SUMMER2022

SPRING2013

CHANGES TO IEEE STD. 1584,

IEEE GUIDE FOR
PERFORMING ARC-FLASH
HAZARD CALCULATIONS
PART 2

CHECKLISTS AND EFFECTIVE JOB

BRIEFINGS ARE IMPORTANT TO
IMPROVING SAFETY PAGE 48
MENTORSHIP IS CRITICAL IN
THE ELECTRICAL SECTOR PAGE 56
BATTERY SAFETY PAGE 62
IMPROVED METHOD FOR SAFE
TIMING MEASUREMENT OF GIS
CIRCUIT BREAKERS PAGE 68
ISS N 2 1 6 7 -35 9 4 N ETA WO R LD J O UR N A L PR I N T
ISS N 2 1 6 7 -35 8 6 N ETA WO R LD J O UR N A L O N LI N E
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 IN THIS I S S U E SUMMER2022 · VOLUME 44, NO. 2

COVER STORY

40 Impact of Changes to
IEEE Std. 1584, IEEE Guide
for Performing Arc-Flash
Hazard Calculations — Part 2
Steve Park, PE, Vertiv
Part 2 continues the discussion of the 2018 changes to
the arc flash calculation process in IEEE 1584.

48 Checklists and Effective

Job Briefings Are Important
to Improving Safety
40
D. Ray Crow, DRC Consulting, Inc.
Make efficient checklists and job briefings to reduce
incidents and save lives.

56 Mentorship Is Critical
in the Electrical Sector
Mike Doherty, eHazard
Learn how a mentoring program can build employee
skills, decrease turnover, and increase loyalty.

62 Battery Safety
48
Andrew Sagl, Megger
Modern instruments can make testing large battery
banks safer and more efficient.

68 Improved Method for

Safe Timing Measurement
of GIS Circuit Breakers
Radenko Ostojic, Adnan Secic, Budo Milovic, and
Kerim Obarcanin, DV Power
Explore an improved method for testing
demanding cases.

68
 TAB LE O F C O N T EN T S

8 34 82

INSIGHTS AND INSPIRATION 90 Medium-Voltage Circuit Breaker Condition

Assessment
8 Mose Ramieh III: Stay Involved to Stay Relevant Siegfried Bernhauswer and Ari Tirroniemi,
OMICRON electronics

IN EVERY ISSUE
CAP CORNER
7 President’s Desk
A Safety Reminder 94 Advancements in the Industry
Eric Beckman, National Field Services The Key to Relay Protection Success: Cooperation
NETA President Ed Khan, Doble Engineering
14 Relay Column
Sync Check Supervision
NETA NEWS
Steve Turner, Arizona Public Service Company
20 In the Field 104 NETA Welcomes CFM Services as NETA
Improving Safety in the Field Accredited Company
Matt Eakins, Advanced Electrical Services, Ltd.
106 Outstanding Achievement Award: Ken Bassett,
27 Safety Corner Potomac Testing
Performing Personnel Audits
Paul Chamberlain, American Electrical Testing Co., LLC 112 Alliance Recognition Award: Drew Welton,
32 Tech Quiz intellirent
Safety 117 PowerTest 2022 Generates Powerful Connections
Virginia Balitski, Magna IV Engineering for the Future
34 Tech Tips
Safety Testing of EV Chargers
Jeff Jowett, Megger SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS

102 ANSI/NETA Standards Update

INDUSTRY TOPICS

76 Acceptance Testing Collaboration Leads to IMPORTANT LISTS

Improved Project Delivery
Eric Nation, High Voltage Maintenance Corporation 122 NETA Accredited Companies
82 Power Factor: Understanding the Difference 130 Advertiser List
Between DPF and TPF
Ken Kious, PowerSight
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 1945
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© Copyright 2022, NETA

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Opinions, views and conclusions expressed in articles herein are those of the authors and not
necessarily those of NETA. Publication herein does not constitute or imply endorsement of
any opinion, product, or service by NETA, its directors, officers, members, employees or
agents (herein “NETA”).

All technical data in this publication reflects the experience of individuals using specific tools,
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or may not be fully reported and over which NETA has neither exercised nor reserved control.
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ISSN 2167-3594 NETA WORLD JOURNAL PRINT

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 PRESIDENT’S DESK

A SAFETY REMINDER
Summer is in full swing across the country, and I want to take some time to
focus on safety. You’ll find many of our articles in this edition of NETA World
revolve around some aspect of safety. Our cover story continues the discussion of
the 2018 changes to the arc flash calculation process in IEEE 1584. (Editor’s
note: Catch up on Part 1 in the Spring 2022 edition of NETA World).
I particularly want to focus my message on driving. Many times, we’re very focused on the electrical
hazards associated with the jobs we do, and rightly so. However, we often forget about some of
the other hazards that can sometimes be taken for granted.
For instance, perhaps the most dangerous thing each of us does every single day is drive to and
from our place of work. This has been minimized to some extent for office staff working
remotely during COVID, but has never changed for our technicians and engineers in the field.
NHTSA reported that 39,000 people were killed in car accidents in 2020. Compare that to 400
fatalities per year due to high-voltage electrical injuries reported by the NIH.
We’re constantly worried about getting to our jobsite on time, or maybe we’re running behind
or in a hurry to get prepared for the job. Then we’re anxious to get home or back to the
hotel after a hard day’s work. And especially during this era of technology, there are so many
distractions. The one that is possibly the most distracting is the cell phone.
I know these are things everyone already knows, but it’s good to remind everyone of this particular
hazard that exists every single day, on work as well as personal time.
Just a few tips and reminders for safe driving:
• Put your phone away when driving.
• Don’t eat and drive.
• Inspect your vehicle before use.
• Don’t drive fatigued.
• Practice defensive driving techniques.
• Slow down.
We work in a very dangerous industry, but remember that electrical hazards are just
one of many dangers that exist in the daily life of a field technician and engineer.
Plan ahead, and always put safety first!

Eric Beckman, PE, President

InterNational Electrical Testing Association

PRESIDENT’S DESK NETAWORLD • 7

INSIGHTS & INSPIRATION

MOSE RAMIEH III:

STAY INVOLVED TO
STAY RELEVANT
Mose Ramieh III says his path to success in the electrical testing industry
has been “quite a road,” and his long list hits “just the high points.” A
former Navy man, Texas Longhorn, vlogger, CrossFit enthusiast, and
slow-cigar-smoking champion, Mose has been in the electrical testing
industry for 24 years. Over the years, he has held positions at four
companies in roles ranging from field service technician, operations, sales,
business development, and company owner.

Closing in on 25 years in the industry, this Level 4 NETA Technician

shares his thoughts on how to make the most of your own road to success.
NW: Please share your journey on how While I had some electrical background
you got to the job you currently hold. How from college and my time in the Navy, I had
long have you been in the field; how did you very little experience working on utility and
get started? What attracted you to electrical industrial equipment. Because I also wanted
testing? to avoid the son-of-the-owner negative
connotation that routinely occurs, I either
Ramieh: My entry into the electrical testing volunteered or was volun-told to participate
business began in November 1996 around in every night, weekend, holiday, and outage.
the time of my wedding. I was less than one The less attractive the role, the better. I was
year from leaving the U.S. Navy, and my role going to earn my way. There was no going to
in the Navy was not a perfect fit. As a steam- a training class. Every day on the job was the
plant engineer, my job was to boil water into classroom as I learned from some dedicated and
steam to turn turbines. If those turbines turned hardworking men. I should mention there was
generators, my responsibility ended when those also plenty of learning from books, equipment
electrons left the generator. manuals, and NETA World. This was before the
internet (LOL).
My father was weary of working for the electrical
testing company that employed him at that Before PGTI became a NETA company, I was
time, and we had discussed the opportunity to the first in our company to take and pass the
join him in business after I left the Navy. So in NICET exam, much to the surprise — dare I
August 1997, I left San Diego for Nashville, say frustration and confusion — of the more
Tennessee, to join my father in the business he seasoned technicians we employed. After we
had started in January of that year — Power & became a NETA company, I took and passed
Generation Testing, Inc. (PGTI). Level 2 and Level 3 on the same day. At that

8 • SUMMER 2022 MOSE RAMIEH III: STAY INVOLVED TO STAY RELEVANT

 INSIGHTS & INSPIRATION

time, it was a paper test, and it took weeks to manufacturer’s rep. During this time, I was able
get a pass/fail notice. to travel to Chile for two months (June–August
2019) to put my NETA Level 4 skills to work.
Somewhere around 2005, I became an owner It was during my time in Chile that I received
in PGTI and continued to work daily in the a call from Finley Ledbetter to become a part
business. I worked in every role: sales, project owner in a company purchase in Michigan.
management, and field testing. I was the poster Our group of investors bought PowerTech
child for being a jack of all trades and master Services (PTS) in October 2019. I relocated
of none. My father and I worked to grow that to Swartz Creek, Michigan, and spent most
business and had many wonderful years (and of 2020 turning that business around. With a
more than a few disagreements ). Ultimately, good bit of hard work, and definitely a bit of
in October 2015, we decided to sell the luck, PTS began to run well, allowing me to
business to CE Power. I’ll skip the details of my return to my 24-year home base in Nashville in
time with CE Power other than to say it is hard November 2020,
to go from being an owner to being a “sales
asset.” I left my company in September 2018. Now I’m Vice President of Business
Development for CBS Field Services, which
So there I was, an unemployable NETA Level is the rebranded name of PowerTech Services,
4 Technician with time on my hands. I tried doing whatever is needed to help our business
some independent work and also worked as a be successful.

MOSE RAMIEH III: STAY INVOLVED TO STAY RELEVANT NETAWORLD • 9

INSIGHTS & INSPIRATION

NW: What about this work keeps you who are hanging out at the truck waiting to
committed to the profession? drive out the gate. Volunteer for every night,
weekend, difficult job, and emergency call-out.
Ramieh: It’s a challenging business. It tests That is where we begin to separate the good
you mentally and physically. There have been technicians from the great ones.
times where I have wanted to throw my tools
down and walk out the door. So what keeps Second best advice: Do not violate the laws of
me committed? The recognition I get when physics to explain why something happened.
customers and other industrial professionals The vast majority of electrical problems and
seek me out to help them solve problems. It’s failures are simple, and people try to make it
sort of like that sweet golf shot that keeps you way too complicated.
coming back and playing that frustrating game.
NW: Describe one of your best work days…
NW: What about this work is specifically What happened?
challenging for you, and how are you
overcoming that challenge? Ramieh: My best day was actually a
TO THIS DAY, MOSE
several-week-long project. It involved testing
CLAIMS HE IS ON Ramieh: I’m challenged by the “race to the a 34-breaker metal-clad substation three
CALL 24/7/365 bottom” pricing of many clients, including times: once at the factory with the individual
TO ASSIST large utilities that shall remain nameless. As sections free standing in a warehouse, and the
salaries continue to increase for P&C talent, second time after the individuals sections were
ANYONE WITH customers continue to expect more for less. packaged into their e-houses. The final testing
AN ELECTRICAL was after their installation onsite. The final
CHALLENGE. THAT NW: If you were talking to a young person installation was completed in seven long days
interested in knowing more about being an involving dozens of men from the equipment
INCLUDES YOU, electrical testing technician, how would you manufacturer, relay manufacturer, electrical
SO BE SURE TO describe the job, and what advice would you contractor, and our company. When the power
CONNECT WITH give? to the plant was restored, the client and I stood
outside the substation fence and enjoyed a cigar
HIM ON THE
Ramieh: Every day is different. Just when in celebration of a project well done.
SOCIALS. you think you have it all figured out, there
will be something new. A symptom of a I also got a hug from a client. On a Friday
problem that you have never seen before will around 4:00 PM, a small data center lost
derail your troubleshooting and challenge your power, and their transfer switch didn’t
understanding of electrical power. It can be transfer to emergency. I got the second call
frustrating to have to wait to take the NETA and was the first to arrive onsite. The facility
Level 3 exam, but those five years are important manager (a young lady) was frantic and her
to become exposed to as many situations as boss (in New York City) was on the phone
possible. attempting to give directions. Following
one of my rules (slow it down), I calmly
My best advice: There is always that point assessed the situation and politely ignored
in the project when the bulk of the work is the guy from New York City. Identifying the
done. Everyone is tired and ready to go home. problem, I enabled the transfer switch, and
Typically, one or two of the most experienced the lights came back on at the data center.
technicians are tasked with getting the plant She was so overjoyed, she gave me my first
back online. Inevitably, there will be something and only customer hug for a job well done.
that does not work like it is supposed to. It is
those moments where the greatest learning NW: Share the story of a day that didn’t
happens. Be in the hip pocket of those guys go as planned. How did you respond to the
every chance you get. Avoid being the ones situation and what did you learn?

10 • SUMMER 2022 MOSE RAMIEH III: STAY INVOLVED TO STAY RELEVANT

 INSIGHTS & INSPIRATION

Ramieh: I can think of several: • When things go wrong, slow it down.

• A technician opened a switch under Rushing to fix the situation can create
load causing damage to equipment and additional issues and hazards.
shutting down production. • Take care of the people involved. They are
• A set of grounds on a 161 KV system often scared and are beating themselves
was overlooked and closed in a live up for the mistakes they made. You aren’t
switch, causing significant damage and an helping by beating them more.
extended outage. • Document the lessons learned and update
• A technician re-energized a procedures and processes to avoid these
13.8 KV system, and a potential mistakes in the future.
transformer drawer blew up because of
condensing moisture in the room. NW: How important is ongoing training
• A technician inadvertently left a tool in a and professional development in this field?
breaker, and it exploded and caught fire. How do you keep updated on standards,
safety, and new technologies?
Some lessons were also learned from pain:
• Superior performance is often the result Ramieh: It’s important to stay involved in
of prior bad experiences. the industry to stay relevant. Training and
• In each of these situations, immediately professional development is important, but it
stepping up and taking ownership for pales in the face of doing the work. The best
any contribution to the event would technician will get rusty if they aren’t in the
have created customer loyalty in my plants and substations doing the work.
experience.

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INSIGHTS & INSPIRATION

Building relationships with individuals and NW: As an industry, what do you think
companies that are developing the technology is should be the No. 1 priority over the next
the best way. New testing technology? Become year? Where do we need to improve and grow
an early adopter. Learn how to use it and be as an industry and a profession?
part of the group that refines the technology.
Build your network so that when you come Ramieh: The No. 1 priority is recruiting the
across a situation you are not familiar with, next generation of technicians. The demand for
you can call on others for help. Avoid being an our services is only increasing, and the supply
island. As tempting (and easy) as it has been of the men and women to do the work is not
for me to be a “cowboy” over the years, my best keeping up. As an industry, we must focus on
results have come from involving other smart hiring inexperienced people and training them
individuals. quickly.

NW: What are some of the energy trends NW: Is there anything else you’d like to
you believe will affect your work in the share?
future (e.g., EVs, wind, solar, etc.)? How are
you preparing for future changes that may be Ramieh: The Internet of Things (IOT):
coming your way? The technology exists today that virtually
every power system failure can be predicted
Ramieh: I’m of the opinion that I don’t or prevented. The best part is that most of
much care how the power is produced (carbon this technology can be implemented on legacy
fuels or renewable sources) — electrons are systems. What gets in the way is the cost and
electrons. In my view, my function and our a lingering perception that so long as the lights
team’s function is to ensure that the power are on, there isn’t a problem. The cost still
systems that distribute that power are safe outweighs the benefit for many facilities.
and reliable. I am personally most curious
about energy storage systems and how they This task of reflecting on my career (life) has
could possibly change the future of power brought a great deal of gratitude and thanks
production. to mind. I am so thankful to have the support
of Dusti, my wife of 25 years. Her amazing
I am currently working on using wearable, strength and resilience kept our family together
hands-free computer technology to see how through the rough patches. Thankful that our
that will empower the technicians of the future, grown young men are finding their path into
including the availability of remote expert adulthood. Thankful for the opportunity that
assistance and streamlined testing processes. my father provided for us to work and grow
together. Thankful for all the electricians,
technicians, and engineers who worked with
me, trained me, challenged me, and coached me
WA NT T O T E LL YOUR over the years. Finally, I’m thankful for all the
ST ORY ? friendships that I have built in this industry. So
NETA World is looking for technicians,
many wonderful peers, partners, and customers.
emerging leaders, and industry thought
I am blessed in so many ways. Thank you all.
leaders to be featured in our Insight
& Inspiration department. If you know
“We have all drunk from wells we did not dig;
someone who would make a great
We have been warmed by fires we did not build;
interview — or if you would like to be
We have sat in the shade of trees we did not plant;
interviewed yourself — please contact
We are where we are because of what someone
Carla Kalogeridis at ckalogeridis@
else did.”
netaworld.org.

12 • SUMMER 2022 MOSE RAMIEH III: STAY INVOLVED TO STAY RELEVANT

 One Line. One Company.

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in the industry, that never compromises safety.

As North America’s largest independent electrical testing company, our

most important Company core value should come as no surprise: assuring
the safety of our people and our customer’s people. First and foremost.
Our service technicians are NETA-certified and trained to comply and
understand electrical safety standards and regulations such as OSHA,
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staff including technicians, engineers, administrators and management is
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Our expertise goes well beyond that of most service companies. From
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if it’s in the electrical power system, up and down the line, Shermco does it.

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RELAY COLUMN

SYNC CHECK
SUPERVISION
B Y S TE V E TU R NER, Arizona Public Service – Generation System Protection

The purpose of the sync check function (25) is to ensure that the voltage
magnitude, phase angle, and frequency of the generator (VX) and the
utility system (VS) are within a set of acceptable limits before the generator
is synchronized with the system via closing the circuit breaker that
connects them (Figure 1).

13.8 kV An improper sync can result in electrical and

Generator mechanical transients that damage the prime
a mover (for example, turbine), generator, GSU,
52X and other vital power system components.
c b
Therefore, some users opt to externally
supervise the sync check.
PTRX This article describes an application that uses
PTRS two external relays to supervise the main sync
check. Figure 2 shows the output contact
arrangement for this scheme.

A to B • R1 is the sync check output from the first

supervisory relay.
• R2 is the sync check output from the
Figure 1: Sync Check Application Diagram second supervisory relay.

14 • SUMMERR12022 SYNC CHECK SUPERVISION

 25
PTRX
PTRS E25X Synchronism Check Enable RELAY COLUMN
Y Select: Y, N
• 25 is the output from the sync check E25X Synchronism Check Enable
Synchronism Check Elements
relay. Y Select: Y, N

A to B 25VLOX Voltage
Synchronism Check Window
Elements - Low Threshold (volts)
All three must close simultaneously to allow a
sync check. 104.00
25VLOX Range
Voltage Window - Low = (volts)
Threshold 0.00 to 300.00
104.00 Range = 0.00 to 300.00
25VHIX Voltage Window - High Threshold (volts)
25VHIX Voltage Window - High Threshold (volts)
127.00
127.00 Range =Range = 0.00
0.00 to 300.00 to 300.00
25VDIFX Maximum Voltage Difference (%)
R1 25VDIFX Maximum Voltage Difference (%)
S. 1 Range = 1.0 to 15.0, OFF
S. 1 Range = 1.0 to 15.0, OFF
25RCFX Voltage Ratio Correction Factor

R2 1.000 Range = 0.500 to 2.000

25RCFX Voltage Ratio Correction Factor
GENV+ Generator Voltage High Required
1.000 Range = 0.500 to 2.000
N Select: Y, N
25
GENV+ Generator
25SLO Minimum Voltage
Slip Fequency (Hz) High Required
0.00 Range = -1.00 to 0.99
N Select: Y, N
25SHI Maximum Slip Frequency (Hz)
25SLO
0.10 MinimumRange
Slip=Fequency
-0.99 to 1.00(Hz)
Figure 2: Double Supervision
E25X Synchronism Check Enable
0.001X Maximum Angle 1 Range
25ANG (degrees)= -1.00 to 0.99
Y Select: Y, N
10 Range = 0 to 80
Synchronism Check Elements 25SHI Maximum Slip Frequency (Hz)
R 1 S E T T IN GS 25ANG2X Maximum Angle 2 (degrees)
Figure25VLOX
3 shows
Voltagethe settings
Window chosen(volts)
- Low Threshold for R1. 0.10
30 Range =Range
0 to 80 = -0.99 to 1.00
104.00 Range = 0.00 to 300.00
CANGLE Target Close Angle (degrees)
25ANG 1X Maximum Angle 1 (degrees)
R 2 25VHIX
S E TVoltage
T INWindow
GS - High Threshold (volts) -3 Range = -15 to 15
Figure127.00
4 shows theRange settings
= 0.00 to chosen
300.00 for R2. 10 Range = 0 to 80
SYNCPX Synchronism Check Phase (VABX, VBCX, VCAX or deg lag VABX)
These25VDIFX
settings correspond directly
Maximum Voltage Difference (%)
to R1; VBCX Select: 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 330, VABX, VBCX, VCAX
25ANG2X Maximum Angle 2 (degrees)
however,
S. 1 it does not provide as much
Range = 1.0 to 15.0, OFF control.
Therefore, R1 must be set to match R2. 30
TCLOSDX Breaker Close TimeRange
for Angle= 0 to 80 (milliseconds)
Compensation
25RCFX Voltage Ratio Correction Factor 83 Range = 1 to 1000, OFF
1.000 Range = 0.500 to 2.000
CANGLE Target Close Angle (degrees)
C OM MIS S IONING Figure 3: R1 Settings
A N GENV+
A LYGenerator
S IS Voltage High Required -3 Range = -15 to 15
N Select: Y, N
E25X
Phase :=
AngleYLimit: 10 0 # ENABLE 90SYNC
(Degree)CHECK FUNCTION
Voltage Magnitude
25SLO Minimum Slip Fequency (Hz) SYNCPXLimit: Synchronism Check Phase (VABX, VBCX, VCAX or deg lag VABX)
25VLOX
Upper Voltage:= 104 V127 60 # LOW VOLTAGE
140 (V) THRESHOLD
0.00
The scheme was a live Range = -1.00 to 0.99
system tested to ensure VBCX
25VHIX
Lower
:= 127 V104
Voltage Limit: Select:
40 0, HIGH
# 30, 60, 90,(V)120,THRESHOLD
VOLTAGE
120 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 330, V
Sync Check Delay: 1 1 8160 (Cycles)
it will25SHI
work properly
Maximum during
Slip Frequency (Hz)synchronization. 25VDIFX := 5.1%5.8
Delta Voltage: 1.0
# MAXIMUM VOLTAGE DIFFERENCE
50.0 (V)
Figure 5, Figure 6, and Figure
0.10 Range = -0.99 to 1.007 show the TCLOSDX
GENV+ := NBreaker
Delta Frequency: 0.100
Close Time# for
0.001
Angle0.500
GENERATOR Compensation
(Hz)
(milliseconds)
VOLTAGE HIGH REQUIRED
measured voltage 25SLO83 := 0.00 Range = # 1MINIMUM
to 1000, SLIP
OFF FREQUENCY (Hz)
25ANG 1X Maximum during these tests. VAB is
Angle 1 (degrees)
25SHI := 0.10 Hz # MAXIMUM SLIP FREQUENCY
the generator
10 potential
Range while
= 0 to 80V is the system
X
25ANG1X := 10 degrees # MAXIMUM ANGLE 1
potential. Review of Figures 5 through 7 shows
25ANG2X Maximum Angle 2 (degrees) TCLOSDX := 83 ms # BREAKER CLOSE TIME (milliseconds)
that the30 magnitudes of V
Range 0 toand
= AB 80 VX are almost
Setting
identical (that is, matched). 25VHIX +
CANGLE Target Close Angle (degrees)
-3 Range = -15 to 15
Phase Angle Limit: 10 – 0 90 (Degree)
Originally, R1 was set so that a sync was only Upper Voltage Limit: 127 60 140 (V)
SYNCPX Synchronism Check Phase (VABX, VBCX, VCAX or deg lag VABX) |Vpxc|
allowed when the generator potential magnitude Lower Voltage Limit: 104+ 40 120 (V)
VBCX Select: 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 330, VABX, VBCX, VCAX –
was greater than the system. However, R2 does Sync Check Delay: 1 1 8160 (Cycles)
not provide this functionality
TCLOSDX Breaker Close Time for Angle ifCompensation
the generator(milliseconds) Delta Voltage: 5.8
+ 1.0 50.0 (V)
83 Range = 1 to 1000, OFF
potential magnitude is greater than the real Deltafilter
|VS|
|VSf|
Frequency: 0.100– 0.001 0.500 (Hz)
power flows out of the machine into the system,
which prevents motoring on startup. Figure 4: R2 Settings +
Settings
25VLOX –
Phase Angle Limit: 10 0 90 (Degree)
Upper Voltage Limit: 127 60 140 (V)
BSYNCHX
Lower Voltage Limit: 40 120 (V)
•
104
SYNC CHECK SUPERVISION
Sync Check Delay: 1 1 8160 (Cycles) NETAWORLD 15
Delta Voltage: 5.8 1.0 50.0 (V) Setting +
Delta Frequency: 0.100 0.001 0.500 (Hz)
25VHIX – +
RELAY COLUMN

Figure 5: COMTRADE Record 1

Figure 6: COMTRADE Record 2

Figure 7: COMTRADE Record 3

Figure 8 shows the voltage comparison angle comparison calculation. Therefore,

(VDIF and VENX) logic for R1. The voltage 25AX1, 25AX2, and 25C cannot assert if
difference logic includes the GENV+ input VENX is not true. As previously noted, R2
and that this must be true for at least three does not have this logic, so this functionality
cycles before VENX asserts and enables the was lost.

16 • SUMMER 2022 SYNC CHECK SUPERVISION

 Delta Voltage: 5.8 1.0 50.0 (V)
Delta
Delta Frequency:
Frequency: 0.100
0.100 0.001
0.001 0.500
0.500 (Hz)
(Hz)

RELAY COLUMN

Setting
Setting Relay
Relay
25VHIX
25VHIX +
+ Word
Word
Bits
Bits
–
– 59VPX
59VPX
|Vpxc|
|Vpxc| +
+
–
–

+
+
|VSf|
|VSf|
|VS|
|VS| filter
filter –
– 59VSX
59VSX

Settings +
+
Settings
25VLOX
25VLOX –
–

BSYNCHX
BSYNCHX

+
+ GENVHI
GENVHI
–
–

GENVLO
GENVLO

Setting
Setting
25VDIFX
25VDIFX ++
|(1-VPXc∕VSf)|•100% –
–
|(1-VPXc∕VSf)|•100%
VDIFX
VDIFX
GENV+
GENV+ == Y
Y

25VDIFX•0.80
25VDIFX•0.80 ++
|(1-VPXc∕VSf)|•100%
–
–
|(1-VPXc∕VSf)|•100% 25VCDB
25VCDB
GENV+
GENV+ == Y
Y

Vpxc
Vpxc == 25RCFX•VP
25RCFX•VP (where
(where 25RCFX
25RCFX is
is the
the setting
setting and
and VP
VP is
is determined
determined by
by SYNCPX
SYNCPX setting).
setting).

Figure 8a: R1 Logic

Setting
Setting
VDIFX
VDIFX
25VDIFX
25VDIFX = OFF
= OFF

59VPX 3.0
3.0
59VPX CYC
CYC VENX
59VSX
59VSX VENX 1
1
0
0
SEL
SELOGIC
OGIC
Setting
Setting
BSYNCHX
BSYNCHX

Figure 8b: R1 Logic

SYNC CHECK SUPERVISION NETAWORLD • 17

INDUSTRY TOPICS

Figure 9: System Frequency

Figure 10: Generator Frequency

Slip Frequency the GENV+ setting originally blocked closing

We can estimate the slip frequency by measuring since the voltages are matched, so this function
the time (period) between zero crossings. had to be disabled. Matching settings results
in much more consistent performance between
System frequency = 1/0.016667 = 59.999 Hz the two relays.
(Figure 9)

Generator frequency = 1/ 0.016648 = 60.067 Steve Turner is in charge of system protection

Hz (Figure 10) for the Fossil Generation Department
at Arizona Public Service Company in
Phoenix. Steve worked as a consultant for
Therefore, the slip frequency is 60.067 – two years, and held positions at Beckwith
59.999 = 0.068 Hz. Electric Company, GEC Alstom, SEL, and
Duke Energy, where he developed the first
SUM M ARY patent for double-ended fault location on overhead high-voltage
transmission lines and was in charge of maintenance standards
Using two different relays to supervise
in the transmission department for protective relaying. Steve has
sync check means that some of the overall BSEE and MSEE degrees from Virginia Tech University. Steve is
functionality is lost since they do not an IEEE Senior Member and a member of the IEEE PSRC, and
completely duplicate each other. For example, has presented at numerous conferences.

18 • SUMMER 2022 SYNC CHECK SUPERVISION

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IN THE FIELD

IMPROVING
SAFETY
T H E FIELD
IN

B Y MAT T EAK INS, Advanced Electrical Services, Ltd.

Becoming a great company doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, it is about

small, incremental steps as we progress down the road of becoming
better and better at what we do and how we do it.
This is the most critical as it relates to our safety slips, trips, and falls all the way to catastrophic
processes and safety culture. It is important to incidents such as leaving ground chains applied
note that the first step in making a situation during energization or working on a live
safer is to engineer the hazard out of it; the last current transformer (CT) circuit.
step is to use PPE.
The goal of this discussion is to share some best
Technology also plays a huge role, but at practices from the field and provide the reader
the end of the day, it is often an individual’s with the opportunity to think critically about
decisions and actions that lead to an incident. using HPIs within their organization as a way
Unfortunately, humans will make mistakes to continually improve safety and efficiency.
regardless of how many processes, procedures,
and rules companies implement. These BARRI ERS
mistakes can lead to damaged equipment and The first example is a high-voltage substation
injury to the individual or someone else. So, where the team is following required safe work
what can we do? methods by, among other steps, installing
barriers (Figure 1 and Figure 2) in places where
One tool we use is to put a giant red or yellow live CTs and in-service protections are energized.
flag figuratively and literally in front of people’s
faces. Human performance improvement This physical barrier allows technicians to easily
(HPI) methods are a way of alerting someone flag the location where the work is to take
regardless of whether they are an inexperienced place by covering nearby modules, racks, etc.
junior technician or a senior technician who This greatly reduces the chance of technicians
may have become complacent to the fact that a mistakenly working on modules that are outside
step must be taken before moving forward with the work zone or isolations. It also minimizes
a task. HPIs help with common hazards from the likelihood of opening live CT secondaries,

20 • SUMMER 2022 IMPROVING SAFETY IN THE FIELD

 IN THE FIELD

PHOTO: © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/PORTFOLIO/MATEJMO

which can cause serious injury or death as well as isolation (GOI), clearance, and lockout, and
major damage to equipment and systems. live terminals can be flagged or taped off. This
must remain consistent throughout the work.
All CT circuits in the uncovered modules are
verified for zero current prior to work starting. When work must be performed on flagged
In addition to assuring personnel safety, it racks, these methods remind technicians that
reduces the chance of tripping any in-service terminals must be checked for voltage and
equipment as these modules are covered up current since this has not previously been
(Figure 3), and improves efficiency as the work verified. Unfortunately, there have been too
locations are obvious and clearly marked. The many incidents where a technician or electrician
absence of voltage and current can be verified is exposed to an arc flash or electric shock from
based on isolations including guarantee of working in the wrong location after a lunch

Figure 1: Front of Protection and Control Figure 2: Rear of Protection and Control
Racks in a High-Voltage Substation Racks in a High-Voltage Substation

IMPROVING SAFETY IN THE FIELD NETAWORLD • 21

IN THE FIELD

Yellow steering-wheel covers (Figure 4) with a

message remind our drivers to always use three
points of contact when entering or exiting the
vehicles. To ensure safety for those around our
vehicles, drivers are reminded to do a complete
360-degree walk-around before operating the
vehicle. Additional precautions could include
placing a cover on the passenger-side mirror
as a reminder to walk around the vehicle. To
supplement the walk-around process, our
team uses a safety app to complete an online
checklist that documents and submits their
Figure 3: Before and After a Protection & Control Relay Upgrade Project findings for future review and audits.

break, shift change, or days off. HPI steps like HPI AND NETA
this are critical to continuous improvement Where can HPIs be used in the NETA service
within a safety system, and we must make it a world?
priority to reduce or eliminate this hazard.
• Remove ground chains prior to
VE H IC LE H AZA RDS energization.
One of the biggest causes of workplace injuries is • Record “as left” and “as found” settings of
slips, trips, and falls, which can occur more often relays and breakers during a maintenance
when exiting vehicles during inclement weather. turnaround.
At the same time, crashes and collisions while • Remove and re-terminate leads, i.e.,
driving, regardless of the industry, continue remove transformer leads for testing.
to be a leading cause of injuries. To address • Erect red flags or physical barriers in front
these issues, we have implemented an HPI for of equipment that may still be energized
360-degree vehicle walk-arounds (Figure 4) during maintenance.
to be completed when entering and exiting a
vehicle. The goal is simple but critical: Reduce OTHER HAZ ARDS
slips when entering and exiting, make sure the What other hazards or injuries can HPIs
vehicle is safe to drive, and ensure no one will be address? A great starting point would be to look
hurt when the vehicle moves. at what could have stopped an incident or near

Figure 4: Steering-Wheel Cover

22 • SUMMER 2022 IMPROVING SAFETY IN THE FIELD

 IN THE FIELD

miss from occurring and implement an HPI so 3. Respiratory Protection, General

it does not happen again. Additionally, it may Industry 29 CFR 1910.134,
make sense for your organization to start with www.osha.gov/respiratory-protection.
the most common workplace incidences: 4. Scaffolding, General Requirements,
Construction 29 CFR 1926.451,
• Slips, trips, and falls www.osha.gov/scaffolding.
• Muscle strains 5. Ladders, Construction 29 CFR
• Repetitive strains 1926.1053, www.osha.gov/fall-protection.
• Crashes and collisions 6. Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/
• Cuts and lacerations Tagout), General Industry 29 CFR
• Inhaling toxic fumes 1910.147, www.osha.gov/control-
• Exposure to loud noise hazardous-energy.
• Walking into objects 7. Powered Industrial Trucks, General
Industry 29 CFR 1910.178, www.osha.
In fiscal year 2020 (October 1, 2019, through gov/powered-industrial-trucks.
September 30, 2020), these 10 OSHA standards 8. Fall Protection, Training Requirements 29
were cited most frequently: CFR 1926.503, www.osha.gov/fall-
protection.
1. Fall Protection, Construction 29 CFR 9. Eye and Face Protection 29 CFR
1926.501, www.osha.gov/fall-protection. 1926.102, www.osha.gov/eye-face-protection.
2. Hazard Communication Standard, 10. Machinery and Machine Guarding,
General Industry 29 CFR 1910.1200, General Requirements 29 CFR 1910.212,
www.osha.gov/hazcom. www.osha.gov/machine-guarding.
IN THE FIELD

Editor’s Note: Watch for OSHA’s 2021 report REFERENCES

soon after April 1, 2022. [1] Work Safety Blog. “10 of the Most
Common Workplace Accidents and
C ONC LUSION Injuries,” Accessed at 10 of the Most
Human performance improvements can be a Common Workplace Accidents and Injuries |
great auditing tool. It can be difficult during Work Safety Blog (blog4safety.com).
a site safety audit to know, for example, [2] OSHA. “Top 10 Most Frequently Cited
whether the crew knew whether equipment OSHA Standards Violated in FY2020.”
was energized or not energized. However, if Available at www.osha.gov/data/commonstats.
an energized area should have been covered
and it was not, you have a red flag that more
training is required. In the case of an HPI like Matt Eakins is the Technical Services
the steering wheel cover, it is either on or off. Manager at Advanced Electrical Services
Ltd. He has 12-plus years of experience
testing and commissioning in the industrial
Whether the HPI is a traditional barrier or a and utility sectors of Western Canada.
visual reminder, the intent is to force a critical Matt is a NETA Level 3 Technician and
step in the sequence of events. The goal of this an ASET CET who studied electronics
forced step is to break the chain of events that engineering at the RCC Institute of Technology (Concord,
Ontario) as well as electrical techniques at Loyalist College
might have led to an incident. In addition
(Bellville, Ontario). Matt began his career with AES in 2009;
to creating a safer company, HPIs can also he is now responsible for managing medium- to large-scale
contribute to making it more profitable. electrical commissioning and maintenance projects for AES’s
many clients across Western Canada.

When downtime is not an option.TM

TM
When downtime is not an option.
• Full Member of the InterNational Electrical Testing Association (NETA)
• Licensed Electricians (IBEW-JIW)
• Member of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
• ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited

Electrical Testing & Commissioning

Acceptance Testing •Preventative and Predictive Maintenance •Technical
Support•Protective Relays • Transformers• Switchgear • Breakers • Infrared &
Ultrasonic Survey • Cable Locating • VLF & Tan Delta Testing• Partial Discharge•
Meters• Grounding• Generator Controls• ATS• UPS• Battery Systems • Motor
Control Centers • Switches• Capacitor Banks

Electrical Studies & Training

Electrical Studies
Short Circuit/Device Coordination Studies • Arc Flash/Shock Hazard Studies •
Harmonic/Power Factor/Transient Studies & Corrections
Training
• Electrical Safety & Troubleshooting • NFPA 70E

Contact UIS
888-956-9833
Ann Arbor, MI • Dayton, OH
www.teamuis.com
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 SAFETY CORNER

PHOTO: © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/PORTFOLIO/ALEKSANDARGEORGIEV
PERFORMING
PERSONNEL
AUDITS
BY PA U L CH A M B E R L A I N , American Electrical Testing Co. LLC

They are called many things — observations, audits, assessments —

but they are all intended to accomplish the same task: Evaluate the
people in the field performing the task at hand. Generally, you observe
an employee doing a task, then audit or assess whether performance of
the task meets expectation.
These inspections can be performed by any level aware of the potential benefits to the company.
within a company and should be performed on all A check sheet should be used to facilitate the
levels. Some companies hire a third-party entity observation and to help gain the most out of
to ensure the inspections remain completely it. Let’s review the aspects of a proper field
impartial. However, in most cases, companies observation and the benefits any company,
choose to have a manager or a member of the employee, and manager could gain from it.
supervisory team conduct the inspection of their
field personnel. If this is the case, it is a wise idea LOCKOUT/ TAGOUT
to set up some standards, such as frequency, for First, let’s review some important items that
the inspection and have a verification done by a should be verified when a manager is observing
third party or safety manager. a crew performing work in the field. OSHA
requires lockout/tagout procedures to be
While the main intent of these inspections verified annually. Under 29 Code of Federal
is to ascertain several things, not everyone is Regulations 1910.147, OSHA specifically states

PERFORMING PERSONNEL AUDITS NETAWORLD • 27

SAFETY CORNER

when this verification is required, although the equipment on which the energy control procedure
requirements may be slightly different across was being utilized, the date of the inspection, the
each of the industries OSHA regulates. Within employees included in the inspection, and the
OSHA, each industry-specific regulation has its person performing the inspection.
own separate section indicating the control of
hazardous energy. Let’s consider two specific areas 1910.269
that pertain directly to electrical testing: 1910.147 We can further see that the 1910.269 standard
regulates commercial installations, and 1910.269 does not differ greatly from 1910.147 in its
specifically regulates utility installations. requirements:

1910.147 1910.269(a)(2)(ii)(D) The proper use of the

Under 1910.147, you are required to ensure special precautionary techniques, personal protective
that procedures are being correctly followed by equipment, insulating and shielding materials,
the employee performing the lockout/tagout. and insulated tools for working on or near exposed
Specifically it states: energized parts of electric equipment. Note: For
the purposes of this section, a person must have
1910.147(c)(6) Periodic Inspection this training in order to be considered a qualified
person.
1910.147(c)(6)(i) The employer shall conduct a
periodic inspection of the energy control procedure 1910.269(a)(2)(iii) The employer shall
at least annually to ensure that the procedure determine, through regular supervision and
and the requirements of this standard are being through inspections conducted on at least an
followed. annual basis, that each employee is complying
with the safety-related work practices required by
1910.147(c)(6)(i)(A) The periodic inspection shall this section.
be performed by an authorized employee other than
the ones(s) utilizing the energy control procedure After reviewing these regulatory excerpts, it
being inspected. can be seen that every company is required
to inspect and certify that employees are
1910.147(c)(6)(i)(B) The periodic inspection properly performing lockout/tagout whether
shall be conducted to correct any deviations or they are working for a utility or a commercial
inadequacies identified. entity. Incorporating this certification as part
of a field observation or assessment kills
1910.147(c)(6)(i)(C) Where lockout is used for two birds with one stone. Other regulatory
energy control, the periodic inspection shall include mandated observations are dependent
a review, between the inspector and each authorized upon the task and industry. Please check
employee, of that employee’s responsibilities under www.osha.gov to guide you in determining
the energy control procedure being inspected. which regulations apply.

1910.147(c)(6)(i)(D) Where tagout is used VEHI CLE SAFETY

for energy control, the periodic inspection shall Another benefit gained by performing field
include a review, between the inspector and observations of employees is that the employer
each authorized and affected employee, of that can ensure they are following other pertinent
employee’s responsibilities under the energy control company policies. For example, observing
procedure being inspected, and the elements set vehicle use might verify whether employees
forth in paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of this section. wear seatbelts while driving company vehicles,
only use hands-free devices, do not talk on
1910.147(c)(6)(ii) The employer shall certify a cell phone while driving or performing a
that the periodic inspections have been performed. complex task, and minimize the need for
The certification shall identify the machine or backing.

28 • SUMMER 2022 PERFORMING PERSONNEL AUDITS

 SAFETY CORNER

Additionally, if your company does a lot of company’s policy, but also the client’s company
driving or uses federally regulated vehicles, it policy if applicable. The default course of action
may be necessary to observe employees as they in this type of scenario is to play it safe and
operate the vehicle. This can be conducted as follow the stronger policy. The observer would
a ride-along observation where the supervisor need to know what the client’s requirements are
rides in the vehicle with the employee, or as a prior to going to the site.
follow-along observation where the supervisor
follows the employee while in a separate PERSONAL PROTECTI VE
vehicle. It is usually wise to create separate EQUI PMENT
forms just for these types of observations, since One benefit to conducting field observations
the rules of the road are extensive and can vary and audits is to ensure that employees use the
depending upon the state they operate in and correct personal protective equipment (PPE).
the type of vehicle they are driving. Another
example would be the operation of a fork truck. Hard hats, safety glasses. The inspector should
check to see that employees are wearing hard hats
F LA G G IN G A ND TAG GING whenever something could fall or strike their
A company could also include a check sheet head or when they could make incidental contact
for documenting the proper use of protective with high-voltage equipment. The inspector
and cautionary flagging and tagging. In should examine the hard hat for cracks, wear,
some instances, a client may have a different discoloration, or torn cradles and straps. Safety
procedure for this, so it is good company policy glasses are necessary whenever there is potential
to ensure that employees not only follow your for a liquid or solid to fly through the air and

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SAFETY CORNER

enter the eye. The inspector should ensure that During the observation, the observer should
the glasses are ANSI Z87-approved, which is make it a point to ask questions:
indicated on the lens or the brow.
• Is there anything the company could do
Clothing, footwear, gloves. Verifying correct to make the job easier, safer, or better?
PPE clothing can also be an item on the check The answers to this question can range
sheet, as can ensuring employees are wearing from thought-provoking to ludicrous.
the proper footwear, such as ASTM F2413.05- But occasionally, a brilliant idea that can
approved electrical hazard safety-toed footwear, revolutionize a task can be evoked by
which may or may not have height and laces simply asking that question. Remember,
requirements. Ensuring that the clothing employees don’t know how much you
they are wearing is cotton or calorie-rated care until you show them you care. If they
for fire and arc protection could be an item. give a good answer, act on it, and a reward
Additionally, verify that electrical protection should accompany any good idea that is a
such as voltage-rated gloves are inspected before benefit to the company.
each use, the correct level of protection is worn,
and the test date is within the required date • Is all the equipment you need for the job
range. If a manager is planning to inspect these present and working properly, and is it
more-disposable PPE items, it is always a good the right equipment for the task? Newer
idea to bring extra hard hats and safety glasses employees may be hesitant to speak up
out into the field in case an employee needs a if something doesn’t work right and just
new set. struggle along using what they’ve got. This
can obviously slow down task performance
Heat-related illness. In companies where and potentially contribute to injury or
there is extensive physical labor or employees equipment damage.
work in very hot areas, the observer could
supply drinking water or other suitable fluids. THE OBSERVER’S ROL E
This will not only boost morale, but will also The observer should be familiar with the
improve productivity. Just the act of a manager procedure they are observing. In some cases,
supplying the drink and talking with employees they may be considered experts in the task. If
can provide the adequate cool-off time needed this is the case, the inspector could provide
to prevent a potential heat-related illness, and direction and add to the employee’s knowledge
preventing that heat-related illness can prevent of the task by observing and critiquing. Being
a potential OSHA-recordable injury. knowledgeable in the procedure can also help
the inspector identify when a procedure is
E NVIRONM E NT being performed incorrectly. We all develop
Inspection of the general work environment bad habits, and in many cases, we are unaware
can also benefit the company and the manager. of them. If the observer is knowledgeable of
Even though a lead technician or foreman the proper procedure and notices an employee
may be conducting this inspection daily, they performing it in a different or incorrect
can still miss things or get used to seeing manner, the manager can correct the task
something that needs correction. Having before the error causes an incident.
someone different as well as new to the site can
provide a new set of eyes, which may make it An added benefit to having an upper-level
easier to identify potential problems or issues manager perform these observations is simply
that could contribute to lost production or an face time. All too often, field employees don’t
injury. In some cases, the manager can arrange associate a face with a name. All they know
to meet with the client during the audit, thus is the name and that when the phone rings,
presenting that all-important face for the client the manager will likely have another request
to remember. or change in scope. Sending the manager

30 • SUMMER 2022 PERFORMING PERSONNEL AUDITS

 SAFETY CORNER

out into the field increases the camaraderie morale and prevent injuries and ensure that the
in the project, which in turn can potentially correct equipment is available, is being used
make it more productive. If the manager is correctly, and can be used to satisfy regulatory
just some faceless voice that calls to change requirements. It helps to select observers
things, it becomes easier for employees knowledgeable in the scope of work, schedule
to become complacent in responding to adequate time to get them out in the field, and
requests. If you show up on site and form a give praise when it is due. Utilize a check sheet
bond with employees, it goes a long way to to make the observer’s job easier to perform.
improve your relationship with them. And Properly performed field inspections can go a
with the stress placed upon a manager these long way to improving your company’s safety
days when managing a client, getting outside culture.
of the cubicle or office can go a long way to
improving morale. The best way a manager can
ensure getting out there happens is to schedule Paul Chamberlain has been the Safety
it, and the best way a company can ensure it Manager for American Electrical Testing
Co. LLC since 2009. He has been in the
gets done is to mandate it and reward those safety field since 1998, working for various
who meet or exceed the requirement. companies and in various industries. Paul
received a BS from the Massachusetts
C ON C L U S I ON Maritime Academy.
There are many advantages to performing field
observations, audits, or inspections. They boost
TECH QUIZ

No. 137

SAFETY
B Y V I R GI N I A B A L I TS K I , Magna IV Engineering

Safety is an important consideration for any workplace and for NETA Certified
Technicians. ANSI/NETA MTS-2019 recognizes that an overwhelming majority of
the tests and inspections carried out by NETA Certified Technicians are potentially
hazardous. It is essential that workers are aware of the hazards involved with the
tasks they perform.

QUESTIONS 4. According to OSHA, what is one of the

root causes of workplace injuries, illnesses,
1. What United States regulatory agency and incidents?
exists regarding workplace safety? a. Untrained workers
a. Occupational Safety and Health b. Inadequate personal protective
Administration (OSHA) equipment
b. National Fire Protection Association c. Failure to identify or recognize hazards
(NFPA) d. Age of the equipment
c. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
d. Centers for Disease Control and 5. Which electrical hazards should be
Protection (CDC) considered and identified prior to starting
work?
2. What is the standard for electrical safety in a. Electrical shock
the workplace in the US? b. Arc flash
a. NFPA 70 c. Arc blast
b. NFPA 101A d. All of the above
c. NFPA 70E
d. NFPA 5000 6. What must be introduced to eliminate the
electrical hazards associated with any work
3. According to ANSI/NETA MTS-2019, task?
5.1 Safety and Precautions, what shall be a. Safe work procedures
conducted prior to the commencement of b. Electrically safe working condition
work? c. Personal protective equipment
a. Test report d. Barriers and safeguarding devices
b. Safety briefing
c. Power system study
d. Detailed safety program See answers on page 121.

32 • SUMMER 2022 TECH QUIZ

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TECH TIPS

SAFETY TESTING OF
EV CHARGERS
BY J EFF J OW ET T, Megger

Electric vehicles are prominently heralded as the trend of the future, a

PHOTO: © STOCK.ADOBE.COM/CONTRIBUTOR/203459820/IRONTRYBEX
vital part of many planned economies’ efforts to combat global warming,
widespread pollution, and the squandering of resources. But there has also
been negative publicity over safety issues like car fires.
The key to enjoying the best of both worlds — car battery, possibly with the added potential
excellent performance under complete safety hazard of a tank of gasoline only inches away
— is to practice diligent maintenance. Do not in the case of hybrids. Be sure to maintain
take performance for granted. It’s easy to ride the safety of this vital link with regular and
the crest of a popular trend and overlook the thorough maintenance of the charger.
details, but don’t. Become familiar with the
possible safety hazards and industry-standard EV CHARGER TESTI NG
recommendations for preventing them. Electric vehicle charger testers are available
and dedicated to assuring the function and
The electric vehicle charger forms a dynamic safety of the unique configuration of an
link between the nearly infinite power of the electric vehicle charger. An electric vehicle
electrical grid and the volatile potential of the charger tester should perform seven tests:

34 • SUMMER 2022 SAFETY TESTING OF EV CHARGERS

 TECH TIPS

Regular safety maintenance and testing is critical.

four for safety, plus two operational tests and protective ground, and this is not to be taken for
a check for nuisance tripping. granted. Ground connection can be lost while
performing its designated function, as fault
It is a good idea to head off any potential currents can open bonds even while being safely
dangers by testing the charger upon acquisition cleared. The next person using the faulted item
so it isn’t merely assumed to be fully functional — in this case, the vehicle charger — will be at
because it is new. unwitting risk should another hazard arise.

Make sure the new charger meets manufacturing The charger tester will ensure that a proper
specifications. Do the same after any repair, and ground is in place and functional. The tester
incorporate charger testing into any preventive/ applies a charging code to the charger to put it
predictive maintenance program. It is important into a charging state. The protective earth contact
to perform the tests in a specific sequence, test, which is accomplished through operator
assuring safety first. Always remember, however, contact with a touch pad, will detect whether a
that the charger is an electrical connection ground connection is present (Figure 1).
between the vehicle and an electrical facility,
such as a building service. That service must also
be grounded, tested, and maintained.

Protective Earth
The first test verifies protective earth. The EV
charger tester takes the place of the vehicle for
the performance of the tests. The charger is
plugged into the on-site power source, just as it
would be if it were charging a vehicle.

The power grid, if not correctly utilized,

can be a potential source of electrocution,
fire, equipment damage, and other hazards.
Therefore, the vehicle charger must maintain a Figure 1: Initial Test Verifies Presence of Safety Ground

SAFETY TESTING OF EV CHARGERS NETAWORLD • 35

TECH TIPS

The test is not a genuine bonding test to verify in circuit current. The differential could go to
the current-carrying capacity of the bond, ground through a human being, or it could
but rather verifies the connection’s absence or find an unwanted path through equipment,
presence. This is indicated by a PROCEED or causing fire or electrical damage. To prevent
FAULT message on the display. For maximum that, the device trips and opens the circuit.
safety, any further testing of the charger is
disabled, and a faulted bond must be repaired But GFCIs and RCDs are delicate devices that
by a qualified electrician. need to be checked. The charger tester applies
a calibrated current matching the protective
Protective Conductor Resistance device’s rating and measures the time it takes
The second test is protective conductor to trip. The tester further assures that the
resistance. This test verifies that exposed trip time is fast enough to protect personnel
metalwork on the charger is effectively from injury. Typical configurable parameters
connected to the ground pin on the charger’s are voltage (230, 120), test current (30, 20,
socket or plug so that any possible fault and 6 mA), and maximum test time (300 ms,
currents from electrical failure will be safely 12.5 s, 5.59 s), with the tester indicating pass
diverted into the grounding system — not or fail. Another adjustment is angle of earth
through the body of an operator who happens leakage current, either starting at the positive
to be in contact with the charger. direction zero crossover (0 degrees) or negative
(180 degrees).
An alligator clip or probe is used to touch
all possible points on the charger’s exposed Once the test has started, the tester puts the
metalwork. Therefore, this test is not required charger in charging mode and measures the
for chargers with no exposed metalwork or output voltage. Next, a touch voltage test is
protected by double insulation. The tester performed to ensure that an inadequate ground
measures the resistance to ground and displays will not raise the voltage to a hazardous level
it, along with a comparison to a safe standard during testing. This test is adjustable at 25 V or
of 0.5 Ω, which is typically indicated by a 50 V. Earth leakage current is then measured
green check mark or red X (Figure 2). Failure and displayed.
must be repaired by a qualified electrician.
Nuisance Tripping
Trip Time and Touch Voltage Tests Once the safety checks have assured that the
The remaining safety tests are for touch voltage EV charger can be operated without danger, a
and trip time. EV chargers afford redundant nuisance tripping test is performed. Extraneous
safety protection through ground fault safety currents such as the capacitive charging of long
interrupters (GFCIs) or residual current devices extension cables can be sources of nuisance
(RCDs). These work by detecting an imbalance tripping. This can be a hindrance to speedy and

Figure 2: Pass/Fail Indicates Progress and Results

36 • SUMMER 2022 SAFETY TESTING OF EV CHARGERS

 TECH TIPS

efficient testing. But once recognized, it can 4. At 20 mA AC, a similar test ramps up
be eliminated by adjustment. The test applies in 1 mA steps of 100 ms duration for a
a calibrated earth ground leakage current maximum of 2 seconds.
starting at approximately half the trip rating for
the protective device in the charger, and then Results are displayed in trip current, with
steadily increases the current until the device 0-degree or 180-degree options available.
trips. The current at which the device tripped
is displayed. The operator looks for a low trip Proximity Circuit
value. A proximity circuit prevents the vehicle from
moving during charging, an obvious safety
There are four ways to perform this test: requirement. The circuit provides a signal so
the vehicle knows it is connected to a charger.
1. A 230 V AC current is ramped up to When the charger is connected, the voltage on
30 mA in 2 mA steps of 300 ms duration the proximity pin in the vehicle drops from
for 4.5 seconds. 4.5 V to 1.5 V. The EV charger tester assures
2. A DC current ramps at 6 mA for 2.5 this will happen by simulating the circuit of the
seconds to prevent tripping of the AC vehicle.
response, then holds at 3 mA DC for
11.25 seconds. If the charger has separate connecting cables,
3. For testing 120 V equipment, a 6 mA AC the connector applies a proximity pilot (PP)
test ramps up in 0.5 mA steps of 100 ms resistance signal to the charger to indicate the
duration for 4.5 seconds. rating of the connection cable. The maximum

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TECH TIPS

available current being indicated to the vehicle Output charging voltage and frequency should
via the control pilot (CP) signal is adjusted be as expected for the utility supply to which
accordingly. A charger tester verifies that the charger is connected. Polarity should
this happens correctly by using cables with read OK. Incorrect polarity is shown as INV.
varied ratings. Test results are indicated by Maximum current should match the rating of
two symbols: a closed connector indicates the charger or connecting cable. Control pilot
proximity and a lock symbol indicates that the voltage, duty cycle, and frequency should be
connection is latched. repeatable. The control pilot state read from
the charger should match the code set for the
Control Pilot Check test. A fault or error with the charger itself is
Finally, a control pilot check verifies the indicated.
integrity of the communication between the
charger and the vehicle. There are three main CONCLUSI ON
areas of communication: Compared to transformers, electric motors,
building wiring, long runs of power cable,
1. State of the vehicle/charger and a plethora of other pieces of electrical
2. Maximum current to be drawn by the equipment, the electric vehicle charger may
vehicle seem a simple device. Don’t let that allow it
3. Whether digital communication indicates to slip off the chart for predictive/preventive
current maintenance. EV chargers have potential
safety hazards that can be recognized and
The first of these includes disconnected, corrected.
connected, charging, charging with ventilation,
CP to PE fault, and charger fault. The control An EV charger tester should be part of
pilot signal is a 1 kHz square wave with the the electrical maintenance program. Both
charger state communicated using the signal equipment damage and personnel injury can
voltage level. Maximum current and digital be prevented by testing and maintaining EV
communication use are indicated by the chargers. Customers and clients are afforded
signal duty cycle. The charger tester takes the protection, compliance can be maintained
place of the vehicle and allows the user to set with standards agencies like OSHA, and legal
the CP code. The tester then reads the code safeguards can be kept in place.
back from the charger as set out in Table 8
of IEC Standard 61851-1. This allows the
user to verify the correct operation of the Jeffrey R. Jowett is a Senior Applications
charger, ensuring that the charger responded as Engineer for Megger in Valley Forge,
Pennsylvania, serving the manufacturing
expected. In addition, testing the control pilot lines of Biddle, Megger, and Multi-
signal measures the charger output voltage and Amp for electrical test and measurement
frequency. instrumentation. He holds a BS in biology
and chemistry from Ursinus College. He
was employed for 22 years with James G. Biddle Co., which
became Biddle Instruments and is now Megger.

38 • SUMMER 2022 SAFETY TESTING OF EV CHARGERS

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COVER STORY

IMPACT OF CHANGES
TO IEEE STD. 1584,
IEEE GUIDE FOR
PERFORMING
ARC-FLASH HAZARD
CALCULATIONS
PART 2
BY ST EV E PARK , P E, Vertiv

In the Spring 2022 edition of NETA World, Part 1 of this article provided
a brief history and evolution of electrical safety over the past 50 years.
It was during this period that OSHA was formed and NFPA began
developing the 70E standard. We also reviewed some of the key changes
from the original 2002 edition of IEEE 1584 to the second edition in
2018, specifically examining the newly recommended arc flash calculation
process and variables included in the calculations.
In Part 2, we discuss the relevant impact • Does a new study need to be performed
of these changes and how they affect the using the new method?
calculated incident energy levels that we • How do the old and new methods
depend on to select adequate PPE and keep our compare with respect to incident energy
workers safe. calculations, and how significant are these
changes to the results of the analysis?
Let’s start by considering the most frequently • Will the new calculations result in
asked questions related to this new arc flash significantly different incident energy
calculation process: (IE) values?

40 • SUMMER 2022 IMPACT OF 2018 CHANGES TO IEEE STD 1584, IEEE GUIDE FOR
PERFORMING ARC-FLASH HAZARD CALCULATIONS – PART 2
 COVER
STORY

PHOTO: ©SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/G/PINYO+PROMPRASERT?SEARCHTERM=SAFETY
C OM PA R IS ON OF M E T H ODS The following parameters were used in the
While many variables must be considered when analysis:
comparing the two methods, I’ve put together
some scenarios that provide a practical comparison Table 1: Parameters Used in Arc Flash
that answers these questions. The comparison Calculations for Two Voltage Levels
focuses on low-voltage systems, as these are the
208 V 480 V
most prevalent systems workers are exposed to, Model Model
and this is where most accidents occur.
Electrode Gap (mm) 25 32
Enclosure Standard Standard
Two low-voltage scenarios are examined. The
first is a 208 V system; the second is a 480 V Working Distance (in) 18 18
system. For both scenarios, a fixed event Arc Duration (ms) 83.3 83.3
duration of 83.3 ms was used. Designed
interruption times for molded-case circuit The IEEE 1584-2002 calculations for a low-
breakers are approximately 8.33 ms (1/2 cycle) voltage arc in an enclosure were compared
and 50 ms (3 cycles) for power circuit breakers. to the 2018 calculations for the vertical
For the following examples, a fixed duration conductor-electrode configuration (VCB),
time of 83.3 ms (5 cycles) was used. As a result vertical conductor-electrode terminated in
of using a fixed duration for the calculations, a metal enclosure (VCBB), and horizontal
the reduced arcing current calculation was not conductor-electrode terminated in a metal
applicable for this analysis. enclosure (HCB) configurations. The analysis

IMPACT OF 2018 CHANGES TO IEEE STD 1584, IEEE GUIDE FOR

PERFORMING ARC-FLASH HAZARD CALCULATIONS – PART 2
NETAWORLD • 41
COVER STORY 8.00

7.00
8.00
2018 HCB
typical range of bolted fault current values. The
6.00
7.00 HCB model is representative of large power
2018 HCB circuit breaker cubicles in switchgear, junction
5.00
2002
boxes, and some disconnects versus what is
IE (cal/cm2)

6.00
2018 VCBB
4.00 typically found in smaller panelboards (VCB/
5.00
2002
2018 VCB VCBB). This higher IE for HCB equipment is
IE (cal/cm2)

3.00
2018 VCBB the result of the horizontal electrodes ejecting
4.00
V = 208V
2018 VCB
the arc outwards directly towards the opening
2.00 Gap = 25 mm
3.00 Standard Enclosure
and worker. If an arc occurs in the stab area of
1.00 Working Distance 18" a cubicle, and a circuit breaker is present, the
V = 208V= 83.3 ms
2.00
Duration
Gap = 25 mm breaker is likely to disrupt the arc ejection and
0.00 Standard Enclosure decrease the IE below the calculated value.[1]
1.00
2 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Working
80 Distance
90 18" 100
Fault current (kA) Duration = 83.3 ms
However, during the testing and development
0.00
2 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 of IE equations, a breaker was not present in
Fault current (kA) the cubicle, and there are currently no test
Figure 1: 2002 vs. 2018 IE Calculated Result Comparison at 208 V data or equations to quantify or support this
scenario. The vertical electrode models result in
20.00 less incident energy than the HCB orientation
because the arc tends to be ejected downward
18.00
and then reflected outward towards the worker.
20.00
16.00 Depending on the geometry of the enclosure
18.00
14.00
and the position of the worker, this could
2018 HCB 2002 intensify the IE at the worker’s legs and feet.
16.00
12.00
IE (cal/cm2)

14.00
10.00 For the 208 V example and for equipment
2018 HCB 2002
12.00
2018 VCBB with a vertical bus, the 2002 and 2018 analysis
IE (cal/cm2)

8.00
2018 VCB methods provide similar results over a large
10.00
6.00
2018 VCBB V = 480V range of fault currents. For the 480 V example,
8.00
4.00
Gap = 32 mm the vertical bus calculations also provide
Standard Enclosure
2018 VCB
Working Distance 18" relatively similar results, but the VCBB does
6.00 V = 480V
2.00 Duration = 83.3 ms
Gap = 32 mm
tend above the 2002 calculated values a bit
4.00
0.00 Standard Enclosure more than in the 208 V calculations. For both
2.00
2 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Working
80 Distance
90 18" 100
the 208 V and 480 V calculations, the HCB
Fault current (kA) Duration = 83.3 ms
results immediately deviate above the 2002
Figure
0.00
2 2:10 200220vs. 2018
30 IE Calculated
40 50 Result
60 Comparison
70 80 at 480
90 V 100 results and remain significantly higher over the
Fault current (kA) range of currents studied.
was performed utilizing a bolted fault current
ranging from 2 kA to 100 kA. For larger equipment (e.g., power circuit
breakers), typically with horizontal stab
50
Figure 1 and Figure 2 show the incident energy
VCB bus orientation (2018)
construction, the new calculations indicate that
45 results of this analysis. Figure 1 shows the 2002 the previously recommended arc-rated personal
V = 480V V = 208V
50
40 Gap = 32 mm versus
Gap = 25 2018
mm incident energy (IE) results for the protective equipment (AR PPE) may not be
45
Standard 208 V Enclosure
Enclosure (2018)
VCB bus orientation Standard example. Figure 2 shows the comparison sufficient to protect workers from serious injury.
35
V = 480V Vfor the 480 V example.
= 208V Work that has been previously performed with
Gap = 32 mm Gap = 25- mm
2018 480V
(kA)current (kA)

40
30 Standard Enclosure Standard Enclosure
minimal AR PPE may now require a much
35
The HCB calculations result
2002 - 480Vin a significantly higher AR PPE rating. The new IE calculated
25
higher incident
2018 - 480V energy than the VCB/VCBB results for equipment with a vertically oriented
Arcing

30
20 calculated energies and the energy calculated bus (electrodes) remain similar to the 2002
Arcing current

2018 - 208V 2002 - 480V

25
15
under the 2002 model when considering a calculated results. When performing the analysis
2002 - 208V
20
10 2018 - 208V
15
42 5
• SUMMER 2022 2002 - 208V IMPACT OF 2018 CHANGES TO IEEE STD 1584, IEEE GUIDE FOR
PERFORMING ARC-FLASH HAZARD CALCULATIONS – PART 2
10
0
2 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
 COVER STORY
50
using the new methods, careful consideration VCB bus orientation (2018)
must be given to the model parameters to ensure 45
V = 480V V = 208V
accurate results are rendered based on the best 40 Gap = 32 mm Gap = 25 mm
available information. Standard Enclosure Standard Enclosure
35

Figure 3 compares the arcing current from 2018 - 480V

Arcing current (kA)

30
the 2002 and 2018 calculation methods using 2002 - 480V
25
the previous parameters and assumptions for
the 208 V and 480 V scenarios. This graph 20
2018 - 208V
shows that the 2018 calculated arcing currents 15
are typically 20%–25% higher than the 2002 2002 - 208V
values over the typical fault current range. 10

However, higher arcing currents don’t always 5

translate into higher IE and arc flash boundary
0
(AFB) values. If the previously calculated arcing 2 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
current values resulted in an event duration Fault current (kA)
based on the instantaneous element operation
of the upstream overcurrent protective device, Figure 3: 2002 vs. 2018 Arcing Current Comparison at 208 V and 480 V
the slightly higher arcing current might
translate into only slightly higher IE and
AFB values. Conversely, if the previous arcing may be able to perform some tasks with less-
current values did not activate an instantaneous cumbersome PPE than previously determined.
element of the upstream overcurrent protective
device, but only activated the short-time Re-Evaluating Electrical Hazards
element, the higher calculated arcing current Given the 2018 changes to IEEE 1584,
might result in a shorter duration event another critical question is whether you are
(instantaneous element trip) and possibly lower required to update a study performed using
IE and AFB values. Each piece of equipment the 2002 edition if there are no other factors
must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. to consider (changes in the facility electrical
system or to the utility). No — there are no
I M PA C T OF C H A NGE S requirements that force you to update your
The revised calculations per the 2018 edition study simply because IEEE 1584 has been
of IEEE 1584 may result in changes to updated. Remember, use of IEEE 1584 is
previously calculated arc flash incident energy voluntary and is not mandated by law. Other
values and changes in arc-rated personal means can be used to calculate and determine
protective equipment requirements for workers the extent of electrical hazards associated with
compared to the 2002 edition methods. The arc flash events. However, this document is one
calculated incident energy may be higher of the most recognized sources available, and
in some situations and lower or very similar the recent update makes it even more accurate
in others. With the possibility of significant for calculating arc flash incident energy levels.
changes in incident energy between the old Should you choose to use another method to
method and the new method, and the changes calculate the hazardous energy of an arc flash,
to low-energy equipment, those responsible expect your methods to be highly scrutinized
for facility electrical distribution systems — and be prepared to defend them.
and the safety of workers — should consider
revisiting their arc flash analysis to determine When considering whether an update is
whether their workers are adequately protected required or not, we shouldn’t forget about one
against recognized hazards (OSHA’s General key requirement from NFPA 70E, Standard for
Duty Clause). One potential advantage of this Electrical Safety in the Workplace.[2] You may not
re-evaluation is that, in some cases, workers be required to update your study as a result of

IMPACT OF 2018 CHANGES TO IEEE STD 1584, IEEE GUIDE FOR

PERFORMING ARC-FLASH HAZARD CALCULATIONS – PART 2
NETAWORLD • 43
COVER STORY

changes to IEEE 1584 methods and procedures, A second scenario where you might want to
but NFPA 70E does require a review every five run a revised study is for equipment previously
years of the data compiled and used to determine classified as low-energy equipment:
hazards. This ensures that, if there are changes to
any factors used to determine the level of hazards Equipment below 240 V need not be considered
(incident energy, arc flash boundary, etc.), the unless it involves at least one 125 kVA or larger low-
impact of these changes will be examined at least impedance transformer in its immediate power supply.
every five years. This is also an excellent time to
incorporate the new IEEE 1584 methods and The change to the requirements for equipment
procedures into the analysis for the entire facility. considered to be low risk (less than1.2 cal/cm2)
is significant and will affect many facilities
While you may not be mandated to update your with existing arc flash studies. The revised
study due to changes in IEEE 1584, should you parameters for low-energy equipment stem
perform an update? from the discovery that, under the previously
defined parameters, workers could be exposed
Areas with higher operating voltages (480 to IE levels above 1.2 cal/cm2. This important
V) and/or areas where there are horizontal change may require the analysis of equipment
electrodes (large power circuit breakers) are not included in the previous arc flash study
two circumstances where you might consider (i.e., equipment assumed to have IE below
a revised study to ensure the calculated 1.2 cal/cm2).
incident energy is accurate. These are areas
where hazards may be significantly higher than Sustainable arcs are possible but less likely in
calculated under the previous methods. three-phase systems operating at 240 V nominal

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 COVER STORY

or less with an available short-circuit current less skill set, experience, or aptitude). Someone
than 2,000 A. who operates an equipment disconnect, such
as a machine operator, may not require the
Equipment meeting new requirements that same level of training as someone who racks in
were not included in the previous study should a large power circuit breaker or troubleshoots
now be included to ensure adequate PPE is electrical problems. While most workers
identified based on the calculated IE levels for don’t need to know how to calculate arc flash
that equipment. incident energy or arc flash boundaries to be
able to execute their daily tasks, they do need to
The biggest challenges of the new 2018 method understand the factors that govern these values
are in determining the enclosure size and bus so they can make informed decisions about the
orientation of equipment. How are these required PPE and other safe work practices.
challenges being handled? Some clients choose
to use the worst case (horizontal electrode Everyone plays a vital role in safety. The more
orientation) for all equipment. However, if knowledgeable your workers are and the more
the equipment does not contain horizontally dedicated to safety your company is, the
oriented electrodes, this may result in excessive less you place your workers at risk of injury.
PPE requirements. Excessive levels of PPE Employers must create a corporate work
can cause worker fatigue and inability to environment where safety is more than just a
perform some tasks safely, which introduces policy; it’s a culture!
additional hazards. Some help and guidance is
provided in Annex G of IEEE 1584. Enclosure CONCLUSI ON
dimensions, electrode gap, and orientation Many excellent articles and papers are available
can be standardized into a few categories, thus that contain various perspectives on arc flash
simplifying data collection while retaining the safety and electrical safe work practices. The
necessary level of accuracy. more you read, the more you learn. I’ve learned
a lot from reading papers, attending various
Training and Education conferences, and listening to experts speak on
As a final recommendation, one of the most arc flash safety. One paper that recently crossed
often overlooked components of safety is my desk caught my attention. In this paper, it
education and training. Many companies stated that the new IEEE 1584-2018 still doesn’t
transmit communications and display posters calculate conservatively or accurately enough
about the importance of worker safety but often and additional correction factors (1.5-2.0X)
neglect to invest in the required safety education to incident energy should be applied to ensure
and training for their workers. Old online adequate PPE.[3] After reading this article, decide
training materials used repeatedly will lose their for yourself whether additional safety factors or
impact, and employees won’t pay attention to multipliers are needed to keep your workers safe.
the training. Keep the training materials fresh
and up-to-date and avoid repeating the same What I can conclude is that reported cases of
videos year after year. Training should allow and workers being seriously injured or killed by arc
promote interaction, questions, and discussions. flash are very low.[4] Granted, any serious injury
One of the best ways to communicate key or death is a tragedy, and we all must continue
objectives is through the use of case studies of to strive for zero workplace injuries. However,
incidents and accidents. the focus on safety, arc flash analysis, use of
PPE, and education is keeping our workers
Training and education is not a one-size- safer than ever before. Let’s keep up that good
fits-all solution. Employers must recognize work and continue to ensure our employees
that the education and training provided to are trained to identify hazards, determine their
one employee may be different than that for severity, and select and use the proper PPE to
another employee (based on responsibilities, perform their tasks safely.

IMPACT OF 2018 CHANGES TO IEEE STD 1584, IEEE GUIDE FOR

PERFORMING ARC-FLASH HAZARD CALCULATIONS – PART 2
NETAWORLD • 45
COVER STORY

With this in mind, never forget that working on [4] Gordon, L., J. Liechty, T. Matinez, E.
energized equipment using PPE is a last resort! Stromberg, and J. Williams. “Electric
When the decision is made that energized Injuries and Fatalities: Facts, Myths, and
work is required, you must have exhausted the Unknowns,” IEEE Paper No. ESW32.
other five methods of risk control: elimination,
substitution, engineering controls, awareness,
and administrative controls. Working on Steve Park, PE, brings 40-plus years of
energized equipment and using PPE is at the experience in the power system industry to
his position as Vertiv’s Director of Technical
bottom of the list and is the least effective Training. In this role, Steve oversees technical
means of ensuring worker safety. training for Vertiv’s North America field
services including AC power products, DC
R E F E R E NC E S power products, thermal management
[1] IEEE. IEEE 1584-2002, IEEE Guide for systems, monitoring, and independent testing services for High
Voltage Maintenance (HVM) and Electrical Reliability Services
Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations,
(ERS). Much of his career and expertise is from various roles while
New York, NY. employed by HVM and ERS involving power system studies,
[2] National Fire Protection Association. engineering and test reports, cable testing, forensic investigations,
NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in test procedures/practices, and quality assurance. Steve gained a deep
the Workplace. understanding of the power systems industry during his career in
[3] Short, T. A., Eblen, M. L. “IEEE Standard the U.S. Air Force, where he served 14 years on active-duty service
as a high-voltage lineman, electrical power distribution engineer,
1584-2018 Predictions Compared With and instructor of electrical engineering at the Air Force Institute
Tests on Real-World Equipment,” IEEE of Technology (AFIT). Steve earned his BSEE and MSEE from
Industry Applications Magazine, January/ Purdue University and an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.
February 2022. Steve has been a registered Professional Engineer since 1992.



FEATURE

CHECKLISTS AND
EFFECTIVE JOB
BRIEFINGS
ARE IMPORTANT TO
IMPROVING SAFETY
BY D. RAY CROW, DRC Consulting, Inc.

“People who are trying to change

the world need to use checklists.”
B USI N ESSM AN AN D AUTH OR GUY KAWASAK I

Checklists and effective job briefings are important to ensure hazards

that may exist when performing a task are addressed before starting the
job. In addition, job briefings are important to ensure people understand
their job roles and have a chance to speak up and recommend additional
safer work practices and make sure an action plan exists if things go
wrong. Job safety planning, job briefings, and the use of checklists before
starting a task are important to help prevent incidents and fatalities from
happening. People make mistakes. The use of job briefings and checklists
before the start of a job will help minimize the possibility of human error
when tasks are performed.[1][2]

48 • SUMMER 2022 CHECKLISTS AND EFFECTIVE JOB BRIEFINGS ARE IMPORTANT TO IMPROVING SAFETY
 FEATURE

PHOTO: © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/PORTFOLIO/GONIN

C H E C KL I S TS IM P ROVE
H U MA N P ERF OR M A NC E

“A checklist cannot fly a plane. Instead,

they provide reminders of only the most

(SOURCE: WWW.THISDAYINAVIATION.COM/30-OCTOBER-1935)
critical and important steps.”
S U RGE O N A N D AUT HOR AT UL GAWANDE

On October 30, 1935, an experimental

bomber known as the Flying Fortress (B-17)
crashed shortly after takeoff during a military
demonstration for the U.S. Army Air Corps at
Wright Airfield in Dayton, Ohio.

The cause of the incident was a pre-flight

failure to remove the gust locks that prevent
damage to the control surfaces of the airplane
while on the ground. The failure of the pilots
to complete this step before takeoff meant
they had no ability to control the plane once it
became airborne.[3] Figure 1: B-17 Crash During Demonstration for U.S. Army Air Corps

CHECKLISTS AND EFFECTIVE JOB BRIEFINGS ARE IMPORTANT TO IMPROVING SAFETY NETAWORLD • 49
FEATURE

C H E C KLIS T S C REATE 2008, bloodstream infections have decreased

E R R OR -F R E E S Y STEMS by 44%, and surgical site infections have
Surviving pilots brainstormed how to prevent decreased by 20%. Using checklists before
the pre-flight requirements from ever being and during surgery has also cut complications
missed again. The action taken by the by 35% and deaths by 47%.[6] When catheters
investigation team was to mandate the use of a are installed, the use of checklists has cut the
checklist that included pre-takeoff action items infection rate from 4% of cases to zero, saving
for a pilot’s review.[4] 1,500 lives and nearly $200 million.[7]

People can and do make mistakes, and the Just OK Is Not OK

use of checklists can prevent incidents from Training is not enough to ensure incidents will
happening. Checklists are a functional, not happen. When checklists are not used, the
consistent method of combating human errors most experienced and qualified people may
before they occur. Checklists can be adapted make mistakes.
for use in a wide range of environments.
Use checklists in your workplace. A good
Aviation Checklists checklist is precise, efficient, and easy to use
Current Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)[5] even in the most difficult situations. Checklists
mandate checklist use that “must be designed not only offer the possibility of verification, but
so that flight crew members will not rely upon also instill a discipline of higher performance.
memory for items to be checked.” Today, you Checklists can help ensure people follow the
can’t take off or land in a commercial airplane required safety steps every time they perform a
without a mandatory checklist being used by specific task.
pilots.
Checklists have proven to work best in
Checklists work to prevent an incident from organizations that have a culture of safety
happening if a critical step does not pass the supported by organizational leaders who
requirements included in the checklist. Has prioritize safety in the workplace.[8]
your flight ever been delayed or cancelled
due to items in the checklist not meeting all USE CHECKLI STS FOR
requirements? If this did occur, were you glad ELECTRI CAL TASKS
that a checklist was required before the flight
was allowed to takeoff? “No matter how expert you may be, well-
designed checklists can improve outcomes.”
NASA uses checklists for launching rockets into AUTH OR AN D ECON OM I ST STEVEN LEV IT T
space. Many launches have been cancelled due to
failure to meet the steps required in the checklist. Checklists have been proven to add safety for
Checklists are widely used in the aircraft personnel who perform electrical tasks.[9] They
industry and the U.S. Navy Submarine Service, can help prevent mistakes and omissions during
in critical maintenance facilities and hospital many electrical tasks. Checklists are a proven
operating rooms, and during the commissioning method to help prevent qualified people from
of electrical projects. Use checklists to prevent skipping critical steps when completing tasks.
incidents from happening or to minimize the The use of checklists should be mandatory when
results when unexpected events occur. step-by-step procedures are required for safety.

Surgical Checklists Many mistakes have been prevented and lives

Using checklists in hospitals during surgery saved by the use of checklists that ensured steps
has been proven to prevent infections. Since were not missed when tasks were performed.

50 • SUMMER 2022 CHECKLISTS AND EFFECTIVE JOB BRIEFINGS ARE IMPORTANT TO IMPROVING SAFETY
 FEATURE

Table 1: Types of Electrical Checklists energized overhead power line that exists in the
area where work is to take place or additional
Safety pre-task checklist
people performing other tasks in the area where
Job hazard analysis (JHA)
Safe work procedure (SWP) you will be working.

Job briefing checklist Consider the possibility of language

Requirements for an energized electrical work barriers when job briefings are held. During
permit (EEWP) construction and other jobs, some people may
not understand what is being discussed. Use an
Required steps for a specific work practice
interpreter to resolve the issue.
Requirements for standard operation procedures
(SOPs) Table 2: Items that Cause Incidents to Occur
Specific switching procedure when changes to Taking shortcuts
your electrical power system are required
Being overconfident
Substation project installation assessment
Failure to pre-plan the work
Substation inspection
Starting a task with incomplete instructions
Electrical control room inspection
Ignoring safety procedures

I M P R O V E HUM A N Mental distractions from work

PE R F OR MA NC E B Y Multitasking
A C T IVAT ING Y OU R
LEADERSHIP Poor housekeeping

“Teamwork is the fuel that allows common

people to attain uncommon results.” An effective job briefing should cover at least
I N D U S T RI A L IST ANDR E W CAR NE GIE the following topics:

Job safety planning, job briefings, and • Hazards associated with the job
checklists help prevent injuries and fatalities • Work procedures involved
from happening. They provide the opportunity • Special precautions, language issues
to think about and agree on the safe work • Energy source controls
practices and PPE requirements to use for the • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
task to eliminate or minimize the risk to an requirements[13][14]
acceptable level prior to starting the job.[10][11]
During the job briefing make sure everyone
Effective job briefings and a review of answers the following questions:
existing checklists requires discussion and
communication. Ask open-ended questions • Do I thoroughly understand the job?
and get answers. Ensure everyone involved in • Do I understand my role and everyone
the task participates during the job briefing else’s role in the job?
and reviews the items included in the checklist. • Am I aware of all the hazards I may
Consider what might not be included in the possibly encounter during the job?
existing checklist. A best practice to improve • Am I knowledgeable of all safety rules
safety is to visit the job site before work starts and procedures applicable to this job?
to look for hazards in the area that you may • Do I have safeguards in place to protect
not have considered.[12] Examples include an me from unexpected events?

CHECKLISTS AND EFFECTIVE JOB BRIEFINGS ARE IMPORTANT TO IMPROVING SAFETY NETAWORLD • 51
FEATURE

Table 3: Actions You Can Take to Improve Make safety the number one priority in your
Safety facility or company. Mandate job briefings
Take immediate action when you identify potential that include checklists before the start of jobs.
work hazards. The job briefing should include shock risk
assessments and arc flash risk assessments.
Control your personal workspace to maintain
safety.
Unsafe work practices cause 91% of incidents
Stop any work you think is unsafe. and injuries. In addition to the personal pain
of suffering an injury, incidents can result in
Eliminate injuries by eliminating your unsafe acts.
lost time, medical costs, equipment damage,
Take actions to help prevent being hurt or in- production loss, and legal costs. The risk
volved in an unsafe event. assessment procedure is designed to address
the potential for human error and its negative
consequences on people, processes, and the
R E INF ORC ING THE work environment.
SAF E T Y C ULT U RE I N
Y OU R ORG A NIZ ATI ON Shock Risk Assessment
The first choice in a shock risk assessment is
“Safety has to be everyone’s responsibility. to eliminate the likelihood of occurrence
Everyone needs to know that they are of injury. Determine whether additional
empowered to speak up if there’s an issue.” protective measures are required. For example,
NASA ASTRONAUT CAPTAIN SCOTT KELLY (RET.) wear rubber insulating gloves with leather
 FEATURE

protectors and use insulating tools rated for the 6. Perform a shock risk assessment and an arc-
voltage you could encounter if you accidentally flash risk assessment before starting work.
make contact with exposed energized electrical
conductors or circuit parts. Using these steps will help drive the company
toward becoming an incident-free workplace.
Arc Flash Risk Assessment
During the arc flash risk assessment, consider REFERENCES
the following issues: [1] Crow, Daryld Ray. “Checklists Save
Lives,” 2020 IEEE IAS Electrical Safety
• Design of the equipment as well as Workshop (ESW2020-08), March 2020.
its overcurrent protective devices and [2] Crow, Daryld Ray. “Effective Job
operating times Briefings Improve Safety,” 2021
• Electrical equipment operating condition IEEE IAS Electrical Safety Workshop
and maintenance (ESW2021-13), March 2021.
• Appropriate safety-related work practices [3] “From the Ashes of the Model-299.”
and PPE required for people within the Accessed at www.thisdayinaviation.
arc flash boundary com/30-october-1935.
[4] “What the B17 Taught Us About
C ON C L U S I ON Checklists.” Accessed at What the B17
Taught Us About Checklists - Angle of
“Job briefings and checklists are the Attack (flyaoamedia.com).
most high-powered productive tools ever [5] Code of Federal Regulations. Accessed at
discovered.” eCFR :: 14 CFR 431.39 -- Mission rules,
A U T H O R A N D SPE AKE R BR IAN T R ACY procedures, contingency plans, and checklists.
[6] “Habitual Excellence in the Workplace
An important feature in an electrical safety According to Paul O’Neill,” Pittsburgh
program is the use of job briefings that include Post-Gazette. Accessed at ‘Habitual
checklists. Reinforcing important steps in safe excellence’: The Workplace According to
work practices through the use of job briefings Paul O’Neill | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
that include checklists will reduce incidents May 13, 2012.
and save lives. Ensure that job briefings include [7] Higgins, W.Y., and D.J. Boorman. “An
shock as well as arc flash risk assessments.. Analysis of the Effectiveness of Checklists
When Combined With Other Processes,
Improve safety in your facility by including Methods, and Tools to Reduce Risk in
these six steps: High Hazard Activities,” Boeing Technical
Journal 2016.
1. Create a culture that makes safety the [8] Haynes A., Gawande A. “A Surgical
number one priority. Safety Checklist to Reduce Morbidity
2. Improve actions taken by management to and Mortality in a Global Population,”
continually improve safety. New England Journal of Medicine
3. Ensure that positive peer pressure to do 360(5)491-499 (January 2009).
the right thing exists in your facility. Doi:10.1056/NEJMas0810119.
4. Monitor actions taken by workers to PMID19144931.
ensure they follow the safe work practices [9] Gawande, Atul. The Checklist Manifesto.
outlined in your safety program and Picador, New York, 2009 ISBN 978-0-
training. 312-43000-9.
5. Provide a good balance between leading [10] National Fire Protection Association.
as well as lagging indicators in your safety NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety
program. in the Workplace.

CHECKLISTS AND EFFECTIVE JOB BRIEFINGS ARE IMPORTANT TO IMPROVING SAFETY NETAWORLD • 53
FEATURE

graduated from the University of Houston with a BSEE. After

[11] Occupational Safety and Health graduation, he worked for Alcoa providing global engineering
Administration. OSHA 29 CFR Subpart support on the design, installation, and operation of power and
R 1910.269, Electric Power Generation, rectifier systems and electrical safety. Ray was a team leader for
Transmission, and Distribution. writing multiple Alcoa electrical standards including electrical
[12] Forck, Mathew. “Four Key Steps to safe work practice standards and training and was responsible
for providing internal electrical safety audits of Alcoa facilities.
Conducting an Effective Job Briefing,”
After retiring from Alcoa, he worked for Fluor Global Services
T&D World, July 1, 2019. and Duke Energy as a Principal Technical Specialist providing
[13] Hanford Mission Support Contract. design and consulting engineering for creating electrical safety
“Conducting Pre-Task Job Briefings and standards for companies, and providing safe work practice
Post-Job Briefings,” April 28, 2011. training programs, assessments/audits of facilities, and plant
[14] Setcorret, LLC. WP0001-2015, power distribution systems. Ray is a Life Senior Member
of IEEE, a principal member of the NFPA 70E Technical
Job Briefings. Accessed at Committee, Secretary of IEEE Std. P1584.1, Technical
JobBriefingsWorkPracticeExample.pdf Editor and Secretary of IEEE Std. P1814, Chair of PCIC
(setcorrect.com). Working Group IEEE Std. 463, and was Secretary of IEEE
Std. 1584. In 2010, Ray received the IEEE/PCIC Electrical
Safety Excellence Award; in 2017, he received the IEEE/ESW
Daryld Ray Crow is presently Owner Outstanding Service Award. He has co-authored and presented
and Principal Technical Consultant for technical papers and tutorials for a number of IEEE IAS PCIC
DRC Consulting Inc., where he performs conferences, IEEE IAS Pulp & Paper conferences, IEEE IAS
consulting work for electrical safe work Electrical Safety Workshop conferences, and NETA’s PowerTest
practice standards, assessments/audits, conference.
electrical safe work practice training,
and electrical engineering projects. Ray

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FEATURE

MENTORSHIP
IS CRITICAL IN
THE ELECTRICAL
SECTOR
BY M IK E DOH ERT Y, eHazard

Mentoring has been a critical and foundational component in the

electrical sector since its beginning. The basic tenants of electrical
tradesperson apprenticeships and electrical engineers in training has
always been coaching and mentoring by those with the interpersonal
skills, relevant expertise, and knowledge to be able to pass it on.
The electrical sector has always taken compensation claim was due to electrical
particularly great pride in emphasizing and injuries.[1]
teaching the safety requirements involved
in electrical work. The overall probability of In 2022 and going forward, electrical sector
serious electrical incidents across all sectors is demographics will continue to change rapidly.
generally low, but the physical consequences of The baby boomer generation will be leaving the
shock, electrocution, and/or arc-flash incidents workforce in droves by the end of the current
can be staggeringly high. The social, morale, decade — and it’s already started.
and economic costs are all potentially very high
as well. In the United States, the Bureau of Labor
Statistics states in its Employment Projections —
R E SE AR C H A ND STATI STI CS 2020-2030 Summary:
A 2010 study by Liberty Mutual Research
Institute for Safety found: The labor force is expected to increase by 8.9
million, from 160.7 million in 2020 to 169.6
A study by a major insurance underwriter million in 2030. The labor force participation
reported that the second most expensive workers’ rate is projected to decline, from 61.7 percent

56 • SUMMER 2022 MENTORSHIP IS CRITICAL IN THE ELECTRICAL SECTOR

 FEATURE

in 2020 to 60.4 percent in 2030. The decline were 338,835 job vacancies (unfilled jobs) in
in labor force participation is due to the aging Ontario. About 8% (25,495) of all vacancies in
of the baby-boom generation, a continuation of Ontario were in the construction sector.[4]
the declining trend in men’s participation, and a
slight decline in women’s participation. By 2030, PASSI NG ON THE
all baby boomers will be at least 65 years old.[2] EXPERI ENCE
It is extraordinarily clear that the continuing
More specifically, the BLS Employment Outlook electrification of society is essential for ongoing
Handbook notes: prosperity and success for all concerned.
Highly skilled electrical sector tradespeople,
Employment of electricians is projected to grow technicians, technologists, and engineers have
9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as been and will continue to be required. With
the average for all occupations. About 84,700 so many of these extremely skilled people soon
openings for electricians are projected each year, on to leave the workforce in the next few years, it
average, over the decade. Many of those openings is essential that the culture of electrical safety
are expected to result from the need to replace and high-end technical excellence is passed on
workers who transfer to different occupations or to the outstanding workforce that is already in
exit the labor force, such as to retire.[3] place or starting out.

And in Canada, the Province of Ontario is But time to do so is definitely running out.
offering free training and paid apprenticeships Leaders in the electrical sector must step up to
for electricians. The news release states: ensure that their existing safety and technical
best practices are sustainable and will be in
Data suggest the need to replace retiring workers place even after they move on. Ensuring
is elevated in the skilled trades. In 2016, nearly 1 sustainability for best practices after present
in 3 journeypersons were aged 55 years or older. leadership is gone is indicative of the very finest
Between July 2021 and September 2021, there management qualities. Outstanding formal

MENTORSHIP IS CRITICAL IN THE ELECTRICAL SECTOR NETAWORLD • 57

FEATURE

mentoring programs within the electrical a compilation of a few great coaches that they
sector need to be developed and executed in played for themselves. Those experiences along
an accountable and due-diligent manner. with their own unique styles and mannerisms
The costs to the electrical safety culture and, will make for a terrific mentoring foundation.
in fact, to the electrical infrastructure if great
mentoring programs are not put in place will A mentor is a person who provides the means,
be very difficult to recover from. counseling, help, and feedback you need to
flourish in your career, so it is very important
Those with decades of experience are generally for the mentor to select people to work with
no smarter than those who are just starting who are genuinely interested in accessing his or
out. It is most obvious that the only way to her experience and knowledge.
gain experience is to put in the time and effort
that experience facilitates — there is no other MENTOR QUESTI ONS
way. Passing on the hard-won wisdom that was W. Edwards Deming said: “If you do not know
realized over the course of their working life by how to ask the right question, you discover nothing.”
those willing to share is one of the main goals.
Insightful questions should be used by mentors
M E NT OR RE QUIREMENTS to obtain successful outcomes with those they
What are the requirements to be an exceptional work with. Asking exploratory questions in a
mentor? The mentor needs to be an expert and respectful and caring manner at the beginning
someone who has walked the talk. Ideally, of the potential and ongoing relationship can
they will not be too far removed from the put the mentee at ease and let them know you
current thinking of those they would work are there to help, guide, and assist. Mentor
with. It is imperative to understand the questions can explore why the person is doing
potential differences between age groups and what they’re doing:
demographics to ensure there is a potential
fit. Mentors need to be enthusiastic and, in • What do you really want to do and be in
particular, bring real clarity to the interactions the electrical sector? What is it that drives
they will have. The antonyms to clarity are your passion? Do you want to be a leader
murkiness and vagueness. Mentors who bring in the electrical sector and, if so, what
anything other than authentic clarity to the would you like to be known for?
discussions will not bring value. • Do you have a goal in mind regarding
where you want to go? How and when
These are professional relationships that need are you going to get there? Are you
to be respectful, honest, truthful, and caring. curious to be a lifelong learner and to
No one has ever erected a monument to a try things that you initially are not good
critic, and mentors must be able to listen with at, or do you prefer to do things you’re
real understanding. They must also be willing already good at?
to not impose their own beliefs too strongly. • What are you really good at and consider
They must be able to relate to the person they to be some of your primary strengths to
are working with and put themselves in that get to your goals? What have you always
person’s shoes. been outstanding at that made you stand
out from the rest?
Mentors need to enjoy and be invested in the • What are you currently not doing well
success of others. In particular, along with great that is blocking you from getting to your
listening skills, they must be exceptionally good objectives? If you were to do a critical
at receiving and giving feedback. Ideally, a assessment of yourself, what three things
great mentor was a mentee themselves at one are barriers, vulnerabilities, or roadblocks
time. The absolute best coaches in the sporting to you in the electrical sector? What is it
world will tell you that their coaching style is that has been slowing you down — or is

58 • SUMMER 2022 MENTORSHIP IS CRITICAL IN THE ELECTRICAL SECTOR

 FEATURE

slowing you down presently? Have you did it just happen? What was the most
had constructive feedback from others important thing you learned at school?
regarding some of these barriers in school • If you could have done anything
or personally and, if so, what was it? differently in your education, what
• What outstanding qualities, would it have been?
characteristics, and attributes do you • What was your very first job as a
bring specifically to the electrical sector? student, and what was your very first
• Are you a great listener? Are full-time job after your formal education
you empathetic? Are you a good was done?
communicator? Do you have an • Who are the three most impactful
outstanding work ethic? What is the one people you have worked with and why?
thing you do better than anybody else Who are the three most impactful
and why? managers you have worked with?
• What are you going to do to constantly • How long has electrical safety been a
improve on your journey through the vital part of your personal culture? Who
electrical sector? What are your priorities? has had the most influence on the things
Do you believe these are the right priorities? you believe specifically about electrical
• Is electrical safety in particular embedded safety? Have you had or do you know of
in your DNA? any significant electrical incidents during
• Very important: How can I support you your working career? How has that
and where do you think you need the impacted you?
most assistance? • When did you first hear about NFPA
70E or CSA Z462? How about NESC
M E N T E E Q UE ST IONS (IEEE C2) or CAN/ULC–S801?
It is also critical for the mentee to ask great What do you believe is the single most
questions of the mentor, and it is up to the important concept in these standards?
mentor to facilitate and guide those questions • How will this mentoring relationship be a
if necessary to ensure they have a good match. benefit to me going forward?
• Did you have mentors yourself, and what
• What led you to the education you did you learn? How have they inspired you?
currently have? Was it well-planned or • What’s the very best advice you can give me?

MENTORSHIP IS CRITICAL IN THE ELECTRICAL SECTOR NETAWORLD • 59

FEATURE

• What is your own individual style? most valuable things a mentor can provide is
• What are the three specific values you exceptional networking opportunities. After
believe are the most important within the many years in the electrical sector, they will
electrical sector? typically have many connections that can
• Are you an exceptional listener? be invaluable to those starting out. Mentors
• What are three or four of your favorite characteristically are highly respected, and
books and why? when they recommend a mentee to an
• If you could only tell me one electrical important connection, the possibilities can be
safety story, what would it be? remarkable. In fact, as we all know, networking
usually has far more to do with career success
B E NE F IT S than many other things. Great mentors can
Mentoring is intended to be extremely ensure great networking prospects.
beneficial to both parties. It should be equal
parts insight, motivation, and inspiration. To It is important for mentees to let the mentor know
be successful, the mentor and the mentee must what it is they require. It is also critical to be on
be sounding boards for each other. To ensure a time, be prepared, and be truly professional. They
great relationship, they must honestly listen to must follow up with ideas, recommendations,
each other’s concerns and be able to brainstorm action items, and corrective action plans.
any suggestions with tremendous clarity.
CONCLUSI ON
Mentors must continue to ask thought- Mentoring in the electrical sector will be critical
provoking questions, steer the relationship, for the rest of this decade in particular. It will
and ensure successful outcomes. One of the build skills, decrease employee turnover, and
 FEATURE

certainly increase loyalty. High-end formal https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1001770/

mentoring programs can also significantly ontario-invests-in-electrical-training-and-
improve retention rates for high-quality apprenticeships-programs-across-province.
electricians, technicians, technologists, and
engineers by building stronger company loyalty,
safety, and technical excellence. Mike Doherty is an independent Electrical
Safety Consultant and training contractor
for e-Hazard and is President/Owner of Blue
REFERENCES Arc Electrical Safety Technologies Inc. Mike
[1] “Work Related Electrical Injuries: Study has over 47 years of industrial and electrical
Sparks New Insights,” Liberty Mutual utility experience as an instrumentation
Research Institute for Safety, Vol. 13, No. 3, technician, licensed electrician, training
Winter 2010. professional, electrical utility safety professional, and electrical
safety consultant. He is a Senior Member of IEEE and IEEE
[2] Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment
(PCIC) Emeritus; Chair of ULC CAN/ULC-S801-14,
Projections —2020-2030 Summary. Available Standard on Electric Utility Workplace Electrical Safety
at www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ecopro.pdf. for Generation, Transmission and Distribution; and Past
[3] Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Chair of the Association of Electrical Utility Safety Professionals
Department of Labor. Occupational (AEUSP) in 2018 and 2019. He was Chair of CSA Z462
Outlook Handbook, Electricians. Available Technical Committee Workplace Electrical Safety Canada from
March 2006–December 2018 and continues to serve as a Z462
at www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and- Technical Committee voting member on the current edition. Mike
extraction/electricians.htm. was the 2013 recipient of the IEEE IAS Petroleum and Chemical
[4] Ontario Newsroom. “Ontario Invests in Industry Committee (PCIC) Electrical Safety Excellence Award,
Electrical Training and Apprenticeships the 2017 Best of Electrical Safety Technical Presentation Award
Programs Across Province.” Available at at NETA’s PowerTest Conference, and the 2019 IEEE Electrical
Safety Workshops Outstanding Service Award.

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FEATURE

BATTERY
SAFETY
BY ANDREW SAG L , Megger

It’s happened to nearly everyone. You go to use a simple electrical

device…a flashlight, a voltmeter, a TV remote, or a child’s toy…and
the battery is dead. It has become exhausted and must be replaced.
Or worse, you open the device to find that the battery has corroded,
possibly damaging or even destroying the contacts. In some critical
respects, essentially the same thing can happen to the largest standby
battery system that might be providing backup support for a
substation, a computer room, a hospital, a manufacturing process —
anywhere uninterruptible power is essential.
Standby battery banks can corrode, short out, To prevent such tragedies, standby battery banks
lose capacity through unintentional grounds must be tested regularly for their continued
or aging, and fall victim to a host of other ability to come on line and deliver full power
breakdowns and failures. They can also be victim whenever utility service is interrupted.
to an out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality. Most
electrical functions are readily observable: The TESTI NG BATTERY STRIN GS
lights are on, motors are running, the building A battery string is tested with a battery impedance
is heated. But standby batteries are tucked away tester that includes a DC current source that
out of sight and often forgotten. That is, until injects a test current through the string, then
there’s an event. measures the voltage drop and calculates the
impedance. An array of problems, including
When a utility experiences a fault, the battery terminal corrosion, plate sulphation and
bank should immediately come on line and corrosion, dry-out, and many more can increase
provide alternate power until the utility comes the impedance to inhibit or prevent current
back on line. Failure to do so can be nothing propagation and take the battery out of operation.
short of catastrophic. Switchgear can fail to
operate to open faults. Buildings can catch fire, Many battery banks are arranged in tiers of
production lines stall and sacrifice materials, parallel strings. This can increase the supplied
computer rooms go off line and lose data, and current, capacity, or reliability of the strings.
hospital patients on life support could die. Parallel strings allow the current delivery

62 • SUMMER 2022 BATTERY SAFETY

 FEATURE

PHOTO: © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/PORTFOLIO/TONGPATONG

capability to be doubled. They also increase but current will not readily pass through
capacity, allowing the load to be supported for them. Failure of one battery will stop current
a longer period. propagation in that string, but the parallel
strings will still permit current flow and
Flooded lead-acid batteries, which are usually maintain the backup function. Lithium
used in series strings, can fail in a shorted ion batteries use a management system that
mode. They are not technically shorted and will monitors safety parameters and will open the
still allow current to pass through them. They battery in case of a hazard. Parallel strings are
just aren’t making a contribution to the output, recommended. If one cell opens, current can
but the string still remains in service. still pass through the other string(s).

Sealed lead acid batteries (VRLA), which are Accordingly, parallel strings have notable
typically used in parallel strings, tend to fail advantages in overcoming failed cells and still
in open mode. They are not literally open, being able to provide critical backup power

Figure 1: Series String

BATTERY SAFETY NETAWORLD • 63

FEATURE

Figure 2: Parallel String

to avert emergencies. But their arrangement between the potential probes. In a series string,
introduces a fundamental testing complication. current has a single path and remains constant,
When testing a series string, test current has giving an accurate measurement of impedance
only one path — through the string. But when across the cell (Figure 1).
testing a parallel string, test current has multiple
paths depending on the number of strings. In a parallel string, current is divided between
the strings. The impedance tester measures the
A battery tester measures the total current it is total current through the string but only the
able to inject, but it looks at the voltage drop voltage drop between the potential probes,

Figure 3: Parallel String Sample Calculation

64 • SUMMER 2022 BATTERY SAFETY

 FEATURE

thereby calculating an inaccurate measurement for Stationary Applications. This standard

of cell impedance based on more current than is calls for taking the string off line and
actually traveling through the tested cell (Figure segmenting the parallel strings. This is a lot
2). A bad cell can therefore appear acceptable. of work! Fortunately, modern technological
improvements have produced a convenient
As an example, suppose the battery consisted methodology that allows the testing and
of two tiers of five cells, each with 100 mΩ troubleshooting of parallel strings without
impedance (Figure 3). The charger is applying segmentation and without taking them off line.
half an amp. The impedance tester measures
0.0375 V across an individual cell. Since the The technological breakthrough that augments
string is balanced, only 0.25 A is flowing this process is the split-core current clamp,
through the tested cell. The true measurement which appeared in the mid- to late-20th century.
for this cell’s impedance would be 150 mΩ. The current clamp can intercept and measure
However, the impedance tester measures the escape current that is propagating through the
total current propagating through the entire parallel strings, and the measurement circuit
string, which is 0.5 A. It calculates and displays in the impedance tester can deduct this from
0.75 mΩ — half the actual value. It is obvious the calculation. The impedance of the specific
that a deteriorated cell could test good under cell being tested is now calculated against the
these circumstances, potentially rendering the specific current passing through it and not the
string off line if called into service. total current being injected by the impedance
tester (Figure 4). The measurement is correct
S TA N D A R DS & for the specific cell being tested, and faulty
T E C H N O L OG Y high-impedance cells will not elude detection.
Traditionally, this issue was addressed by
IEEE Std. 1188, Recommended Practice for BATTERY FAI LURE
Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Routine preventive maintenance of standby
Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) Batteries batteries is easy to bypass because they aren’t

Figure 4: Parallel String with Current Clamp

BATTERY SAFETY NETAWORLD • 65

FEATURE

Finally, National Electric Reliability Council

(NERC) requirements have become mandatory
and enforceable for all bulk power system
owners, users, and operators in the United
States. Founded in 1968 in response to
devastating blackouts, NERC requirements
for stationary battery backup strings require
battery terminal connection resistance and
intercell connection resistance tests to be
performed and documented.

CONCLUSI ON
Modern technology has produced instruments
that make the seemingly daunting task of
testing the readiness and reliability of large,
multi-tiered battery banks an integral part
of your preventive/predictive maintenance
program. This can be accomplished without
Battery Destroyed by Thermal Runaway taking the system off line. Data analysis and
storage software enables complete and detailed
visibly active on a daily basis like computers, record keeping for effective continuity of
lighting, and machinery. But neglecting the program and presentation for NERC
maintenance can come at a high price and all at inspection. A comparatively small investment
once in the form of catastrophic and potentially of time and effort in a maintenance program
lethal failure. with a full-quality battery impedance tester can
prevent and save the cost of prohibitive damage
Internal chemical decomposition can emit and outages in the electrical system.
gases that cause the battery to swell and
explode, releasing dangerous fumes. Failure
of backup power to utility circuit breakers Andrew Sagl is the Power Quality
and relays can allow fault currents to wreak and Battery Testing Product Manager
at Megger. He has been with Megger
enormous damage. VRLA batteries can emit for 20 years and is a specialist in power
hydrogen as part of their normal operation. If quality and battery testing technology and
left unattended in a poorly ventilated, poorly application. Andy develops and supports
temperature-regulated battery room, hydrogen power quality equipment in addition to
gas can accumulate and ignite, producing an writing power quality and battery publications and delivering
training and seminar courses. He has a degree in electronics
explosion and massive structural damage.
and is a member of the IEEE Power Engineering Society and
And although not physically destructive or Battery Standards Group. In the past, Andy has specialized
threatening, failure of backup power to a in nano-motor technology as well as military sub-systems and
computer room can result in a crippling loss weapons guidance systems.
of vital data.

66 • SUMMER 2022 BATTERY SAFETY

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FEATURE

IMPROVED METHOD FOR SAFE

TIMING MEASUREMENT OF
GIS CIRCUIT
BREAKERS

B Y R A DENK O OST OJ IC, ADNAN SECIC, BUDO M IL OV IC,

an d K ERIM OBARCANIN, DV Power

In gas-insulated substations (GIS), the high-voltage elements, including

conductors, circuit breaker interrupters, switches, current transformers
(CTs), and voltage transformers, are encapsulated in SF6 gas inside
grounded metal enclosures.[1] For that reason, direct access to circuit
breaker (CB) main circuit terminals for testing purposes is not possible.

The inaccessibility of main circuit terminals According to regulations and demands

requires several actions to be taken before described in IEEE Std. 510-1983[2] and
conducting the measurements. One of these Ostojic and Milovic,[3] all conducting points
actions requires disconnecting the ground in the substation must be grounded during
connection (detachable shunt that connects the testing and maintenance. In the previously
main circuit to the grounded enclosure during published paper by Ostojic and Secic[4] on this
testing) from one side of the breaker. This topic, we presented a novel method for testing
action reduces the safety of the test procedure. high-voltage (HV) circuit breakers in GIS

68 • SUMMER 2022 IMPROVED METHOD FOR SAFE TIMING MEASUREMENT OF GIS CIRCUIT BREAKERS
 FEATURE

PHOTO: © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/PORTFOLIO/PIXHOUSE

substations without the need to remove the GENERAL PROBLEM

ground connection. This new method is based I DENTI FI CATI ON
on injecting high DC current through the To measure operating times [opening time
parallel connection of the grounding path and (O), closing time (C), open-close time (O-
main circuit, as well as measuring the response C), close-open time (C-O), etc.] on the CB
signals on the CT’s secondary. main circuit in the GIS substation with the
conventional testing method, the CB main
This method, however, is not applicable for GIS contact terminals must be accessed through the
configurations where the CT is not included maintenance switches (Figure 1). By removing
in the measurement circuit between the or disconnecting the detachable shunt, one side
maintenance grounding switches. It is also not of the breaker is disconnected from the ground,
applicable for single-pole controlled GIS circuit which enables measurements without removing
breakers (with three separated enclosures) SF6 gas or opening the enclosure. However, the
with very-low grounding path and enclosure procedure to remove this shunt is unsafe, time-
resistance (≤ 50–60 µΩ). Consequently, we consuming, often impractical, and as such, is
propose an improved GIS test method based undesirable for test personnel in the utilities.
on the test procedure previously described in [4]
Furthermore, some GIS circuit breakers do
Ostojic and Secic.[4] not have purpose-built detachable shunts and

IMPROVED METHOD FOR SAFE TIMING MEASUREMENT OF GIS CIRCUIT BREAKERS NETAWORLD • 69
 FEATURE
GIS enclosure GIS enclosure

CB main contacts Parallel circuit CB main contacts

through the GIS
Current enclosure
transformer
Current
transformer

Maintenance Maintenance
switches switches

GIS enclosure Detachable shunts GIS enclosure Detachable shunts

Access points for testing Access points for testing

Parallel circuit through the ground Parallel circuit through the ground

(a) (b)

Figure 1: Electric Diagram of GIS CB, CTs Within (a) and Outside (b) Earthing Switches Circuit

test terminals that are isolated from the GIS signals on the secondary of the CT during the
enclosure.[5] circuit breaker operation. One power source
must be connected between two marked access
If the detachable shunt is not removed or points for testing (Figure 1) where the main
disconnected, a parallel conducting circuit to circuit is accessed through the maintenance
the one consisting of the tested main circuit grounding switches. This power source is a
path is formed. The resistance of this parallel voltage-controlled DC current source with a
circuit consists of the resistance of the GIS high current output (up to 500 A), based on
enclosure and the grounding itself, and it is state-of-the-art power electronics converters.
often comparable to or even lower than the
resistance of the main circuit. Current transformers are an essential part of the
HV GIS substation. One (primary) terminal of
To experimentally verify this claim, a high- these elements is located in the pressurized gas
precision micrometer with a test current of area, while the secondary terminal is accessible
500 A was used to measure GIS enclosure in the auxiliary circuits.[6]-[8] These accessible
resistance on several GIS substations. The CT secondary terminals can be used for
lowest measured value reached was 20 µΩ. measuring operation time in HV GIS circuit
breakers. The measuring instrument should
This prevents a conventional CB timing record either voltage or current on the CT
measuring system from being able to deliver secondary; based on this, the instant of the CB
reliable results. contacts touch or separation can be detected.

E X IS T ING M E T H OD This method is successfully applied to GIS

SH OR T C OM ING S circuit breakers where the CT is available
The test method proposed in Ostojic and between test access points (grounding switch
Secic[4] is based on the injection of the high terminals) as shown in Figure 1a, even if the
DC current in parallel through the main circuit GIS switchgear does not have detachable
and GIS enclosure of all three poles and the shunts and test terminals. Another approach
simultaneous measurement of the response to this problem, described in Renaudin and

70 • SUMMER 2022 IMPROVED METHOD FOR SAFE TIMING MEASUREMENT OF GIS CIRCUIT BREAKERS
 FEATURE

Nenning,[9] is based on the usage of a Rogowski of the GIS enclosure and the grounding path
coil to measure the current variation in the is about 30 µΩ and the resistance of the main
ground conductor or the breaker path over arcing contact is about 1 mΩ, only about 5 A of
time. the total 166 A (one-third of 500 A) will initially
flow through the main circuit.
However, the test method described in
Renaudin and Nenning[9] is not applicable in For CTs with high transmission ratios, e.g.
the case when the tested circuit breaker does 4,000:5, the value of the secondary current
not include the detachable shunts since there will be around 5–6 mA, which can be highly
is a permanent parallel connection across the affected by external or measurement noise.
enclosure to the main circuit. The Rogowski This again can make the circuit breaker timing
coil, essential for the current variation measurement results unreliable. The solution
measurement for this test method, cannot be to this problem is to increase the test current
installed on such a circuit breaker. by at least twice the value of the required test
current per pole, which is about 330 A, or
For the method described in Ostojic and about 1,000 A in total.
Secic,[4] the first limitation is related to the GIS
configurations where the current transformer I MPROVED TEST METHOD
cannot be included in the measurement circuit The improved test method presented is
(as shown in Figure 1b). In this case, there are applicable to the most demanding cases for
no response signals on the secondary of CT, testing, such as a single-pole operated GIS CB
based on which a change in the main contact that has very-low resistance in its pole enclosures
state is detected. or where CTs cannot be included in the
measurement circuit between test access points.
Another challenge for Ostojic and Secic[4] is
related to some single-pole operated GIS circuit The first improvement to the GIS test method[4]
breakers (each pole has its enclosure) with very- consists of replacing the high-frequency DC/
low resistances of the pole’s enclosures (lower than DC converter as a power source with high-
50–60 µΩ). Our experimental results showed power lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries. The
that a total current of 500 A, when divided reason for this is to eliminate converter noise.
into three current paths (poles), is not always As shown in Figure 2, three isolated battery-
enough to get a measurable response signal at the based power sources are used to supply each
secondary of CT. For example, if the resistance pole of the single-pole controlled CB with

Figure 2: Three Battery-Based Power Sources Used for GIS CB Testing

IMPROVED METHOD FOR SAFE TIMING MEASUREMENT OF GIS CIRCUIT BREAKERS NETAWORLD • 71
FEATURE

a high current. Therefore, three such power GIS enclosure, placed as close as possible to the
sources integrated into one box will be needed earthing switches, as can be seen in Figure 3.
for testing this GIS configuration. The current
will be in the range of 400–500 A per pole, Since CTs were included in the test circuit,
depending on the battery charge levels and the response signals were measured at the CT
resistance of the tested circuit. secondary. Besides the fact that the circuit
breaker was single-pole operated (with three
The second improvement is related to the separate enclosures) and didn’t have purpose-
measurements on GIS breakers with the CT built test terminals, one more aggravating
placed outside of the grounding switch circuit. circumstance was the very-low resistance of the
In this case, instead of measuring the signal at grounding path (around 60 µΩ).
the secondary of the CT, the primary current
can be monitored within the power source. The generated test current was in the range of
Since each pole of the GIS circuit breaker is 420–430 A per current output. The measured
supplied with a very-high DC current (400– current signal at the secondary of the CT
500 A), the change in the main contact state during opening and closing operations is
will cause a change in the total current that is shown in Figure 4. As concluded in Ostojic and
measurable even in the case of the very-low Secic,[4] the highest or the lowest (depending
resistance of GIS enclosures and grounding on the signal direction) turning point at the
path. For easier detection of the signal response signal during the opening operation
transients, it is possible to measure the current matches with the instant of the arcing contact
signal through the measurement shunt or the separation, while the instant of the first
time derivative of this signal. This measurement appearance of the current signal during the
can be realized with a hardware differentiator closing operation matches with the instant of
based on operational amplifiers.[10] the first contact touch.

M E T H OD VE R IF ICATI ON With this in mind, and looking at Figure 4, it

Verification of the improved test method for can be seen that instants of the contacts opening
GIS CB testing was performed on the GIS are around 21–22 ms, while the instants of
circuit breaker model Energoinvest SFI 11 the contacts closing are in a range of 125–
(manufactured in 1985), single-pole operated, 128 ms. These instances can easily be detected
without purpose-built test terminals. Since automatically with the appropriate software.
there were no purpose-built test terminals
(access points), test clamps of the current cables The results could not be verified by performing
were connected to the conducting points at the timing measurement with the conventional

Figure 3: Connection of Current Clamps to Points Close to Earthing Switches

72 • SUMMER 2022 IMPROVED METHOD FOR SAFE TIMING MEASUREMENT OF GIS CIRCUIT BREAKERS
 FEATURE

(a) (b)

Figure 4: Signal Response at CT Secondary During a) Opening and b) Closing Operation

timing method since it is not applicable by John D. McDonald, CRC Press

for this case without dismantling the GIS Published May 16, 2012. Reference -
enclosure (a GIS circuit breaker doesn’t 536 Pages - 271 B/W Illustrations ISBN
have detachable shunts). Instead, specified 9781439856383 - CAT# K12650.
limit values prescribed by the OEM were [2] IEEE. IEEE Std. 510-1983, Recommended
considered. According to these specifications, Practices for Safety in High-Voltage and
circuit breaker model Energoinvest SFI 11 High-Power Testing.
has an opening time in the range of 18–24 ms [3] Radenko Ostojic, Budo Milovic.
and a closing time in the range 120–130 ms, “New Requiremens in Circuit Breaker
meaning that interpreted values are within the Diagnostics: Integration of New Circuit
allowed range. Breaker Test Methods,“ NETA World, 2014.
[4] Radenko Ostojic, Adnan Secic.
C ON C L U S I ON “Improving Safety in Operation Time
Method verification has shown that this Measurement Procedure for Circuit
improved test method with three isolated high- Breakers in Gas Insulated Substation,”
power current sources (400–500 A per source) Research Disclosure, 2019.
is applicable for single-pole operated circuit- [5] Philip Bolin. Mitsubishi Electric Power Gas-
breakers without test terminals and with very- Insulated Substation, 2003 by CRC Press LLC.
low resistance of the grounding path. [6] IEEE. IEEE Std. C37.122.1-1993, Guide
for Gas-Insulated Substations.
Because of the option of direct measurement of [7] IEEE. IEEE Std. C37.123-1996, Guide
the injected current changes as an alternative to Specifications for Gas-Insulated, Electric
to measurement of current signal response at Power Substation Equipment.
the (CT’s) secondary, this can be applied to all [8] IEC. IEC 62271-203:1990, Gas-Insulated
configurations of GIS switchgear: three-pole or Metal-Enclosed Switchgear for Rated Voltages
single-pole controlled circuit breaker with or of 72.5 kV and Above (3rd edition).
without CT in the measurement circuit and [9] T. Renaudin, A. Nenning. OMICRON
with or without test terminals. electronics. “On-Site Non-Intrusive
Testing of AC Circui Breakers,” CIGRÉ
REFERENCES Winnipeg 2017 Colloquium, Study
[1] Electric Power Substations Engineering. Committees A3, B4, & D1, Winnipeg,
Electrical Engineering Handbook, Edited Canada, September 30–October 6, 2017.

IMPROVED METHOD FOR SAFE TIMING MEASUREMENT OF GIS CIRCUIT BREAKERS NETAWORLD • 73
 FEATURE

[10] Radenko Ostojic, Adnan Secic. “Combined studies at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing
Current and Voltage Controlled Source in in Zagreb, Croatia.
Arcing Contacts Condition Assessment,“
NETA World, 2015. Budo Milovic has been employed at DV
Power since 2007 and currently works as
a Technical Application Engineer for CAT
instruments and circuit breaker testing.
Radenko Ostojic is a Test and Diagnosis His area of interest is improvement of the
Engineer at DV Power – Sweden in circuit breaker testing equipment. Budo
the field of circuit breaker testing and received his BSEE from the University of
maintenance. He has been employed at DV East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Power since 2010 and works on improving
circuit breaker testing equipment and
Kerim Obarcanin is a Manager of the
developing new methods for circuit breaker
Software Engineering Department at DV
testing. Radenko’s area of special interest is testing circuit breakers
Power – Sweden and an Industry Expert
in enhanced safety conditions, which implies testing of circuit
Lecturer at the Sarajevo School of Science
breakers with both terminals grounded. He earned his BSEE at
and Technology, a collaboration partner of
the University of East Sarajevo.
Buckingham University, UK. His primary
research focus is on the domain of data
Adnan Secic is an R&D Engineer at acquisition, conditioning, and algorithms for data processing.
DV Power – Sweden. As a project leader, Kerim is currently in the final stage of his Ph.D. studies at
he is responsible for developing the circuit the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Sarajevo, Bosnia and
breaker analyzer and timer (CAT) device Herzegovina.
series. Adnan received his BS in electrical
engineering and MS from the University of
Sarajevo, and is in the final stage of Ph.D.
4426_HVI_NETA_Summer_2022_PRINT.pdf 1 3/1/22 9:21 AM

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testing. A thorough check of electrical power systems and components
before energization can uncover and help correct problems that otherwise
would lead to project schedule delays or larger and more costly issues
in the future with impacts to data center downtime and consumer
dissatisfaction.
W H AT IS A C C E PTANCE COMMON COSTLY I SS UES
T E ST ING A ND IS I T A number of issues that can be costly to correct
NE C E SSARY ? after start-up can be found with acceptance
Acceptance testing is the physical and electrical testing:
inspection and testing of newly installed
electrical equipment. This involves thorough • Failure of cabling damaged during
visual and mechanical inspections using installation
calibrated test instruments to ensure electrical • Incorrect wiring
components and completed systems operate • Mechanical operating problems
as designed. It occurs before electrical system • Nuisance tripping or breakers tripping
commissioning and start-up as well as before outside of manufacturer’s curves
the new equipment is put into operation. • Improper relay settings and programming
• Compromised insulation dielectric
Taking this initial step verifies that systems
manufactured devices are free from defects, • Improper grounding
operating as designed and intended, and • Wrong transformer taps and/or improper
installed correctly as specified. It is important ratios for proper voltage
that acceptance testing be performed by a • Instrument transformer and metering
third-party testing firm that is unbiased and circuit ratio and wiring issues
independent in their evaluation and findings. • Surge protection device defects

76 • SUMMER 2022 ACCEPTANCE TESTING COLLABORATION LEADS TO IMPROVED PROJECT DELIVERY

 INDUSTRY TOPICS

PHOTO: © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/PORTFOLIO/GORODENKOFF

• Switchgear bus and cable connections not digital demand. The increased demand for data
properly assembled storage drives larger and more complex power
• Bus connections improperly torqued system requirements to handle the loading, not
only for the servers storing the data, but also
Acceptance testing also avoids unnecessary for the thermal systems required to cool the
expenses for data centers. Finding system data center equipment.
and component anomalies during acceptance
testing — while equipment is still under Traditionally, acceptance testing of the critical
warranty and in a controlled environment power distribution infrastructure for these types
— is critical. Determining and correcting of facilities would have been performed fully at
deficiencies prior to startup can save an the data center. The testing agency would work
owner capital and maintenance expenses by alongside the electrical contractor during or in
preventing costly outages, equipment repairs, many cases after installation to complete all
and potential safety issues. acceptance testing activities.

H Y P E R S C A LE DATA C E NT E R With the increased demand and the need to

R E QU IR E M E NT S bring these data centers on line faster, that
The hyperscale data center market continues model has evolved. Collaboration between
to grow and with the amount of digital equipment providers, installers, and the testing
information being generated, there’s no end agency has improved and enabled off-site
in sight. With this growth comes a need for testing that shortens the overall construction
new data centers and/or expansion of existing schedule for these projects. It is important
facilities at a much greater rate to keep up with to note, however, that the quality assurance,

ACCEPTANCE TESTING COLLABORATION LEADS TO IMPROVED PROJECT DELIVERY NETAWORLD • 77

INDUSTRY TOPICS

testing, and commissioning aspects of the upward of 40%. This time savings provides
project must always remain the goal without an improvement to the overall construction
compromises being made. schedule that benefits all parties involved.

OF F -SIT E T E ST IN G It is important to note that acceptance testing

OP P OR T UNIT IE S will still need to be conducted at the final on-
A shift in the use of integrators creates an site location to ensure no damage occurred
opportunity for testing to begin off-site. during shipping or final installation. This
Acceptance testing at an integrator’s facility multi-step approach will help save time overall
or an equipment provider is becoming more as the testing firm can uncover any issues and
common and offers notable efficiencies. make corrections off-site; this leads to fewer
Collaboration with a system integrator at their issues being found on-site.
location while the equipment is being built
allows the integrator and electrical contractor Acceptance testing is best performed by the same
to follow parallel paths with regard to all data independent firm working with the integrator
center assets. at their location as well as with the electrical
contractor during installation on-site. Keeping a
The electrical contractor can be installing consistent partner makes for smoother transitions,
system components while the integrator increased efficiencies, standard processes and
is assembling the remaining portions of procedures, communication improvements, etc.
the power system distribution equipment.
These components can be tested as they are While integrators are providing a customized
connected offsite, reducing time on-site by solution involving numerous components
 INDUSTRY TOPICS

from various OEMs, the testing agency

conducting the acceptance testing must be
familiar with a wide range of manufacturers’
equipment. Utilizing qualified technicians who
can implement industry-recognized testing
methods and procedures will help ensure the
quality and consistency of testing at the data
center and off-site.

Equipment tested at the integrator site can

include skid-mounted systems in outdoor
enclosures. Each skid includes medium- and
low-voltage equipment such as circuit breakers,
trip units, protective relays, wiring, metering,
instrument transformers, panelboards, batteries,
etc. The integtrator also includes their own
system for power, lighting, and HVAC controls.

The electrical contractor can be wiring the loads

at the data center and be ready and waiting
for the skids of low- and medium-voltage
switchboard and/or switchgear assemblies
to arrive. Testing at the data center includes • Previous work experience on similar
electrical contractor-installed equipment projects to determine the value added
fed from the skids, such as busways, circuit • Technician certification and experience
breakers, bus plugs, disconnects, grounding, to ensure thorough testing by a trained
etc. Tests are often conducted concurrently at professional
the site while integrator testing is under way. • Size of the firm and ability to staff with
qualified professionals to deliver the
Testing on equipment from the skids that cannot project on time and within budget
be performed at the integrator includes items such • Awareness of all safety standards to
as interconnect wiring, grounding, and complete ensure safe work practices and require less
system functional testing. These are completed at supervision
the data center to close out the onsite testing. • Test equipment calibration program to
ensure accurate test results. You cannot
C H O O S E T HE RIGH T properly assess equipment if you are
PA R T N E R unable to confirm the test equipment you
Due to the importance of conducting proper are using is in proper working order.
acceptance testing, selecting a good acceptance • Affiliations with reputable organizations
testing firm whose experience and knowledge such as NETA, NICET, and NFPA to
you can trust is crucial. Consider the following confirm knowledge of testing standards
criteria when selecting a suitable acceptance • Ability to perform new and innovative
testing firm: testing services to ensure a complete
evaluation and comprehensive
• Independence from the manufacturer to recommendations
ensure an unbiased, thorough assessment • Ability for the same company to be
of equipment utilized at the integrator as well as the
• Ability to accurately interpret test results physical site
to determine the best course of action for • Strong financial standing and the ability
each unique customer environment to be a long-term provider

ACCEPTANCE TESTING COLLABORATION LEADS TO IMPROVED PROJECT DELIVERY NETAWORLD • 79

INDUSTRY TOPICS

The above criteria are important when acceptance testing by utilizing a trusted,
identifying an independent testing company independent testing firm can save your
that can become a trusted advisor to help organization money during construction and
to extend system life, reduce downtime, throughout the equipment life cycle.
and improve the safety surrounding your
equipment.
Eric Nation is the General Manager of
C ONC LUSION High Voltage Maintenance Corporation
and has been with the company since
Electrical systems are among a data center’s 2001. He has over 20 years of experience
most critical assets, and they can have a big in the electrical services industry helping
impact on the bottom line. In data centers that customers increase the reliability of their
power the online economy 24x7, even a brief electrical systems. Eric is a member of
disruption can cost millions of dollars. Their several professional organizations including the International
Electrical Testing Association (NETA) and the National
production and management cost is high,
Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). He holds a BS from
and failures almost always lead to catastrophic Wright State university and an MBA from Miami University.
losses.

Hyperscale data centers are experiencing This article was first published in 7x24 Exchange
substantial growth, requiring collaboration International, Spring 2021. Published by Data
and an integrated project delivery to Center and Mission Critical Association.
improve consistency and shorten the overall
construction schedule. Investing in thorough
THE PREMIER ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY CONFERENCE

March 8 – 12, 2023

Rosen Shingle Creek | Orlando, Florida

Exhibit to an audience of 500+ electrical testing professionals including

leading decision-makers looking for new products and services.

HOSTED BY
OFFERING IN-PERSON AND
VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE OPTIONS POWERTEST.ORG | 888.300.6382
INDUSTRY TOPICS

POWER FACTOR:
UNDERSTANDING THE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
DPF AND TPF
BY K EN K IOUS, PowerSight

People often refer to power factor without understanding that there are
two types of power factor measurement, and it is important to understand
the difference between them. If you have a power factor problem, it could
mean you have:
• A power factor correction problem factor. For those comfortable with the math,
that requires adding (or taking away) it is the cosine of the angle between a driving
capacitors voltage and the resulting current. For the rest
• A combination of a power factor of us, it is a measure of how much the driven
correction problem and harmonics that current waveform trails the driving voltage
make it look worse than it is waveform in an inductive circuit.

But how do you know which problem you A few degrees of current phase lag makes very little
have? And how do you measure it? difference in the circuit, but as that lag increases, it
has an increasing effect on lowering the efficiency
W H AT IS DISP LACEMENT of the system. The relationship between increasing
P OW E R FAC T OR? phase lag and the resulting lowered efficiency is
Displacement power factor (DPF) is what expressed by the cosine of the lag angle. Therefore,
most people think of when they talk of power rather than reporting the lag angle, we usually

82 • SUMMER 2022 POWER FACTOR: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DPF AND TPF
 INDUSTRY TOPICS
True Power (KW) Phase Lag Angle
120.00
True Power (KW) Phase Lag Angle
100.00
120.00

80.00
100.00

60.00
80.00

40.00
60.00

20.00
40.00

0.00
20.00

Figure
0.00 1: True Power Relative to Apparent Power
Cos(Lag Angle)

1.20 Cos(Lag Angle)

1.00
1.20

0.80
1.00

0.60
0.80

0.40
0.60

0.20
0.40

0.00
0.20

0.00

PHOTO: © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/PORTFOLIO/POBYTOV Figure 2: Cosine of Lag Angle

report the cosine of the lag angle. That provides a WHAT I S TRUE POWER
more meaningful understanding of whether you FACTOR?
have a displacement problem or not. True power factor (TPF) is what most people
actually measure. It is simply the ratio of true
The downward bending curve seen in Figure power (KW) to the apparent power (KVA).
1 for true power relative to apparent power
is exactly the same as the downward bending TPF = W / VA (whether harmonics are present
curve of the cosine math function. Therefore, or not)
the cosine of the lag angle is an exact measure
of how the true power component of apparent It’s easy to measure and, traditionally, it is equal
power (V x A) decreases as phase lag increases. to the DPF (the cosine of the phase angle). If
your TPF is low, you have a problem. The
For this reason, rather than reporting the lag only question is whether the problem is due to
angle, we usually report the cosine of the lag angle current displacement or due to a combination
(Figure 2), which provides a more meaningful of harmonic distortion and displacement.
understanding of whether you have a phase angle
displacement problem or not. In a system where WHY YOU CARE ABOUT DPF
no harmonics are present, true power will be If DPF is low, it takes more current to supply
equal to the apparent power times the DPF: the same amount of power to a load. We
typically see this with motors, which are
W = Vrms x Arms x DPF (when no harmonics traditionally highly inductive loads. Inductance
are present) causes the current to lag the voltage.

POWER FACTOR: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DPF AND TPF NETAWORLD • 83
INDUSTRY TOPICS

Here is an example of how this plays out. The required current for the same amount of work
Suppose a single-phase motor that is running has doubled because of the increased phase lag.
off 120 V needs 1,200 W to run efficiently. If
there is no phase lag, then the lag angle equals Figure 3 and Figure 4 are waveform captures that
0 degrees. The cosine of 0 degrees is 1, and the illustrate what was just described. The circuits in
required current draw will be: Figure 3 and Figure 4 consume nearly the same
power, but the circuit in Figure 3 has a large phase
1,200 W/120 V/1= 10 A lag of 60 degrees, resulting in a drop in DPF:

Now, suppose the motor has very large DPF = cos(60) = 0.50
inductance and, as a result, the phase lag angle
is 60 degrees. The cosine of 60 degrees is 0.5, The circuit in Figure 4 has no phase lag,
resulting in a current draw of: resulting in:

1,200 W/120 V/0.5 = 20 A DPF = cos(0) = 1.00

PS4550_DPF_0.50_1214W_20A
PS4550_DPF_0.50_1214W_20A
V1n I1
V1n
120.4 I1
20.0
120.4 20.0
200.0 50.00
200.0 50.00
W1 = 1.214KW W2 = 0.0 W3 = 0.0 Wt = 1.214KW
W1 = 0.80
PF1 1.214KW W2 = NA
PF2 0.0 W3 = NA
PF3 0.0 Wt = 0.50
PFt 1.214KW 40.00
PF1 = 0.80 PF2 = NA PF3 = NA PFt = 0.50 40.00
30.00
100.0 30.00
100.0 20.00
20.00
10.00
(V)(V)

(A)(A)
10.00
Voltage

Current
0.0 0.00
Voltage

Current
0.0 0.00
-10.00
-10.00
-20.00
-100.0 -20.00
-100.0 -30.00
-30.00
-40.00
-40.00
-200.0 -50.00
-200.00.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0-50.00
0.0 5.0
Fundamental Frequency: 60.0Hz
10.0 15.0 20.0 Time25.0
(msec) 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0
Captured on 02/10/21 at 13.58.51
Fundamental Frequency: 60.0Hz Time (msec) Captured on 02/10/21 at 13.58.51

Figure 3: Large Phase Lag

PS4550_DPF_1.00_1339W_11A
PS4550_DPF_1.00_1339W_11A
V1n I1
V1n
120.4 I11.1
1
120.4 11.1
200.0 20.00
200.0 20.00
W1 = 1.339KW W2 = 0.0 W3 = 0.0 Wt = 1.339KW
W1 = 1.00
PF1 1.339KW W2 = NA
PF2 0.0 W3 = NA
PF3 0.0 Wt = 1.00
PFt 1.339KW
PF1 = 1.00 PF2 = NA PF3 = NA PFt = 1.00

100.0 10.00
100.0 10.00
(V)(V)

(A)(A)
Voltage

Current

0.0 0.00
Voltage

Current

0.0 0.00

-100.0 -10.00
-100.0 -10.00

-200.0 -20.00
-200.00.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0-20.00
0.0 5.0
Fundamental Frequency: 60.0Hz
10.0 15.0 20.0 Time25.0
(msec) 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0
Captured on 02/10/21 at 13.56.27
Fundamental Frequency: 60.0Hz Time (msec) Captured on 02/10/21 at 13.56.27

Figure 4: No Phase Lag

PS4550_PF_0.93_due_to_Harmonics
84 • SUMMER 2022 V1n I1
POWER FACTOR: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DPF AND TPF
PS4550_PF_0.93_due_to_Harmonics
V1n
120.4 I1
12.0
120.4 12.0
200.0 20.00
 INDUSTRY TOPICS

The circuit with large phase lag (Figure 3) requires • The facility is remote and the owner must
about twice the amount of current (I1 = 20 A) to supply an oversized distribution system of
supply similar power compared to the circuit with considerable length.
no phase lag (I1 = 10A) in Figure 4. • The facility is geographically dispersed
(such as for oil-well pump jacks or
A single load with low DPF is usually not an distributed fluid pumps).
important thing, but what if there are 1,000 such
motors? Now the utility must supply twice the Since they do not want to absorb the cost
current to accomplish the same amount of work of inefficiency, the utility fights back with a
as if there were no phase lag. The user doesn’t power factor surcharge on your bill so you
mind, because in most cases, they are paying for will share their pain. This surcharge can
true power (KW) not apparent power (KVA). But be pretty steep, so power factor correction
the utility is unhappy because now their circuitry to lower the required current and
distribution system is carrying twice the current eliminate power factor correction surcharges
that is actually needed to perform the work for (or lower the cable gauge requirements in your
the customer. That extra current results in twice dispersed or remote facility) may be a money-
the resistive power loss in their distribution saving investment.
system, which benefits no one.
WHY YOU CARE ABOUT TPF
A similar problem arises for the end user if: TPF is often nearly equal to DPF, so if you care
about DPF, you probably care about TPF. The
• Larger gauge conductors are required to two measurements deviate from each other
supply the required amperage. when harmonics are present. In the modern

Industrial Electric Testing, Inc.

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ACCEPTANCE AND MAINTENANCE TESTING AND REPAIR
• Cables • LV/MV Switches • Reclosers
• LV/MV Circuit Breakers • Relays - All Types • Surge Arresters
• Rotating Machinery • Motor Control Centers • Capacitors
• Meters • Grounding Systems • Batteries
• Automatic Transfer Switches • Transformers • Ground Fault Systems
• Switchgear and Switchboard • Insulating Fluids • Equipotential Ground
Assemblies • Thermographic Surveys Testing

Co NSul TING AND ENGINEERING SERv ICES

• Load Studies • Harmonic Investigation
• Transient Voltage Recording and Analysis • Replacement of Insulating Fluids
• Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Testing • Power Factor Studies

11321 West Distribution Avenue • Jacksonville, Florida 32256 • (904) 260-8378

201 NW 1st Avenue • Hallandale, Florida 33009 • (954) 456-7020
INDUSTRY TOPICS PS4550_DPF_1.00_1339W_11A
V1n I1
120.4 11.1

era 200.0
of non-linear loads and electronic power high harmonics, there is a good chance 20.00that
W1 = 1.339KW W2 = 0.0 W3 = 0.0 Wt = 1.339KW
supplies, significant PF1harmonics
= 1.00 PF2 =can
NA be present.PF3 = NAthe DPF
PFt = 1.00 (the phase lag of the fundamental
If the harmonic currents are not in phase with frequency) is close to 1.00, even if the TPF is
100.0 10.00
their harmonic driving voltages, then the true much lower. Therefore, you should know your
power (the KW) will be less than the apparent load before you make assumptions about what
Voltage (V)

Current (A)
power0.0(the KVA), and the resulting TPF will be the TPF means. 0.00

lower than 1.00.

To illustrate, Figure 5 and Figure 6 show
-100.0 -10.00
If you are monitoring a conventional motor waveform captures from two different single-
without a variable speed drive (VSD), you will phase simulations. Both circuits have a TPF of
find-200.0
that TPF is a pretty good measurement 0.93 with 12 A. However, they are completely -20.00
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0
of DPF, so
Fundamental talking
Frequency: 60.0Hz simply of power factor different situations that Captured
Time (msec) require completely
on 02/10/21 at 13.56.27

(PF) is usually accurate and explanatory. But different mitigation methods if you want to raise
if you are monitoring an electronic load with the TPF.

PS4550_PF_0.93_due_to_Harmonics
V1n I1
120.4 12.0

200.0 20.00
PF1 = 0.93 PF2 = NA PF3 = NA PFt = 0.93

100.0 10.00
Voltage (V)

Current (A)
0.0 0.00

-100.0 -10.00

-200.0 -20.00
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0
Fundamental Frequency: 60.0Hz Time (msec) Captured on 02/10/21 at 13.50.15

Figure 5: No Phase Lag; High Current-Waveform Distortion

PS4550_PF_0.93_due_to_Phase_Lag
V1n I1
120.3 12.0

200.0 20.00
PF1 = 0.93 PF2 = NA PF3 = NA PFt = 0.93

100.0 10.00
Voltage (V)

Current (A)

0.0 0.00

-100.0 -10.00

-200.0 -20.00
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0
Fundamental Frequency: 60.0Hz Time (msec) Captured on 02/10/21 at 13.54.15

Figure 6: No Harmonic Distortion; 22 Degrees of Phase Lag

PS4550_PF_0.93_due_to_Harmonics
86 • SUMMER 2022 V1n I1
POWER FACTOR: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DPF AND TPF
120.4 12.0
0.33% 38.91%
 PS4550_PF_0.93_due_to_Phase_Lag
PS4550_PF_0.93_due_to_Phase_Lag INDUSTRY TOPICS
V1n I1
V1n
120.3 I1
12.0
120.3 12.0

The200.0
circuit in FigurePF15= 0.93
200.0 has no phase
PF2 = NA
lag, but it hasPF3 = NATo complete
PFt = 0.93
this analysis, we can see 20.00 the
20.00

PF1 = 0.93 PF2 = NA PF3 = NA PFt = 0.93

high current-waveform distortion that results in phasor diagrams for the two single-phase
W/VA100.0 = 0.93. The circuit in Figure 6 has no simulations. Figure 9 shows no displacement 10.00
100.0 10.00
harmonic distortion, but it has 22 degrees of phase (DPF = 1.00). Figure 10 has 22 degrees of
lag, resulting in W/VA = 0.93. The voltage and displacement (DPF = 0.93).
(V)

(A)
Voltage(V)

Current(A)
current
0.0 RMS values are the same in both circuits.
0.0 0.00
Voltage

Current
0.00

The W and VA are also the same, but they represent Does it Matter?
completely
-100.0
different challenges for mitigation. If you have high harmonic content, it may -10.00
not
-100.0 -10.00
matter. A desktop computer with a low TPF
Looking closer, we can see the harmonic due to harmonics probably makes no difference
distortion
-200.0
-200.00.0 content 5.0 of the
10.0 two circuits.
15.0 We
20.0 can 25.0 to your30.0 facility.
35.0 But if you have
40.0 45.0 1,00050.0 desktop
-20.00
-20.00
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0
see that the simulation
Fundamental Frequency: 60.0Hz
Fundamental Frequency: 60.0Hz in Figure 7 has current computers
Time (msec)
Time (msec) with low TPF due to harmonics,
Captured on 02/10/21 at 13.54.15
Captured on 02/10/21 at 13.54.15

total harmonic distortion (THD) of 39%. The you likely have substantial harmonic currents
simulation in Figure 8 has THD of 0%. flowing through your facility wiring and

PS4550_PF_0.93_due_to_Harmonics
PS4550_PF_0.93_due_to_Harmonics
V1n I1
V1n
120.4 I1
12.0
120.4
0.33% 12.0
38.91%
0.33% 38.91%

200.0 20.00
200.0 20.00
PF1 = 0.93 PF2 = NA PF3 = NA PFt = 0.93
PF1 = 0.93 PF2 = NA PF3 = NA PFt = 0.93

150.0 15.00
150.0 15.00
(V)

(A)
Voltage(V)

Current(A)
100.0 10.00
Voltage

Current
100.0 10.00

50.0 5.00
50.0 5.00

0.0 0.00
0.0 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47 49 0.00
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47 49
Fundamental Frequency: 60.0Hz Harmonics (#) Captured on 02/10/21 at 13.50.15
Fundamental Frequency: 60.0Hz Harmonics (#) Captured on 02/10/21 at 13.50.15

Figure 7: Total Harmonic Distortion of 39%

PS4550_PF_0.93_due_to_Phase_Lag
PS4550_PF_0.93_due_to_Phase_Lag
V1n I1
V1n
120.3 I1
12.0
120.3
0.33% 12.0
0.42%
0.33% 0.42%

200.0 20.00
200.0 20.00
PF1 = 0.93 PF2 = NA PF3 = NA PFt = 0.93
PF1 = 0.93 PF2 = NA PF3 = NA PFt = 0.93

150.0 15.00
150.0 15.00
(V)

(A)
Voltage(V)

Current(A)

100.0 10.00
Voltage

Current

100.0 10.00

50.0 5.00
50.0 5.00

0.0 0.00
0.0 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47 49 0.00
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47 49
Fundamental Frequency: 60.0Hz Harmonics (#) Captured on 02/10/21 at 13.54.15
Fundamental Frequency: 60.0Hz Harmonics (#) Captured on 02/10/21 at 13.54.15

Figure 8: Zero Total Harmonic Distortion

PS4550_PF_0.93_due_to_Harmonics
PS4550_PF_0.93_due_to_Harmonics
POWER FACTOR:
VoltageUNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
Voltage
V

V
90° DPF AND TPF
90°
Phase Lag
Phase Lag
NETAWORLD • 87
V1n: 120.4V, 0.0° V1,I1: -0.2°
V1n: 120.4V, 0.0° V1,I1: -0.2°
INDUSTRY TOPICS PS4550_PF_0.93_due_to_Phase_Lag
PS4550_PF_0.93_due_to_Phase_Lag
V1n
V1n I1
I1
120.3
120.3 12.0
12.0
0.33%
0.33% 0.42%
0.42%
through the distribution and step-down HOW TO MEASURE
200.0
transformers
200.0
at your
PF1 = 0.93
site. PF3 = NA
PF2 = NA
PF1 = 0.93 PFt = 0.93
PF2 = NA PF3 = NA PFt = 0.93
POWER FACTOR 20.00
20.00

A standard power analyzer has all the

You150.0
care
150.0 about this because harmonic currents measurements you need to allow you to15.00 assess
15.00

have a heating effect that is far greater than your problems and verify your solutions with
(V)

(A)
currents
Voltage(V) of the same magnitude at the regards to power factor.

Current(A)
100.0
Voltage 10.00

Current
100.0 10.00
fundamental frequency. So you may measure
an overall current of 200 A and feel safe, but Most power analyzers will measure and log TPF
the wiring in the cable trays and walls may
50.0
50.0 — true power factor. If you are monitoring 5.00
5.00

be dangerously heated. Your distribution an inductive load, this gives you a good
transformers,
0.0
0.0 if not properly K-rated, may measurement for DPF — displacement 0.00 power
0.00
1
1 3
3 5
5 7
7 9
9 1
11
1 13
13 15
15 17
17 19
19 21
21 23
23 25
25 27 27 29
29 31
31 33
33 35
35 37
37 39
39 41
41 4343 45 45 47 47 49 49
be overheating
Fundamental Frequency:
Fundamental
and
Frequency: 60.0Hz
60.0Hz in a dangerous condition, factor
Harmonics (#)
Harmonics (#) — so you can take proper
Captured on
Captured on 02/10/21 mitigating
02/10/21 at
at 13.54.15
13.54.15

and there may be hot spots on contacts and measures. If you are monitoring an electronic
connection points. load, branch circuit, or service entrance, you

PS4550_PF_0.93_due_to_Harmonics
PS4550_PF_0.93_due_to_Harmonics
Voltage
Voltage
V
90°
90° Phase
Phase Lag
Lag
V

V1n: 120.4V,
V1n: 120.4V, 0.0°
0.0° V1,I1: -0.2°
V1,I1: -0.2°
V2n:
V2n: Too
Too small
small V2,I2:
V2,I2: NA
NA
V3n:
V3n: Too
Too small
small V3,I3:
V3,I3: NA
NA
V
V Unbalance:
Unbalance: NA
NA

Current
Current I1 Power
Power Factor
Factor
±180° I1 0°
±180° 0°
V1n
V1n
I1: 120.4V,
I1: 120.4V, 0.0°
0.0° PF1: 0.93
PF1: 0.93
I2: Too
I2: Too small
small PF2: NA
PF2: NA
I3:
I3: Too
Too small
small PF3:
PF3: NA
NA
II Unbalance:
Unbalance: NA
NA PFt:NA
PFt:NA

Fundamental Frequency:
Fundamental Frequency: 60.0Hz
60.0Hz -90° Captured on
Captured on 02/10/21
02/10/21 at
at 13.50.15
13.50.15
-90°

Figure 9: No Displacement

PS4550_PF_0.93_due_to_Phase_Lag
PS4550_PF_0.93_due_to_Phase_Lag
Voltage
Voltage 90°
90° Phase Lag
Phase Lag

V1n:
V1n: 120.4V,
120.4V, 0.0°
0.0° V1,I1:
V1,I1: 22.1°
22.1°
V2n: Too
V2n: Too small
small V2,I2: NA
V2,I2: NA
V3n: Too
V3n: Too small
small V3,I3: NA
V3,I3: NA
V
V Unbalance:
Unbalance: NA
NA

Current
Current V1n
V1n Power Factor
Power Factor
±180°
±180° 0°
0°
I1:
I1: 12.0A,
12.0A, -22.1°
-22.1° PF1:
PF1: 0.93
0.93
I2:
I2: Too
Too small
small PF2:
PF2: NA
NA
I1
I1
I3: Too
I3: Too small
small PF3: NA
PF3: NA
II Unbalance:
Unbalance: NA
NA PFt:NA
PFt:NA

Fundamental
Fundamental Frequency:
Frequency: 60.0Hz Captured
Captured on
on 02/10/21
02/10/21 at
at 13.54.15
60.0Hz -90°
-90° 13.54.15

Figure 10: 22 Degrees of Displacement

88 • SUMMER 2022 POWER FACTOR: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DPF AND TPF
 INDUSTRY TOPICS

can get a sense of whether a displacement and/ reports where the before and after are compared
or harmonic problem is present. directly, with percent improvement shown.

Simple calculations can guide you to make CONCLUSI ON

the proper choice of power factor correction Power factor is often referred to without
equipment and verify that such equipment is understanding that there are two types of
performing correctly. A good power analyzer power factor measurement, and it is important
will log the true power (KW), the apparent to understand the differences. It is equally
power (KVA), the average reactive power important to know how to measure and
(KVAR), and the true power factor (TPF). An analyze power factor effectively and accurately.
analyzer that will also log the signed (+/-) DPF Choosing the right power analyzer to meet your
so you can verify the actual phase lag (or phase needs will allow you to assess your problems
lead) of current in each phase over time is ideal. and verify your solutions.

Most analyzers measure DPF and display

readings either on the analyzer itself (so you Ken Kious is Founder and President
can take a direct measurement while wearing of Summit Technology, Inc. He has a
BSEE from UC Davis and an MS in
PPE with the analyzer in your hand) or on PC Management from MIT. Ken has spent 30
software. Analyzers with waveform capture, years worrying about customers’ success in
phasor diagrams, and harmonic bar charts doing power measurements and has created
allow you to directly see the components of numerous unique solutions for monitoring
displacement and harmonics. Most analyzers and analyzing electric power.
also measure and log the THD of each voltage
and each current so it is clear whether there is a
harmonics issue or not.

Most analyzers will log the THD of each ®

ELECTRICAL TESTING
voltage and current so you can recognize and
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INDUSTRY TOPICS

MEDIUM-VOLTAGE
CIRCUIT BREAKER
CONDITION ASSESSMENT
B Y S I E GF R I E D BERNH AUSER an d ARI T IRRONIEM I, OMICRON electronics

Circuit breakers are indispensable in any electrical power system. They are
the only piece of equipment that can switch not only under normal load,
but also under fault conditions. They must be able to reliably disconnect
a faulty section from the grid as quickly as possible. Circuit breakers must
be able to meet this requirement even after they have been in service for a
long time. Their reliability is essential for the prevention of consequential
power system failures and the safety of the electrical power supply.

Typical tests include measuring operating the operating mechanism with an energy
times and static contact resistance. A more storage system. The energy that is needed to
extensive condition assessment is possible operate a circuit breaker is high, and it must
when further measurements, such as motion/ be made available within a few milliseconds
contact travel measurements or measurement — almost instantaneously. Springs are used
of the motor current signature, are performed. in most cases because they are simple in
For circuit breakers that are equipped with an comparison and very reliable at the same time.
under-voltage release or an over-current release, Two separate springs allow the energy for the
testing these features further increases the opening and the closing operation to be stored.
available information that can be used during In order to release the energy that is stored in
the condition assessment of the circuit breaker. the springs, two coils are needed to control the
springs remotely. The opening spring is charged
M E DIUM -VOLTAGE CI RCUI T during the closing operation of the breaker, and
B R E AKE R S the closing spring is charged by a motor.
While old medium-voltage circuit breakers
often used oil as the interrupting medium, TESTI NG MEDI UM-VO LTA GE
in modern times, vacuum is the preferred CI RCUI T BREAKERS
medium and is thus used almost exclusively. Following is a brief overview of the most
Essential elements of a breaker include the important medium-voltage circuit breaker
interrupter unit, the mechanical linkage, and measurement methods.

90 • SUMMER 2022 MEDIUM-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKER CONDITION ASSESSMENT

 INDUSTRY TOPICS

PHOTO: © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/PORTFOLIO/GURUXOOX

Off-Service Measurement • Motor current. The motor current

Methods analysis records the inrush and steady-
• Timing. Timing measurements according state currents as well as the spring
to IEC 62271-100[1] are used to charging time. According to the IEC,
determine operation time and are part of the motor shall work between 85% and
the most common tests. The timing test 110% of nominal voltage.
uses a resistance or voltage threshold to • Minimum pick-up. Determines the
determine the state of the main contacts. minimum voltage necessary to trip and
• Static contact resistance. Verifies close the breaker and verifies whether it
whether the resistance of the main can reliably operate in the event of a low
contacts allows the current to flow with DC supply.
low losses. • Under-voltage release test. Determines
• Dynamic contact resistance. Records the the trip voltage of the under-voltage coil.
contact resistance during the operation • Over-current release test. Used to
of the breaker and delivers information determine the current that trips the
about wear-related problems with breaker. Over-current releases are
main and arcing contacts, while also commonly used together with self-
determining timing results. powered over-current protection relays.
• Motion/contact travel. Verifies operating
mechanism and mechanical linkage and In-Service Measurement Methods
indicates potential mechanical wear. • First-trip test. The first trip test is carried
• Coil current. Records the current out while the breaker is still in service
signature curve of the command coils and has been in service for a long time.
during breaker operation during a timing Connections are made at the trip coil and
test. Deviations show possible electrical at the CT’s secondary side. The opening
or mechanical defects of the trip or close times are measured by monitoring
control components. According to the secondary current of the CTs.
IEC, the trip coil shall work between • Voltage-based timing measurement
70% and 110% of nominal voltage, and (VTM). VTM is the only measurement
the close coil shall work between 85% method available to measure the timing
and 110% of nominal voltage. of a medium-voltage GIS, since the

MEDIUM-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKER CONDITION ASSESSMENT NETAWORLD • 91

INDUSTRY TOPICS

main contacts are sealed and cannot be the battery voltage is not monitored. If the
accessed. It can be applied to all circuit battery voltage falls below 70% of its nominal
breakers with a voltage detection system voltage (see IEC 62271-1:2017[2] for details) so
(VDS) that makes the main voltages it is no longer able to operate the protection
accessible. relay, any failure (e.g., an over-current) would
no longer be discovered. The under-voltage
UNDE R -VOLTA GE RELEASE release is often found in industry grids, as it
is a relatively cheap solution to make sure the
Purpose of Under-Voltage Release breaker is opened when a battery failure occurs.
Circuit breakers are equipped with an under-
voltage release if the related protection system An under-voltage release may operate when
has no supply voltage backup, for example, if supply voltage is between 35% and 70% of the
a protection relay is powered by a battery, but nominal voltage and must operate when the
supply voltage drops below 35%. In addition,
the under-voltage release prevents closing when
Main
Contacts the release has operated, such as after opening
the circuit breaker.
Voltage

Under-Voltage Release Test

Nominal
The under-voltage coil is supplied, after
Trip voltage which the breaker is closed. Then the voltage
is ramped down in steps from the nominal
voltage until the under-voltage release trips
(Figure 1). This is the trip voltage.

OVER-CURRENT RELEA SE
Breaker closed Breaker Time
trips
Purpose of Over-Current Releases
Supply Start End Current transformer releases are used on
Under-voltage Ramping Ramping
coil
circuit breakers in substations where no grid-
independent supply voltage is available. These
Figure 1: Under-Voltage Release Test Signal are low-cost stations with basic functionality.
Quite often, they do not have any remote-
control features, and the breakers do not have
Main a close coil. Such substations are common
Contacts
in distribution grids where the downstream
Current
infrastructure is not critical, such as in
residential areas.

Trip current Over-current releases are activated by a

current. The current comes from the tripping
transformer, which usually has a nominal
value of 0.5, 1.0, or 5 A AC. An over-current
relay feeds the current flow from the tripping
transformer to the circuit breaker. The tripping
Start Breaker Time transformer and the over-current relay (self-
Ramping trips powered over-current relay) are usually
End ramping powered by the secondary side of the CTs. In
the event of an over-current, the relay switches
Figure 2: Over-Current Release Test Signal the current of the tripping transformer to the

92 • SUMMER 2022 MEDIUM-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKER CONDITION ASSESSMENT

 INDUSTRY TOPICS
Main
Contacts
circuit breaker; this causes it to open the main
contacts and isolate the faulty grid part. Main
End Pos.
Contacts

Over-Current Release Test Main

With the breaker in closed position, a current Contact
End Pos.
Motion
is ramped up in steps until the breaker trips
(Figure 2). This is the trip current. Main
Start Pos.
Contact
Motion
Other Designations Coil
Current
• IEC 62271-100: Indirect current release Start Pos.
Closing Time
• ABB: Transformer operated release Time
Coil
• Siemens: Current transformer operated Current
Coil energized Main contacts
release Closing close Time
• Also in use: Indirect over-current release Time

Coil energized Main contacts

C L O S IN G TIM E close
C A L C U L AT ION F OR Figure 3: Closing Time Calculation According to IEC 62271-100[1]
C IR C U I T B RE AKE R S
W I T H O U T A C LOS E C OIL
All breakers should have at least a trip coil so
Main
that faults can be isolated. Some old breakers or Contacts
breakers with over-current release do not have
a close coil. These breakers are closed manually. Main
End Pos.
Contacts
According to IEC 62271-100,[1] closing time Main
is the elapsed time from the moment the close Contact
End Pos.
Motion
coil is energized until the contacts touch all
poles (Figure 3). Main
Start Pos.
Contact
Motion
For circuit breakers without a close coil, the Coil
Current
closing time calculation according to the IEC Start Pos.
Closing
standard cannot be applied. Therefore, an Time
Time

alternative approach must be used. The closing Coil

Current Motion Start Main
time can be the time when the circuit breaker Closing contacts Time
main contacts begin to move until the contacts Time close
touch all poles (Figure 4). Figure 4: Closing Time
Motion Startwith Motion/Contact
Main Travel as Start Reference
contacts
REFERENCES close

[1] IEC 62271-100 the CIBANO 500. Most recently, he focused on producing
[2] IEC 62271-1:2017 switchgear testing videos. Siegfried studied TV and film
production at the Danube University Krems, Austria.

Siegfried Bernhauser has worked Ari Tirroniemi has worked for

for OMICRON electronics in Klaus, OMICRON electronics in Klaus, Austria,
Austria, for more than 25 years. After for more than 15 years as a firmware
starting as a Technical Writer, he worked developer and later as Project Manager for
as a Marketing Communications products such as DIRANA and CIBANO
Engineer with a focus on business-to- 500. He is currently an Application
business communication for power system Engineer focusing on circuit breaker testing.
testing products such as the CMC 356, the CPC 100, the Ari studied applied physics and electrical engineering at the
CT Analyzer, the TESTRANO 600, the MPD 800, and Linköping University of Technology, Sweden.

MEDIUM-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKER CONDITION ASSESSMENT NETAWORLD • 93

ADVANCEMENTS IN INDUSTRY

THE KEY TO RELAY

PROTECTION SUCCESS:
COOPERATION
BY ED K H AN, Doble Engineering

The objective of protective relays and protective schemes is to protect

electrical equipment such as transformers, lines, cables, bus bars, etc.
during abnormal system conditions. Hence, protective relaying demands
the utmost attention and diligence. However, when dealing with relay
protection, protection engineers may inadvertently focus only on the
relays. Engineers talk about selecting appropriate relays, applying correct

PHOTO: © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/PORTFOLIO/INDYSYSTEM
settings, checking out the wiring, ensuring correct interconnections, and
performing effective tests.
However, we must realize that relay protection equipment department. Substation equipment,
does not exist on an island. In addition to along with relays and relay protection schemes,
protective relays, substations contain other critical is tested at regular intervals by the respective
equipment including circuit breakers, current departments.
transformers (CTs), potential transformers (PTs),
battery systems, and transformers. There is little realization regarding the critical
dependency of relay protection on CTs,
In many large utilities, there is often a barrier circuit breakers, etc. Hence, we should avoid
between the relay department and the substation isolating relay protection from CTs, PTs,

94 • SUMMER 2022 THE KEY TO RELAY PROTECTION SUCCESS: COOPERATION

 ADVANCEMENTS IN INDUSTRY

Relay
Protection
Scheme

CTs PTs

Communication Breakers Batteries

Links

Figure 1: Building Blocks of a Relay Protection Scheme

breakers, and batteries. These are intertwined. leading to forensic analysis. The team responsible
Figure 1 illustrates the building blocks of the for maintaining relay settings should be kept
relay protection system: relays, current and updated with these test results since access to this
voltage transformers, breakers, batteries, and knowledge can impact the assumptions used to
communication links. develop relay settings.

Failure in any one of these blocks will disrupt the A HOLI STI C APPROACH TO
relay protection scheme. RELAY PROTECTI ON
The relay protection scheme is the nucleus with
As mentioned above, utilities perform tests all necessary logic built in; the other elements
on CTs, PTs, the battery system, and circuit support relay protection schemes. CTs and PTs
breakers. However, the results of periodic provide current and voltage inputs to the relays.
maintenance testing typically are not shared The relays in turn provide input to energize the
with relay protection engineers. As an example, trip circuit resulting in opening of the breaker to
protection staff may not be aware of newly isolate the faulted section of the power system.
developed sluggishness in breaker opening Station batteries, another building block of
time or that the age of a CT may have led to relay protection, energize the trip circuit with
deterioration of the saturation characteristics a DC supply. Understanding how each of these
level. In some cases, we do notice an exchange components contributes to proper operation
of CT, PT, and circuit breaker testing data of the relay protection scheme is essential to
especially in the event of relay mis-operation smooth operation of your protection system.

THE KEY TO RELAY PROTECTION SUCCESS: COOPERATION NETAWORLD • 95

ADVANCEMENTS IN INDUSTRY

Relays needs than conventional substations. Testing in

Engineers must select appropriate relays and digital stations involves extensive verification of
provide appropriate settings. The relays and communication between the relays. There is a
protection schemes must be tested at the time need to test the entire system as an entity, and
of commissioning, and subsequent maintenance system simulators can provide a solution for
must be performed at predefined intervals. testing IEC 61850-based protection devices and
schemes.
For relay testing, a software program that
provides a comprehensive test environment Current Transformers
flexible enough to accommodate technical The role of a CT is much simpler than the role
and operational requirements — including for of a relay. CTs simply provide current to the
networks based on IEC 61850 standards — is relays. The primary winding of the CT sees the
ideal. The right software can help standardize actual current in the circuit while its secondary
elements of the relay testing program, reduce winding provides reduced current levels based
complexity, provide consistency, and capture and on the ratio of the CT. Under normal load
store important maintenance information and current, CTs reproduce currents correctly.
test records. This automation enables increased
efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. However, during short-circuit conditions when
fault current is high, CTs may not reproduce
Any shortcomings in selection, setting, wiring, the current accurately. Under such conditions,
or testing can lead to mis-operation of the the current provided to the relay is normally
relay protection scheme during abnormal lower than what it is expected. The degree of
system conditions. Some schemes include inaccuracy will depend on the magnitude of
communication links between the relays at the short circuit current, X/R ratio, etc. This
the two ends of a transmission line. End- behavior of the CT is due to saturation of the
to-end testing must be performed to ensure CT core, which impacts the performance of
correct operation of the protective relay scheme simple overcurrent, distance, and differential
including receivers and transmitters. relays.

Furthermore, digital substations built around It is very important to perform the following
the IEC 61850 standard have different testing tests on CTs:

• CT excitation
• Current ratio
• Polarity
• Ratio and phase angle error
• Insulation resistance
• Winding resistance
• Burden check

Each utility determines the maintenance interval

for testing based on its internal procedures.

Instruments designed specifically for testing CTs

can help increase productivity and save time
during commissioning. The ideal test set can
verify CT excitation curve, polarity, and ratio. It
can also perform phase angle and burden tests and
measure insulation level and winding resistance.
Bushing CTs

96 • SUMMER 2022 THE KEY TO RELAY PROTECTION SUCCESS: COOPERATION

 ADVANCEMENTS IN INDUSTRY

In digital substations that implement process

bus, the analog values of CT outputs are fed
into a merging unit. The merging units provide
equivalent digitized samples that are fed into
IEC 61850-ready intelligent electronic devices
(IEDs). IEDs are essentially microprocessor
relays with significant built-in protection and
communication logic. The IEC 61850-ready
IEDs cannot accept analog signals from CTs and

PHOTO: © WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/G/SOMSIT
PTs, hence digitized samples must be provided.
In this case, in addition to testing the CTs, the
merging units must be tested as well.

Some merging units have built-in optical CTs

and do not require input from conventional
inductive CTs. These merging units require
special testing tools and techniques.

Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers must trip (open) when called
upon by the protective relaying. If the dedicated
breaker does not open, back-up protection will Stand-Alone CTs
ADVANCEMENTS IN INDUSTRY

are operational within published parameters

including the contact opening times.

The following tests must be run to ensure the

integrity of circuit breakers:

1. Breaker timing
2. Static contact resistance
3. Dynamic contact resistance
4. Trip and close coil currents
5. Minimum pickup voltage
6. Travel time
7. Power factor test

In addition, specific tests are conducted on SF6,

vacuum, and air-blast breakers. A state-of-the-
art circuit breaker analyzer can provide efficient
and accurate performance measures for all
types of circuit breakers. Digital circuit breaker
analyzers can perform dynamic resistance tests
and measure main contact and resistor contact
Circuit Breaker
time, stroke, velocity, over-travel, bounce-back,
and contact wipes.
cause other related breakers to open in order to
isolate the faulty equipment. However, the fault Battery System
clearance by backup relaying will cause an outage The battery system plays a vital role in completing
of a larger part of the system; although this is the sequence of tripping circuit breakers when
not desirable, it is necessary. For this reason, it is called upon by the protective relaying scheme.
essential for breakers to be maintained and tested The trip coil that is responsible for tripping the
appropriately to perform this function. circuit breakers is energized when DC voltage is
provided to it, and the protective relays provide
In addition to a breaker failing to open, issues the permissive. If relays provide the permissive but
can also be created if it takes longer than no DC power is available, the trip coil will not
necessary to open the contacts. In protective energize, and the breaker will not trip. Batteries
schemes, breaker opening time is taken into are a crucial link in the chain of events and must
consideration when setting a relay scheme. An be tested at regular intervals to ensure integrity.
actual contact opening time that exceeds the
time that was used in the relay settings can cause To ensure the battery system is operational and
unnecessary outage of a larger part of the system. will comply within specified parameters, the
following tests are recommended:
For example, when we set up a breaker failure
scheme, we use the breaker opening time in 1. Impedance
the calculations. If the actual time turns out 2. Intercell resistance
to be greater, several breakers will trip as part 3. Voltage (battery float and cell float)
of a back-up scheme. This is an undesirable 4. Specific gravity
situation leading to the tripping of the 5. Current
entire bus. Similarly, when coordinating two 6. Temperature
overcurrent relays, miscoordination will occur 7. Discharge testing
if a breaker takes much longer to open. Hence, 8. Infrared scanning
testing breakers is critical to ensure that they 9. Capacity testing

98 • SUMMER 2022 THE KEY TO RELAY PROTECTION SUCCESS: COOPERATION

 ADVANCEMENTS IN INDUSTRY

Potential Transformers/CCVTs
The impact of inductive and capacitive potential
transformers on relay performance is important.
However, PTs/CCVTs do not undergo the type
of duty that CTs undergo, and the performance
of CTs has a much greater impact than those of
PTs/CCVTs. During short circuit faults, the high
current imposes extreme pressure on CTs. On the
other hand, the voltage during short-circuit faults
is depressed; therefore, the PTs do not experience
any stress and continue performing as usual.
Even with less stress imposed on PTs/CCVTs
during short circuit, these devices are prone to Battery System
damage due to other external and internal system
conditions. Hence, they may not perform at the • Ratio and phase angle error
expected level of performance. PTs/CCVTs are as • Insulation resistance
critical as CTs in ensuring correct operation of the • Winding resistance
relay protection scheme. • Burden check
• Power factor test
The recommended tests include:
The tests to be conducted and the related
• Voltage ratio maintenance interval are listed in the
• Polarity maintenance procedures. In general, the

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u 89+ years of laboratory experience

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EST .
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Safe
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ADVANCEMENTS IN INDUSTRY

maintenance interval for PTs/CCVTs is much the relay protection scheme relies heavily on
longer than those for CTs. proper communication. Testing such protection
schemes involves extensive debugging of the
Communication Links communication network.
Communication is a critical link in
several protection schemes. In high-speed CONCLUSI ON
communication-assisted protection schemes, Relay protection is a multifaceted scheme
communications between the two substations comprised of relays, breakers, CTs/PTs/CCVTs,
are connected by a transmission line. The batteries, and communication links. Effective
relaying at each end depends on information relay protection is achieved only if all constituent
received from the other end to operate correctly. components work together and perform within
The medium used for communication can be an acceptable level of performance.
fiber optic, power line carrier, microwave, etc.,
with transmitters and receivers installed at each
end. To test such relay schemes, utilities conduct Ed Khan has been with Doble Engineer-
end-to-end testing to ensure the scheme works ing Company for 14 years working in var-
ious capacities including Product Manager
appropriately, and this testing includes both the for protection testing-related instruments.
transmitters and receivers. He is currently the Director of Protection
R&D and Protection Training at Doble.
in a digital substation designed per the IEC In this capacity, he manages and con-
61850 standard, the IEDs communicate with ducts the relay protection training program. Prior to Doble,
Ed worked for GE, ABB, SEL, KEMA, and others in various
each other using GOOSE (generic object-
capacities. He has 38 years of experience in system studies, pro-
oriented substation event) and SV (sampled tection applications, relay design, power plant design, teaching,
value) protocols. GOOSE/SV is a layer-2 and product management. He has thorough knowledge about
protocol for messages transported over Ethernet. product development, protection, harmonic analysis, harmon-
In a conventional station, communication ic filter design, stability studies, real-time digital simulations,
between IEDs is accomplished via point-to- generator protection, and more. Ed has written several articles
and has made presentations at several venues. He holds an MS
point wiring. Hence, communication assumes in electrical engineering from Texas A&M University.
a much bigger role in a digital substation, and

100 • SUMMER 2022 THE KEY TO RELAY PROTECTION SUCCESS: COOPERATION

 NEW
EDITION

ORDER NOW
FEATURING NEW CONTENT
Arc Energy Reduction System Test
Partial Discharge Survey for Visit NETAWORLD.ORG
Switchgear Updates or call 888.300.6382
 SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS ACTIVITY

ANSI/NETA STANDARDS UPDATE

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REVI SI ON COMPLETED
ANSI/NETA ETT, Standard for Certification of Electrical
Testing Technicians, has completed an American National
Standard revision process. ANSI administrative approval was
granted January 7, 2022. The new edition was released at
PowerTest in March 2022 and supersedes the 2018 edition.

ANSI/NETA ETT establishes minimum requirements

for qualifications, certification, training, and experience
for the electrical testing technician. It provides criteria for
documenting qualifications for certification and details the
minimum qualifications for an independent and impartial
certifying body to certify electrical testing technicians.

102 • SUMMER 2022 ANSI/NETA STANDARDS UPDATE

 SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS ACTIVITY

A N S I/ N E TA M T S –2019 edition of ANSI/NETA ATS, Standard for Acceptance Testing

R E VIS I ON S C H E DULE D F OR 2022 Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment & Systems.
A project intent notification was published in ANSI’s The individual electrical components shall be subjected to
Standards Action on October 26, 2021, announcing the factory and field tests, as required, to validate the individual
opening of a 45-day public comment period. The initial components. It is not the intent of these specifications
ballot is expected to begin in June of 2022. A second ballot to provide comprehensive details on the commissioning
is scheduled for issue in November of 2022. The revised of mechanical equipment, mechanical instrumentation
edition of NETA MTS is scheduled to debut at PowerTest systems, and related components.
2023.
The ANSI/NETA ECS–2020 Edition includes updates
ANSI/NETA MTS contains specifications for suggested to the commissioning process, as well as inspection and
field tests and inspections to assess the suitability for commissioning procedures as it relates to low- and medium-
continued service and reliability of electrical power voltage systems.
equipment and systems. The purpose of these specifications
is to assure that tested electrical equipment and systems Voltage classes addressed include:
are operational and within applicable standards and
manufacturers’ tolerances, and that the equipment and • Low-voltage systems (less than 1,000 volts)
systems are suitable for continued service. ANSI/NETA • Medium-voltage systems (greater than 1,000 volts and
MTS–2019 revisions include online partial discharge less than 100,000 volts)
survey for switchgear, frequency of power systems studies, • High-voltage and extra-high-voltage systems (greater
frequency of maintenance matrix, and more. ANSI/NETA than 100 kV and less than 1,000 kV)
MTS–2019 is available for purchase at the NETA Bookstore
at www.netaworld.org. References:

A N S I/ N E TA E C S–2020 • ASHRAE, ANSI/NETA ATS, NECA, NFPA 70E,

L AT E S T E D I T ION OSHA, GSA Building Commissioning Guide
ANSI/NETA ECS, Standard for Electrical Commissioning
of Electrical Power Equipment & Systems, 2020 Edition, ANSI / NETA ATS–2021
completed the American National Standard revision process. LATEST EDI TI ON
ANSI administrative approval was received on September 9, ANSI/NETA ATS, Standard for Acceptance Testing
2019. ANSI/NETA ECS–2020 supersedes the 2015 Edition. Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment & Systems, 2021
Edition, has completed an American National Standard
ANSI/NETA ECS describes the systematic process of revision process. ANSI administrative approval was granted
documenting and placing into service newly installed or September 18, 2020. The new edition was released in March
retrofitted electrical power equipment and systems. This 2021 and supersedes the 2017 edition.
document shall be used in conjunction with the most recent
ANSI/NETA ATS covers suggested field tests and
inspections for assessing the suitability for initial
energization of electrical power equipment and systems.
PA R T I C IPAT ION The purpose of these specifications is to assure that tested
Comments and suggestions on any of the standards electrical equipment and systems are operational, are within
are always welcome and should be directed to NETA. applicable standards and manufacturers’ tolerances, and are
To learn more about the NETA standards review installed in accordance with design specifications. ANSI/
and revision process, to purchase these standards, NETA ATS-2021 new content includes arc energy reduction
or to get involved, please visit www.netaworld.org or system testing and an update to the partial discharge survey
contact the NETA office at 888-300-6382. for switchgear. ANSI/NETA ATS-2021 is available for
purchase at the NETA Bookstore at www.netaworld.org.

ANSI/NETA STANDARDS UPDATE NETAWORLD • 103

 PHOTO: © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/PORTFOLIO/BARTCO
NETA WELCOMES
CFM SERVICES AS
NETA ACCREDITED COMPANY
CFM Services, Inc. is an electrotechnical and and repair your equipment with high-quality
engineering service firm formed by Christian service. CFM’s instruments are at the cutting
Comtois, Stéphane Forgues, and Frédéric edge of technology and are calibrated annually.
Morin to offer quality services at competitive
prices. The young and dynamic company CFM’s team of engineers provides a wide
specializes in electrical services and electrical range of engineering services and is available
power. CFM offers maintenance services, to complete the simplest projects to the most
testing, installation, repair and engineering complex ones.
in the areas of production, processing and
distribution of low-, medium- and high-voltage “CFM Services is excited to achieve NETA
electricity. accreditation because our existing and future
customers require the structure, expertise,
Since its debut, CFM Services has quickly training, and documentation that NETA
earned a standout spot on the electrical and provides,” says Frédéric Morin, Vice President
electrotechnical market with technicians and of Engineering. “While we believe we have
engineers who are qualified to test, diagnose, these qualities as a company and as highly

104 • SUMMER 2022 NETA WELCOMES CFM SERVICES AS NETA ACCREDITED COMPANY
experienced field technicians, this is our
opportunity to show that more concisely
through NETA accreditation.”

“NETA recognizes the hard work NETA

Accredited Companies like CFM Services have
to put in to achieve this important milestone,”
says Eric Beckman, PE, President of National CFM Services Inc.
Field Services, Inc. and current NETA 845 St-Jacques Local 600
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 Ken Bassett Accepting the Outstanding Achievement Award.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
AWARD RECIPIENT KEN BASSETT:
‘NETA INSPIRED ME TO BE A FORCE FOR GOOD’
In NETA circles, Ken Bassett winning his third Outstanding Achievement
Award is business as usual. The Washington Commanders fan with a
sense of adventure was honored again for the third time at PowerTest
2022. A family-focused individual whose company includes many of his
family members, his influence in NETA is far-reaching.
“Ken is and has been one of the most dedicated where it is today without Ken’s contributions
individuals within NETA. He’s done so much to the organization.”
for the organization, from strategic initiatives
to growing membership,” says Eric Beckman, Bassett, President of Potomac Testing, Inc.,
President of National Field Services and NETA should have been the least surprised person
President. “He holds a passion for the industry, when the winner was announced, but humor
and there’s no doubt NETA would not be and humility are core features of his life.

106 • SUMMER 2022 OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT KEN BASSETT:

‘NETA INSPIRED ME TO BE A FORCE FOR GOOD’
“My first reaction was ‘I’m going to have
one hell of a bar tab,’” Bassett laughed. “But
seriously, I was very surprised and caught off
guard. Every year, we have many deserving
individuals who support our association. To be
recognized this year, or any year, is surely an
honor.”

Ron Widup, Vice Chairman of NETA’s Board

of Directors and Senior Advisor for Technical
Services for Shermco Industries says Bassett’s
reputation for being one of the hardest-
working members of NETA as well as one of
the hardest-working members of the electrical
testing industry makes him a leading candidate
for the award every year.

Widup points to a favorite quote by Amy

Poehler — actress, comedian, writer, producer, Ken with Ron Widup and John White after
and director: Find a group of people who another successful Member Review Committee
challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with meeting.
them, and it will change your life. “Ken’s work
with NETA has inspired and changed us —
and that’s a good thing,” Widup says. “Early on in my NETA career, I was fortunate
enough to interact with some amazing folks,”
Ironically, Bassett says NETA inspired him to Bassett says. “Those individuals represented
be a force for good. the Association in a truly inspiring way. The

Ken with his daughters Crystal and Michelle, wife Jayne, and son Marshall hopping a plane to see
Denali Mountain.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT KEN BASSETT:

‘NETA INSPIRED ME TO BE A FORCE FOR GOOD’
NETAWORLD • 107
 M E E T KEN B A SSE T T
Bassett is President of Potomac Testing has
a NETA Accredited Company with service
centers located throughout the Mid-Atlantic
region. Established in 1985, Potomac Testing,
Inc. has earned its position as the Mid-Atlantic
leader in comprehensive low- and medium-
voltage electrical equipment services including
NETA acceptance and maintenance testing,
planned and emergency field services,
power quality and engineering studies,
and retrofitting and refurbishing electrical
equipment. Potomac Testing joined the TechPro
Power Group family of companies in 2020.

Bassett has served on NETA’s Board of

Directors since 1998. A past-President, he
currently chairs the Membership Committee,
co-chairs the Association Development Committee, and serves on the Nominating
Committee, NAMO Committee, Promotions & Marketing Committee, Conference
Committee, CTD Review Committee, and Finance Committee.

Bassett is a NETA Certified Test Technician with over 25 years of experience in the
operation and maintenance of electrical power distribution systems.

meaningful work and accomplishments I have Bassett says that can-do attitude will be one
experienced with the Association are things of the most important things for NETA to
they instilled in me as business-as-usual — the hold onto in the coming years. “NETA has
NETA way of thinking. always been very mindful of its succession
of leadership, which has provided the ability
“Mary Jordan, Charlie Blizard, Rod Hageman, to maintain a high level of success over the
and Al Peterson are some of the early years. Proper planning has enabled NETA to
relationships that influenced me extensively,” accomplish many goals over a long period of
Bassett continues. “At that time, NETA was time,” he notes.
a smaller, scrappier association, and we had
to fight hard for everything we created and Like any organization or association, NETA
accomplished. These folks helped inspire and must continue being mindful of what led to
create the work-hard/play-hard culture that still its successes and, at the same time, adapt and
lives within NETA now. My continued belief react to the industry it serves, Bassett says.
in our organization stems from the people I “During my tenure, acceptance of the NETA
have been fortunate enough to spend time standard has grown immensely, specifically
with since we joined NETA in 1993. These by A&E firms and end users. Additionally,
past leaders had great vision and represented safety continues to be at the forefront of
our association well.” our industry. And as the industries we serve

108 • SUMMER 2022 OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT KEN BASSETT:

‘NETA INSPIRED ME TO BE A FORCE FOR GOOD’
Ken and family getting ready to launch at a hot-air balloon festival in Albuquerque.

continue to expand, where NETA mainly

supported industrial and commercial end
users, NETA now has a very large presence
within the utilities market, assisting them
with their required maintenance and system
upgrades.”

The strategic plan developed in 2019 was

dedicated to supporting the Association’s
growth, and Bassett’s focus on growing
membership has allowed NETA to stay ahead
of the ever-changing electrical testing industry.

“There is no argument that it takes many

people with passion and a desire to succeed for
an industry association like NETA to thrive,
and Ken has been an inspiration to all of us
as we work beside him,” says Ron Widup.
“Having a business in the Washington, DC, Ken and Jayne cruising the strip during a NETA site visit in Dubai.
metro area has also given Ken the unique ability
to listen first and speak second. This allows him “My belief in our organization stems from the
to get things done without weakening his — or people I have been fortunate enough to have
NETA’s — position. That’s a special leadership spent time with,” says Bassett. “These past
talent that NETA has benefitted from many leaders had great vision and represented our
times through the years.” association well.”

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT KEN BASSETT:

‘NETA INSPIRED ME TO BE A FORCE FOR GOOD’
NETAWORLD • 109
 CONGRATULATIONS
POWERTEST 2022 AWARD RECIPIENTS
S TA N D O U T S ESS IO N S
TH E JA MES R. WH ITE SAFET Y AWARD JAMES R. WHITE ELECTRICAL SAFETY TRACK
The James White Family Safety Performance and Corporate
Profitability as a Contractor in the High
Voltage Utility Sector
Ken Peterson
HAMPTON TEDDER TECHNICAL SERVICES
OUTS TA N DIN G ACH IE VEMENT AWARD
Ken Bassett EQUIPMENT TRACK
P OTO M AC T E ST I N G Battery Health and Assessment through
Electrical Testing
Volney Naranjo & Sanket Bolar
MEGGER
ALLIA N CE R ECOGN I T IO N AWARD
RELIABILITY TRACK
Drew Welton Challenges and Opportunities: How the
INTELLIRENT Focus on Reliability Impacts the NETA
Practitioner
Alan Ross
ELECTRIC POWER RELIABILITY ALLIANCE
TOP-TIER BOOTHS AND SUITES
SALES & MANAGEMENT TRACK
Creating a Comprehensive Employee
Development Program: A Case Study
Stephanie McLaughlin
HOOD PATTERSON & DEWAR

MOST APPETIZING SUITE RENEWABLE ENERGY TRACK

MOST TECHNICAL SUITE Improving the Reliability of MV Cables
MOST CREATIVE SUITE Electric Power Systems MOST VISITED BOOTH through Testing & Diagnostic Techniques
Shermco Industries AVO Training Institute for Wind Farm Applications
Jason Aaron & Charles Nybeck
MEGGER

BEST OVERALL PRESENTATION

Relay Panel Session
MOST HOSPITABLE SUITE MOST INNOVATIVE BOOTH Drew Welton, Karl Zimmerman,
Group CBS Intellirent Chasen Tedder, Lorne Gara,
and Chris Werstiuk

MOST ENTERTAINING SUITE BEST IN SHOW BOOTH

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 Drew Welton Accepting Alliance Recognition Award

ALLIANCE RECOGNITION
AWARD HONOREE
KNOWN FOR EXPERTISE AND TRAINING
If the name Drew Welton sounds familiar, it’s most likely because his
technical presentations, including those at PowerTest, are some of the
most well-regarded and well-attended.
That accolade combined with his renown Welton, Vice President of Sales and Business
for knowledge of substation maintenance for intellirent, credits his success over the years
testing made him the obvious choice for this to the incredible support of his family, friends,
year’s Alliance Recognition Award. The award and colleagues.
honors an individual who has been a dedicated
supporter of NETA and has also furthered the “None of it would have been possible had I not
industry and inspired others. had great support from my family, especially

112 • SUMMER 2022 ALLIANCE RECOGNITION AWARD HONOREE KNOWN FOR EXPERTISE AND TRAINING
Stacey, my wife of 26 years,” he says. “This
industry we work in can be very demanding
in terms of time away from home and a
commitment to often working long hours.
My passion for the industry has always been a
driving force, especially because of all the great
people I’ve worked with.”

Among those treasured colleagues is Wayne

Hartmann, who has known Welton for more
than 30 years, worked with him in multiple
capacities, and considers him a friend.

“I have seen Drew grow in the industry and

transcend the roles of student, practitioner,
and now teacher,” says Hartmann, Solutions
Growth Leader, North America, for GE Grid
Automation. “He has embraced the power of
education as a philosophy with his numerous
papers, presentations, and training materials
that address testing and commissioning of
system protection and primary infrastructure.”

“We tag-teamed at Western Electric Institute’s

Relay School for years, and it was enjoyable and
a highlight of each year we taught there,” he says.
“I was there with an in-depth professional in
Drew, and the students, facilitators, and steering Drew and Stacey Welton
committee could all see that.”
understandably surprised to hear his name
Neil McCaw, President of intellirent, says announced at the presentation.
Welton continues to exude that air of expertise
combined with a willingness to help and share “It took me a while to realize what was
his knowledge. happening, and I was wondering why my
boss was videotaping the presentation,”
“Drew’s passion and commitment to this he says. “These are all wonderful people,
industry is unparalleled. He is deeply respected and the emotion of the moment was quite
by his colleagues and customers and is someone overwhelming.”
who takes on challenges with optimism and a
commitment to solving the problem,” McCaw Much as the award was a surprise, Welton
says. “He is an amazing resource to customers admits that his career in electrical testing was
and his fellow employees and a huge contributor unexpected as well.
in knowledge sharing in our field. The entire
intellirent team is thrilled to congratulate him “I really didn’t intend on working in this
on this honor and achievement.” particular industry. I have a bachelor’s degree
in business administration from a small college
Known for doing the work for work’s sake — in Colorado and sold radio advertising as my
not for recognition or praise — Welton was first job,” he says.

ALLIANCE RECOGNITION AWARD HONOREE KNOWN FOR EXPERTISE AND TRAINING NETAWORLD • 113
 M E E T D RE W W E LT O N
Welton is the Vice President of Sales and Business
at intellirent, providing leadership to the sales teams
and developing business opportunities. He has
more than 25 years of experience in power system
engineering focused mainly on sales and sales
management for relays, controls, and primary and
secondary test equipment.

He got his start in the industry with Beckwith Electric,

then AREVA T&D before working almost 20 years
with OMICRON. Drew is a 20-year Senior Member
of IEEE-PES/IAS and an active member of the IEEE
Transformers Committee. He has authored technical
papers that have appeared in various technical
journals, including NETA World.

Welton received a bachelor’s degree in business

administration and management from Fort Lewis
College in Colorado. Today, he is highly regarded
for his knowledge of substation maintenance testing
and has conducted training sessions for substation
technicians and engineers across North America. His
technical sessions at PowerTest are highly regarded
and some of the most well-attended.

“When I finally took to materials management, experience and so many great people to learn
I accepted a job with Beckwith Electric in from that I never stopped having fun.”
inventory control. Then Vice President of
Sales and Marketing Lew Roberson recognized What Welton calls fun, intellirent’s Director of
I had a gift for learning quickly and a strong Inside Sales Jason Creese calls a true passion for
sales aptitude, so he provided me with the and understanding of the industry as well as a
opportunity to move into inside sales,” Welton drive to invest in it.
says.
“Drew’s commitment over his many years has
“It was then I had the fortunate opportunity contributed to so many great opportunities
to work for Charles ‘Chuck’ Mozina, who was to learn, speak, and apply across the various
instrumental in teaching me so much about avenues within our industry,” Creese says.
protective relaying. What really helped me “Drew is instrumental in our support of the
turn the corner was an opportunity to join industry. In addition to equipment knowledge,
OMICRON electronics in 1997, and over the testing standards, and field application
next 20 years or so, I came to love this industry awareness, he provides necessary insight into
even more. There was so much to learn and up and coming technologies and training to

114 • SUMMER 2022 ALLIANCE RECOGNITION AWARD HONOREE KNOWN FOR EXPERTISE AND TRAINING
not only the team here at intellirent, but also afraid to make changes or try new technologies
to our customers.” — especially in the field of electrical testing,”
he says. “Organizations such as NETA, IEEE-
Indeed, whether it was his own career or in the PES/IAS, and others are continuously rewriting
training he provides, Welton says he always standards and providing expert knowledge, and
advises others in the industry — especially we should be taking advantage of this. There is
new or emerging professionals — to constantly always something new to improve upon.”
push to learn and grow.
It’s that drive for education, improvement, and
“What was always important to me was helping growth that makes Welton special, Hartmann
others and being able to share what I have learned says.
and experienced over the years. We often become
so complacent in our day-to-day routines that “Drew’s passion to pass on his knowledge and
new technologies designed to make our lives experience to others truly makes him an industry
better get overlooked. Sometimes people are guy,” Hartmann says. “He’s the real deal.”

JET Electrical Testing, LLC is a 24/7 full

service testing company founded upon the
premise of providing exceptional customer
service and the most highly skilled
technicians in the industry. The team of
project managers, engineers, support staff,
and field technicians form the cohesive
team in which customers have relied on
year after year. JET specializes in
commissioning, preventative maintenance,
equipment repair, apparatus testing, and
emergency response/troubleshooting.
Electrical system reliability is JET’s goal.

24/7/365 Emergency Services:

609.285.2800
100 Lenox Drive, Lawrenceville NJ 08648
www.JETElectricalTesting.com
NETAWORLD • 115
REAL WORLD LEARNING AT YOUR FINGERTIPS.
Introducing NETA Series III Handbooks

We’ve got answers.

Discover page after page of comprehensive, component-specific, technical resources for
training and reference purposes. Over 200 of the very best articles from NETA World
Journal and technical presentations from NETA’s PowerTest conferences.
To order, please visit netaworld.org or call 888.300.6382
 GENERATING POWERFUL
CONNECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE
Focused on generating powerful connections for the future, NETA’s
PowerTest Conference returned on February 28–March 4, 2022, with
more all-new content, attendee options, and networking opportunities
than ever.
The PowerTest Conference is the premier The PowerTest 2022 agenda featured five
electrical maintenance and safety conference. days of educational and interactive sessions
It is the largest annual gathering of NETA with an emphasis on shaping the future of the
Accredited Company representatives and electrical power systems industry and recreating Luncheons Offered
industry professionals and is supported by connections lost due to COVID. Electrical testing Opportunities for
companies committed to safety, reliability, technicians, engineers, and managers from a cross- Networking
and quality across the electrical power systems section of industries were represented and actively
industry. engaged in making PowerTest 2022 a success.

POWERTEST 2022: GENERATING POWERFUL CONNECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE NETAWORLD • 117
 “As organizations gradually open up their • 18 companies delivered presentations
employee travel permissions in a post-pandemic on the latest products and services at the
world, we were proud to welcome our loyal New Product Forum
and committed community to PowerTest
2022,” says NETA Executive Director Missy Attendees were excited to be back in person
Richard. “Attendees told us that the PowerTest after an all-virtual event in 2021, and
participants this year were the right people in exhibitors appreciated the meaningful, focused
the right place at the right time. Connections conversations and strong leads.
were made that will advance careers and lead to
new business.”

H IGH LIGH T S
2022 marked the first fully hybrid PowerTest,
featuring expert sessions and seminars available
in person at the Hyatt Regency Denver as
well as via PowerTest TV, a virtual conference 50 Years of NETA
experience. And with on-demand content 2022 marks NETA’s 50-year anniversary, and
available through June 30, PowerTest 2022 is PowerTest attendees joined in the celebration
still more accessible than ever before: of how far the association and the industry
have come and explored the possibilities of
• 332 full conference attendees the next 50 years. Special events included
• 29 detailed, 45-minute technical a commemorative President’s Wall, all-new
presentations by industry leaders contests, giveaways, and more for in-person as
• 16 in-depth, 4-hour seminars covering well as virtual attendees.
current topics and industry issues
• 65 Trade Show exhibitors Keynote Speaker
• More than 150 social passes for Acclaimed author Robert Bryce kicked off
networking events PowerTest week with his keynote address. A

Keynote Speaker Robert Bryce

118 • SUMMER 2022 POWERTEST 2022: GENERATING POWERFUL CONNECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE
Reliability Track Presentation by Ross Ignall of Dranetz

passionate and engaging speaker, he is also

a leading thinker on global energy, power
systems, and innovation. Bryce’s sixth and
latest book, A Question of Power: Electricity and
the Wealth of Nations, was recently published, PowerTest TV featured access to exclusive on-
and he is the producer of a feature-length demand online content tailored to the needs
documentary, Juice: How Electricity Explains the of electrical testing professionals as well as
World. Attendees applauded his presentation on opportunities to earn CEUs and NETA CTD
energy’s impact around the world. credits.

Monday Tracks Attendees used PowerTest TV as a supplement

Monday’s sessions in six tracks were carefully to in-person attendance or chose to participate
selected and presented by leading experts in the completely virtually with 2022’s robust,
field. Two new tracks, Sales & Management easy-to-use platform. PowerTest TV’s virtual
and Renewable Energy, focused on navigating registration provided access to approximately
today’s challenges and identifying tomorrow’s 30 hours (30 CTDs/3. 0 CEUs) worth of on-
industry trends. demand content, and an addition bundle was
available for access to an extra 18 hours (18
Trade Show CTDs/1.8 CEUs) of material.
Tuesday afternoon’s PowerTest Trade Show,
an industry favorite, featured 65 top-tier NETA Exam Prep
vendors dedicated to providing PowerTest The NETA Exam Prep Seminar at PowerTest
attendees with actionable, real-world solutions was back by popular demand. Open to NETA
to everyday challenges. With door prize Certified Technicians, this two-part seminar
giveaways, a complimentary lunch buffet, and offered a review of exam materials and the
over five hours to explore the latest and greatest ability to participate in the new NETA Practice
products and services, the always-popular Trade Exam. Attendees developed their knowledge and
Show had something for everyone. boosted their exam confidence levels.

POWERTEST 2022: GENERATING POWERFUL CONNECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE NETAWORLD • 119
 NE TA M E E T INGS FEATURE on Sunday, February 28, 2022, at the Hyatt
P E E R DISC USSIO N AND Regency Denver for NETA’s 2022 Annual
LAT E ST NE TA UPDATES Member and Alliance Meetings. The annual
More than 120 NETA Accredited Company meetings are held on the Sunday before
representatives, Alliance Partners, and PowerTest and are the traditional kickoff to the
Corporate Alliance participants gathered conference each year.

NETA Member Meeting

A gathering especially for representatives
2023 and technicians from NETA Accredited
Companies, the NETA Member Meeting
brought reports from all sides of the association.
From updates on membership and strategic
S AV E T H E D AT E : initiatives to a review of program plans for the
P O W E RT EST 2 0 2 3 I N O RL A ND O coming year and recognition of volunteers and
committee chairs, the meeting also included
Join NETA and leading electrical power systems professionals at the nomination and election of officers. Newly
the next premier industry conference March 8–12, 2023, at Rosen elected officers include 1st Vice President Bob
Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida. This year’s conference will look Shepard, Premier Power Maintenance; 2nd
and feel a little different with an all-new date pattern (Wednesday– Vice President Dan Hook, CBS Field Services;
Sunday), but attendees will still find the tailored content and and Secretary Chasen Tedder, Hampton
valuable networking opportunities they’ve come to expect. Both Tedder Technical Services; Eric Beckman,
in-person and virtual attendance options will be offered, and early National Field Services, continues as President
bird registration is set to open September 1, 2022. Sponsorship for another year. Leif Hoegberg, Electrical
and exhibitor opportunities are available for companies seeking Reliability Services, was elected to a three-year
leadership visibility at the event. NETA’s industry partners are Board of Directors term, while Dan Hook, Eric
encouraged to reserve exhibit space and confirm sponsorships as Beckman, Chasen Tedder, and Dave Huffman,
soon as possible. Inquiries should be directed to Laura McDonald Power Systems Testing, were re-elected.
at 269-488-6382 or [email protected].
NETA Member and Alliance
Meeting
NETA Corporate Alliance and Alliance
Partners were invited to join NETA Accredited
Companies for the second half of the Member
Meeting. Among other updates, participants
heard reports on industry activity from NETA
technical representatives.

Throughout PowerTest week, a series of special

events delivered opportunities for attendees to
network and lay the groundwork for future
collaborations. For upcoming Alliance Partner
events, watch your inbox for emails from
NETA and look for notices in NETA World
Journal. For additional information about the
NETA Alliance Program or to enroll, visit
www.netaworld.org/allianceprogram.

120 • SUMMER 2022 POWERTEST 2022: GENERATING POWERFUL CONNECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE
 TECH QUIZ ANSWERS

No. 137
A N S W E R S

ANSWERS 5. 
d. All of the above. Electric shock,
arc flash, and arc blast are all hazards
1. 
a. Occupational Safety and Health associated with the use of electrical
Administration (OSHA). OSHA’s energy. Each one must be identified and
mission is to ensure a safe and healthful then analyzed using a risk assessment.
environment by setting and enforcing
standards and by providing training, 6. 
b. Electrically safe working condition.
outreach, education, and assistance. All other answers detail hazard control
methods, but only creating an electrically
2. 
c. NFPA 70E. NFPA 70E, Standard safe working condition eliminates
for Electrical Safety in the Workplace the electrical hazards. An electrically
helps companies and employees avoid safe condition is a state in which an
workplace injuries and fatalities due electrical conductor or circuit part
to shock, electrocution, arc flash, and has been disconnected from energized
arc blast and assists in complying with parts, locked/tagged in accordance with
OSHA 1910 Subpart S and OSHA 1926 established standards, tested to verify
Subpart K. the absence of voltage and, if necessary,
temporarily grounded for personnel
3. 
b. Safety briefing. A safety briefing is a protection.
tool to increase safety awareness among
workers. It is used to discuss and share
information regarding potential hazards Virginia Balitski, CET, Manager –
and concerns. Training and Development has worked
for Magna IV Engineering since 2006.
Virginia started her career as a Field
4. 
c. Failure to identify or recognize Service Technologist and achieved NETA
hazards. OSHA states that one root Level 4 Senior Technician Certification.
cause of workplace injuries, illnesses, She has since dedicated her time to the
and incidents is the failure to identify or advancement of training and safety in the electrical industry.
recognize hazards that are present or that Virginia is a Certified Engineering Technologist through
ASET – The Association of Science & Engineering Technology
could have been anticipated. A critical
Professionals of Alberta. Virginia is current Vice-Chair of the
element of any effective health and safety CSA Z462, Workplace Electrical Safety Technical Committee
program is a proactive, ongoing process to and is a member of the NFPA 70E, Electrical Safety in the
identify and assess hazards. Workplace Technical Committee. She was recently appointed
to the NETA Board of Directors.

TECH QUIZ NETAWORLD • 121

NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES Setting the Standard

249th Engineer Battalion ABM Electrical Power Services, LLC Advanced Electrical Services American Electrical Testing Co., LLC
249th EN BN S3 NCOIC 3585 Corporate Court 4999 - 43rd St. NE 76 Cain Dr
9450 Jackson Loop. Bldg. 1418 San Diego, CA 92123-1844 Unit 143 Brentwood, NY 11717-1265
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 (858) 754-7963 Calgary, AB T2B 3N4 (631) 617-5330
(703) 805-9981 (403) 697-3747 [email protected]
ABM Electrical Power Services, LLC
[email protected] [email protected] www.aetco.us
1005 Windward Ridge Pkwy
www.usace.army.mil/Home.aspx Billy Fernandez
Alpharetta, GA 30005 Advanced Electrical Services Ltd.
249th Engineer Battalion, Alpha (770) 521-7550 9958 - 67 Ave American Electrical Testing Co., LLC
Company abm.com/Electrical Edmonton, AB T6E 0P5 91 Fulton St., Unit 4
1251 Pirowski Rd, Bldg 1407 (403) 697-3747 Boonton, NJ 07005-1060
ABM Electrical Power Services, LLC
Schofield Barracks, HI 96857 www.aes-ab.com (973) 316-1180
4221 Freidrich Lane Suite 170
(808) 787-4604 www.aes-ab.com [email protected]
Austin, TX 78744
[email protected] www.aetco.us
(210) 347-9481 Advanced Testing Systems
SFC Aldher Maldonado Serrano Jeff Somol
15 Trowbridge Dr
ABM Electrical Power Services, LLC
249th Engineer Battalion, Bravo Bethel, CT 06801-2858 AMP Quality Energy Services, LLC
11719 NE 95th St. Ste H
Company (203) 743-2001 352 Turney Ridge Rd
Vancouver, WA 98682
Bldg 3-2631 Butner Rd [email protected] Somerville, AL 35670
(360) 713-9513
Fort Bragg, NC 28310-0001 www.advtest.com (256) 513-8255
[email protected]
(703) 853-3958 Pat McCarthy [email protected]
www.ABM.com/Electrical
[email protected] Brian Rodgers
Paul McKinley A&F Electrical Testing, Inc.
SFC John Crosby
80 Lake Ave S Ste 10 AMP Quality Energy Services, LLC
ABM Electrical Power Solutions
249th Engineer Battalion, Charlie Nesconset, NY 11767-1017 41 Peabody Street
4390 Parliament Place
Company (631) 584-5625 Nashville, TN 37210
Suite S
9410 Jackson Loop Bldg 1416 [email protected] (629) 213-4855
Lanham, MD 20706
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5116 www.afelectricaltesting.com Nick Tunstill
(240) 487-1900
(703) 806-1078
A&F Electrical Testing, Inc. Apparatus Testing and Engineering
[email protected] ABM Electrical Power Solutions
80 Broad St Fl 5 11300 Sanders Dr Ste 29
SSG William Maddox 3700 Commerce Dr # 901-903
New York, NY 10004-2257 Rancho Cordova, CA 95742-6822
Baltimore, MD 21227-1642
249th Engineer Battalion, HHC (631) 584-5625 (916) 853-6280
(410) 247-3300
9450 Jackson Loop Bldg 1416 [email protected] [email protected]
www.abm.com
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5147 www.afelectricaltesting.com www.apparatustesting.com
(571) 515-0173 ABM Electrical Power Solutions Florence Chilton Jerry Carr
SSG Michael Hamilton 317 Commerce Park Drive
Alpha Relay and Protection Testing, LLC Apparatus Testing and Engineering
Cranberry Township, PA 16066-
ABM Electrical Power Services, LLC 2625 Overland Ave Unit A 7083 Commerce Cir Ste H
6407
720 S Rochester Ste A Billings, MT 59102 Pleasanton, CA 94588-8017
(724) 772-4638
Ontario, CA 91761-8177 (406) 671-7227 (916) 853-6280
[email protected]
(301) 397-3500 [email protected] [email protected]
Chris Smith - General Manager
abm.com/Electrical www.arptco.com www.apparatustesting.com
ABM Electrical Power Solutions Zeb Fettig Jerry Carr
ABM Electrical Power Services, LLC
814 Greenbrier Cir Ste E
6541 Meridien Dr American Electrical Testing Co., LLC Applied Engineering Concepts
Chesapeake, VA 23320-2643
Suite 113 25 Forbes Boulevard 894 N Fair Oaks Ave.
(757) 364-6145
Raleigh, NC 27616 Suite 1 Pasadena, CA 91103
[email protected]
(919) 877-1008 Foxboro, MA 02035 (626) 389-2108
www.abm.com
[email protected] (781) 821-0121 [email protected]
Keone Castleberry
abm.com/Electrical www.aetco.us www.aec-us.com
Brandon Davis ABM Electrical Power Solutions Jason Briggs Michel Castonguay
1817 O’Brien Road
ABM Electrical Power Services, LLC American Electrical Testing Co., LLC Applied Engineering Concepts
Columbus, OH 43228
2631 S. Roosevelt St 5540 Memorial Rd 8160 Miramar Road
(724) 772-4638
Tempe, AZ 85282 Allentown, PA 18104 San Diego, CA 92126
www.abm.com
(602) 722-2423 (484) 538-2272 (619) 822-1106
www.abm.com
[email protected] [email protected]
ABM Electrical Power Services, LLC
Absolute Testing Services, Inc. www.aetco.us www.aec-us.com
3600 Woodpark Blvd Ste G
8100 West Little York Michel Castonguay
Charlotte, NC 28206-4210 American Electrical Testing Co., LLC
Houston, TX 77040
(704) 273-6257 34 Clover Dr ARM CAMCO, LLC
(832) 467-4446
South Windsor, CT 06074-2931 667 Industrial Park Road
ABM Electrical Power Services, LLC [email protected]
(860) 648-1013 Ebensburg, PA 15931
6940 Koll Center Pkwy Suite# 100 www.absolutetesting.com
[email protected] (814) 472-7980
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Accessible Consulting Engineers, Inc. www.aetco.us [email protected]
(408) 466-6920
1269 Pomona Rd Ste 111 Gerald Poulin Sam Morello
ABM Electrical Power Services, LLC Corona, CA 92882-7158
9800 E Geddes Ave Unit A-150 (951) 808-1040
Englewood, CO 80112-9306 [email protected]
(303) 524-6560 www.acetesting.com

122 • SUMMER 2022 NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES

 NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES Setting the Standard

BEC Testing CBS Field Services CE Power Engineered Services, LLC Dude Electrical Testing, LLC
50 Gazza Blvd 5505 Daniels St. 1803 Taylor Ave. 145 Tower Drive, Unit 9
Farmingdale, NY 11735-1402 Chino, CA 91710 Louisville, KY 40213 Burr Ridge, IL 60527-7840
(631) 393-6800 (602) 426-1667 (800) 434-0415 (815) 293-3388
[email protected] Matt Wallace [email protected] [email protected]
www.bectesting.com www.cepower.net www.dudetesting.com
CBS Field Services
Eric Croner Scott Dude
Blue Runner Switchgear Testing, LLC 620 Meadow Ln.
924 Highway 98 East Los Alamos, NM 87547 CE Power Engineered Services, LLC Eastern High Voltage, Inc.
Suite C-200 (505) 469-1661 1200 W. West Maple Rd. 11A S Gold Dr
Destin, FL 32541 Walled Lake, MI 48390 Robbinsville, NJ 08691-1685
CBS Field Services
(270) 590-4974 (810) 229-6628 (609) 890-8300
5385 Gateway Boulevard #19-21
[email protected] www.cepower.net [email protected]
Lakeland, FL 33811
www.bluerunnerswitchgear.com Ryan Wiegand www.easternhighvoltage.com
(810) 720-2280
Chris Neitzel Robert Wilson
CE Power Engineered Services, LLC
CE Power Engineered Services, LLC
Burlington Electrical Testing Co., LLC 10840 Murdock Drive Electek Power Services, Inc.
4040 Rev Drive
300 Cedar Ave Knoxville, TN 37932 870 Confederation Street
Cincinnati, OH 45232
Croydon, PA 19021-6051 (800) 434-0415 Sarnia, ON N7T2E5
(800) 434-0415
(215) 826-9400 [email protected] (519) 383-0333
[email protected]
[email protected] www.cepower.net [email protected]
Jim Cialdea
www.betest.com Don Williams Kathy Gadsby
Walter P. Cleary CE Power Engineered Services, LLC
CE Power Engineered Services, LLC ELECT, P.C.
11620 Crossroads Cir
Burlington Electrical Testing Co., LLC 3496 E. 83rd Place 375 E. Third Street
Middle River, MD 21220-2874
846 Waterford Drive Merrillville, IN 46410 Wendell, NC 27591
(410) 344-0300
Delran, NJ 08075 (219) 942-2346 (919) 365-9775
Peter Earlston
(609) 267-4126 [email protected] [email protected]
CE Power Engineered Services, LLC www.cepower.net www.elect-pc.com
Capitol Area Testing, Inc.
480 Cave Rd Lucas Gallagher Barry W. Tyndall
P.O. Box 259
Nashville, TN 37210-2302
Suite 614 CE Power Engineered Services, LLC Electrical & Electronic Controls
(615) 882-9455
Crownsville, MD 21032 1260 Industrial Park 6149 Hunter Rd
[email protected]
(757) 650-0740 Eveleth, MN 55734 Ooltewah, TN 37363-8762
www.cepower.net
[email protected] (218) 744-4200 (423) 344-7666
Dave Mitchell
www.capitolareatesting.com Joseph Peterson [email protected]
Carl VanHooijdonk CE Power Engineered Services, LLC Michael Hughes
CE Power Engineered Services, LLC
4089 Landisville Rd.
CBS Field Services 401 Independence Pkwy S Electrical Energy Experts, LLC
Doylestown, PA 18902
14311 29th St E La Porte, TX 77571 W129N10818 Washington Dr
(215) 364-5333
Sumner, WA 98390-9690 (361) 443-7714 Germantown, WI 53022-4446
(253) 891-1995 CE Power Engineered Services, LLC Dusty Nations (262) 255-5222
[email protected] 40 Washington St [email protected]
CE Power Solutions of Florida, LLC
www.westernelectricalservices.com Westborough, MA 01581-1088 www.electricalenergyexperts.com
3502 Riga Blvd., Suite C
Dan Hook (508) 881-3911 Tim Casey
Tampa, FL 33619
[email protected]
CBS Field Services (866) 439-2992 Electrical Energy Experts, LLC
www.cepower.net
12794 Currie Court [email protected] 815 Commerce Dr.
Jim Cialdea
Livonia, MI 48150 www.cepowersol.com Oak Brook, IL 60523
(810) 720-2280 CE Power Engineered Services, LLC Robert Bordas (847) 875-5611
[email protected] 9200 75th Avenue N Michael Hanek
CE Power Solutions of Florida, LLC
www.powertechservices.com Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
3801 SW 47th Avenue Suite 505 Electrical Engineering & Service Co., Inc.
(877) 968-0281
CBS Field Services Davie, FL 33314 289 Centre St.
[email protected]
5680 S 32nd St (866) 439-2992 Holbrook, MA 02343
www.cepower.net
Phoenix, AZ 85040-3832 [email protected] (781) 767-9988
Cameron Dooley
(602) 426-1667 www.cepowersol.com [email protected]
www.westernelectricalservices.com CE Power Engineered Services, LLC Robert Bordas www.eescousa.com
www.westernelectricalservices.com 72 Sanford Drive Joe Cipolla
CFM Services, Inc.
Gorham, ME 04038
CBS Field Services 845 St-Jaques local 600 Electrical Equipment Upgrading, Inc.
(800) 649-6314
3676 W California Ave Ste C106 St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3B 2N2 21 Telfair Pl
[email protected]
Salt Lake City, UT 84104-6533 (514) 436-0052 Savannah, GA 31415-9518
www.cepower.net
(888) 395-2021 [email protected] (912) 232-7402
Michael Roach
www.westernelectricalservices.com www.cfmservices.ca [email protected]
www.westernelectricalservices.com CE Power Engineered Services, LLC Frederic Morin www.eeu-inc.com
8490 Seward Rd. Kevin Miller
CBS Field Services Control Power Concepts
Fairfield, OH 45011
4510 NE 68th Dr Unit 122 141 Quail Run Rd
(800) 434-0415
Vancouver, WA 98661-1261 Henderson, NV 89014
[email protected]
(888) 395-2021 (702) 448-7833
www.cepower.net
www.westernelectricalservices.com [email protected]
Jerry Daugherty
Jason Carlson www.controlpowerconcepts.com

NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES NETAWORLD • 123

NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES Setting the Standard

Electrical Reliability Services Electrical Reliability Services Electrical Reliability Services Electric Power Systems, Inc.
610 Executive Campus Dr 1380 Greg St. Ste. 216 8983 University Blvd 1090 Montour West Ind Park
Westerville, OH 43082-8870 Sparks, NV 89431-6070 Ste. 104. #158 Coraopolis, PA 15108-9307
(877) 468-6384 (775) 746-4466 North Charleston, SC 29406 (412) 276-4559
[email protected] www.electricalreliability.com (843) 797-0514 [email protected]
www.electricalreliability.com www.epsii.com
Electrical Reliability Services Electrical Reliability Services
Jon Rapuk
Electrical Reliability Services 11000 Metro Pkwy Ste 30 13720 Old St. Augustine Rd.
5909 Sea Lion Pl Ste C Fort Myers, FL 33966-1244 Ste. 8 #310 Electric Power Systems, Inc.
Carlsbad, CA 92010-6634 (239) 693-7100 Jacksonville, FL 32258 4300 NE 34th Street
(858) 695-9551 www.electricalreliability.com (904) 292-9779 Kansas City, MO 64117
www.electricalreliability.com (816) 241-9990
Electrical Reliability Services Electrical Reliability Services
[email protected]
Electrical Reliability Services 245 Hood Road 4099 SE International Way Ste 201
www.epsii.com
1057 Doniphan Park Cir Ste A Sulphur, LA 70665-8747 Milwaukie, OR 97222-8853
Rodrigo Lallana
El Paso, TX 79922-1329 (337) 583-2411 (503) 653-6781
(915) 587-9440 [email protected] www.electricalreliability.com Electric Power Systems, Inc.
www.electricalreliability.com www.electricalreliability.com 1230 N Hobson St.
Electrical Testing and Maintenance Corp.
Suite 101
Electrical Reliability Services Electrical Reliability Services 3673 Cherry Rd Ste 101
Gilbert, AZ 85233
6900 Koll Center Pkwy Ste 415 9736 South Sandy Pkwy 500 West Memphis, TN 38118-6313
(480) 633-1490
Pleasanton, CA 94566-3119 Sandy, UT 84070 (901) 566-5557
[email protected]
(925) 485-3400 (801) 561-0987 [email protected]
www.epsii.com
www.electricalreliability.com www.electricalreliability.com www.etmcorp.net
Mike Benitez
Ron Gregory
Electrical Reliability Services Electrical Reliability Services
Electric Power Systems, Inc.
8500 Washington St NE Ste A6 6351 Hinson Street, Suite A Electrical Testing, Inc.
915 Holt Ave Unit 9
Albuquerque, NM 87113-1861 Las Vegas, NV 89118-6851 2671 Cedartown Hwy SE
Manchester, NH 03109-5606
(505) 822-0237 (702) 597-0020 Rome, GA 30161-3894
(603) 657-7371
www.electricalreliability.com www.electricalreliability.com (706) 234-7623
[email protected]
[email protected]
Electrical Reliability Services Electrical Reliability Services www.epsii.com
www.electricaltestinginc.com
2275 Northwest Pkwy SE Ste 180 36572 Luke Drive Sam Bossee
Marietta, GA 30067-9319 Geismar, LA 70734 Electrical Testing Solutions
Electric Power Systems, Inc.
(770) 541-6600 (225) 647-0732 2909 Greenhill Ct
3806 Caboose Place
www.electricalreliability.com www.electricalreliability.com Oshkosh, WI 54904-9769
Sanford, FL 32771
www.electricalreliability.com (920) 420-2986
Electrical Reliability Services (407) 578-6424
[email protected]
12130 Mora Drive Electrical Reliability Services [email protected]
www.electricaltestingsolutions.com/
Unit 1 9636 Saint Vincent Ave Unit A www.epsii.com
Tito Machado
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 Shreveport, LA 71106-7127 Justin McGinn
(562) 236-9555 (318) 869-4244 Electric Power Systems, Inc.
Electric Power Systems, Inc.
www.electricalreliability.com 21 Millpark Ct
Electrical Reliability Services 1129 E Highway 30
Maryland Heights, MO 63043-3536
Electrical Reliability Services 1426 Sens Rd. Ste. #5 Gonzales, LA 70737-4759
(314) 890-9999
400 NW Capital Dr La Porte, TX 77571-9656 (225) 644-0150
[email protected]
Lees Summit, MO 64086-4723 (281) 241-2800 [email protected]
www.epsii.com
(816) 525-7156 www.electricalreliability.com www.epsii.com
James Vaughn
www.electricalreliability.com Josh Galaz
Electrical Reliability Services
Electric Power Systems, Inc.
Electrical Reliability Services 9753 S. 140th Street, Suite 109 Electric Power Systems, Inc.
11211 E. Arapahoe Rd
7100 Broadway Ste 7E Omaha, NE 68138 684 Melrose Avenue
Ste 108
Denver, CO 80221-2900 (402) 861-9168 Nashville, TN 37211-3121
Centennial, CO 80112
(303) 427-8809 (615) 834-0999
Electrical Reliability Services (720) 857-7273
www.electricalreliability.com [email protected]
190 E. Stacy Road [email protected]
www.epsii.com
Electrical Reliability Services 306 #374 www.epsii.com
James Vaughn
2222 W Valley Hwy N Ste 160 Allen, TX 75002 Mike Benitez
Auburn, WA 98001-1655 (972) 788-0979 Electric Power Systems, Inc.
Electric Power Systems, Inc.
(253) 736-6010 2888 Nationwide Parkway
Electrical Reliability Services 120 Turner Road
www.electricalreliability.com 2nd Floor
4833 Berewick Town Ctr Drive Salem, VA 24153-5120
Brunswick, OH 44212
Electrical Reliability Services Ste E-207 (540) 375-0084
(330) 460-3706
221 E. Willis Road, Suite 3 Charlotte, NC 28278 [email protected]
[email protected]
Chandler, AZ 85286 (704) 583-4794 www.epsii.com
www.epsii.com
(480) 966-4568 Richard Kessler
Electrical Reliability Services Jon Rapuk
www.electricalreliability.com
324 S. Wilmington St.
Ste 299
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 807-0995

124 • SUMMER 2022 NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES

 NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES Setting the Standard

Electric Power Systems, Inc. Electric Power Systems, Inc. Elemco Services, Inc. Halco Testing Services
54 Eisenhower Lane North 6679 Peachtree Industrial Dr. 228 Merrick Rd 5773 Venice Boulevard
Lombard, IL 60148 Suite H Lynbrook, NY 11563-2622 Los Angeles, CA 90019
(815) 577-9515 Norcross, GA 30092 (631) 589-6343 (323) 933-9431
[email protected] (770) 416-0684 [email protected] www.halcotestingservices.com
www.epsii.com [email protected] www.elemco.com Don Genutis
George Bratkiv www.epsii.com Courtney Gallo
Hampton Tedder Technical Services
Justin McGinn
Electric Power Systems, Inc. EnerG Test, LLC 4563 State St
1330 Industrial Blvd. Electric Power Systems, Inc. 206 Gale Lane Montclair, CA 91763-6129
Suite 300 306 Ashcake Road suite A Kennett Square, PA 19348 (909) 628-1256
Sugar Land, TX 77478 Ashland, VA 23005 (484) 731-0200 [email protected]
(713) 644-5400 (804) 526-6794 [email protected] www.httstesting.com
[email protected] [email protected] www.energtest.com Chasen Tedder
www.epsii.com www.epsii.com
EPS Technology Hampton Tedder Technical Services
Chris Price
Electric Power Systems, Inc. 37 Ozick Dr. 3747 W Roanoke Ave
56 Bibber Pkwy # 1 Electric Power Systems, Inc. Durham, CT 06422 Phoenix, AZ 85009-1359
Brunswick, ME 04011-7357 7169 East 87th St. (203) 679-0145 (480) 967-7765
(207) 837-6527 Indianapolis, IN 46256 www.eps-technology.com www.httstesting.com
[email protected] (317) 941-7502 Sean Miller Linc McNitt
www.epsii.com [email protected]
ESR Electrical Services Hampton Tedder Technical Services
Sam Bosse www.epsii.com
425 S. 48th Street 4113 Wagon Trail Ave.
Ben Hocking
Electric Power Systems, Inc. Suite 114 Las Vegas, NV 89118
1361 Glory Rd Electric Power Systems, Inc. Tempe, AZ 85281 (702) 452-9200
Green Bay, WI 54304-5640 7308 Aspen Lane North (661) 644-2430 www.httstesting.com
(920) 632-7929 Suite 160 [email protected] Roger Cates
[email protected] Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 Jacob Webb
Harford Electrical Testing Co., Inc.
www.energisinc.com (763) 315-3520
ESR Electrical Services 1108 Clayton Rd
[email protected]
Electric Power Systems, Inc. 5009 Pacific Hwy East, Unit 13 Joppa, MD 21085-3409
www.epsii.com
11861 Longsdorf St Fife, WA 98424 (410) 679-4477
Paul Cervantez
Riverview, MI 48193-4250 (800) 342-4560 [email protected]
(734) 282-3311 Electric Power Systems, Inc. [email protected] www.harfordtesting.com
[email protected] 140 Lakefront Drive Charles Duncan III
High Energy Electrical Testing, Inc.
www.epsii.com Cockeysville, MD 21030
ESR Electrical Services 5042 Industrial Road, Unit D
Greg Eakins (443) 689-2220
3204 NE 13th Place Farmingdale, NJ 07727
[email protected]
Electric Power Systems, Inc. Hillsboro, OR 97124 (732) 938-2275
www.epsii.com
4416 Anaheim Ave. NE (800) 342-4560 [email protected]
Jon Rapuk
Albuquerque, NM 87113 [email protected] www.highenergyelectric.com
(505) 792-7761 Electric Power Systems, Inc. Charles Duncan III
High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
[email protected] 783 N. Grove Rd Suite 101
ESR Electrical Services 5100 Energy Dr
www.epsii.com Richardson, TX 75081
1737 NE 8th Street Dayton, OH 45414-3525
Mike Benitez (214) 821-3311
Hermiston, OR 97838 (937) 278-0811
Thomas Coon
Electric Power Systems, Inc. (800) 342-4560 www.hvmcorp.com
3209 Gresham Lake Rd. Electric Power Systems, Inc. [email protected]
High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
Suite 155 11912 NE 95th St. Suite 306 Charles Duncan III
24 Walpole Park S
Raleigh, NC 27615 Vancouver, WA 98682
ESR Electrical Services Walpole, MA 02081-2541
(919) 322-2670 (855) 459-4377
23421 Spicebush Terrace (508) 668-9205
[email protected] [email protected]
Ashburn, VA 20148 www.hvmcorp.com
www.epsii.com www.epsii.com
(800) 342-4560
Yigitcan Unludag Anthony Asciutto High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
[email protected]
1052 Greenwood Springs Rd.
Electric Power Systems, Inc. Electric Power Systems, Inc. Jacob Webb
Suite E
5850 Polaris Ave., Suite 1600 Padre Mariano
Giga Electrical & Technical Services, Inc. Greenwood, IN 46143
Las Vegas, NV 89118 272, Of. 602
5926 E. Washington Boulevard (317) 322-2055
(702) 815-1342 Providencia, Santiago,
Commerce, CA 90040 www.hvmcorp.com
[email protected]
Electro Test, LLC (323) 255-5894 www.hvmcorp.com
www.epsii.com
401 N. Cane Street [email protected]
Devin Hopkins High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
Unit A-4 www.gigaelectrical-ca.com/
355 Vista Park Dr
Electric Power Systems, Inc. Wahiawa, HI 96786 Hermin Machacon
Pittsburgh, PA 15205-1206
7925 Dunbrook Rd. (808) 321-2028
Grubb Engineering, Inc. (412) 747-0550
Suite G [email protected]
2727 North Saint Mary’s St. www.hvmcorp.com
San Diego, CA 92126 www.electrotest.pro
San Antonio, TX 78212
(858) 566-6317 Brad Helminen
(210) 658-7250
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.epsii.com
www.grubbengineering.com
Devin Hopkins
Robert Grubb

NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES NETAWORLD • 125

NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES Setting the Standard

High Voltage Maintenance Corp. Hood Patterson & Dewar, Inc. KT Industries, Inc. Magna IV Engineering
8787 Tyler Blvd. 15924 Midway Road 3203 Fletcher Drive 10947 92 Ave
Mentor, OH 44061 Addison, TX 75001 Los Angeles, CA 90065 Grande Prairie, AB T8V 3J3
(440) 951-2706 (214) 461-0760 (323) 255-7143 1.800.462.3157
www.hvmcorp.com [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
www.hvmcorp.com https://hoodpd.com/ ktiengineering.com Matthew Britton
Greg Barlett Eric Vaca
Hood Patterson & Dewar, Inc. Magna IV Engineering
High Voltage Maintenance Corp. 4511 Daly Dr. Magna IV Engineering 531 Coster St.
24371 Catherine Industrial Dr Ste Suite 1 1103 Parsons Rd. SW Bronx, NY 10474
207 Chantilly, VA 20151 Edmonton, AB T6X 0X2 (800) 462-3157
Novi, MI 48375-2422 (571) 299-6773 (780) 462-3111 [email protected]
(248) 305-5596 [email protected] [email protected] Donald Orbin
www.hvmcorp.com https://hoodpd.com/ www.magnaiv.com
Midwest Engineering Consultants, Ltd.
Virginia Balitski
High Voltage Maintenance Corp. Hood Patterson & Dewar, Inc. 2500 36th Ave
3000 S Calhoun Rd 1531 Hunt Club Blvd Magna IV Engineering Moline, IL 61265-6954
New Berlin, WI 53151-3549 Ste 200 141 Fox Cresent (309) 764-1561
(262) 784-3660 Gallatin, TN 37066 Fort McMurray, AB T9K 0C1 [email protected]
www.hvmcorp.com (615) 527-7084 (780) 791-3122 www.Midwestengr.com
[email protected] [email protected] Monte Moorehead
High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
https://hoodpd.com/ Ryan Morgan
1 Penn Plaza M&L Power Systems, Inc.
Suite 500 Industrial Electric Testing, Inc. Magna IV Engineering 109 White Oak Ln Ste 82
New York, NY 10119 11321 Distribution Ave W 3124 Millar Ave. Old Bridge, NJ 08857-1980
(718) 239-0359 Jacksonville, FL 32256-2746 Saskatoon, SK S7K 5Y2 (732) 679-1800
www.hvmcorp.com (904) 260-8378 (306) 713-2167 [email protected]
[email protected] [email protected] www.mlpower.com
High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
www.industrialelectrictesting.com Adam Jaques Milind Bagle
29 Diana Court
Gary Benzenberg
Cheshire, CT 06410 Magna IV Engineering MTA Electrical Engineers
(203) 949-2650 Industrial Electric Testing, Inc. 96 Inverness Dr E Ste R 350 Pauma Place
www.hvmcorp.com 201 NW 1st Ave Englewood, CO 80112-5311 Escondido, CA 92029
www.hvmcorp.com Hallandale Beach, FL 33009-4029 (303) 799-1273 (760) 658-6098
Peter Dobrowolski (954) 456-7020 [email protected] [email protected]
[email protected] Kevin Halma Timothy G. Shaw
High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
www.industrialelectrictesting.com
941 Busse Rd Magna IV Engineering MUSE
Gary Benzenberg
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-2400 Avenida del Condor sur #590 1000 23rd Ave BLDG 1360
(847) 640-0005 Industrial Tests, Inc. Oficina 601 Port Hueneme, CA 93043
4021 Alvis Ct Ste 1 Huechuraba, (805) 982-1178
High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
Rocklin, CA 95677-4031 8580676 [email protected]
(410) 279-0798
(916) 296-1200 +(56) -2-26552600 Waverly Holland
www.hvmcorp.com
[email protected] [email protected]
National Field Services
High Voltage Maintenance Corp. www.industrialtests.com Harvey Mendoza
651 Franklin
10704 Electron Drive Greg Poole
Magna IV Engineering Lewisville, TX 75057-2301
Louisville, KY 40299
Infra-Red Building and Power Service, Inc. Unit 110, 19188 94th Avenue (972) 420-0157
(859) 371-5355
152 Centre St Surrey, BC V4N 4X8 [email protected]
High Voltage Maintenance Corp. Holbrook, MA 02343-1011 (604) 421-8020 www.natlfield.com
1 Penn Plaza, Suite 1500 (781) 767-0888 [email protected] Eric Beckman
New York, NY 10119 [email protected] Rob Caya
National Field Services
(718) 239-0359 www.infraredbps.com
Magna IV Engineering 1760 W. Walker Street
New York Area Service Center Thomas McDonald Sr.
Suite 200, 688 Heritage Dr. SE Suite 100
High Voltage Maintenance Corp. JET Electrical Testing, LLC Calgary, AB T2H 1M6 League City, TX 77573
Cincinnati/Kentucky 100 Lenox Drive (403) 723-0575 (800) 420-0157
Area Satellite Office Suite 100 [email protected] [email protected]
(859) 371-5355 Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Morgan MacDonnell Donald Haas
(609) 285-2800
Hood Patterson & Dewar, Inc. Magna IV Engineering National Field Services
[email protected]
850 Center Way 4407 Halik Street Building E 1405 United Drive
jetelectricaltesting.com
Norcross, GA 30071 Suite 300 Suite 113-115
Joe Vasta
(770) 453-1415 Pearland, TX 77581 San Marcos, TX 78666
[email protected] J.G. Electrical Testing Corporation (346) 221-2165 (800) 420-0157
https://hoodpd.com/ 3092 Shafto Road [email protected] [email protected]
Brandon Sedgwick Suite 13 www.magnaiv.com www.natlfield.com
Tinton Falls, NJ 07753 Aric Proskurniak Matthew LaCoss
(732) 217-1908
[email protected]
www.jgelectricaltesting.com

126 • SUMMER 2022 NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES

 NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES Setting the Standard

National Field Services Pacific Powertech Inc. Power Products & Solutions, LLC Power Systems Testing Co.
3711 Regulus Ave. #110, 2071 Kingsway Ave. 6605 W WT Harris Blvd 4688 W Jennifer Ave Ste 108
Las Vegas, NV 89102 Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 6N2 Suite F Fresno, CA 93722-6418
(888) 296-0625 (604) 944-6697 Charlotte, NC 28269 (559) 275-2171 ext 15
www.natlfield.com [email protected] (704) 573-0420 x12 [email protected]
www.pacificpowertech.ca [email protected] www.powersystemstesting.com
National Field Services
Owen Kirby www.powerproducts.biz David Huffman
2900 Vassar St. #114
Adis Talovic
Reno, NV 89502 Pacific Power Testing, Inc. Power Systems Testing Co.
(775) 410-0430 14280 Doolittle Dr Power Products & Solutions, LLC 600 S Grand Ave Ste 113
[email protected] San Leandro, CA 94577-5542 13 Jenkins Ct Santa Ana, CA 92705-4152
www.natlfield.com (510) 351-8811 Mauldin, SC 29662-2414 (714) 542-6089
Tylor Pereza [email protected] (800) 328-7382 www.powersystemstesting.com
www.pacificpowertesting.com [email protected]
National Field Services Power Systems Testing Co.
Steve Emmert www.powerproducts.biz
21818 S. Wiliminton Ave #409 6736 Preston Ave Ste E
Raymond Pesaturo
Carson, CA 90810 Phasor Engineering Livermore, CA 94551-8521
(310) 549-5673 Sabaneta Industrial Park #216 Power Products & Solutions, LLC (510) 783-5096
Butch Bustamante Mercedita, PR 00715 9481 Industrial Center Dr. www.powersystemstesting.com
(787) 844-9366 Unit 5
Nationwide Electrical Testing, Inc. Power Test, Inc.
[email protected] Ladson, SC 29456
6515 Bentley Ridge Drive 2220 Hwy 49
www.phasorinc.com (844) 383-8617
Cumming, GA 30040 Harrisburg, NC 28075-7506
Rafael Castro www.powerproducts.biz
(770) 667-1875 (704) 200-8311
www.powerproducts.biz
[email protected] Potomac Testing [email protected]
www.n-e-t-inc.com 1610 Professional Blvd Ste A Power Solutions Group, Ltd. www.powertestinc.com
Crofton, MD 21114-2051 425 W Kerr Rd
North Central Electric, Inc. Praetorian Power Protection, LLC
(301) 352-1930 Tipp City, OH 45371-2843
69 Midway Ave PO Box 3366
[email protected] (937) 506-8444
Hulmeville, PA 19047-5827 Lynnwood, WA 98046
www.potomactesting.com [email protected]
(215) 945-7632 (206) 612-6367
Ken Bassett www.powersolutionsgroup.com
[email protected] [email protected]
Barry Willoughby
www.ncetest.com Potomac Testing Michael Chislett
Robert Messina 1991 Woodslee Dr Power Solutions Group, Ltd.
Precision Testing Group
Troy, MI 48083-2236 251 Outerbelt St.
Orbis Engineering Field Services Ltd. 5475 Highway 86 Unit 1
(248) 689-8980 Columbus, OH 43213
#300, 9404 - 41st Ave. Elizabeth, CO 80107-7451
[email protected] (614) 310-8018
Edmonton, AB T6E 6G8 (303) 621-2776
www.northerntesting.com [email protected]
(780) 988-1455 [email protected]
Lyle Detterman www.powersolutionsgroup.com
[email protected] www.precisiontestinggroup.com
www.orbisengineering.net Potomac Testing Power Solutions Group, Ltd.
Premier Power Maintenance Corporation
12342 Hancock St 5115 Old Greenville Highway
Orbis Engineering Field Services Ltd. 4035 Championship Drive
Carmel, IN 46032-5807 Liberty, SC 29657
#228 - 18 Royal Vista Link NW Indianapolis, IN 46268
(317) 853-6795 (864) 540-8434
Calgary, AB T3R 0K4 (317) 879-0660
[email protected]
(403) 374-0051 Potomac Testing [email protected]
www.powersolutionsgroup.com
Amin Kassam 1130 MacArthur Rd.
Anthony Crawford Premier Power Maintenance Corporation
Jeffersonville, OH 43128
Orbis Engineering Field Services Ltd. 2725 Jason Rd
Power Solutions Group, Ltd.
Badajoz #45, Piso 17 Power Engineering Services, Inc. Ashland, KY 41102-7756
172 B-Industrial Dr.
Las Condes 9179 Shadow Creek Ln (606) 929-5969
Clarksville, TN 37040
Santiago, Converse, TX 78109-2041 [email protected]
(931) 572-8591
+56 2 29402343 (210) 590-6214 www.premierpowermaintenance.com
Chris Brown
[email protected] [email protected] Jay Milstead
Felipe Ramos www.pe-svcs.com PowerSouth Testing, LLC
Premier Power Maintenance Corporation
130 W. Porter St.
Pace Technologies, Inc. Power Engineering Services, Inc. 3066 Finley Island Cir NW
Suite 120
9604 - 41 Avenue NW 4041 Ellis Road Suite 100 Decatur, AL 35601-8800
Cartersville, GA 30120
Edmonton, AB T6E 6G9 Friendswood, TX 77546 (256) 355-1444
(678) 901-0205
(780) 450-0404 (210) 590-4936 [email protected]
[email protected]
www.pacetechnologies.com [email protected] www.premierpowermaintenance.com
www.powersouthtesting.com
www.pe-svcs.com Johnnie McClung
Pace Technologies, Inc.
Power System Professionals, Inc.
#10, 883 McCurdy Place Power Engineering Services, Inc. Premier Power Maintenance Corporation
429 Clinton Ave
Kelowna, BC V1X 8C8 1001 Doris Lane 7262 Kensington Rd.
Roseville, CA 95678
(250) 712-0091 Suite E Brighton, MI 48116
(866) 642-3129
Cedar Park, TX 78613 (517) 715-9997
Pace Technologies, Inc. [email protected]
(210) 590-4936 [email protected]
110-7685 56 St. SE James Burmeister
[email protected] Steve Monte
Calgary, AB T2C 5S7
www.pe-svcs.com
(780) 450-0404
[email protected]
Micah Collins

NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES NETAWORLD • 127

NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES Setting the Standard

Premier Power Maintenance Corporation RESA Power Service Saber Power Field Services, LLC Shermco Industries
1901 Oakcrest Ave., Suite 6 2300 Zanker Road 9841 Saber Power Ln 2425 E Pioneer Dr
Saint Paul, MN 55113 Suite D Rosharon, TX 77583-5188 Irving, TX 75061-8919
(612) 430-0209 San Jose, CA 95131 (713) 222-9102 (972) 793-5523
[email protected] (800) 576-7372 [email protected] [email protected]
Zac Mrdjenovich [email protected] www.saberpowerfieldservices.com www.shermco.com
www.resapower.com Mitchell Tummins
Premier Power Maintenance Corporation Shermco Industries
119 Rochester Dr. RESA Power Service Saber Power Field Services, LLC 112 Industrial Drive
Louisville, KY 40214 1401 Mercantile Court 9006 Western View Minooka, IL 60447-9557
(256) 200-6833 Plant City, FL 33563 Helotes, TX 78023 (815) 467-5577
[email protected] (813) 752-6550 (210) 444-9514 [email protected]
Jeremiah Evans [email protected] [email protected]
Shermco Industries
www.resapower.com www.saberpowerfieldservices.com
QP Testing, LLC 233 Faithfull Cr.
Matt Rice Jacob Norsworthy
15941 S Harlem Saskatoon, SK S7K 8H7
Suite 222 RESA Power Service Saber Power Field Services, LLC (306) 955-8131
Tinley Park, IL 60477 6268 Route 31 1908 Lone Star Rd. Suite A-D www.shermco.com
(815) 724-2216 Cicero, NY 13039 Mansfield, TX 76063
Shermco Industries
[email protected] (315) 699-5563 (682) 518-3676
2231 E Jones Ave Ste A
Steve Pioppo [email protected] [email protected]
Phoenix, AZ 85040-1475
Art McManus www.saberpowerfieldservices.com
RESA Power Service (602) 438-7500
Wesley Osborne
50613 Varsity Ct. RESA Power Service [email protected]
Wixom, MI 48393 #181-1999 Savage Road, Saber Power Field Services, LLC
Shermco Industries
(248) 313-6868 Vancouver, BC V6V OA5 433 Sun Belt Dr. Suite C
1711 Hawkeye Dr.
[email protected] (604) 303-9770 Corpus Christi, TX 78408
Hiawatha, IA 52233
www.resapower.com [email protected] (361) 452-1695
(319) 377-3377
Ralph Schmoor [email protected]
RESA Power Service [email protected]
www.saberpowerfieldservices.com
3890 Pheasant Ridge Dr. NE RESA Power Service www.shermco.com
John Norsworthy
Suite 170 3190 Holmgren Way
Shermco Industries
Blaine, MN 55449 Green Bay, WI 54304 Saber Power Field Services, LLC
1705 Hur Industrial Blvd
(763) 784-4040 (920) 639-0742 6097 Old Jefferson Hwy
Cedar Park, TX 78613-7229
[email protected] [email protected] Geismar, LA 70734
(512) 267-4800
www.resapower.com Kevin Carr (877) 912-9102
[email protected]
Mike Mavetz [email protected]
RESA Power Service www.shermco.com
www.saberpowerfieldservices.com
RESA Power Service 4552 Happy Valley Rd
Colin Bamber Shermco Industries
6148 Tim Crews Rd Cave City, KY 42127
7015-8 St NE
Macclenny, FL 32063-4036 (270) 670-7942 Saber Power Field Services, LLC
Calgary, AB T2E 8A2
(904) 653-1900 [email protected] 9672 IH-10
(403) 769-9300
[email protected] Matthew Scott Reynolds Orange, TX 77632
www.shermco.com
Mark Chapman (346) 335-7011
RESA Power Service
[email protected] Shermco Industries
RESA Power Service 1010 N. Plaza Drive
www.saberpowerfieldservices.com 5145 Beaver Dr
4540 Boyce Parkway Visalia, CA 93291
Wesley Osborne Johnston, IA 50131
Cleveland, OH 44224 (559) 651-0141
(515) 265-3377
(800) 264-1549 [email protected] Saber Power Field Services, LLC
[email protected]
[email protected] Sean Broderick 2611 S. County Road 1206
www.shermco.com
www.resapower.com Midland, TX 79706
RESA Power Service
Garth Paul (877) 912-9102 Shermco Industries
2443 W. 12th St. Suite #3
[email protected] 4510 South 86th East Ave.
RESA Power Service Tempe, AZ 85281
Jacob Norsworthy Tulsa, OK 74145
19621 Solar Circle, 101 (480) 730-8871
(918) 234-2300
Parker, CO 80134 [email protected] Scott Testing, Inc.
[email protected]
(303) 781-2560 Brandon Carrasco 245 Whitehead Rd
www.shermco.com
[email protected] Hamilton, NJ 08619
Rondar Inc.
John Leusink (609) 689-3400 Shermco Industries
333 Centennial Parkway North
[email protected] 1375 Church Avenue
RESA Power Service Hamilton, ON L8E2X6
www.scotttesting.com Winnipeg, MB R2X 2T7
40 Oliver Terrace (905) 561-2808
Russ Sorbello (204) 925-4022
Shelton, CT 06484-5336 [email protected]
www.shermco.com
(800) 272-7711 www.rondar.com Sentinel Field Services, LLC
[email protected] Rajeel Shaikh 7517 E Pine St Shermco Industries
Adam Stevens Tulsa, OK 74115-5729 1033 Kearns Crescent
Rondar Inc.
(918) 359-0350 RM of Sherwood, SK S4K 0A2
RESA Power Service 9-160 Konrad Crescent
[email protected] (306) 949-8131
13837 Bettencourt Street Markham, ON L3R9T9
www.sentfs.com
Cerritos, CA 90703 (905) 943-7640 Shermco Industries
Vignesh Palanichamy
(800) 996-9975 33002 FM 2004
[email protected] Angleton, TX 77515-8157
www.resapower.com (979) 848-1406
Bryan Larkin [email protected]
www.shermco.com

128 • SUMMER 2022 NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES

 NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES Setting the Standard

Shermco Industries Shermco Industries Star Electrical Services & General Titan Quality Power Services, LLC
1355 Central Parkway S #700 7136 Weddington Rd #128 Supplies, Inc. 1501 S Dobson Street
San Antonio, TX 78232 Concord, NC 28027 PO Box 814 Burleson, TX 76028
(210) 392-9175 (910) 568-1053 Las Piedras, PR 00771 (866) 918-4826
[email protected] [email protected] (787) 716-0925 www.titanqps.com
www.shermco.com www.shermco.com [email protected]
Titan Quality Power Services, LLC
www.starelectricalpr.com
Shermco Industries Shermco Industries 7630 Ikes Tree Drive
Aberlardo Hernandez
3731 - 98 Street 9475 Old Hwy 43 Spring, TX 77389
Edmonton, AB T6E 5N2 Creola, AL 36525 Taifa Engineering Ltd. (281) 826-3781
(780) 436-8831 (251) 679-3224 9734-27 Ave NW
Titan Quality Power Services, LLC
www.shermco.com [email protected] Edmonton, AB T6N 1B2
7000 Meany Ave.
(780) 405-4608
Shermco Industries Shermco Industries Bakersfield, CA 93308
[email protected]
417 Commerce Street 5211 Linbar Dr. Suite 507 (661) 589-0400
Tallmadge, OH 44278 Nashville, TN 37211 Taurus Power & Controls, Inc.
Tony Demaria Electric, Inc.
(614) 836-8556 (615) 928-1182 9999 SW Avery St
131 W F St
[email protected] [email protected] Tualatin, OR 97062-9517
Wilmington, CA 90744-5533
www.shermco.com (503) 692-9004
Shermco Industries (310) 816-3130
[email protected]
3807 S Sam Houston Pkwy W Shermco Industries [email protected]
www.tauruspower.com
Houston, TX 77053 #307-2999 Underhill Ave www.tdeinc.com
Rob Bulfinch
(281) 835-3633 Burnaby, BC V5A 3C2 Neno Pasic
[email protected] (972) 793-5523 Taurus Power & Controls, Inc.
US Army Prime Power School
Brad Wager 8714 South 222nd St. STE A
Shermco Industries Bldg 12630, Flw 28
Kent, WA 98031
7050 S.109th Ave Shermco Industries Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473
(425) 656-4170
La Vista, NE 68128 1411 Twin Oaks Street (253) 380-0194
[email protected]
(402) 933-8988 Wichita Falls, TX 76302 [email protected]
www.taruspower.com
[email protected] (972) 793-5523 SSG Brandon Sheppard
Trey Ingram TAW Technical Field Services, Inc.
Shermco Industries Utilities Instrumentation Service, Inc.
5070 Swindell Rd
1301 Hailey St. Shermco Industries 2290 Bishop Cir E
Lakeland, FL 33810-7804
Sweetwater, TX 79556 11800 Jordy Rd. Dexter, MI 48130-1564
(863) 686-5667
(325) 236-9900 Midland, TX 79707 (734) 424-1200
www.tawinc.com
[email protected] (972) 793-5523 [email protected]
www.shermco.com Trey Ingram Tidal Power Services, LLC www.uiscorp.com
4211 Chance Ln Gary Walls
Shermco Industries Shermco Industries
Rosharon, TX 77583-4384
2901 Turtle Creek Dr. 6551 S Revere Parkway Utilities Instrumentation Service - Ohio, LLC
(281) 710-9150
Port Arthur, TX 77642 Suite 275 998 Dimco Way
[email protected]
(409) 853-4316 Centennial, CO 80111 Centerville, OH 45458
www.tidalpowerservices.com
[email protected] (877) 456-1342 (937) 439-9660
Monty Janak
www.shermco.com www.shermco.com www.uiscorp.com
www.shermco.com Tidal Power Services, LLC www.uiscorp.com
Shermco Industries
8184 Highway 44 Ste 105
5145 NW Beaver Dr. Sigma Six Solutions, Inc. Utility Service Corporation
Gonzales, LA 70737-8183
Johnston, IA 50131 2200 W Valley Hwy N Ste 100 PO Box 1471
(225) 644-8170
(515) 265-3377 Auburn, WA 98001-1654 Huntsville, AL 35807
[email protected]
[email protected] (253) 333-9730 (256) 837-8400
www.tidalpowerservices.com
www.shermco.com [email protected] [email protected]
Darryn Kimbrough
www.sigmasix.com www.utilserv.com
Shermco Industries
John White Tidal Power Services, LLC Alan D. Peterson
998 E. Berwood Ave.
1056 Mosswood Dr
Saint Paul, MN 55110 Sigma Six Solutions, Inc. VISTAM, Inc.
Sulphur, LA 70665-9508
(651) 484-5533 www.sigmasix.com 2375 Walnut Ave
(337) 558-5457
[email protected] Quincy, WA 98848 Signal Hill, CA 90755
[email protected]
www.shermco.com (253) 333-9730 (562) 912-7779
www.tidalpowerservices.com
Chris Morgan [email protected]
Shermco Industries Rich McBride
37666 Amrhein Rd Southern New England Electrical Testing,
Tidal Power Services, LLC
Livonia, MI 48150 LLC
1806 Delmar Drive
(734) 469-4050 3 Buel St Ste 4
Victoria, TX 77901
Wallingford, CT 06492-2395
Shermco Industries (281) 710-9150
(203) 269-8778
2080 West Kenny Drive [email protected]
www.sneet.org
Gonzales, LA 70737 Kelly Grahmann
www.sneet.org
(225) 647-9301
John Stratton
[email protected]
www.shermco.com

NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES NETAWORLD • 129

ADVERTISERS
MANUFACTURERS AND
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

AEMC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Aero Tech Laboratories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
BCS Switchgear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Belyea Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Bullock Breakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
INDEPENDENT NETA
Doble Engineering Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
ACCREDITED COMPANIES
Doble Engineering Company, Phenix Technologies. . . . . . . . . . . 111
Absolute Testing Services Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 e-Hazard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
American Electrical Testing Co., LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 ETI Precision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Apparatus Testing and Engineering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 HV Diagnostics, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Burlington Electrical Testing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 High Voltage Electric Service Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Eastern High Voltage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 High Voltage, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Electrical Energy Experts, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 HV Technologies Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Elemco Services Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Intellirent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover
EnerG Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 National Switchgear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Industrial Electric Testing, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 NETA ANSI/NETA ATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
JET Electrical Testing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 NETA Handbook Series III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
North Central Electric, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 NETA PowerTest 2022 Call for Exhibitors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Potomac Testing, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 NETA PowerTest 2023 Call for Sponsors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Power Products & Solutions, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 NETA PowerTest 2023 Save the Date. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Power Systems Testing Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 OMICRON electronics Corp, USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover
Scott Testing Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Protec Equipment Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Shermco Industries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Raytech USA Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover
Taurus Power & Controls Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Sertec Relay Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Tony Demaria Electric, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Team UIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Technitrol, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Thyritronics, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Utility Relay Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

130 • SUMMER 2022 ADVERTISERS

 RELIABLE
SIMPLE TO USE
ACCURATE
LIVE SUPPORT

Known for precision and consistency,

our equipment delivers the highest accuracy
with repeatable results.
Raytech’s
CAPO-12
Ready to go right out of the box, Raytech equipment is simple to use –
just unpack, set up and start testing. Productivity is increased, saving
time and money. Raytech equipment is reliable, specifically made to
is the most powerful,
withstand the harsh environment of the testing industry. This is why
99% of the equipment sold by our company is still in service today,
accurate, easy-to-use
and how we can offer a standard 5-year warranty with every instrument Capacitance
at no additional cost. Free firmware updates are easy to download from Power Factor
our website. Our exceptional 24/7 customer service and support set us
apart. You can always expect reliable, professional and personal assistance,
Test Set available
and we continue to support all instruments manufactured by Raytech.

To learn more about our product lines, request a quote, schedule a demonstration, for sales
or service, contact us 24/7.

888-484-3779 267-404-2676 raytechusa.com

 Brandon Dupuis
Regional Application Specialist

Transformer Testing made quicker

and easier than ever before …
SCAN ME!
… was our vision for our new powerful and lightweight test set.
TESTRANO 600 is the world’s first portable, three-phase test system
that supports all of the common electrical tests done on power
transformers.
With just one set up for multiple tests, TESTRANO 600 significantly
reduces the wiring effort and testing time. Its specially designed
power amplifiers ensure a new level of accuracy, and the multi-
touch color display enables smart and comfortable operation.

www.omicronenergy.com/testrano-600