Solar Installations and Testing

Morgan Gieni, Magna IV EngineeringColumns, Tech Quiz, Winter 2024 Columns

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 …

Distance Protection Impedance Measurement Fundamentals: Phase-to-Phase and Phase-to-Ground Faults

Steven Turner, ConsultantColumns, Relay Column, Winter 2024 Columns

Distance protection measures loop impedances to determine the location of a fault on the protected line. There are six loops: A-B, B-C, C-A, A-G, B-G, and C-G. This article demonstrates how distance protection measures the apparent loop impedance for B-Phase-to-C-Phase and A-Phase-to-Ground faults. The loop impedances for phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground faults are not equivalent due to the presence of neutral …

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Why Does Informative Annex Q Matter at All?

Ron Widup, Shermco IndustriesColumns, NFPA 70E and NETA, Winter 2024 Columns

We’ll get to the punch line first. Your personal safety relies on one person and one person only….and that person is you. Look in the mirror — that’s it. Electricity is a powerful force — one that helps us each and every day in all that we do. With that power comes an element of significant risk: severe injury or …

Ensuring the Safety and Reliability of Electrical Power Systems

Dan Hook, CBS Field Services, NETA PresidentColumns, President's Desk, Winter 2024 Columns

As we approach the end of another successful year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the achievements and challenges that have defined our industry.  This past quarter, we had the privilege of hosting the inaugural Electrical Power Innovations Conference (EPIC), and I’m thrilled to report that it was a tremendous success. EPIC brought together leaders, innovators, and professionals …