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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
The best and brightest in electrical testing and maintenance lit up PowerTest 2019, the premier electrical power systems event. The annual five-day conference hosted 503 session and 575 trade show attendees from March 11–15, 2019, at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. PowerTest, the largest gathering of NETA Accredited Company representatives and industry professionals each year, …
Star Electrical Services & General Supplies, Inc. was established in 1999 and has become a leader in accurate, reliable, and professional solutions in electrical testing and high-voltage devices in Puerto Rico. The company is ISO 9001-2015 certified and is now the newest NETA Accredited Company (NAC) after satisfying the stringent requirements to become a full member. President Abelardo Hernandez is …
When it comes to electrical systems in industrial and commercial facilities and power plants, total system reliability is the top priority. An approach to electrical system service that encompasses both ac and dc power systems is required. AC and dc systems play an interconnected and equally critical role in ensuring overall reliability, and daily production and equipment protection require seamless …