Infrared thermography has long been a cornerstone of electrical panel maintenance, traditionally performed through periodic, time-based inspections using handheld infrared cameras. This method has been widely adopted as a best practice due to its ability to detect early signs of failure, mitigate catastrophic risks, and support the longevity of electrical infrastructure. However, recent regulatory changes have elevated the role of …
This article discusses best practices for managing inspection data in electrical utilities, emphasizing the importance of standardized collection, metadata tagging, and compliance with IEEE 1808-2024. It highlights the value of integrating data from multiple sensors, including RGB, thermal, and ultraviolet imaging, with geographic and asset information, and applying structured, industry-based diagnostics. These practices support traceable condition assessments, consistent severity scoring, …
Low-voltage protection is undergoing rapid evolution. For decades, microprocessor-based protective relays have been the gold standard for medium- and high-voltage power systems, offering highly configurable protection, metering, and communication capabilities. Meanwhile, circuit breaker trip unit technology remained relatively static for many years, remaining confined to the breaker frame and focused primarily on basic overcurrent functions. This is no longer the …
Correction: In the Industry Topic article “Life After 40: A Critical Look at Electrical Safety’s Most Contentious Number,” by Matthew J. Robinson, published in the Fall 2025 issue of NETA World, Sigma C Power Services LLC was twice incorrectly referred to as Sigma C. The article byline should read: By Matthew J. Robinson, Sigma C Power Services, LLC. The opening sentence in …
The reliability of medium-voltage underground systems is a foundational element for the continuous performance of wind farms, particularly in regions with challenging environmental conditions. In a global context of increasing integration of renewable energy sources into the electrical matrix, failures in buried insulated cables not only affect system availability but also jeopardize operational and economic safety. The investigation described in …
Megohm or insulation resistance tests validate the insulating properties of electrical conductors. A conductor with good insulation will have high insulation resistance — often measured in giga-ohms (GΩ). A conductor with bad insulation will have lower insulation resistance, which can create a pathway for excessive leakage current. No insulation is perfect, but the goal of the test is to quantify …
Substations play a crucial role in the power system. Acting as the backbone of the grid, they are responsible for essential tasks including monitoring, controlling, and protecting power flow.[1] Over the years, the electrical industry has continuously worked to enhance and improve substation technologies, leading to the development of digital substations that integrate advanced communication and automation systems. These innovations …
The continuity and integrity test is one of the relevant techniques for assessing the condition of substation grounding systems. This article explains how to detect inconsistencies in the grounding grids, including poor connection of HV equipment to the ground grid and deterioration of the grid itself, and suggests suitable field tests and appropriate equipment for detecting those inconsistencies. The test’s …
Transformer windings are coils of copper or aluminum wrapped around a transformer’s core (Figure 1). They determine what voltage is produced and whether that voltage is stepped up or down. This article looks at the parts of a transformer’s windings as well as specific transformer winding designs. PARTS OF TRANSFORMER WINDINGS Transformer coils have two main parts: a primary winding …
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Overtemperature events in electrical systems pose a serious threat that can lead to costly failures if not addressed promptly. I’ve seen the impact of these events firsthand — from unexpected failures to catastrophic fires that result in injury, lost productivity, and costly downtime. Despite advances in technology, the risks associated with overtemperature conditions remain a persistent problem for industrial facilities.