Renewable and clean energy have been tremendous growth industries due to various forms of incentive programs at the local, state, and federal levels. Private companies are also interested in renewable and clean energy to satisfy their own internally set global obligations. Year over year, we see more clean and renewable energy being developed due to these incentives. PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS A …
Solar farms are especially at risk because they are exposed to the elements and require dedicated electrical maintenance. Good grounding is essential, as the panel produces high DC voltages that can be sources of shock, fire, induced voltages, and electromagnetic interference on lines. Solar arrays sometimes use Class II modules, DC cables, and connectors. An isolation transformer connects these to …
Given the current state of the world, it’s hard to imagine there was ever a time when gas lamps were used to provide illumination and Thomas Edison was still working hard to perfect the incandescent light bulb. Over the many years since that time, our electrical needs have grown from proper lighting to dependence on a multitude of electrical products …
A power system is a complex network of key high-voltage components working in synchrony to provide electricity. Power transformers, which help step up and step down voltage so power can be transmitted over long distances, are designed to be in continuous operation. Hence, the life and reliability of transformers is of paramount importance. Multiple factors affect the life and performance …
Jessica Maldonado is an Electrical Engineer at Tony Demaria Electric (TDE), a NETA Accredited Company in Wilmington, California. In her 10-plus years at TDE, Maldonado has consistently expanded her responsibilities from performing power system studies, reviewing and updating electrical prints and drawings, and teaching safety and technical workshops to providing testing services and analysis for electrical equipment —including transformers, large …
In writing my first President’s Desk message I found myself reflecting on those who laid the foundation for the InterNational Electrical Testing Association it is now my privilege to serve as NETA Board President. It is daunting to look back on NETA’s history for insight from the people who built the Association from a concept to a coveted accreditation protecting …
Most of today’s available testing devices use various cables and sources to measure timing and contact resistance in high-voltage circuit breakers (HVCBs). Most have only one source for resistance measurement, so the resistance of each phase is measured individually. This implies that it is necessary to change the connection to the main circuit breaker several times during testing, which requires …
Circuit interrupters or breakers are used to isolate and prevent sustained faults. These breakers have various types of failure modes which include trip coil failure, trip circuit opening, mechanical latch malfunction, and insulating gas leaks, to name a few. A sustained fault is recognized when it takes longer to isolate it than the sum of the normal relay and device …
Circuit breakers are a critical component for protection against overloaded electrical and short circuits in our electrical infrastructure. When circuit breakers fail to perform their duties as designed and specified per application, the results can be catastrophic, expensive, and life-threatening. Every technician from a NETA Level 1 Trainee to a Level 4 Senior Technician understands the importance of testing circuit …
Electrical signature analysis (ESA) is a prognostic tool used to assess the performance and health of electric machine systems, including power quality and powertrain, by analyzing voltage and current waveforms. Originally developed by Oak Ridge National Labs (ORNL) to detect electric motor, bearing, and gear wear in motor-operated valves, ESA has evolved to evaluate electrical and mechanical conditions in all …