As we leave winter and advance into spring, our industry is preparing for the spring outage season. This time of year, the return of daylight leads to longer work days and more deadlines to meet the expectations of our customers. Be sure to follow the safety policies of your company as well as those required by the facility where the work is being performed. Be safe when in doubt, and always err on the side of caution.
The theme for this issue of NETA World is troubleshooting the electrical power system and its equipment. Efficient troubleshooting requires attaining as much information as possible. Ask the right questions and help those giving the answers reflect about what happened and why. For example, has it happened before, and if so, were the surrounding conditions similar? Obtain the proper wiring diagrams for the systems as well as the manufacturer’s equipment manuals for the device(s) being investigated. Prepare and conduct a pre-job briefing outlining the process and addressing all safety concerns with personnel prior to starting work. At that point, the troubleshooter can start the process of eliminating those items that don’t fit with the known facts.
Check out these topics in this edition: analyzing transformer faults, moisture assessment, tan delta cable testing, bushing condition assessment, and circuit breaker troubleshooting.
I hope you are planning to join NETA in Chicago to take advantage of everything PowerTest 2020 has to offer. We have made some improvements and adjustments to this year’s PowerTest program to improve your experience. Please take some time to let the NETA staff know what you like and what you don’t like. Give some in-depth thought while filling out the evaluation sheets within the mobile app at each of the presentations. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and important to the NETA organization as we move towards the future.
Mark your calendars! PowerTest 2021, the premier electrical maintenance and safety conference, will take place March 8–March 12, 2021, at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida. We look forward to seeing you there.
Coach safe behavior … Living injury free every day!
Scott A. Blizard, President
International Electrical Testing Association
Safety First…No One Gets Hurt!
