Partial discharge in electrical equipment insulation can lead to catastrophic failure. NETA Certified Technicians must understand the reasons partial discharge may occur and how to properly detect, diagnose, and correct it. 1. What is partial discharge within an insulating system?a. A brief short circuitb. A voltage spikec. A small explosiond. A small electrical discharge 2. How frequently might partial discharge …
Solar energy is a significant factor in today’s electrical energy market. NETA Certified Technicians need to understand how solar panels function and become familiar with best practices for installation, testing, and maintenance. 1. What type of energy do solar panels convert into electricity? a. Chemical b. Nuclear c. Radiant d. Gravitational 2. What type of electricity is generated within solar …
Circuit breakers are critical components that allow the power distribution system to operate safely and reliably. As NETA Certified Technicians, we need to be familiar with the different types of circuit breakers and how they function. 1. When using a circuit breaker for isolation, what is the most effective way to lock it out?a. Lock it in the open position.b. …
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 …
Protective relays are critical power systems components, and it is essential to design and use them properly to detect power system issues. As NETA-certified technicians, we must be familiar with the purpose and operation of various types of protective relays. 1. Which type of relay was the earliest design for protective relaying? a. Interconnector relay b. Electromechanical relay c. Static …
The 2023 edition of NFPA 70B saw it converted from a recommended practice to the Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance. This NFPA 70B update will continue to work in conjunction with ANSI/NETA standards and other NFPA standards to provide details on power system maintenance to NETA companies and NETA technicians. 1. Which option does NFPA 70B define as “a …
Communication plays a critical role in the operation of modern substations. As the industry was evolving into the digital age, there was a need for a unified communication architecture, and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) began to develop international standards for communication. In this quiz, we will explore the international communication standard IEC 61850. 1. What is the international standard …
Communication is vital in everything we do, and it isn’t just the funny phrases at the end of the telephone game as kids. As NETA Certified Technicians, we must be familiar with different communication systems since they are essential to proper power system operation. In this quiz, we discuss some communication systems and associated components. Virginia Balitski, CET, Manager – …
Rotating machinery is an essential component of most power systems, from compressors in petrochemical plants to turbines in hydroelectric generation plants. NETA Certified Technicians must be familiar with the maintenance and possible failure means of various rotating machines. Virginia Balitski, CET, Manager – Training and Development, has worked for Magna IV Engineering since 2006. Virginia started her career as …
NETA Certified Technicians must continually adjust to advancing technology and diagnostic testing techniques. Over the years, cable testing has advanced to where multiple testing methods can be selected. After careful consideration of system requirements, a site owner may choose off-line partial discharge (PD) testing as one of their cable testing methods. This quiz looks at some details on partial discharge …