Electrical equipment forms the backbone of modern industrial and utility operations, including power generation, transmission and distribution networks, renewable energy facilities, manufacturing plants, and hyperscale data centers. As global demand for reliable and uninterrupted power continues to rise, capital budget constraints and extended lead times for critical components are forcing organizations to place greater emphasis on maximizing the operational life of existing assets.
Since its inception, the partnership between Long Beach City College (LBCC), Tony Demaria Electric, Inc. (TDE), and NETA has created a rare and impactful educational model for training high-voltage test technicians. Now entering its eighth academic year, the program continues to stand as a national example of how local institutions, accredited industry partners, and professional associations, as well as the individuals’ enthusiasm, dedication, and volunteering, can collaborate to address skilled labor shortages through a curriculum aligned with ANSI/NETA MTS, Standard for Maintenance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems.
Substation design typically calls for two to six inches of aggregate (crushed rock) as a top layer upon completion of construction. This layer serves several purposes, including improved vehicle access, reduced erosion, and suppression of vegetation. Another significant function of this layer is to provide personnel safety by increasing the allowed (maximum permissible) touch and step potential values versus native …
Electrical equipment is selected by a design engineer for a specific purpose. This includes operating within the manufacturer’s specifications, as well as how it functions within the system. For newly installed equipment, it is important for NETA Certified Technicians to critically verify that all aspects of the equipment work as intended to ensure proper and reliable operation of the electrical …
Breaker testing and maintenance can expose personnel to many types of hazards. Mitigating them can be achieved in various ways. First, it must be verified that the personnel are qualified to perform the required tasks. The person doing the work must recognize and understand the hazards that may be encountered while performing the tasks. To better understand the many hazards …
Typically, multi-function numerical generator protection relays are now used to provide out-of-step tripping (OST) for large unit-connected generators. However, some users prefer to maintain older existing infrastructure, such as electromechanical relays. 78 OST protection must meet PRC-026-2 Criterion A of Attachment B requirements as follows: PRC-026 Criterion A of Attachment B indicates that a 78 impedance-based out-of-step protection function should …
If you’ve worked on transformers in renewable energy circuits, as I have for the past six months, you’ve likely seen many—perhaps most—equipped with electrostatic shields, grounded copper or aluminum sheets wedged between the high- and low-side windings. The existence of these shields inside transformers is normally (but not always) readily identifiable via the unit data plates (Figure 1). Some affirm …
We work around electricity every day. We are exposed to hazards every day. But what’s the most dangerous task YOU do every day? DANGEROUS TASKS The Starting Point: Turn It Off! My guess is you treat switching operations like surgery—plan the task, determine the proper shutdown sequence, see which loads are affected, check the one-line diagrams, verify the labels, double-check …
This issue of NETA World’s “Insight and Inspiration” series features Ken Vescovi, Vice President Power—Electrification and Power Solutions, at ABM, where he is responsible for the operation and financial management of ABM Electrical Power Solutions, LLC, and ABM Electrical Power Services, LLC, both NETA Accredited Companies. These responsibilities extend to every aspect of the business, including strategic business and growth …
As we open 2026, I am proud to reflect on what was one of the most consequential years in NETA’s history. In 2025, our Association advanced its mission of promoting safety, reliability, and technical excellence across the electrical power testing industry at a time when our work has never been more critical. Last year marked the release of ANSI/NETA ATS–2025, …