What is human error? A human error is the outcome of an action that does not produce results as intended. It can be summed up by saying things did not go as planned. The 6P Rule (Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance) can go a long way to preventing a human error, but there is still that human factor. James …
Communicating Hazards During the Pre-Job Briefing
Protection from hazards always begins with proper prior planning. An important aid to correctly and thoroughly planning a job includes using a tool known throughout the industry as a pre-job briefing, commonly called a PJB. This tool is called a tailboard or tailboard meeting in construction parlance, but no matter what it is called, PJBs are all designed to do …
Communications
This edition of the NETA World is on communications — a very broad, but necessary subject. This Tech Quiz looks at three types of communication: digital substations, three-way communication, and hand signals for heavy lifting and cranes. Every NETA technician should have knowledge of these. 1. Digital substations are based on which IEC standard? IEC 61800 IEC 47855 IEC 60947 …
Small Things Mean a Lot
One of the most important details in NFPA 70E is its definitions. Many people automatically believe they already know the definition of a word or phrase. This is a mistake that can have negative consequences. The place to start is to read Chapter 1, Article 100 Definitions. Once you have a better understanding of the definitions, the rest of the …
Communications Kicks Off New Column
It’s very exciting to kick off the first “In the Field” column. Consistent with this NETA World edition’s theme, an article on communications seemed fitting. As I write this, I realize I assumed the “communications” theme was related to interpersonal communications, but I didn’t communicate well enough to clarify that the theme is probably related to equipment communications such as …
Functional Testing for a Sudden Pressure Relay
This article presents a functional test procedure for a sudden pressure relay. The sudden pressure relay trips when it detects a sudden increase in gas pressure due to a fault internal to the transformer tank. Recommendations for mounting the relay and a procedure for post-analysis following field trips are also provided. The sudden pressure relay (Figure 1) offers three main …
Welcome to the 2019 Winter Edition of NETA World
As humans, we are drawn to one another and communicate with each other using a variety of methods. Good and effective communication is an essential tool to achieve productivity and maintain strong and lasting working relationships at all levels of an organization. What every interaction has in common is the need for clear and effective communication. In this issue of NETA …
Emerging Technologies
Wikipedia defines emerging technologies: “Emerging technologies are technologies that are perceived as capable of changing the status quo. These technologies are generally new but include older technologies that are still controversial and relatively undeveloped in potential.” In this issue, we look at some emerging technologies that are in use now or might be in the future. This Tech Quiz is …
Another Test for Lightning Protection
It doesn’t take an electrician or engineer to know that lightning is a major cause of electrical interference and damage. Protecting the electrical system against such a danger is paramount. A lightning stroke can be hotter than the surface of the sun, with voltage estimated as high as 120 million volts, including 400 kA and 500 megajoules of energy. Utility …
Electrical Service Work and Worker Fatigue: Take Care of Yourself!
Chances are you are in an electrical career you love: Testing, maintaining, installing, commissioning, designing, rebuilding, engineering, improving…and generally making electrical power systems safer and better. But are you doing so with a focus on managing the possible onset of acute or chronic fatigue? We live in a busy world — do more with less; be efficient in your tasks; …