PowerTest 2023 — A Record-Breaking Conference Generating Powerful Connections for the Future

NETA World Staff NETA News, Summer 2023 NETA News

NETA’s 2023 PowerTest Conference drew more than 1,000 attendees to Orlando, Florida, March 8–12. Electrical power system experts and professionals attended over 40 training sessions covering all-new content and engaged in many relationship-building and networking opportunities. PowerTest is recognized across the electrical power systems industry as the premier electrical maintenance and safety conference. It is the largest annual gathering of …

Raytech USA Joins NETA as Corporate Alliance Partner

NETA World Staff NETA News, Summer 2023 NETA News

“Raytech USA is proud to accept the Corporate Alliance Partner invitation from NETA for 2023. Raytech USA has been promoting NETA since our founding in 1995, and we feel this partnership will help us continue our mission to provide our industry with exceptional test equipment and support. As the leading test equipment manufacturer, we strive to improve the industry with …

Advancements in the Industry — Acceptance and Maintenance Testing for Medium-Voltage Electrical Power Cables — Part 3 of 3

Thomas D. Sandri, Protec Equipment Resources Corporate Alliance Corner, Summer 2023 Corporate Alliance Corner

In Part 2 of our three-part series on acceptance and maintenance testing for medium-voltage electrical power cables, we explored high-potential testing techniques, including tests performed with direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) performed at power frequency and at very low frequency (VLF). We also explored diagnostic testing and reviewed dissipation factor (tan delta) testing.   In Part 3, we …

Partner Spotlight — Protec Equipment Resources: Quality, Safety, Reliability

NETA World Staff Corporate Alliance Corner, Summer 2023 Corporate Alliance Corner

NETA’s Corporate Alliance Partners (CAPs) are industry-leading companies that have joined forces with NETA to work together toward a common aim: improving quality, safety, and electrical system reliability. In our continuing Partner Spotlight series, NETA talks to President Jason Henry about the thought leadership and subject-matter expertise at Protec Equipment Resources. Henry spent 26 years working for a NETA company, …

Advancements in Battery Ground Fault Location

Jeffrey R. Jowett, Megger Columns, Summer 2023 Columns, Tech Tips

There is always room for improvement. In electrical testing, this is particularly true because of the rapid development and application of the underlying electronics. Although a job may be proceeding with maximum satisfaction, it may well be made easier, faster, more accurate, and safer.  For example, standby battery banks can develop ground faults over time through leaking electrolytes, accumulation of …

Communications and Fiber Optics

Virginia Balitski, Magna IV Engineering Columns, Summer 2023 Columns, Tech Quiz

Communication is vital in everything we do, and it isn’t just the funny phrases at the end of the telephone game as kids. As NETA Certified Technicians, we must be familiar with different communication systems since they are essential to proper power system operation. In this quiz, we discuss some communication systems and associated components.  Virginia Balitski, CET, Manager – …

Communicating Hazards Using a Pre-Job Brief

Paul Chamberlain, American Electrical Testing Co., LLC Columns, Safety Corner, Summer 2023 Columns

Protection from hazards always begins with proper prior planning. An important aid to planning a job correctly and thoroughly includes using a tool known throughout the industry as a pre-job brief (PJB). These tools are commonly used at tailboards or tailboard meetings in construction parlance, but no matter what they are called, they are all designed to help you do …

Unraveling the Mystery of Baffling Transformer Trips

Mose Ramieh, CBS Field Services Columns, In the Field, Summer 2023 Columns

Modern substation control and communication have revolutionized the ability to troubleshoot system faults and mis-operations. Event fault records and documenting every input and output provide invaluable information to help answer the question, “What happened?”  However, there are hundreds of thousands of systems with legacy equipment. These systems can present seemingly baffling challenges that could necessitate several attempts (test and try) …

Setting Overcurrent Protection for Grounding Transformers on Feeders for Renewable Sites

Steve Turner, Arizona Public Service Company Columns, Relay Column, Summer 2023 Columns

Grounding transformers are most frequently — but not exclusively — used in the renewable industry to provide a relatively low-impedance path to ground in case of surges. This allows for safe maintenance of the grid without fear of damaging the electrical infrastructure.  If the grounding transformer is connected to a feeder, special considerations are required to set the protection to …