Spring 2025 Cover StoryLooking Ahead Five Years…Electrical Infrastructure and NFPA 70E

Featured Stories

The Three Pillars: Safety, Quality, and Productivity

Safety, quality, and productivity are closely interconnected in the manufacturing, construction, and electrical services industries. Sacrificing one of these elements inevitably impacts the others. When organizations prioritize maintaining safety, quality,

Thomas Sandri, Vector Power

Building an Electrical Safety Conscientious Confidence through NFPA 70E

As humans, many people feel they are invincible — until they aren’t. The electrical industry is filled with individuals with tremendous ability to do their jobs. Whether you are an

Corey Hannahs, National Fire Protection Association

Electrical Safety: The Troubleshooting Process and Staying Alive

Far too many technicians, electricians, and other tradespeople are severely or fatally injured each year due to an electrical issue. From a technician’s standpoint, we are wired to jump on

Tim Conley, CBS Field Services

Columns

Morgan Gieni

Magna IV Engineering

Tech Quiz

NFPA 70E

Jeffrey Jowett

Megger

Tech Tips

Comparing Clamp-On and Traditional Ground Testers

Dan Hook President's Desk

CBS Field Services

NETA President

Leading with Safety, Skill, and Standards

Ron Widup

Shermco Industries

NFPA 70E and NETA

Informative Annex N & Overhead Electrical Lines

Mose Ramieh

CBS Field Services

In the Field

A Holistic Approach to Breaker Troubleshooting

Steven Turner

Consultant

Relay Column

Transformer Differential Logic to Prevent Unwanted Trips during CT Saturation for External Faults

Paul Chamberlain

Asplundh Engineering Services, LLC

Safety Corner

Pre-Job Briefings

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INsightS & Inspiration

Eric Goetz: Every Job Is a Learning Opportunity

This issue of NETA World’s “Insight and Inspiration” series features Eric Goetz, a Technical Trainer at Qualus Services LLC, a NETA Accredited Company headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida. Eric’s main responsibilities are creating and delivering training classes to Qualus employees and their clients. He also leads the Qualus University (QualU) new-hire bootcamp training program for apparatus testing technicians and assists with relay technician and design engineer new-hire bootcamps. Eric recently accepted the opportunity to lead the design and build-out of two training labs: an apparatus testing lab in Louisville, Kentucky, and a utility relay lab at headquarters in Lake Mary, Florida. These training facilities will be leveraged for hands-on activities during their training seminars and internal training programs. Goetz graduated

NETA World Staff

Corporate Alliance Corner

Advancements in Industry: How to Be a NERC Compliant Service Company

Most utilities in the United States are required to comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) regulations. Some of these regulations require utilities to develop performance-based, condition-based, or time-based maintenance programs, and the execution of these programs is what opens a window of opportunity for testing companies to offer services oriented to help utilities achieve their maintenance testing needs. This article provides a starting point for understanding the NERC standards structure and focuses on a specific standard to show examples of the services that can be offered and to what extent. NERC BASICS AND STANDARDS STRUCTURE The Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) is a regulatory agency comprised of NERC and the six Regional Entities. It guarantees the reduction of reliability

Volney Naranjo and Mark Pustejovsky, Megger

Partner Spotlight — Utility Relay Company: 30 Years of Exceptional Products and Services

NETA Corporate Alliance Partners (CAPs) are industry-leading companies that have joined forces with NETA to work together toward a common aim: improving quality, safety, and electrical system reliability. In this ongoing NETA World series, we focus on the thought leadership behind these successful companies. This issue’s CAP Spotlight features an interview with Brian Bianchi, Director of Sales and Marketing at Utility Relay Company (URC), makers of AC-PRO® circuit breaker modernization kits and accessories. He brings over 20 years of experience in the electrical industry, having worked across engineering, operations, and commercial disciplines. Brian holds an MS in electrical engineering from Cleveland State University and an MBA from Grove City College. Brian’s well-rounded background contributes to URC’s ability to help companies

NETA World Staff

NETA NEWS

New York Electrical Power Services Recognized as NETA Accredited Company

New York Electrical Power Services (NYEPS) is an independent electrical testing and technical services company offering diverse technical capabilities in the electrical industry. Established in 2011, the company provides trained manpower, equipment, and technical expertise to service utility, industrial, and commercial end users. Located on the Avenue of the Americas

NETA World Staff

Alliance Partner Recognition Award — Ashley Ledbetter: Forging Her Own Legacy

The Alliance Partner Recognition Award is presented annually to an individual who is involved in and supports NETA and the electrical testing industry. The chosen individuals serve the industry through the development and use of consensus standards in the electrical power industry and are focused on providing the highest level

NETA World Staff

Outstanding Achievement Award — Eric Beckman: Tireless Dedication to NETA

“Today, it is my distinct honor to present the NETA Outstanding Achievement Award — an award reserved for individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to NETA and who have played a critical role in shaping the future of our organization,” began Dan Hook, NETA Board President and President of CBS Field Services, at PowerTest 2025. “Eric Beckman embodies the very essence of dedication, leadership, and vision,” Hook continued. “The qualities we look for in a recipient include steadfast commitment to serving and promoting NETA, active volunteerism on multiple committees, and being a champion for electrical safety, quality service, and

NETA World Staff

James R. White Electrical Safety Award — Tony Demaria: Leave the World Better Than I Found It

“The James R. White Electrical Safety Awardis given in honor of Jim White’s legacy,” began NETA Board Member Scott Blizard, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Asplundh Electrical Testing,“ and Vickie White, Jim’s wife, is here with me to present the award to this year’s recipient.” “Jim White dedicated his career to electrical safety, so this award is presented each year to another safety warrior who is committed to promoting electrical safety within their organization and across the industry,” Blizard explained to the audience at the Member and Alliance Luncheon during the recent 2025 PowerTest conference in Orlando. “Our

NETA World Staff

PowerTest25: Harnessing Power Potential

THE PREMIER ELECTRICAL POWER SAFETY AND RELIABILITY TRAINING EVENT OF THE YEAR! “The comradery, the mutual respect, and the collective mindset of the Power Professionals at PowerTest is what sets it apart.” Harnessing Power Potential, the theme of this year’s PowerTest Conference, inspired the opening message. The 1,100 PowerTest25 attendees were acknowledged for their dedication to advancing themselves and their companies; for serving as committed stewards in designing, managing, maintaining, and harnessing power’s potential; and for improving power reliability and safety. Ron Widup, PowerTest Chairman, challenged the audience to think: “If you could learn one thing — by mistake or

NETA World Staff

Seven Companies Become the First Qualified Electrical Equipment Maintenance Companies Recognized by NETA

NETA launched the Qualified Electrical Equipment Maintenance Company (QEMC) program in 2024 and is pleased to welcome seven newly qualified companies and their 43 Qualified Electrical Equipment Maintenance Workers (QEMWs). Congratulations, NETA QEMCs! Blackmon Power Fleming Controls & Power Specialties Industrial High Voltage Jesse Stutts, Inc. Piquette & Howard Electric Recore Electric Sabino Electric, Inc. NETA’s recognition of these seven Qualified Electrical Equipment Maintenance Companiesprovides assurance of the organizations’ electrical power system maintenanceexperience and worker qualifications. The new NETA-administered QEMC and QEMW qualification program is in response to the ANSI-approved NFPA 70B–2023®, Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance®, which makes proper electrical

NETA World Staff

Member and Member/Alliance Partner Meetings

Nearly 200 NETA Accredited Company representatives, Alliance Partners, and Corporate Alliance participants gathered on Monday, March 10, 2025, for NETA’s 2025 Annual Member and Alliance Meetings. The annual meetings are held the day before PowerTest and are the traditional kickoff to the conference. NETA MEMBER MEETING This gathering of representatives and technicians from NETA Accredited Companies brought reports from all sides of the association. Reports and program updates were provided on the Qulified Electrical Equipment Maintenance Company / Qualified Electrical Equipment Maintenance Worker (QEMC / QEMW) program, the NETA Apprenticeship Program, membership, and exam planning. NETA Accredited Companies were reminded

NETA World Staff

Industry Topics

Insulation Resistance Testing for Solar PV Cables

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

Lucas Miller, Mayfield Renewables

Implementing Substation Automation Systems in the Middle East

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

Khaled Shadi Morshed, Commissioning Services International

Specifications & Standards

ANSI/NETA Standards Update

ANSI/NETA ATS–2025 NEW RELEASE AVAILABLE IN THE NETA BOOKSTORE The revision for the ANSI/NETA ATS, Standard for Acceptance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment & Systems, 2025 Edition, has been approved by ANSI effective February 20, 2025. ANSI/NETA ATS covers suggested field tests and inspections for assessing the suitability for initial energization of electrical power equipment and systems. The purpose of these specifications is to assure that tested electrical equipment and systems are operational, are within applicable standards and manufacturers’ tolerances, and are installed in accordance with design specifications. New content in the 2025 edition includes Section 7.28 Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Section 7.29 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems; updated Tables in Section 100.6 Medium-Voltage Cables Acceptance Test Values;

NETA World Staff

Training Talk

Guide to Low-Voltage Distribution Systems

A low-voltage distribution system is the final stage of the electric grid. It is the infrastructure that moves electric power inside buildings and dwellings. Let’s define a low-voltage distribution system. These systems rely on transformers (Figure 1) to step utility voltages down to usable levels. The most common voltages in

Ben Gulick, Maddox Industrial Transformers

Why So Many Partial Discharge Measurement Units?

Partial discharge is a poorly understood phenomenon, made harder to understand because many different units are used to measure it. Making matters worse, sometimes you have to calibrate a test setup, and other times you don’t. This article explains the various units, when and how they are used, and why we

William G. Higinbotham, EA Technology, LLC

Do You Have a Safety Culture? — Part 3

When we left Rob in the Summer edition of Training Talk, he and John, the safety program Manager, had made excellent progress on developing a safety plan that was inherent in every employee. John even acknowledged, “I am starting to understand what you meant by culture change by deepening employee

Chuck Baker, PowerPro 360

Nurturing a Caring Culture: The Key to Organizational Success

A 2019 EY Belong Barometer study found that over 40% of U.S. respondents reported feeling physically and emotionally isolated in the workplace. This feeling crossed generational, gender, and ethnic lines. Creating a caring workplace is essential for establishing an environment where employees feel valued and supported. But how can this be achieved?

Stephanie McLaughlin, Hood Patterson & Dewar

SPECIAL SECTION – NETA InterNational

Challenges in the Middle-East Power Sector

This article is the second in a special NETA World International Series, opening a global window into electrical power system commissioning, acceptance testing, maintenance testing, and system management. Commissioning Services International (CSI) is the first InterNational NETA Accredited Company (INAC) to join the Association. CSI has established itself as a leading international provider of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering services, known for delivering top-quality results and exceeding customer expectations. The company serves the Middle East market and is committed to continuously promoting awareness of the ANSI/NETA Standards and promoting adherence to the NETA requirements across the industry. The Spring NETA World article discussed the energy sector in the Middle East, covering its current state, how different energy sources contribute

Deyaa Khaled Hammodeh, Commissioning Services International

SPECIAL SECTION – EPIC Conference

Life Extension — The Big Picture

The focus of this article is the need for emerging technology to support the life extension of electrical power equipment into the future. I’m well-versed in most of the new testing techniques, but I think it’s important to determine the need. My world revolves around 480 V through 38-kV switchgear. I’m from the switchgear, rotating equipment, and transformer service side of the business, but today I’m talking about basic metal-clad switchgear 480 volts through 38-kV vacuum, oil, gas, whatever. HISTORY If you look at America’s installed electrical infrastructure of 480-V through 15-kV equipment, most of it was installed in the ‘70s and early ‘80s. It’s nice to think it’s all new and modern, but if you look through the big buildings in New York City, the wastewater plants, the universities, it’s populated primarily with older gear. As it ages, it must

Finley Ledbetter, GroupCBS

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