PowerTest 2023 in Orlando, Florida, was a smashing success. Many of us escaped snow, heavy rain, and freezing temperatures at home, making it easy to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather. Thank you to everyone who participated in the premier electrical testing and safety conference.
In addition to excellent content, this issue of NETA World celebrates the recipients of NETA’s Annual awards. Please join me in congratulating them, and read their stories on pages 104 – 130.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Alan “Al” Peterson
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Rod Hageman
- Outstanding Achievement Award: Steve Newton
- Alliance Recognition Award: Charles Sweetser
- Jim White Safety Award: Jim Dollard
This edition of NETA World announces the important release of NFPA 70B, Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, 2023 Edition. The article highlights the efforts taken to produce the standard and take it from a “recommended practice” to a recognized standard.
Our cover story provides a historical look at the use of fiber optics in substations. Fiber is here to stay for our industry. The good news is that it is more reliable than many other communication channels, and it’s easier to work on once you understand it. An additional article drills down on the “tsunami of funding” available for fiber optic projects of all types and the challenges of delivering these projects.
Discussions on designing and testing substation LANs, distribution feeder schemes, and testing of medium-voltage electrical power cables are also featured. The modernization of protection and controls, now more than ever, relies on adequate design, commissioning, and testing of these schemes.
Plan ahead and always put safety first!
Eric Beckman, PE, President
InterNational Electrical Testing Association