Motors and generators are often critical components of electrical systems. They are used to automate numerous industrial processes, circulate liquids for cooling and lubrication purposes, and generate electricity to name only a few applications. If, for any reason, there is an unplanned interruption of these processes due to the failure of one of these rotating machines, the resulting damage, downtime, …
Corporate Partner Spotlight — BCS Switchgear: 25 Years and Still Growing
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.
Changes to MV and HV Cable Testing Specifications in ANSI/NETA MTS 2023
NETA’s ANSI/NETA standards are some of the most useful publications for the electrical power testing industry. The standards provide guidance to those trying to maintain our fragile electrical infrastructure. Safety, reliability, and quality were the core principles that drove NETA to pursue the creation of a set of industry standards for electrical power equipment and systems. NETA is accredited by …
Electromechanical Differential Relays Misoperation and Investigation
Transformer differential protection (ANSI 87), which operates on Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL), is one of the most common protection methods for large power transformers. This method was first implemented using electromechanical relays built with instrument transformers and other electrical components to convert secondary currents from amperes to per-unit to apply KCL properly. For a detailed explanation of the operation of …
Interpreting Off-Line PD Test Results of MV Extruded Cables
Medium-voltage (MV) cables serve as the backbone of a distribution system, playing a vital role in ensuring the reliable supply of electricity. However, maintaining this extensive network comes at a significant cost for operators. Off-line partial discharge (PD) testing emerges as a valuable tool in managing operating costs and enhancing the reliability of MV cable systems. By transitioning from traditional …
Ground Fault Protection in Circuit Breakers
Commissioning and maintenance procedures for low-voltage circuit breakers may include testing to determine whether the circuit breaker is able to respond correctly to faults or overload conditions as specified in the coordination study. This requirement may include ground fault (GF) as part of the protection scheme. Testing may be performed through primary or secondary injection; primary injection is the best …
IEC 61850 Defines Communication Requirements
Communication plays a critical role in the operation of modern substations. As the industry was evolving into the digital age, there was a need for a unified communication architecture, and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) began to develop international standards for communication. In this quiz, we will explore the international communication standard IEC 61850. 1. What is the international standard …
Seasonal Safety
It is said that spring is a time of new growth for Mother Nature, but it is also true for many man-made industries. It can be a time of heavy workload, especially for construction and related industries. Each season presents very real hazards that everyone must be made aware of. It is a good idea to train employees about these …
Using Harmonic Blocking to Prevent Spurious Trips During Inrush Conditions
A numerical feeder protection relay would trip when a collector feeder breaker is closed due to inrush at a solar photovoltaic site. The inrush current is due to energizing power transformers. This article demonstrates how to use harmonic blocking to prevent this unwanted tripping. Magnetizing inrush currents may cause overcurrent elements to operate when the line is energized. The fundamental …
Catastrophic Generation Event Analysis
A major event occurred at a large power plant in the southwest region. A new generator circuit breaker (GCB) had been installed for a combined cycle power block (CCPB) consisting of a gas turbine generator (CTG) and a steam turbine generator (STG). The new GCB is located on the low side of the generator step-up transformer (GSU) serving the CTG. …











