Milestone | Mile·Stone / ˈmī(-e)l-,stōn: A Significant Point in Development

Eric Beckman, National Field Services, NETA PresidentColumns, President's Desk, Winter 2023 Columns

As milestones go, January 16, 2023, might well be considered a significant point in development within our industry. That is when NFPA 70B became effective as a standard recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).   While long accepted as an industry-leading recommended practice, ANSI certification brings changes to NFPA 70B. In this edition of NETA World, our contributors …

Optimization of Modern Power Systems

Eric Beckman, National Field Services, NETA PresidentColumns, Fall 2023 Columns, President's Desk

As advancements in technology have driven the world over the past 20 years, the ability to protect and control our electrical infrastructure has advanced as well. By implementing advanced technologies and innovative solutions, the grid has undergone a significant transformation, accommodating the growing demands of an increasingly digital and interconnected world. The enhanced visibility and automation have improved grid resilience, …

NETA Congratulates Annual Award Recipients

Eric Beckman, National Field Services, NETA PresidentPresident's Desk, Columns, Summer 2023 Columns

PowerTest 2023 in Orlando, Florida, was a smashing success. Many of us escaped snow, heavy rain, and freezing temperatures at home, making it easy to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather. Thank you to everyone who participated in the premier electrical testing and safety conference. In addition to excellent content, this issue of NETA World celebrates the recipients of NETA’s …

Welcome to PowerTest 2023

Eric Beckman, National Field Services, NETA PresidentColumns, President's Desk, Spring 2023 Columns

Welcome to Orlando, Florida, and PowerTest 2023! We are excited to return to Florida and enjoy the sunshine and warm weather. I hope everyone can enjoy golf or some of the theme parks in the local area while also participating in the premier electrical testing and safety conference. Electric motors play a crucial role in many modern technologies, including transportation …

Recognizing Your Dedication

Eric Beckman, National Field Services, NETA PresidentPresident's Desk, Columns, Winter 2022 Columns

As so many parts of the world face challenges due to extreme weather and geological events, I want to take a moment to recognize electrical workers and their families. As we all have learned, the electrical infrastructure is quite possibly the most essential part of our life these days. We tend to forget that we can’t accomplish many of the …

The Impact of Electric Vehicles on the Electrical Testing Industry

Eric Beckman, National Field Services, NETA PresidentColumns, Fall 2022 Columns, President's Desk

Hopefully, everyone had a safe and enjoyable summer. I know I’m looking forward to cooler temperatures as it’s been a very hot summer across the South. As the world starts to adapt and the production and use of electric vehicles increases, the impact on the electrical infrastructure is drastic. Charging stations, load demand, and power-grid impact and maintenance requirements are …

A Safety Reminder

Eric Beckman, National Field Services, NETA PresidentColumns, President's Desk, Summer 2022 Columns

Summer is in full swing across the country, and I want to take some time to focus on safety. You’ll find many of our articles in this edition of NETA World revolve around some aspect of safety. Our cover story continues the discussion of the 2018 changes to the arc flash calculation process in IEEE 1584. (Editor’s note: Catch up …

Arc-Flash Hazard and Mitigation

Eric Beckman, National Field Services, NETA PresidentColumns, President's Desk, Spring 2022 Columns

First, welcome to Denver and PowerTest 2022. It certainly is nice to be back to an in-person event! This year also happens to be NETA’s 50th anniversary. Be sure to watch out for special events celebrating this anniversary. You won’t want to miss them. There has been so much development in the area of arc-flash hazard awareness and mitigation in …

NERC and NETA

Eric Beckman, National Field Services, NETA PresidentPresident's Desk, Columns, Winter 2021 Columns

NETA has been setting standards that pave the way for the minimum requirements to ensure an electrical system operates reliably and safely since 1972. As a result of several widespread blackouts compromising the electric grid, the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC)was appointed in 2006 by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to develop various standards to aid in the …

Always Remember: Your Work Is Essential

Eric Beckman, National Field Services, NETA PresidentColumns, Fall 2021 Columns, President's Desk

I want to start by thanking all NETA members and Board members for their support and trust to help lead the organization as I step into my term as President. It truly is an honor to be part of such a first-class organization that’s so well-respected all across the world and to be able to represent and lead it is …