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 …
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, …
As testers, where should we start? The standards! For grounding testing, the industry reference is IEEE Std. 81, Guide for Measuring Earth Resistivity, Ground Impedance, and Earth Surface Potentials of a Grounding System. As with most standards, familiarity and interpretation are key. It can be a challenge to understand the intent, methods, and implementation of the prescribed testing. Fall of Potential …
All electrical equipment has a finite lifespan. Recognizing the signs of aging and understanding how to assess equipment health is essential. As NETA Certified Technicians, we play a critical role in helping to extend the operational life of electrical systems by implementing proactive maintenance strategies that enable our customers to maximize performance and reliability for as long as possible. 1. …
The most common injury in any industry is a slip, trip, or fall. Whether a fall occurs on the same level — or worse, from a higher level — any fall can cause significant injury, resulting in production downtime, reduced maintenance activity, loss or reduction of wages for the employee, loss of profit for the company, trips to doctors and …