team with engineering studies, project management, field support, troubleshooting, and ensuring compliance and safety. A NETA Level 4 Certified Technician, Talović has participated in NETA meetings and conferences since 2015 and serves on the Membership Application Review Committee and …

Ensuring the Safety and Reliability of Electrical Power Systems

Dan Hook, CBS Field Services, NETA PresidentColumns, President's Desk, Winter 2024 Columns

As we approach the end of another successful year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the achievements and challenges that have defined our industry.  This past quarter, we had the privilege of hosting the inaugural Electrical Power Innovations Conference (EPIC), and I’m thrilled to report that it was a tremendous success. EPIC brought together leaders, innovators, and professionals …

A Blueprint to Solar Testing

Ben Clark, LUMA EnergyFeatures, Winter 2024 Features

Solar performance testing is crucial for verifying the efficiency and reliability of photovoltaic (PV) power systems. As solar installations become more prevalent, it’s essential to have testing plans in place to ensure systems are functioning optimally and meeting expected performance standards. This article explores the key components of a typical solar interconnection site, outlines an effective testing methodology, and discusses …

Photovoltaic Testing Ensures Maximum Efficiency for Solar Arrays

Jason Carlson, CBS Field ServicesFeatures, Winter 2024 Features

As the world of solar energy continues to grow, testing on the acceptance and maintenance sides will grow with it. In typical installations, we have been asked to test only the basic electrical apparatus. This typically consists of circuit breakers, transformers, instrument transformers, relays, cables, grounding, and functional testing. Inverters are often held for the manufacturer to set up and …

Unique Demands of Solar Applications

Ben Gulick, Maddox Industrial TransformersFeatures, Winter 2024 Features

Solar generation relies on a discontinuous power source — the sun. Day and night cycles paired with environmental factors like precipitation and cloud cover influence its reliability, so power generation from this type of renewable source is cyclical rather than continuous.  This means your transformer will not run at 100% load for 24 hours. Depending on the time of year, …

Advancements in Industry: MV/HV Circuit Breaker Testing and Diagnostics: A Review

Charles Sweetser, OMICRON electronics Corp USACorporate Alliance Corner, Winter 2024 Corporate Alliance Corner

Circuit breaker types and technologies have a rich history. Whether we are referring to arc-extinction methods such as oil, air-blast, air magnetic, SF6, newer non-SF6 technologies, and vacuum, or to energy storage methods such as mechanical springs, pneumatics, and hydraulics, the use of and preference for these technologies has changed vastly over time. It is essential to understand diagnostic testing …