Electrical insulation is designed to keep current from flowing where it shouldn’t. Insulation integrity is therefore critical and is assessed via a battery of tests. Many things can compromise the results of these tests, including temperature, humidity, erroneous test procedures, etc. Previously, I wrote about the effects of humidity on insulation integrity tests. This time I focus on erroneous test …
The Importance of NFPA 70E to OSHA Violations and Fines
You have probably seen OSHA’s recent guide titled Protecting Employees for Electric-Arc Flash Hazards. If not, you can find it here: https://www.osha.gov/electrical/flash-hazards. OSHA produced the guide to assist employers and employees in understanding and protecting against arc flash hazards, which brings about an interesting thought about OSHA and its relationship to NFPA 70E. It reminds us of how important it …
Eric Beckman: Leading through Rough Waters
While our Insight and Inspiration articles, which have appeared in every issue of NETA World since Fall 2021, have most often focused on NETA’s valuable technicians, we sometimes feature a person or team whose impact on NETA and its member companies is substantial. This first NETA World issue of 2025 celebrates Eric Beckman’s contributions as NETA President from 2021 to …
PowerTest25: An Invaluable Opportunity
As we step into 2025, I am thrilled to welcome you to the Spring issue of NETA World. I hope you are reading this at PowerTest25, NETA’s premier event bringing together the brightest minds in the electrical power systems industry and offering a platform to learn, share, and grow. The field of electrical power systems continues to evolve, and one …
Real-World Causes of Partial Discharge
Over the past decade, we’ve gained critical insights into partial discharge (PD), recognizing it as a real issue that can lead to catastrophic equipment failures. We’ve also developed on-line and off-line methods to detect PD. Yet many still find it unclear why partial discharge occurs and inconceivable that something as simple as a poorly positioned tie-wrap can bring down a data center. …
Navigating On-Site PD Testing Methods to Assess Power Transformer Insulation
Partial discharge (PD) is a localized dielectric breakdown that only partially bridges the insulation between conductors. PD in transformers can be categorized into two types: The continuous presence of PD activity in a transformer’s solid insulation during operation can lead to the degradation of surrounding materials and potentially result in a complete failure of the electrical insulation system over time. …
Demystifying Off-Line PD Testing for an Effective CBM Strategy
Off-line partial discharge (PD) testing has emerged as a valuable diagnostic tool for assessing the insulation health of power cables, accessories, and switchgear. By detecting and measuring PD activity, this technique provides insights into the presence of insulation defects, which can lead to premature insulation failure if left undiagnosed. Off-line PD testing is particularly useful in creating a condition-based monitoring …
Optimizing Electrical Safety Thermochromic Overtemperature Indicators
PHOTO: © istockphoto.com/portfolio//Auttawit
Overtemperature events in electrical systems pose a serious threat that can lead to costly failures if not addressed promptly. I’ve seen the impact of these events firsthand — from unexpected failures to catastrophic fires that result in injury, lost productivity, and costly downtime. Despite advances in technology, the risks associated with overtemperature conditions remain a persistent problem for industrial facilities.
The Importance of Grounding Renewable Systems
Storms with lightning are a major cause of electrical system interruption.
Solar Installations and Testing
Solar energy is a significant factor in today’s electrical energy market. NETA Certified Technicians need to understand how solar panels function and become familiar with best practices for installation, testing, and maintenance. 1. What type of energy do solar panels convert into electricity? a. Chemical b. Nuclear c. Radiant d. Gravitational 2. What type of electricity is generated within solar …