The Six-P Rule (Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance) can go a long way to preventing human error, but humans still make mistakes. James Reason, a prominent University of Manchester professor, psychologist, and author, states: “Human error is a consequence, not a cause. Errors are shaped by upstream workplace and organizational factors. Only by understanding the context of the error …
Breaker failure protection provides backup protection in case the local circuit breaker fails to clear a system fault. If a breaker fails to trip, adjacent breakers must be tripped to isolate the fault from the sources feeding it. Figure 1 illustrates a fault on the transmission line served by Breaker 3 and Breaker 4. If Breaker 3 fails to open, Breaker 2, Breaker 5, and …
Equipment underutilization is, by implication, an underdiscussed subject. I am all too familiar with this phenomenon, e.g., relays with useful but unprogrammed protective functions, calibrated test equipment that rarely sees the light of day, fully functional battery chargers next to pallets of long-deceased 12 V valve-regulated lead–acid batteries (VRLAs), etc. This negligence is no less true of rotating machines, where inexpensive …
There is no better electrical safety standard than NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. It’s a work practices document, composed and approved through consensus and input from a wide range of subject matter experts and members of the public. It follows the ANSI standards-making process with an end goal specifically designed to protect personnel from the hazards …
Condition of maintenance: It’s a term found in NFPA codes and standards, but do you really understand what it means? If not, check out Informative Annex S Assessing the Condition of Maintenance, in the 2024 edition of the NFPA 70E.
Stephen Cialdea is the Chief Operating Officer for Sigma C Power Services LLC (SCPS), which is headquartered out of Westborough, Massachusetts, and has now expanded to several other areas. He oversees all SCPS operational staff on the field service and engineering sides of the business. “I’ve had the great opportunity to be part of the company’s beginnings and rapid growth …
With my term as NETA’s Board President coming to a close, it seems fitting that the theme of the Summer 2024 issue of NETA World is Transformers in that I have had the privilege of serving NETA during a transformative time in the Association’s history. Thanks to the dedication of our Board of Directors, volunteers, members, and partners, NETA …
Utility substations are undergirded by large — sometimes massive — grounding grids. These are made up of electrodes, much like the familiar ground rod, but with extended responsibilities. The grid must provide a means to carry electrical currents into the earth under normal and fault conditions without exceeding operating and equipment limits. The grid must also assure the safety of …
Transformers are critical power system components, allowing transmission and distribution of power throughout the industry. As NETA Certified Technicians, we should be familiar with the various sizes, configurations, and types of transformers. 1. Which type of transformer is usually connected to a utility generator?a. Step-down transformerb. Isolation transformerc. Step-up transformer d. Three winding transformer 2. What does the DY1 designation on …
Performing condition analysis or maintenance on a power transformer and ancillary devices is a potentially hazardous task that requires well-trained test personnel to identify and mitigate risks. Products and equipment that are designed to test and diagnose equipment while in operation, such as infrared cameras, partial-discharge detection equipment, and online oil analysis can be used to determine a power transformer’s …