Emerging technologies continually alter the way electrical testing is performed in the field. New technology can vary from more efficient ways to perform long-standing test routines to introducing a new test technology and just about everything in between. This issue’s authors share their knowledge of recent developments in the field of electrical testing. Fall is typically one of the busiest …
Using Measurement Results to Diagnose the Condition of High-Voltage Rotating Machines —Part 2
Diagnosing the condition of complex systems such as high-voltage rotating machines has never been a simple task. Design requirements, the use of different materials, and demanding operating conditions require multiple off-line tests and on-line monitors to provide information on the machine’s condition. Part 1 of this article described the application of various off-line test techniques to assess stator and rotor …
Progress in Transformer Dissolved-Gas Analysis
Dissolved-gas analysis started out many years ago as a quick and simple test: Someone in the substation would briefly open a valve and sniff the transformer’s head-space gas. The pungent odor of a trace of acetylene would signify a potentially serious problem. By the late 1960s, it was possible to use a gas chromatograph as a much more sensitive nose …
What’s in a Partial Discharge Monitoring System?
Partial discharge (PD) testing is becoming common in U.S. industrial systems and is gaining acceptability in U.S. utilities. Testing in the form of periodic surveys can provide valuable insight into asset condition. Beyond periodic surveys, full-time system monitoring is the state of the art in PD detection, offering additional capabilities that: Warn of rapidly evolving PD situations that might go …
Unlocking the Mysteries of Narrow Band DFR
Southern California Edison (SCE) began using primary to secondary winding (CHL) narrow band dielectric frequency response (NBDFR) measurements for condition assessment of used distribution class transformers in 2015; 1800 units are evaluated annually. NBDFR is a series of insulation power factor measurements taken from 1–400 hertz, usually at a low voltage. The data derived from the series of CHL measurements …
High-Voltage Arc Flash Assessment and Applications—Part 2
Part 1 of this article, which was the cover story in the previous issue of NETA World, explored the need for high-voltage arc flash (HVAF) assessment to protect utility workers who are exposed to voltages above 15kV. It also compared various methods to calculate the incident energy from HV and MV electric arcs. Analyzing the results demonstrated that several methods …
A Tribute to John Moore 1942-2019
I met John Moore in 1975 at an IEEE meeting in San Francisco. He had started Electro-test, Inc. (ETI) in his garage just four years earlier. I was fascinated by his enthusiasm and passion for his business. I was working at a large corporation then, and at the time, I didn’t even understand why such a service was needed; the …
Outstanding Achievement Award Honoree Loves a Challenge
In some ways, you could say Scott Blizard grew into NETA’s 2019 Outstanding Achievement Award honoree. Currently Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at American Electrical Testing Co., LLC (AETCO), Blizard spent most of his life being around and working with the family company. “I grew up in the industry. I grew up in NETA,” he says. “It was like …
Alliance Recognition Award Honoree Always Eager to Share Knowledge
To those who know Dinesh Chhajer, it was no surprise he was named NETA’s 2019 Alliance Recognition Award honoree. Chhajer, who manages the technical support group for Megger, earned his MS in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Texas. Previously an applications engineer and substation and design …
Outgoing NETA President Jim Cialdea: ‘Everywhere You Look, There’s Opportunity’
A change in NETA leadership occurs every two years, with the transition to a new president recognized as an important part of the association’s history and a key to its longevity and progress. NETA World’s custom is to share the outgoing President’s perspective in a thoughtful and reflective interview. James G. Cialdea, PE, has led the organization since June 2017. …