Get Rid Of

That Annoying

NOISE.

S1-1568
Utility Grade 15kV Insulation
Resistance Tester
Meggers S1-1568 Utility Grade 15kV Insulation
Resistance Tester is designed to make accurate and stable
meaurements in noisy environments, including 765kV
substations, with up to 8 mA of noise reduction.

We help you cut out the noise so you can power on.

us.megger.com/s1
ENERGIZE YOUR FUTURE
Join us in the golden
land of promise.
February 27 through March 3

POWERTEST.ORG 888.300.6382
A N A H E I M C A L I F O R N I A
February 27 - March 3 2017 THE PREMIER ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE & SAFETY EVENT

D I S N E Y L A N D H O T E L
DAY 1 Monday
Weve gathered leaders in the industry and will stage a full day of engaging, 45-minute
presentations sure to expand your thinking and generate new ideas. Choose from 27
detailed presentation track topics.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Improving Human Performance
D. Ray Crow, DRC Consulting Ltd.
Electrical Safety for Contractors (Multi-Employer) Working in
Industrial Facilities
Dennis Neitzel, AVO Training Institute, Inc.
Guarded or Unguarded and Why It Makes a Safety Difference
Jim White, Shermco Industries
Application of Work Flow Process in an Electrical Safety Program
Terry Becker, ESPS Electrical Safety Program Solutions INC.
Human Performance Best Practices in Electrical Safety
Mike Doherty, eHazard
Design, Implementation and Testing of Arc-Flash Mitigation
on Low and Medium-Voltage Systems
Christopher Inshaw, Southwest Energy Systems, LLC
PROTECTIVE RELAYS
Testing High Magnitude Faults on a Transmission Line Using
COMTRADE Records: A Case Study
Mohit Sharma, Chinmay Desai, and Vijay Sundaram, Megger
Testing Protective Relays A Procedural Review
John Cadick and Jefferson Bronfeld, Cadick Corporation
and Dennis Moon, AVO Training Institute, Inc.
Influence of Non-Linear Loads on Generator Differential Protection
Vijay Sundaram and Dhanabal Mani, Megger
Understanding Basic High Speed Tripping and Communications
(Basics of Tone and Carrier Schemes)
Jay Garnett, Doble Engineering Company
End-To-End Testing Methods Compared
Christopher Pritchard and Will Knapek, OMICRON electronics
Corp. USA
Man-Made Faults Line Protection Operation for an Unintended
Phase Cross-Connect Condition
Ryan McDaniel and Jon Larson, Schweitzer Engineering
Laboratories, Inc.
EQUIPMENT & RELIABILITY
How Vacuum Interrupters Work and How They Fail
Finley Ledbetter, Group CBS, Inc.
Commissioning of Plant Electrical System Using Distributed Testing
Randall Sagan, MBUSI
Mose Ramieh III, PGTI, a CE Power Company
Will Knapek, OMICRON electronics Corp. USA
Primary Current Injection Testing: Then and Now
Robert Probst, Megger
How to Choose the Right Power Monitoring Tools
Ross Ignall, Dranetz Technologies
Making Reliability Lean & Mean
Noah Bethel, PdMA
Grounding Fundamentals That Help Avoid Electrical Disasters
David Brender, Copper Development Association
POWER TRANSFORMERS
Why Get Excited about Excitation Current Tests
Keith Hill, Doble Engineering Company
Understanding the Value of Electrical Testing for Power Transformers
Charles Sweetser, OMICRON electronics Corp. USA
Sweep Frequency Response Analysis (SFRA) and the Best Practices
for Reliable Results
Sanket Bolar and Robert Foster, Megger
Emergency Transformer Bushing Replacement
Mark Haas, Power Asset Recovery Corporation and Randy
Williams, ABB
A Systematic Approach to Analyzing Exciting Current
Measurements on Power Transformers
Brandon Dupuis, OMICRON electronics Corp. USA
Cable Fault Location Techniques when Faced with Corroded Neutrals
Robert Probst and Jason Souchak, Megger
BATTERY SYSTEMS
Battery Testing by the Standards and Field Experiences
Daniel Carreo-Perez and Volney Naranjo, Megger
Station Battery Maintenance 101: What You Need to Know
Tom Sandri, Shermco Industries
NERC Requirements for Battery Acceptance and Maintenance Testing
Steve Canale, American Electrical Testing Co., Inc.
SYMPOSIUM
Medium-Voltage Vacuum Circuit Breakers:
An Industy Update
Moderator: David Huffman, Power Systems Testing Co.
Medium-voltage circuit breakers are key and integral to system reliability
and electrical power system performance, and have been a part of the
electrical landscape for many years. This symposium will focus on the
medium-voltage circuit breaker technology, both new and old, and will
provide insight and updates from medium-voltage circuit breaker subject
matter experts.
DAY 2 Tuesday
Tuesday Afternoon
Join in the discussion during the Tuesday morning Panel Sessions.
Select two of the four panel topics and get ready to learn from experts PowerTest 2017 Trade Show
and peers alike. The PowerTest 2017 Trade Show promises more than 100 top-tier
electrical power vendors whose mission is electrical safety and
Panels:
reliability. Enjoy a complimentary lunch and beverages as you tour
Electrical Safety
the show and make connections. The PowerTest 2017 Trade Show
Moderator: Jim White, Shermco Industries
will take place from 12:00 PM 5:30 PM.
Relays
Moderator: Rod Hageman, Shermco Industries
Circuit Breakers
Tuesday Evening
Inc.
Moderator: Dan Hook, Western Electrical Services, Inc. Dont miss the PowerTest 2017 PowerBash Reception!
Power Transformers A gathering you dont want to miss. Enjoy an evening of Southern
Moderator: Jean-Pierre Wolff, Applied Engineering Concepts California charm, awards, and recognitions, while mixing and mingling
to musical entertainment. Tuesday evening from 7:00 PM 10:00 PM.

DAY 3 & 4 Wednesday & Thursday DAY 5 Friday

Two days are dedicated to high-power learning. Choose from 12
in-depth, four hour seminar presentations. PowerTest 2017 Technical
Seminars cover current topic and important industry issues that will
broaden your horizons and expand your knowledge, preparing you
for challenges ahead.
SEMINAR TITLES
The Doble Laboratory Seminar is designed for engineers, chemists,
and others responsible for reviewing data to interpret laboratory results
to detect and identify problems within electric apparatus. The seminar
will be interactive, combining theoretical background with practical
experience and hands-on examples including case studies illustrating
common problems found in the field.

2018 Edition of NFPA 70E Changes

Jim White, Shermco Industries
D. Ray Crow, DRC Consulting Ltd.
Daleep Mohla, DCM Electrical Consulting Services
Relay Troubleshooting 2.0
Ryan McDaniel, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
Power Transformer Commissioning
Hospitality Suites
Donald Platts and Brandon Dupuis, OMICRON electronics Corp. USA Mingle with colleagues and a host of leaders
Understanding Generator Protection at Monday nights hospitality suites. Eight
J. Scott Cooper, OMICRON electronics Corp. USA
companies will offer their own brand of
What Does a Partial Discharge Tell Me and How Do I Perform the Test?
Tom Sandri, Shermco Industries hospitality with uniquely themed suites.
Interpretation of Power Factor and Excitation Test Data 6:00 PM 10:00 PM
Keith Hill and Jay Garnett, Doble Engineering Company
Exploring the Techniques and Philosophies of Testing Electrical Insulation
Tom Sandri, Shermco Industries
Ground Fault Testing per ANSI/NETA ATS and MTS
Tim Reed, Electrical Reliability Services
Mechanical Condition Assessment of Transformers Using Sweep
Frequency Response Analysis
Dinesh Chhajer and Robert Foster, Megger
Advance Ground Testing Concepts and Techniques
John Humphrey and Hilton Mills, Hood-Patterson and Dewar
Advanced Test Techniques for Generator and Transformer Protection
Steve Turner, Beckwith Electric Co., Inc.
Exploring Ohmic Trending of Battery Systems and Battery Capacity
Testing What Do These Tests Tell Me? Which One Should I Use?
Tom Sandri Shermco Industries
 Early Bird Registration is now Open!

Non Members NAC/Alliance

1. Go to www
www.power
.powertest.org
test.org and review the complete
Monday & Tuesday
Tuesday $ 995 $ 895
PowerTest 2017 on-line brochure.
Monday - Thursday $1895 $1695 2. Decide the number of days you will attend the conference.
Single Day $ 580 $ 550 3. Tuesday attendees select up to two panels.
Doble Seminar $ 445 $ 445 (Cost of panels included in the registration fees.)
4. Wednesday attendees register for up to two seminars.
To register for PowerTest 2017, (Cost of seminars included if registered for Monday
save time by registering on-line. Youll nd a complete Thursday.)
brochure and registration form available at 5. Thursday attendees register for up to two seminars.
www.power
www .powertest.org
test.org. (Cost of seminars included if registered for Monday
Thursday.)
Disneyland Hotel 6. Register for Doble Lab Seminar.
714.520.5005 February 4, 2017 (Cost of seminar is in addition to the registration fees.)
1150 Magic Way 7. Sign up for Social Passes. Social pass only needed
Anaheim, CA 92802 PowerTest/NETA for guests of attendees that wish to attend the
$199 hospitality suites, the Trade Show, and the PowerBash
Reception (Cost of passes is in addition to the
*Once you register for PowerTest 2017, you
registration fees.)
will receive a link via email to secure your hotel
reservations at the Disneyland Hotel. 8. Sign up for PowerTest 2017 conference polo shirts
and select size. (Cost of polo shirts is in addition to
NETA accepts all major credit cards. Save the registration fees.)
time and register on-line at www
www.power
.powertest.org
test.org or call
888-300-6382 (NETA)
(NETA).
PowerTest 2017 Technical Papers Registered
conference attendees will receive all PowerTest
technical presentations on a USB drive on site in their
registration bag.
Includes admission to the Hospital-
ity Suites, Trade Show, and the PowerBash reception.
$60 per person. Those registered for Mon-Thurs tech-
nical sessions do not need to purchase a social pass,
as it is included with registration (with exception of the
PowerBash - this is an additional $25).
 Sponsors
C O N F E R E N C E

PREMIUM SPONSORS

HIGH VOLTAGE SPONSORS MEDIUM VOLTAGE SPONSORS

LOW VOLTAGE SPONSORS GENERAL SPONSORS

Megger Best Practices

Join us as Megger hosts a FREE Hands-On Best Practices Seminar at NETAs PowerTest 2017!
Meggers Best Practices Seminars are designed to bring you up to speed on new testing techniques and
technology as well as offer the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning with our expert engineers. Meggers
world-class Applications Engineers utilize their vast industry knowledge and experience to craft an in-depth
program backed by Meggers expertise in the market. This full-day of quality education includes training related
to key industry topics as well as 2 hours of hands-on instruction.

PowerDB Users
Users Group
Annual Users Group Meeting open to licensed users of PowerDB Pro Software. Agenda will include presentations
by the PowerDB Pro development team as well as utility, industrial and contractor groups discussing how this
product is an integral part of their business operations. Pre-registration is required by contacting
PowerDB at (979) 690-7925 ext. 702 or by registering at www.powerdb.com.

New Product Forum

Learn about dozens of the latest products and innovations,
and major expansions by leading industry-specic
manufacturers and suppliers.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

C O VER S T O RY FEAT URES

7 Presidents Desk
Ron Widup, Shermco Industries
NETA President

58 Second Draft Meeting for NFPA 70E

Ron Widup and Jim White, Shermco Industries

64 Why Do A Risk Assessment?

Jim White, Shermco Industries

50
50 Understanding and Maintaining
Critical Service Equipment
All institutions and businesses strive to maintain
a reliable and consistent level of service to their
customers. Many also establish disaster and recovery
plans for unexpected natural disasters or other crisis
situations. An often overlooked but foreseeable
disaster is the failure of the main electrical service
switch for the facility.
John Weber, The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection
and Insurance Company

See Special PowerTest 2017 Insert.

Early Bird Registration Open Now!

TABLE OF CONTENTS NETAWORLD 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY

11 NFPA 70E and NETA 99 Precision Commissioning Through

What Do You Mean, Guarded? Integrated System Testing
Ron Widup and Jim White, Shermco Industries Mark Siira, ComRent International

18 No-Outage Corner SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS

Gauging Transformer Condition
Don A. Genutis, Halco Testing Services 114 ANSI/NETA Standards Update

22 Tech Quiz NETA NEWS

Electrical Risk Assessment
Jim White, Shermco Industries 20 NETA Quarterly Activities
28 Tech Tips 24 NETA Welcomes Newest Accredited
Hazmat Grounding Company Halco Testing Services
Jeff Jowett, Megger
48 NETA Welcomes Newest Accredited
34 Safety Corner
Company Electrical Testing and
Pre-Job Briefings: An Indispensable Safety Tool
Paul Chamberlain, American Electrical Maintenance Corporation
Testing Co., Inc.
108 Join NETA in Celebrating 45 Years
39 Relay Column of Excellence
High-Speed, Communication-Assisted Tripping
and Sectionalizing for Distribution Systems
Steve Turner, Beckwith Electric Company, Inc. NETA NEWS IMPORTANT LISTS

120 NETA Accredited Companies

INDUSTRY TOPICS 126 Advertiser List
69 The Basis for Performing Insulation
Power- Factor Testing on Large Cast
Coil Transformers
Bruce Rockwell, American Electrical Testing Co., Inc.

79 Evaluating Digital Relay Testing Strategies

Brian Cronin, CSA Engineering Services, LLC

89 Cable Fault Location Not for the

Faint of Heart
Tom Sandri, Shermco Industries

4 FALL 2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS

 Knowledge is power
SDMyers courses are eligible
for NETA CTDs NETA continuing technical development (CTDs)
units are required of NETA Certified Technicians

INTELLIGENT TRANSFORMER MANAGEMENT Traci

Warren
Your Training
SDMyers.com | 800.444.9580 & Education
180 South Avenue, Tallmadge, Ohio 44278, USA Advisor

OSHA 29CFR1910.399 definition of a qualified person:

Qualified person. One who has received training in and has demonstrated skills and knowledge
in the construction and operation of electric equipment and installations and the hazards
involved.
Shermcos Electrical Safety for Qualified Workers course meets the minimum
mandated requirements of both OSHA and NFPA 70E.

Shermcos field service technicians are required to complete this course. Shouldnt
you be training with the people who are in the field every day?

Dont risk fines and events due to check-the-box training. Train with the experts. www.shermco.com
Train with Shermco 888-SHERMCO
 04 THE RELIABILITY REVOLUTION: ARE YOU PREPARED?
By Alan M Ross, SD Myers

06 TRAINING AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER:

THE KEY TO OUR CHANGING INDUSTRY
By Wayne Bishop, Jr., OMICRON

F A L L 2 0 1 6 10 CIRCUIT BREAKER TRAINING: BUILD A NETWORK

TO BRIDGE THE KNOWLEDGE GAP
By Steve Skinner, Doble Engineering Company
A NETA World Journal
Special Publication

A publication dedicated
12 CRITICAL SWITCHING PROCEDURES IN TIER 3
AND TIER 4 DATA CENTERS
By Joseph ODwyer and Kevin Kelly, ODwyer Technical Services
to disseminating

16 GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TRAINING PROGRAM

information on technical
and professional training
By Chris Allaire, Shermco Industries
for the advancement
of the electrical power
systems industry.
21 DIRECTORY OF TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

Make training a priority

for you & your team
Learn from the industrys top experts, receive real-world training you can
immediately apply, and build your professional network with various
educational programs offered throughout the year.

LEARN MORE
www.doble.com/training

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Circuit Breaker Seminar: October 3-7, 2016 | Pittsburgh, PA
Life of a Transformer Seminar: February 20-24, 2017 | Huntington Beach, CA
Rotating Machinery & Electrical Plant Reliability Workshop: March 2017 | Boston, MA
Laboratory Seminars: offered throughout the year
Protection Training Courses: various topics offered throughout the year

THE RELIABILITY
REVOLUTION:
ARE YOU PREPARED?
BY ALAN M ROSS, SD Myers
W
e are all aware that risk is
increasing: security risk, safety
risk, and loss ratios from
unplanned outages. The problem
is that loss ratios the metrics that the insurance
industry uses to determine how often and how
much a failure costs them are too often ignored
or accepted as the norm. But given how much of the
risk of failure is assumed by the transformer owner,
the problem is greater than that. With the coming
reliability revolution, that risk which is a risk of
failure of mission-critical assets is a category of
risk that we can do something about.
The first step in developing a game plan for adapting
to the coming challenges every organization will
face due to a greater focus on asset reliability is
to understand the importance of developing our
people and adapting best processes much like
embracing recommended best practices.
While the analysis of each of the main challenges is
well beyond the scope of this article, the following is a
brief explanation of the factors to consider in planning
4 | T R A I N I N G TA L K | A N E TA W O R L D J O U R N A L S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N
the development of people and the processes they can
employ to mitigate risk and increase reliability.
ISO 55000
At the recent International Asset Management
(theIAM.org) conference in the UK, senior
management from all over the globe addressed this
new ISO certification program. While it is relatively
new to the United States, it is growing in popularity
in financial and risk management circles because
it will create an audit process for evaluating the
reliability of major assets (including mission critical
transformers). We need to be ready for it.
A recent implementation of ISO 55000 within the
utility world resulted in a tremendously more robust
way that every level of management looked at assets.
The principle behind line of sight means that
every level of an organization has access to the same
information for planning purposes. High-energy
users or providers in every sector of industry will
begin adopting some of the ISO 55000 principles as
the auditing processes undergo further refinement.
It will impact every aspect of a company.
UNPLANNED OUTAGES
Heavy industry throughout the world is under pressure
to maximize capacity, which means maximizing the
availability of production and eliminating unplanned
downtime. Margins for many commodity products
are tight and there is little room for error. A Mission
Critical Failure (loss of production for a sustained period
of time) or a Systems Critical Failure (loss of supporting
system or plant that leads to significant increased costs)
can affect the bottom line of a company more now than
ever simply because we are running so lean and mean.
Failure is not an option. The move from preventive
maintenance to predictive maintenance and
the adoption of more advanced monitoring
technologies, especially in the substation world,
means employees will be required to know more, do
more, and manage more. Preparing them will be the
challenge as technology changes.
NEW TRANSFORMER
MANUFACTURING
Our work with the insurance industry is focusing
on new transformers that are built to rating not

Test Interpretations &
Recommendations
Test Data Only Field Inspection
Reactive Maintenance Basic Competency
Training
Asset Health Data Base
Multi-gas, Real-time
Monitoring
Advanced Bushing and
PD monitoring
Infrared scanning at Engineer evaluation &
same time of oil testing Review
Single Gas Real-time Preventative
Monitoring Maintenance
Predictive Maintenance Life Cycle Advanced
Electrical Testing Training
Advanced Maintenance
Training

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4

Figure 1: The Reliability-Centered Maintenance Program for Transformers

overbuilt beyond rating, which is what we have
relied upon for decades. New equipment of every
type will need better testing, maintenance, and
monitoring than required by earlier manufactured
models.
In 2010, our company had the opportunity to see this
difference firsthand when we managed the installation
of a new 950 MVA transformer. The 880 MVA we
were decommissioning to commission this new unit
was five tons heavier than the new unit. Thats right:
10,000 lbs of something was removed, yet the new
unit was built to a higher rating than the old.
RISK-DRIVEN UNDERWRITING
Speaking of insurance companies, our work with
several insurers or re-insurers of transformers
indicates there will be increased scrutiny of those
very same testing, maintenance, and monitoring
processes because doing so will mitigate risk. SD
Myers has published the RCM scale (Figure 1) to
help reliability professionals determine the right
testing, maintenance, and monitoring approaches
needed based on the risk they face.
CONCLUSION
A much greater emphasis on data collection,
management, and analytics will require a better-
trained maintenance and reliability workforce.
Facilitating that training from the best providers is
one of the areas where NETA will bring the greatest
value for generations to come.
Each of these challenges alone signifies the need
for change in how organizations manage their
electrical systems; taken as a whole, they point the
way for sweeping changes in our landscape. These
changes are affecting the way we manage and
plan for our aging infrastructure. The leaders who
anticipate these changes and prepare their people
and processes to develop a robust electrical system
reliability program will be the leaders who succeed.

ALAN M. ROSS is the Vice President of Reliability at SD Myers, Inc., in Tallmadge, Ohio. He
is responsible for developing and executing long-term reliability strategies and next-generation
leadership for all operating units, both domestically and internationally. He often presents
at industry conferences and has authored several trade publication articles on transformer
maintenance and reliability, including articles featured in Solutions and Uptime magazines,
and has written two books: Unconditional Excellence and Beyond World Class. He completed
his undergraduate work in Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology and an
MBA in Marketing from Georgia State University, graduating Magna cum Laude. Alan is a
Certified Reliability Leader and a member of the IEEE Reliability Society.

A N E TA W O R L D J O U R N A L S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N | T R A I N I N G TA L K | 5

TRAINING AND
KNOWLEDGE
TRANSFER:
THE KEY TO OUR
CHANGING INDUSTRY
B Y W A Y N E B I S H O P, J R . , O M I C R O N
As the old saying goes, you would have to be living
under a rock not to see all of the changes taking place
in our industry. Some in the industry have said that
more changes have taken place in the past five years
than the last 100 years.
For someone mid-career like me (25 years), these
changes in the power industry can be challenging at
times, but also extremely exciting. The changes and
buzzwords include: Distributed Energy Resources
(DER), wind and solar, microgrids, energy storage,
electric vehicles, decrease in coal and nuclear, etc.
DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCES
President Barack Obama recently announced that the
United States will team up with Canada and Mexico
to help North America achieve a goal of obtaining half
its electricity from clean power sources by 2025. Duke
Energy plans to own or purchase 8,000 megawatts
of wind, solar, and biomass capacity by 2020 a
33 percent rise from the goal of 6,000 megawatts
established in 2013.
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has
reported that there are more than 1 million solar
PV installations currently operating in the United
6 | T R A I N I N G TA L K | A N E TA W O R L D J O U R N A L S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N
States, and more than 90 percent came online during
this decade. According to EnergyWire, Consolidated
Edison of New York plans to add 800 MW of DERs
by 2020 with enough distributed solar power to offset
up to 60 MW of peak demand.
MICROGRIDS
These self-sufficient power grids can draw power from
the main grid or operate completely independently as
an island. According to the Department of Energy: A
microgrid connects to the grid at a point of common
coupling that maintains voltage at the same level as the
main grid unless there is some sort of problem on the
grid or other reason to disconnect. A switch can separate
the microgrid from the main grid automatically or
manually, and it then functions as an island.
A few decades ago, it was all about centralizing, and
now there is a lot of discussion about decentralization
of the grid. Many utilities are looking into this, and
several have launched projects. Commonwealth
Edison of Chicago, for example, is investing $300
million in construction of six microgrids.
ENERGY STORAGE
According to GTM Research, the U.S. Energy Storage
market grew 243 percent last year. They are also
predicting tremendous future growth with projections
at 1.7 gigawatts by 2020. By 2021, the energy storage
market in the United States is expected to be worth
$2.9 billion, a six-fold increase from 2015. Utility
Dive conducted a survey and found that 400 utility
executives named it as their top emerging technology.
Energy storage is changing the paradigm on how
we generate, distribute, and use energy, says Matt
Roberts, Executive Director of the Energy Storage
Association. The net result will be a more resilient
and flexible grid infrastructure that benefits American
businesses and consumers.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Since 2008, more than 350,000 electric vehicles have
been sold in the United States. They continue to rise
in popularity. This is especially true in California
where San Diego Gas and Electric is installing 3,500
charging stations. EV maker Tesla is mentioned weekly
if not daily in the news. Goldman Sachs has
projected that electric vehicles will make up 22 percent
of the global car market by 2025.
DECREASE IN COAL
According to SNL Energy, about 25,000 MW of
coal capacity retired since 2009 with an additional
25,000 MW of coal-fired power plants set to close by
2022. Many states are closing their coal-fired plants to
comply with federal emission standards. According to
RE Magazine, the state of Florida will shutter 27 of its
30 coal-fired power plants. Duke Energy, for example,
has retired 40 of its coal plants since 2011, which
represents more than half of its coal fleet.

These have been replaced with natural gas. The Energy

Information Administration forecasts that 2016 will be
the first year ever that natural-gas generation exceeds
coal generation in the U.S.

On June 16, 2016, the Obama Administration issued

a fact sheet summarizing federal and private-sector
actions on renewable energy and storage. The fact
sheet reported that Pacific Gas and Electric plans to
invest approximately $3 billion a year through 2020 to
make the grid more resilient and facilitate its vision of a
grid that will integrate distributed solar, energy storage,
electric vehicles, and low-carbon technologies.
TRAIN FOR CHANGE
With the industry facing multiple challenges at once
increase in distributed energy resources, decrease
in coal plants, increase in other technologies such
as EVs, energy storage, and microgrids there is
an even greater need for training. The latter cannot
be overemphasized. We need to be well versed and
trained on these new and emerging technologies and
how they impact our industry.
Training can take various forms including traditional
classroom training, on-demand training onsite, or
web-based training through webinars and video.
Posting videos on YouTube for training has become
very popular in recent years. OMICRON, for
example, has its own YouTube channel called
OMICRON Energy where you can view more than
370 different videos in seven different languages. The
training videos cover microprocessor-based relays,
power transformer testing, circuit breaker testing,
partial discharge measurement, IEC 61850, Sweep
Frequency Response Analysis, testing CTs, protection
CT testing, instrument transformers, testing meters
and transducers, dielectric response analysis, etc.
Individualized Training on Protective Relay Testing
According to Jackie M. Peer, Director of SEL
University and SELs Modern Solutions Power
Systems Conference, Everyones training objectives
and schedules are different. Thats why SEL University
offers a variety of topics and course formats to help you
meet the industrys professional development needs.
SEL University offers more than 60 existing courses
ranging from fundamentals to advanced training.
With todays training landscape changing, many
organizations including SEL also offer the convenience
of eLearning training, Peer continues. This allows
students to have control and comfortably complete
courses at their own pace. They can access learning
content online and enjoy an interactive and convenient
experience.
Kenneth G. Peterson, Vice President Utility Testing
Services at Hampton Tedder Technical Services, Inc.
(HTTS), explains, Since 2010, Hampton Tedder has
been able to add a few retired utility test technicians,
each with over 25 years of experience in the
industry. We have been able to implement a mentor
program with our junior test technicians and a senior
test technician. We found this has been instrumental
to fill in the gap of new technology and seasoned
equipment in the field today.
Peterson says HTTS has used several options for CEUs
over the years to continue to keep its field technicians

A N E TA W O R L D J O U R N A L S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N | T R A I N I N G TA L K | 7
 trained in new technology and testing techniques, such
as in-house HTTS engineering staff teaching classes
on NETA ATS-2013 testing procedures and proper
documentation. The company also implemented 10-
day safety topics that are included every other Monday
during its crews morning safety tailboards. We strive
to help our field staff stay current in this growing age of
technology each year, he adds. Some of the additional
training programs at HTTS include:
NETA on-line classes for continued education
for NETA Level III/IV Test Technicians
NETA PowerTest Safety and Technical
Conferences
TechCon North America Technical Conferences
OMICRON Seminars
Megger Seminars
Doble Engineering Seminars
With the industry facing
an increase in distributed
energy resources, decrease
in coal plants, and an
increase in technologies like
EVs, energy storage, and
microgrids, there is an even
greater need for training.
The workforce shortage in our industry and the need
to train the future workforce is a recognized challenge.
Peterson says a great deal of training takes place on
the job. This on-the-job training between younger
workers and more seasoned HTTS workers also has
the benefit of being a knowledge-transfer program
enabling tomorrows workforce to be trained.
THE VALUE OF
KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER
Individuals who are currently in the electric power
industry can gain knowledge in their field through
8 | T R A I N I N G TA L K | A N E TA W O R L D J O U R N A L S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N
working with senior members of their organization.
This includes learning from more experienced
coworkers, especially from those who are retiring.
It is the individuals responsibility to reach out and
look for mentors and to gather knowledge and
information from the more experienced members of
their organization as well as individuals from other
companies in the industry. Organizations play an
extremely important role in the subject of promoting
mentoring programs. The management team of any
organization should do whatever it takes to encourage
and support the knowledge transfer before expertise
goes out the door when people retire.
One way organizations can transfer knowledge is
through a mentoring program. From the days of the
caveman, knowledge has been passed from one person
to another. The practice of knowledge management
became widely recognized when it was introduced at
British Petroleum for the exploration of oil. BP would
record its lessons-learned and share these with all
employees.
Another early adopter of knowledge management and
knowledge transfer in our industry is CLP Power in
Hong Kong, which provides power to over 2 million
homes. CLP has adopted knowledge management
as a strategy for improving reliability and continuous
improvement. In a 2005 article in South China Post, CLP
Manager Lo Kin-Chung explains, Our mission is to
provide electricity reliably, safely, and at reasonable cost,
and this requires a lot of know-how. Much information
is recorded, but a lot of valuable experience gathered by
staff is not. We are a very knowledge-intensive industry,
operating and maintaining a great variety of equipment
in countless different locations. The idea is to make
better use of this collective expertise.
He went on to explain that a lot of practical tips
that are not in procedural manuals can be passed on
and transferred to other workers. CLP has regular
knowledge-management meetings that they call
interviews. These meetings are recorded, and the
questions and answers are posted on a company
intranet with a sophisticated search engine. The
internal knowledge portal is accessible to all CLP
employees. Everything is logged into the system,
from dealing with suppliers on procurement-related
issues to highly technical information. They also pair
up junior workers with senior workers for mentoring
and experience sharing. Industry best practices are also
included in the portal. By having this knowledge portal
in place, CLP will enable the next generation of utility
workers to access the knowledge of their predecessors.

Its important to document procedures beginning

with the most crucial. The documentation should
include the often forgotten, but more important, tacit
knowledge. These unwritten tricks-of- the-trade are
the most valuable and most difficult to transfer and
capture. They are the things engineers and technicians
learn just because they have been around for a while.
The Electric Power Research Institute has estimated
that as much as 80 percent of the knowledge a person
uses to carry out his or her job is undocumented.

Finally, as someone recently told me, You dont have to

have gray hair to have a good idea. Companies should
tap younger employees for ideas and knowledge. Those
who are on the front lines often know the job best and
should be involved in the knowledge transfer and
documentation. One of the best strategies is to have
a combination of several worker generations when
performing knowledge transfer. This way, learning is
maximized. Mentor programs and knowledge transfer
are an important form of training.

Most will agree that not only will our electric grid
look very different in the next five to 10 years, but our
workforce will also look very different with many Baby
Boomers retiring and the next generation of workers
fully engaged in our industry.
CONCLUSION
All organizations should develop formal, knowledge-
transfer training programs along with implementing
mentor programs. Whats more, make sure all
Group Training on Transformer Testing and Diagnostics
intellectual knowledge is documented, bearing in
mind that there is tacit and explicit knowledge. Finally,
recognize that with all of the new and challenging
technologies in our industry (DERs, energy storage,
microgrids, etc.), this is not an easy task.

WAYNE BISHOP, JR. has been the Marketing Manager at OMICRON since 2009. Prior
to OMICRON, he was employed at Doble Engineering for more than 16 years in several
senior management positions. He is an active member of IEEE PES, where he chairs the PES
Marketing Committee, and is also a member of the IEEE PES Long Range Planning Com-
mittee. Bishop is a graduate of Merrimack College, Harvard University, and the Executive
MBA Program at Suffolk University in Boston, graduating with honors. He is a recipient of
the Suffolk Executive MBA Great Leaders Executive Excellence Award and was inducted into
Beta Gamma Sigma the National Honor Society of Business Schools. Bishop is an Eagle
Scout, and serves on several non-profit and volunteer boards, including the Merrimack College
Leadership Council.

A N E TA W O R L D J O U R N A L S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N | T R A I N I N G TA L K | 9

CIRCUIT
BREAKER
TRAINING:
BUILD A NETWORK TO BRIDGE
THE KNOWLEDGE GAP
BY STEVE SKINNER,
Doble Engineering Company
T
he energy sector is facing tremendous strain
and challenges due to the shrinking pool of
talented and skilled workers. According
to one estimate, at least 40 percent of the
energy industry sectors workforce was expected to
either retire or leave by 2016. Even though some
have opted to postpone retirement, now that it is
2016, that means a significant segment of the power
industry workforce is relatively inexperienced.
A 2007 survey conducted by National Electricity
Reliability Corporation (NERC) stated that the
aging workforce and a lack of skilled workers was
ranked first among all business issues with the highest
likelihood and highest impact on reliability.
The major issue of replacing experienced workers is
concentrated around engineers and field technicians.
This problem of shrinking workforce, although
widespread around the energy sector, is very
significant as it relates to technicians working the area
of substation operations and maintenance, including
but not limited to the maintenance, operation, and
testing of circuit breakers.
1 0 | T R A I N I N G TA L K | A N E TA W O R L D J O U R N A L S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N
TYPICAL SUBSTATION CIRCUIT
BREAKER PROFILE
In many substations today, a large variety of circuit
breakers range in age from nearly new to 50 or
even 60 years old. All of these circuit breakers are
mechanical devices that are required to remain in a
static condition for long periods of time but must
change state reliably on command.
There are numerous methods to interrupt current
safely, using insulation mediums such as oil, air, high-
pressure air, vacuum, two-pressure SF6, and puffer-
style SF6, to name a few. There are also numerous
methods to store the energy required to make these
mechanical devices operate on command including
spring, pneumatic, hydraulic, and combinations of
these.
The operating voltage of these circuit breakers
may range from 600 V to 800 kV, with current
interrupting ratings as high as 80,000 amps.
Finally, there are many types of breakers and a variety
of manufacturers, meaning anyone responsible
for testing breakers must have a vast amount of
knowledge to perform testing safely and accurately
knowledge about testing and knowledge about
that specific type of breaker.
THE DOCUMENTATION GAP
If you are testing a breaker thats more than a few
decades old, its documentation is probably missing.
When that breaker was installed, it most likely came
with detailed information in hard copy from the
manufacturer. Eventually, we lose access to critical
details because paper manuals are easily lost over time.
Luckily, documentation has moved to electronic
format, so if you need a copy of a manual about a
newer breaker, its most likely on file somewhere;
however, theres no guarantee with older breakers. In
those cases, we are often relying on insider knowledge
that was never written down.
HOW DO WE SUCCEED?
People are retiring, documentation is missing, but
testing still needs to be done. Thats why training is
so important, but also seems nearly impossible due to
the breadth of knowledge one needs to retain. Dont
be overwhelmed just start.
Training is a career-long commitment. A robust
internal training program is ideal, whether it
is education provided by your own team, an
external provider, or a combination of the two.
An organizational commitment to participating in
accelerated educational programs on-site training,
in-depth seminars, and on-line programs can equip
you and your teams with the tools needed to succeed.
THE TECHNICIANS NETWORK
What we need to remember is that its not just about
learning the ins and outs of testing and the quirks
and challenges of specific types of breakers; its also
about building a network of people who can help you
when you need advice about a challenging job.
Thats how field techs have been able to test and
maintain substation equipment over the years, even
during the worst circumstances. They are part of a
network of people who rely on each other to answer
their questions. Even the most experienced technician
will encounter a troublesome breaker or a breaker
type hes never tested before and would like to
confer with a colleague.
Your own network can consist of people within your
own company, breaker manufacturers, utilities, and
equipment providers; these are the people you meet
on the job and at training throughout your career.
Cultivate this network because these are the people
you can call to get answers. Education doesnt happen
overnight, but knowledge and your network are the
critical pieces to career-long success.
CONCLUSIONS
Power companies are under pressure to keep the
lights on, while at the same time ensuring the safety
of employees and the general public and protecting
equipment in the power network. Power companies
BUILDING YOUR NETWORK
Here are a few resources to help you learn and build your
educational network:
LinkedIn Professional Group Forums Electrical Power
System Analysis and Control
LinkedIn Professional Group Forums Power Transmission
LinkedIn Professional Group Forums NFPA 70E / CSA
Z462
Engineering 360 Powered by IEEE GlobalSpec
(www.globalspec.com)
IEEE Switchgear Committee meets twice yearly
(www.ewh.ieee.org/soc/pes/switchgear)
Electrical4u.com electrical engineering study site, topics
from basic engineering to advanced and modern topics
related to electrical engineering and technology
Circuit Breaker Seminar October 37, 2016, in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (events.doble.com/circuitbreakers)
Doble Circuit Breaker Committee one of a number
of committees open to Doble Clients; meets twice
yearly at the Doble Client Committee Meetings
(www.events.doble.com/ccm) and International Conference
of Doble Clients (www.events.doble.com/boston)
Circuit Breaker Manufacturers Training various
manufacturers provide training throughout the year; details
listed on company websites
NETA PowerTest Conference, February 27March 3,
2017, Anaheim, California (www.powertest.org)
have a population of circuit breakers that span many
interrupting and mechanism technologies and range
in age from 1950s technology to present day.
There has been and will continue to be a large,
knowledgeable group of employees who retire, leaving
organizations scrambling to replace that knowledge
and experience. To address the knowledge gap,
training will be a required part of any organizations
success. Companies also need to provide technicians
with opportunities to build their network of people
so they have other experts to contact for answers.

STEVE SKINNER is an Implementation Engineer at Doble Engineering Company. He began

his career at Idaho Power in 1977 working on crews that erected the equipment in the substation
yard, including 345 kV/230 kV transformers, 345 kV SF6 breakers, 230 kV and 138 kV oil
breakers, the substation bus, and all associated structures. He spent three years on wiring crews
that wired the control panels, installed the cabling, inspected wiring, and commissioned the sta-
tions being built. He then moved to one of Idaho Powers operating regions, overseeing the oper-
ation, troubleshooting, testing, and maintaining all of the station equipment in the region. He
later joined Idaho Power Companys Substation Engineering Group as an Engineering Support
Specialist serving as an on-site project leader, analyzing equipment failures, and teaching Substation Apprentice classes.

A N E TA W O R L D J O U R N A L S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N | T R A I N I N G TA L K | 1 1
 respondents over a 12-month period. The highlights
of these findings were very interesting:

The average total cost per minute of an unplanned

SWITCHING
outage increased from $5,617 in 2010 to $7,908
in 2013, and to $8,851 in this 2016 report.
The average cost of a data center outage rose from

PROCEDURES
$505,502 in 2010 to $690,204 in 2013, and to
$740,357 in the latest study. This represents a 38

IN TIER 3 AND
percent increase in the cost of downtime since the
first study in 2010.
Maximum downtime costs are rising faster than

TIER 4 DATA

average, increasing 81 percent since 2010 to a
current high of $2,409,991.

CENTERS UPS system failure, including UPS and batteries, is

the No. 1 cause of unplanned data center outages,
accounting for one-quarter of all such events.
Cybercrime represents the fastest growing cause of
data center outages, rising from 2 percent of outages
in 2010 to 18 percent in 2013 and to 22 percent for
those sampled in the latest cost of downtime study.
B Y J O S E P H O D W Y E R A N D K E V I N K E L LY,
O D w y e r Te c h n i c a l S e r v i c e s

T
Average Total Cost Per Minute of an
he phone rings at 2:15 AM. When you Unplanned Outage
finally gain your senses, you realize that
this can only be one of a few things and
none of them good. You think of family, 2010 $5,617
the elderly, and when you deduce that all are pres-
ent and accounted for, you determine that it must
be a serious issue with the data center. 2013 $7,908
Not just any data center oh no, this is a two-year-
old Tier 4 system the kind that requires 99.995
percent reliability with downtime no greater than
2016 $8,851
0.04 hours annually. Your system has now been
down for the last five minutes. You leave your house
Average Cost of a Data Center Outage
for the facility.

We all know that life is not 100-percent dependable 2010 $505,502

in the data center world and that sometimes things
go south so fast in the electrical world that there is
no time to react. To combat these issues, we have
codes and standards and arc-flash studies to assist in 2013 $690,204
developing policies, providing training, etc.

The Ponemon Institute released a study in 2016 2016 $740,357

regarding the factors that lead to downtime in Tier
4 data center applications. The study surveyed 63 SOURCE: PONEMON INSTITUTE STUDY

1 2 | T R A I N I N G TA L K | A N E TA W O R L D J O U R N A L S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N

Figure 1: Complex instructions require training
One obvious identifier found in the study was the
need for clear instruction to provide technicians
with a thorough understanding of proper alignment
of switchgear in all applicable scenarios.
In complex data center systems, we have all seen the
black-and-white placards (See Figure 1) attached
to the switchgear and have done our best to take
photos or write down applicable procedures.
These procedures are extremely complex, and the
possibilities of switching the wrong breaker or being
unaware of unique applications are all cause for
concern.
With system design being so much more complex
to ensure redundancy, it is imperative that we train
our staff and provide them accurate, user-friendly
procedures that address these complex systems.
The training of staff requires a program addressing
policy, procedures, as well as training that gives staff
a clear understanding of the larger picture having
an understanding of systems and not just the task
at hand.
Issues that need to be addressed when conducting
switching in a Tier 4 data center include personal
protective equipment, incident energy, boundaries,
lock out/tag out, vetted switching procedures,
emergency response, etc. In addition, having
training standards and measurable goals for the staff
provides a twofold approach for success:
A N E TA W O R L D J O U R N A L S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N | T R A I N I N G TA L K | 1 3
1. The staff receives a managed curriculum developed
by subject matter experts who incrementally guide
the student to more complex, in-depth systems
that they will be responsible for eventually.
2. Management ensures that the standards required
to maintain the 99.997 percent reliability are
adhered to. This is accomplished by proper
staffing to secure availability of qualified
personnel to address instances such as power
outages and fluctuations, lightning strikes,
NETA-based maintenance schedules, etc.
With the complexities of Tier 4 data centers,
the process to develop curriculum and identify
each switching need and its associated risks
takes significant time. With various systems,
manufacturers, and applications, it is paramount to
build upon the information in a fashion that allows
the staff to build on prior lessons. It all comes down
to how the staff is able to receive the transfer of
information from the instructor.
With the complexities of Tier
4 data centers, the process
to develop curriculum and
identify each switching need
and its associated risks takes
significant time.
As discussed, with the cost of downtime in a Tier
4 data center, it is impactful to not only the center
itself but, more importantly, to the clients and the
missions they support.
With data center managers tasked with more duties
and responsibilities, it is imperative to establish the
need and develop, properly vet, and implement
critical procedures to provide the very best defense
to ensure that risks are effectively managed.
 Examples that are paramount to ensuring reliability
while conducting daily operations include:
Normal UPS system operations
1 essentially, what the system is to look like in
normal operation. This includes indicator lights,
operational switches, volts/current parameters, etc.
(Figure 2)
At MDP-USP-2 Control Panel
MDP-USP-2 Bypass switch is in UPS
ENABLED
DB-6 Operation switch is in the neutral
position
DB-5 Alternate Source Open light is
illuminated
Figure 2: Normal MDP-UPS-2 Operations
1 4 | T R A I N I N G TA L K | A N E TA W O R L D J O U R N A L S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N
Going from Normal to MBB (Maintenance
2 Bypass Breaker) and then back to Normal
(Figure 3). This is done when performing maintenance
Warning: During switching operation,
personnel must have Category 0 Arc
Flash safety clothing, including non-
melting or untreated natural fiber
long sleeve shirt and pants.
Ensure MDB-UPS-2 is in the UPS Bypass mode
of operation
Close MBB. Verify that MBB is in the closed
position. Caution: Failure to close MBB will
interrupt power to load.
Insert key K2 in the solenoid unit and turn.
Solenoid unit will capture key K2.
Figure 3: Transfer Load from Alternate Source to
Preferred Source
 Warning: During switching operation,
personnel must have Category 0 Arc
Flash safety clothing, including
non-melting or untreated natural fiber
long sleeve shirt and pants.

1. Follow procedure to Transfer Load from

Preferred Source to Alternate Source

2. Remove key K3 from relay K3 at MIB

Figure 4: Transfer MDP-UPS-2 from Preferred Source to System Load Bank

on batteries, or, as addressed in the study, not performed
due to staff being unsure of proper alignment of
switchgear. Improper switching can cause millions of
dollars in damage.
When testing your Data Center, to go from
3 Normal to Load Bank Breaker (LBB), then
back to Normal (Figure 4). To conduct these and
other procedures safely and without interruption
can be a very complex task on a Tier 4 system.
There are countless others to address; our attempt
is to convey the need to have these developed
either with in-house staff, outside consultants, or a
combination of the two.
The purpose of these examples is to demonstrate
that any qualified operator must be able to quickly
identify the proper operations of any condition
and accurately align switchgear to ensure proper
operation. These are the telltale signs of a culture
that has identified the risks, has the necessary tools
in place to permit the operations staff to operate
effectively, and limits downtime through policies,
procedures, and training.

JOSEPH ODWYER is president of ODwyer Technical Service. He has 30 years of experience

in both electrical and mechanical systems with extensive training in both power production and
facility operations. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1981 through 1989 and graduated
from the College of the Air Force with a degree in Electrical Power Systems. Joseph joined Johnson
Controls in 1989 as a Controls System Representative and then transitioned to Emerson Network
Power as a Senior Consultant. In 2012, Joseph identified an industry need and formed ODwyer
Technical Services. His areas of specialty include low- and medium-voltage systems, power-plant
operations, utility operations, data-center operations, and critical procedure development.

KEVIN KELLY is Vice President / Director of Consulting Services. He has over 18 years of expe-
rience in low and medium voltage power applications. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Nuclear
Propulsion Academy, he managed a nuclear power generation platform for 11 years, and oversaw
the maintenance, repair, and operations of marine power plants for 5 years. Kevin holds a Jour-
neyman Industrial Electricians License and served as a Naval Nuclear Power instructor, teaching
students the policies and procedures for the operation of a nuclear power plant. In 2005, Kevin
joined Emerson Network Power as an Instructor in conjunction with consulting in low- and
medium-voltage work centers. He joined ODwyer Technical Services in 2012.

A N E TA W O R L D J O U R N A L S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N | T R A I N I N G TA L K | 1 5

GETTING
THE MOST
OUT OF YOUR
TRAINING
PROGRAM
PART 1 THE
TRAINER WITHIN
BY CHRIS ALLAIRE, Shermco Industries
W
hen did you learn the how of
the tasks you perform each day?
More specifically, when did you
learn and truly understand all the
various connection configurations when power-fac-
tor testing a transformer? When was it that you
actually understood low-voltage breaker curves and
programmer settings? When was it that you really
understood the theory of insulation testing?
If you are anything like most technicians, you
learned power-factor testing in the field, testing
a transformer with a senior tech. Or maybe you
were in the substation when you were learning how
to operate a high-current test set with a qualified
breaker tech. You most likely learned the how on
the job from an experienced technician.
Now it may be your turn to pass on your experience
and knowledge. A lot of technicians say they arent
1 6 | T R A I N I N G TA L K | A N E TA W O R L D J O U R N A L S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N
teachers or dont think they have the talent or
qualifications for teaching. We will explore some
very practical ways to help you bridge the gap
between the why (sometimes referred to as book-
learning) and the how (hands-on training) as you
take on the role of trainer/mentor on the jobsite.
TRAIN THE TRAINER
A great deal has been written about the art and
science of adult education and learning, much of it
concerning the classroom or lab. Technical training in
the classroom is primarily intended to teach the theory
behind the why. Labs and exercises that simulate the
real world are often included in technical training.
A good instructor-led class will include many hands-
on activities to demonstrate the theory behind the
lesson. This is why the most effective technical
training is presented in a classroom/lab rather than
by video or webinar. But to truly merge the book
learning of the classroom with the hands-on skills
necessary to become a skilled technician, on-the-
job training is essential. This is where you, as the
qualified technician, come in.
We are always teaching the new hands how to do
things, and we are often responsible for training
other technicians. The one shortcoming is that
although we are expected or required to teach
people, we never actually get any training on how
to do so. In my case, I learned from guys who taught
me successfully and also from the ones who didnt
(where I learned what not to do). Its ironic that no
one thinks about the fact that all of us in the trades
have to teach people things, but we have not been
taught how to teach effectively. In short, we need
some train-the-trainer coaching.
Observational learning may be the oldest form
of training. Remember how you figured out the
playground equipment at recess? You watched the
older kids and did what they did. This may be the
worst form of employee training, but unfortunately,
it is practiced every day. Typical on-the-job training
is somewhat better than observational training but
has its drawbacks.
In their book Managing Human Resources, Scott
Snell and Shad Morris describe on-the-job training
as one-on-one training located on the job site,
where someone who knows how to do a task shows
another how to perform it. Snell continues,
it requires only a person who knows how to do the
task, and the tools the person uses to do the task.
It may not be the most effective or most efficient
method at times. Basic on-the-job training may be
good enough for simple or repetitive tasks, but for
most of the technical tasks we perform, we will need
to go beyond simply show-and-tell instruction.
CREATE LEARNING OBJECTIVES
So, how do you take your job-site training and
mentoring to the next level? How can you be sure
the technician learning from your knowledge and
years of experience truly understands what you have
to offer? How can you take on the role of technical
trainer when your primary function is that of job
lead or project manager?
The answer is simpler than you think: Be prepared
to discuss the technical aspects (the why) of the
task and the practical aspects (the how) of what
is needed to get the job done. In other words, have
a plan. In the training world, we call this plan the
learning objectives. Learning objectives are nothing
more than a simple statement that describes what
your learner should know and be able to do after
completing your training.
For example, when instructing a junior technician
in the proper way to rack-in or rack-out a low-
voltage power circuit breaker, have a plan or
learning objective to follow. This will ensure you
dont miss any of the important steps. In some
cases, the objectives you need will already have been
developed for you in the form of your organizations
standard operating procedures (SOPs) or safe work
practices (SWPs). Be prepared to discuss such things
as primary and secondary disconnect, interlocks,
control wiring, etc.
More important, you will want to explain any safety
issues associated with the task, such as arc flash and
shock hazards. In this example, you will want to
discuss the differences between racking a breaker on
a hot bus as opposed to a deenergized bus. A written
set of objectives will not only assure you cover all
the steps, but also assure others in your organization
are teaching the same thing.
As the subject matter expert (SME) on a particular
task or topic, you may be called upon to develop the
A N E TA W O R L D J O U R N A L S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N | T R A I N I N G TA L K | 1 7
learning objectives for that task. In other instances,
you may want to get with other technicians to
develop the objectives. Dont neglect to use all the
information at your disposal such as NETA MTS
and ATS, manufacturers literature, your companys
SOPs and safe work practices, or other material you
may find on the web.
PREPARE TO TEACH
Teaching others is one of the most rewarding and
enjoyable jobs that Ive ever had. That said, Im not
sure teaching comes all that natural to me. Like
you, I must prepare material in advance to provide
effective training.
Most of us have experienced the expert trainer
who cant seem to explain things on our level of
understanding. Dont fall into the trap of not
preparing for worksite training and thinking you
can just wing it when the time comes. In Tips for
Great On-the-Job Training (OJT) Programs, Jeffrey
Dalto points out that under an unprepared trainer,
workers are left without the knowledge, skills, and
abilities necessary to succeed at their jobs.
In their book, Telling Aint Training, authors Harold
Stolovitch and Erica Keeps make the point that
simply telling someone something is not training.
Have you ever said something like, I told him
numerous times, and he still doesnt get it? We
have a poster in our training room attributed to
Benjamin Franklin, who wrote:
Tell me and I forget.
Show me and I may remember.
Involve me and I learn.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS
A few more suggestions should help you on your
way to providing great jobsite instruction:
Set aside time to explain the task to your
learner. Remember, you are not just showing
how to do a task, but explaining the why
as well. Remind the technician of the theory
behind the task for better understanding.
Clearly explain what is expected of your learner
to perform the task safely and efficiently.
Explain all the steps of the process before you start.
This will help the technician get a feel for the big
picture. If necessary, break down the process into
 bite-size chucks. Treat each task as a separate topic
and make sure each step in the task is not skipped.
Only include information and activities
designed to support the learning objective.
Resist the temptation to add additional material.
You risk confusing or overwhelming your learner.
Ive heard it said, You ask him what time it is,
and he tells you how to build a clock. More is
not better; stick to the subject. Albert Einstein
is credited with saying, If you cant explain
it simply, you dont know it well enough.
Have all your objectives prepared ahead of
time. This will require some planning and extra
work on your part. Will you need a copy of the
NETA MTS? Determine if you should print
out material before you leave for the job. Our
customers are not paying us to hold class on their
nickel; therefore, being prepared will help make
the training part of the job much more efficient.
Involve the person you are training in the task
you are demonstrating. Technicians are hands-
on people. Let the technician get his hands on it.
The best way to learn how to run a high-current
test set is to run a high-current test set.
PART 2 LEARNING
MANAGEMENT
SYSTEMS: MORE
THAN JUST A FILE
CABINET
I
n our digital world, an engineer, technician, or
administrative assistant can acquire abundant
information on just about any topic from
videos, online forums, Wikipedia, social media,
blogs, technical publications, and so forth. Senior
technicians and engineers will research specific
1 8 | T R A I N I N G TA L K | A N E TA W O R L D J O U R N A L S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N
There is one last thing you will want to do to ensure
your on-the-job training accomplishes your intended
goal. You cant assume that the tech will get it just
because you provided training. To ensure he or she
can perform all the steps that make up the task, it is
important to evaluate the trainees performance.
Have a plan for evaluating their skills and abilities.
To be fair to other technicians, your assessment
should be the same one used by other OJT trainers.
In some cases, a check-off list works fine when
observing the person doing the task. In other cases,
you may want to develop a question-and-answer
assessment. The key to a good assessment is that it
only evaluates proficiency on the objectives for the
specific task.
CONCLUSION
While your primary job function may not be that of
trainer or instructor, you may still be called upon to
train other technicians. Going beyond basic show-
and-tell will ensure junior technicians understand the
why as well as the how. Having material developed
ahead of time assures everyone is being trained the
same way and nothing is forgotten or left out. Finally,
assessing the trainees performance and competency on
the given task will ensure your learner gets it.
topics as needed, but this is not a good long-term
employee development strategy. If employees are
left to gain technical knowledge on their own, it
is impossible to measure and track progress, assure
the information matches company practices and
policies, and ascertain whether the information is
factual and complete. Using a Learning Manage-
ment System (LMS) is the best and arguably,
the only way to provide a systematic and cen-
tralized employee learning process.
Simply put, an LMS is a system used to manage
learning. An important distinction between training
and learning is that training is more instructor-
focused, while learning focuses on the student and
how they learn. While most folks in the training and
development world would disagree with me, an LMS
could be as simple as a file drawer with a manila folder
for each employees training record of course, a file
drawer is not the most efficient system for managing
learning. A more universally recognized definition
of an LMS found on Wikipedia states, A learning
management system (LMS) is a software application
for the administration, documentation, tracking,
reporting, and delivery of electronic educational
technology (also called e-learning) courses or training
programs. For our discussion, we will forgo the file
drawer and use the latter definition.
Before evaluating an LMS, first evaluate your own
employee development and training requirements. It
is never a good idea to have an LMS vendors sales
representative define your needs. Evaluate the number
of users you expect to accommodate now and in the
future. A good LMS is scalable, allowing the system
to grow as you add employees. Keep in mind, the
LMS should be designed with all employees in mind,
not just the technical staff. Evaluate your current IT
infrastructure and its limitations. Typically, LMS
products are sold as either a locally hosted enterprise
product, which is hosted on an organizations own
servers, or as a Software-as-a-Service (SAAS) offering,
which is hosted on the vendors servers and is
accessible from anywhere because data is stored in
the cloud.
The most critical aspect of selecting an LMS is
evaluating training requirements and learning
objectives. As you evaluate, be clear and specific.
Both classroom training and e-learning can be
effective training methodologies; however, they are
very different learning methods. To select the most
effective methodology and corresponding LMS,
examine your training methodologies from several
perspectives.
How is your workforce organized?
Is your workforce in one place or is it dispersed in
several locations?
Is your workforce mobile?
What is the best way to teach your workforce?
Does your workforce respond well to instructor-
led, hands-on instruction?
Does your workforce respond better to e-learning?
Should the learning opportunity be a combination
of both?
A N E TA W O R L D J O U R N A L S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N | T R A I N I N G TA L K | 1 9
Your LMS is a tool that technicians and support staff
use to manage their learning and career development.
As authors John Phillipo and Sarah Krongard point
out in their article, Learning Management Systems
(LMS); the Missing Link and Great Enabler,
most instruction should not be managed through a
technology solution. Rather, educators must focus
more systemically on the main goal: learning and
the management thereof, they explain. Learning
is considered student-centered, whereas training is
more trainer-centered. A student-centered LMS must
be accessible, easy to use, and support the learner in
the pursuit of increased skills and knowledge.
About 600 varieties of LMSs are available for purchase
today, each with features designed for a variety of
trainers and educators. I use a variety of LMSs each
day one with my day job as technical instructor/
developer, another as an adjunct instructor for a local
college, and another as a contract training provider
for Texas Workforce Development projects. Many
off-the-shelf, e-learning products come packaged
with a custom LMS for the product.
In general, an LMS should provide participant
registration, activity tracking, and progress gauging
as staff proceeds through online coursework and
instructor-led classes. Some of the more useful
components to look for:
The LMS should manage certification, skills,
and competencies. While some certifications
and safety trainings expire yearly, others may
be good for three years. A technicians skills and
competencies change continually, requiring a
system to keep up with the progress.
Course content delivery such as training videos,
instructor notes and outlines, policy and
procedural documents, manufacturers literature,
and industry standards should be available on the
LMS.
The LMS should offer self-registration and allow
for proxy enrollment for mandatory training.
Cross-training is greatly enhanced if employees
have access to a variety of training outside their
normal job function. Proxy enrollment allows
the LMS administrator to enroll large groups of
people for required training.
The LMS is a good place to schedule and manage
training events such as instructor-led classes,
 webinars, e-learning opportunities, and training
provided by outside providers.
Individual development plans (IDP) and the
ability to interact with your current Human
Resource Information System (HRIS) is a
tremendous time saver.
Professional and social networking can be done
within most quality LMSs. The ability for LMS
users and administrators to form discussion
groups around common interests and themes will
greatly enhance the learning experience. Learning
improves significantly as participants discuss
ideas and benefit from each others experiences.
Reporting and training-record management is
one of the most important functions of an LMS.
Regulatory training that is not documented is
not considered done. Accurate recordkeeping
of required safety and site-specific training is
essential considering the number of customers
the typical technician visits in a year.
BLENDED LEARNING
A quality LMS also allows for blended learning. In
her article, The Basics of Blended Instruction,
author Catlin Trucker states: Blended learning
combines classroom learning with on-line learning,
in which students can, in part, control the time,
pace, and place of their learning. I advocate a teacher-
designed blended learning model, in which teachers
determine the combination thats right for them and
their students.
Blended learning consists of three main parts:
classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and
e-learning. Technical training is best presented as
instructor-led with plenty of hands-on activities.
Accompanying classroom instruction is verifiable
on-the-job training and demonstrations of skills to
reinforce the learning. A third component of blended
learning is e-learning. Blended courses (also known
as hybrid or mixed-mode courses) are classes where a
portion of the traditional face-to-face instruction is
replaced by web-based learning. The ratio of face-
to-face instruction to online coursework will vary by
topic complexity and the learning objective.
One of the major advantages of an LMS is its ability to
support the creation of a blended learning curriculum.
The trainer can provide multiple resources to reinforce
learning objectives. Part of the blended learning may
include assignments to be completed on-site and
verified by a senior technician. When blended learning
is properly implemented, it results in improved
student success, satisfaction, and retention. Blended
learning also addresses your mobile workforce and
remote offices, allowing employees to access learning
on the LMS prior to attending instructor-led classes or
taking on a new challenge. This technology supports
multimedia and interactivities, making learning more
interesting and effective.
CONCLUSION
An LMS is much more than an electronic folder used
for storing training records. Choosing the best LMS
requires a thorough review of training and development
needs. Implemented correctly, an LMS becomes an
indispensable tool for managing workforce training
and development. The LMS also allows managers
to assign required technical and safety classes to
individuals or entire work groups. Most importantly,
your LMS is a tool that technicians and support staff
will use to manage learning and career development.
The LMS supports each employee, providing review
of individual training records and registration for
additional training based on their development
plan. Further, the LMS accommodates a blended-
learning curriculum, allowing for a more effective and
comprehensive employee training experience.

CHRIS ALLAIRE is a Technical Instructor/Developer for Shermco Industries and an Adjunct

Instructor for Texas State Technical College as well as North Lake College. Previously, he served
as Lead Electrical Instructor at Everest College in Arlington, Texas. Allaire spent close to 30
years with General Electric, starting in the motor shop as a motor mechanic and test techni-
cian. The second half of his GE career was spent as a field service technician performing start-
up and commissioning at water treatment plants, data centers, and industrial facilities. He
earned his Bachelor of Science in Technical Management from DeVry University, majoring in
Electronic Engineering Technology, and his Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruc-
tion from American College of Education.

2 0 | T R A I N I N G TA L K | A N E TA W O R L D J O U R N A L S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N
DIRECTORY OF
TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

Doble Engineering Company:

Learn from the Industrys Top Experts

T
hroughout the year, Doble hosts accredited technical trainings on a variety of topics to help
engineers and technicians of all levels be more efficient, effective, and safe in the field. Learn from
the industrys top experts, receive real-world training that you can immediately apply, and build
your professional network.

2016-2017 Course Listings

Circuit Breaker Seminar
October 3-7, 2016, Pittsburgh, PA
and October 2-6, 2017 Pittsburgh, PA
Brush up on fundamentals, get practical hands-on training,
and learn from the experts at the industrys best circuit
breaker educational seminar. Gain new skills to do your
job safely and efficiently.
Life of a Transformer Seminar
February 19-24, 2017, Huntington Beach, CA
Learn practical information from industry experts for
immediate, measurable impact at any point in the lifecycle
of your transformers. The seminar now includes programs
for Transformer Differential Protection, Transformer
Maintenance, and Asset & Maintenance Strategies.
Laboratory Seminars
Offered throughout the year
Doble offers day-long Laboratory Seminars for engineers,
chemists, and others who review data to assess
transformer condition. This interactive seminar combines
theoretical background with practical experience and
hands-on examples, using case studies to illustrate
common problems found in the field.
Protection Training Courses
Offered throughout the year
Choose from a wide range of protection training courses
that will help prepare you for a modern grid, power plant,
and industrial facility.

Rotating Machinery & Electrical Plant Reliability

Workshop Many Doble training courses are eligible for NETA
March 2017, Boston, MA Continuing Technical Development Credits (CTDs) as well as
At the Rotating Machinery & Electrical Plant Reliability IACET certified Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Workshop learn everything you need to know to
reliably operate and maintain the electrical side of your For more information, visit
generating or industrial plant. We cover all aspects of www.doble.com/earning-ceus/
theory, application, design, manufacturing, operations
and maintenance of turbo-generators and synchronous
and induction motors.

www.doble.com/training
events@doble.com
617.926.4900
DIRECTORY OF TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

AVO Training Institute: The One Stop for

Electrical Safety Training, Electrical Maintenance
Training, and Electrical Technicial Certifications
Many AVO courses are eligible for NETA CTDs.*

I
f its electrical, AVO Training is focused on it. Electrical safety training, electrical maintenance training,
and electrical consulting is not just a part of our offering, its our total focus. Thats why we offer more
electrical safety and electrical maintenance training courses than any other training facility. With over 52
different courses, we offer the widest selection of courses available. To complement our training courses, we
have a stand-alone Engineering Division that offers Arc Flash Studies, Risk Assessment Analysis, and a full
menu of electrical engineering services.

Available Courses:
Protective Relay Safety
Protective Relay Maintenance - Basic NFPA 70E 2015 Electrical Safety
Protective Relay Maintenance - Advanced Electrical Safety for Utilities
Protective Relay Maintenance - Generation Electrical Safety for Mining
Protective Relay Maintenance - Solid State Electrical Safety for Industrial Facilities
Microprocessor Based Relay Testing - Generation Electrical Safety for Inspectors
Microprocessor Based Relay Testing - Distribution/ Electrical Safety for Overhead Contact Systems
Industrial 2017 National Electrical Code
Advanced Visual Testing Software OSHA Electrical Safety Related Work Practices
Maritime Electrical Safety
Circuit Breaker
Circuit Breaker Maintenance, SF6 Basics
Circuit Breaker Maintenance, Molded- and Basic Electricity
Insulated-Case Basic Electrical Troubleshooting
Circuit Breaker Maintenance, Medium-Voltage Electronics Troubleshooting
Circuit Breaker Maintenance, Low-Voltage Electronics for Electricians
Electrical Print Reading
Cable U Grounding & Bonding
Cable Splicing and Terminating, Medium-Voltage
Cable Fault Location and Tracing, Medium-Voltage Engineering
Cable Testing and Diagnostics, Medium-Voltage Short Circuit Analysis
Protective Device Coordination Utilities
Substation Protective Device Coordination Industry
Battery Maintenance and Testing Power Quality & Harmonics
Transformer Maintenance and Testing
Advanced Transformer Maintenance and Testing Motors/Controls
Substation Maintenance I Programmable Logic Controllers
Substation Maintenance II Maintenance & Trouble Shooting
Power Factor Testing Motor Maintenance and Testing
Motor Controls and Starters, Low-Voltage

WWW.AVOTRAINING.COM 877-594-3156
*NETA continuing technical development (CTDs) units are required of NETA Certified Technicians.
 DIRECTORY OF TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

SDMyers: In Electrical System Maintenance and

Management, Knowledge Means Power

E
ffective transformer management requires special skills acquired from years of hands-on experience.
The diminishing number of experts is causing a growing need for specialized training to ensure these
skills are not lost. SDMyers offers your team the opportunity to benefit from our 50 years of transformer
maintenance expertise. We offer a variety training options including enhanced e-learning courses; seminars;
and onsite, online, and customized courses.

Introductory Load Tap Changer Principles & Maintenance

Principles of Transformer Maintenance
Basics of transformers: electric concepts, solid and liquid
insulation, oil testing and analysis, basic electrical testing,
and maintenance. Available at sdmyers.com/training.
Principios de Mantenimiento de
Transformadores
Este curso introduce al alumno en una serie de temas que
resumen los fundamentos bsicos de los transformadores
y de mantenimiento del transformador. Available at
sdmyers.com/training.
In-Service Inspection & Sampling of Fluid-Filled
Transformers
Learn safe procedures needed to obtain a representative
sample of dielectric fluid. Features a sampling
demonstration and practical exercises to obtain accurate
oils samples for use in lab analysis.
Intermediate
Half-Century Transformer
Foundational understanding of transformers: operation,
maintenance implementation, and related industry
standards.
Half-Century Transformer - Applied
Maintenance
Foundational understanding of transformers: operation,
maintenance implementation, and related industry
standards. Includes lab and equipment tours, rewind
facility tour, case studies, and expert panel discussion.
Advanced DGA Diagnostics
Learn to identify fault gases and what causes their
formation, learn how to evaluate the condition of cellulose
insulation, examine the role DGA plays in new oil testing,
and discuss obtaining samples from transformers.
Load tap changing, styles of tap changers and their
operation, and how to develop a preventative load tap
changer (LTC) maintenance program.
Electrical Testing - Power Factor Testing for
Transformers, Bushings, and Breakers
The Power Factor is a measurement of the efficiency of the
transformers insulation system and a reliable electrical test
to detect deterioration.
Transformer 360
Course is 3 days take any or all. Day 1: Re-energized
Half-Century course as part of a transformer reliability
program. Day 2: Risk & Reliability and DGA. Day 3: LTC
Testing & Maintenance and Electrical Testing.
Advanced
Transformer Lifecycle Management
Manage the lifecycle of the transformer including
specification and purchasing, transportation, assembly
and start-up, field and shop repair, overall risk and asset
management, and end-of-life options. Learn to develop
and manage a reliability-based maintenance program.
Advanced Transformer Maintenance and
Planning
Reactive, predictive, and preventative maintenance
of transformers, and building a cost-effective testing
and maintenance plan to prolong the reliable life of
transformers. Includes substation equipment, transformer
design and construction, and how to make critical
maintenance and planning decisions.
SD Myers courses are eligible for NETA CTDs.*
*NETA continuing technical development (CTDs) units are
required of NETA Certified Technicians

Register by phone: 330.630.7000 x.4018

Register online: sdmyers.com/training
For class dates and locations visit sdmyers.com/training/calendar
180 South Avenue, Tallmadge, Ohio 44278, USA
DIRECTORY OF TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

10% Discount
Shermco Industries: to NETA Member
Companies!
Your Electrical Safety Experts Limited time offer.
Expires April 1, 2017

S
Use Discount code
hermco is a leader in electrical power systems maintenance, repair, testing, Netaworld
and training. Offering both onsite and classroom based training, Shermco
conducts a wide variety of courses covering Maintenance Training, Safety Training,
General Technical Training, and Canadian Training. Some of the most influential leaders in electrical safety
work at Shermco Industries. Now you have direct access to that experience and expertise! Shermco offers
technical and electrical safety programs year-round and at multiple locations in the U.S. and Canada. Train
with the experts. Train with Shermco.

Safety Training Course Schedule 2016 -2017

Electrical Safety for Qualified Lab Session Electrical Dallas, TX
Electrical Workers Safety for Qualified Electrical 2016 Sep 20
Austin, TX Workers 2017 Jan 24, May 22, Sep 18
2016 Oct 11 Dallas, TX Tulsa, OK
2017 Jan 4, Apr 4, Jul 11, Oct 14 2016 Sep 16, Oct 21, Nov 18, 2016 Sep 14
Dallas, TX Dec 16 2017 Jan 12, May 2, Sep 12
2016 Sep 13, Oct 18, Nov 15, 2017 Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 17,
Dec 13 Apr 14, May 19, Jun 23, Electrical Safety Refresher
2017 Jan 10, Feb 7, Mar 14, Jul 21, Aug 18, Sep 15, Austin, TX
Apr 11, May 16, Jun 20, Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 15 2017 Jan 9, Jul 10
Jul 18, Aug 15, Sep 12, Dallas, TX
Oct 17, Nov 14, Dec 12 Electrical Safety for 2016 Oct 17
Houston, TX Non-Electrical Personnel 2017 Jan 16, May 15, Oct 16
2016 Sep 13, Dec 6 Austin, TX Houston, TX
2017 Mar 7, Sep 12, Dec 5 2017 Apr 4, Jun 13 2016 Sep 16
St. Paul, MN Dallas, TX 2017 Mar 6, Sep 18
2016 Sep 20, Dec 13 2016 Sep 12, Dec 12 Tulsa, OK
2017 Mar 14, Jun 13, Sep 19, 2017 Mar 7, Jun 20, Sep 12, 2016 Sep 16
Dec 12 Dec 12 2017 Mar 13, Sep 15
Tulsa, OK Houston, TX
2016 Sep 13, Dec 13 2016 Dec 5 Understanding the NFPA 70E &
2017 Mar 7, Jun 6, Sep 12, Dec 12 2017 Jun 6, Dec 5 2015 Changes
Tulsa, OK Austin, TX
Electrical Safety for Managers 2016 Dec 12 2017 Jan 9, Jul 10
Austin, TX 2017 Jun 13, Dec 12 Dallas, TX
2016 Sep 27 2017 Feb 10, Aug 25
2017 Jan 26, May 16, Sep 26 Electrical Safety for Utilities St. Paul, MN
Dallas, TX Austin, TX 2017 Jan 12, Jul 13
2016 Oct 25 2016 Sep 7 Tulsa, OK
2017 Feb 2, Jun 15, Oct 26 2017 Jan 11, May 9, Sep 6 2016 Dec 16
2017 Jun 8, Dec 14

Enroll today by visiting www.shermco.com/training or call

888-Shermco and mention your promotional code.
For more information, to download our current course catalog,
or to register online go to www.shermco.com/training or
email training@shermco.com
Shermco.com 888-shermco
 DIRECTORY OF TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

TechCon North America:

Where Technology and Innovation Meet
February 14-16, 2017 Westin Houston - Memorial City 945 Gessner Rd., Houston, TX

T
echCon Worldwide Conferences and Expos are annual events devoted to the discussion of
technology development and solutions which improve key high voltage maintenance programs and
asset management strategies for the aging electrical grid infrastructure. Meet utility industry experts as
presenters, utility workforce members, corporate suppliers, and decision makers eager to network and share
their vast knowledge. Your career will be enriched by your attendance.

Keynote Speaker Training Session Topics

John McDonald, P.E. Transformer Diagnostics by OMICRON

GE-Grid Solutions / Load Tap Changer University by Reinhausen
Global SmartGrid Manufacturing
Strategy Group Having LTC or Accessory Issues? Heres How to Become a
Hero for Your Company by ABB
Categorizing Transformer Faults via Dissolved Gas
Analysis by GE
Power Transformers 101- Fundamentals
Power Transformers 102 - Advanced by Siemens
Presenters

Utility Employees: Request

a 25% Buddy Discount
After the first attendee registers, the
attendee can reply to the confirmation
email with a request for our 25% Discount
Dr. Michel Duval Dr. Yannick Kieffel Jim McIver
Code for their buddies to register. Its that
IREQ - Hydro- GE-Grid Solutions Siemens
simple!
Quebec, Canada

Randy Williams Randy Cox Don Platts Contact info:

ABB GE-Grid Solutions OMICRON TechCon North America TJ|H2b Analytical Services
electronics USA 3123 Fite Circle, Suite 106, Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone: +1 916-361-7177
TechCon Sessions are eligible for NETA CTD credits.
Register today at www.techcon.info
DIRECTORY OF TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

NETA Training: Learn to Test, Assess, and Validate

N
ETA Self-Paced Technical Seminars (SPTS) are training materials created for distance learning.
Every year, PowerTest offers in-depth seminars covering a wide variety of topics. Two seminars
are selected by the Conference Committee each year to be recorded and produced into an SPTS.
NETAs online training courses cover specific sections of the ANSI/NETA, Standard for Acceptance Testing
Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems (ANSI/NETA ATS-2013). This training material
assists the field service technician in understanding and acquiring the knowledge to properly test, assess, and
validate various systems and electrical power equipment as required by the ANSI/NETA ATS.

Self-Paced Technical Seminars How Do They Do It? Electrical Power

SPTS HIGHLIGHTS:
Four-hour run time
DVD or USB of the recorded technical seminar and printed
hard copy of the presentation
One access to the proficiency exam
Earn four NETA CTD Credits (NETA Certified Technicians)
or submit for CEUs
AVAILABLE COURSES:
Power Transformer Testing and Maintenance
Jim White, Shermco Industries
Critical Maintenance for Circuit Breakers
Jim White, Shermco Industries
Electrical Testing Basics: What You
Need to Know to Succeed Part 1
Jim White, Shermco Industries
Electrical Testing Basics: What You
Need to Know to Succeed Part 2
Jim White, Shermco Industries
A Primer on MCC Maintenance and Testing
Malcom Frederick, Shermco Industries
Primer on Transformer Diagnostics
Charles Sweetser, OMICRON electronics Corp. USA
Transformer Dielectric Fluids:
Use of DGA and Furans
Melvin Wright, LICA Consulting, LLC
Using Partial
Discharge Detection
Don Genutis and Neil Davies,
No-Outage Electrical Testing, Inc.
Hazards of Electricity, Shock, Arc, and Blast:
An Educational Journey Through Case Studies
Jim White, Shermco Industries
Electrical Testing Medium-
Voltage Stator Windings
Tom Sandri, Shermco Industries, and Vicki Warren,
Iris Power A Qualitrol Company
Measurement Methods, Practices, and Standards
Ross Ignall, Dranetz Technologies
The Practical Application of NFPA 70E
in Routine Work Tasks
Jim White, Shermco Industries
Condition of Maintenance: A Practical Approach
to Compliance within the Industry
Jim White, Shermco Industries
Acceptance and Maintenance Testing
for Medium-Voltage Electrical
Power Cables: Exploring Technology
Developments Over the Past 20 Years
Tom Sandri, Shermco Industries
Risk Assessment Techniques
Using NFPA 70E: A Primer
Presented by: Jim White, Shermco Industries
Maintenance and Testing of Battery Systems
Presented by: Tom Sandri, Shermco Industries
Online Courses
Developed by the NETA Training Committee
Approved by the NETA Standards Review Council
EACH PURCHASE INCLUDES:
An individual account with access to NETAs Online
Training Center
One access to the proficiency exam (additional attempts
may be purchased separately)
Earn NETA CTD Credits (NETA Certified Technicians or
submit for CEUs)
AVAILABLE COURSES:
Grounding Systems Acceptance Testing
Cable Systems Acceptance Testing
Instrument Transformer Acceptance Testing
Electrical Safety Training Systems

NETA - InterNational Electrical Testing Association

netaworld.org 888-300-6382 (NETA)
NETA Training Courses can be submitted for CTDs or CEUs
CALL FOR EXHIBITORS
California
is calling.
+ Join 400+ electrical
testing professionals
+ Leading decision makers looking
for new products and services
+ For attendee profile and additional
information, visit www.powertest.org

POWERTEST.ORG 888.300.6382
A N A H E I M C A L I F O R N I A
February 27 - March 3 2017 THE PREMIER ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE & SAFETY EVENT

DISNE Y L A ND HO T E L

Electrical Distribution System
7HVWLQJ5HSDLUDQG0DLQWHQDQFH
24 Hour Emergency Services
(937) 439-9660
3050 Old Centre Avenue, Suite 102
Portage, MI 49024
Toll free: 888.300.NETA (6382)
Phone: 269.488.NETA (6382)
Fax: 269.488.6383
neta@netaworld.org
www.netaworld.org
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Missy Richard
NETA Ofcers
PRESIDENT: Ron Widup, Shermco Industries
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT: Jim Cialdea, Three-C Electrical Co., Inc.
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT: Scott Blizard, American Electrical Testing Co., Inc.
SECRETARY: Eric Beckman, National Field Services
TREASURER: John White, Sigma Six Solutions
NETA Board of Directors
Ken Bassett (Potomac Testing, Inc.)
Eric Beckman (National Field Services)
Scott Blizard (American Electrical Testing Co., Inc.)
Jim Cialdea (Three-C Electrical Co., Inc.)
Lorne Gara (Orbis Engineering Field Services, Ltd.)
Dan Hook (Western Electrical Services, Inc.)
David Huffman (Power Systems Testing)
Alan Peterson (Utility Service Corporation)
John White (Sigma Six Solutions)
Ron Widup (Shermco Industries)
NETA World Staff
TECHNICAL EDITORS: Roderic L. Hageman, Tim Cotter
ASSISTANT TECHNICAL EDITORS: Jim Caldea, Dan Hook,
Dave Huffman, Bob Sheppard
ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Resa Pickel
MANAGING EDITOR: Jayne Tanz, CMP
ADVERTISING MANAGER: Laura McDonald
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION: Hour Custom Publishing
NETA Committee Chairs
CONFERENCE: Ron Widup; MEMBERSHIP: Ken Bassett;
PROMOTIONS/MARKETING: Scott Blizard; SAFETY: Scott Blizard and Jim White;
TECHNICAL: Alan Peterson; TECHNICAL EXAM: Ron Widup;
CONTINUING TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT: David Huffman;
TRAINING: Kerry Heid; FINANCE: John White;
NOMINATIONS: Alan Peterson; STRATEGY: Mose Ramieh;
ALLIANCE PROGRAM: Jim Cialdea
Copyright 2016, NETA
NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER
NETA World is published quarterly by the InterNational Electrical Testing Association.
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,
products, equipment and components under specific conditions and circumstances which may
or may not be fully reported and over which NETA has neither exercised nor reserved control.
Such data has not been independently tested or otherwise verified by NETA.
NETA MAKES NO ENDORSEMENT, REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY AS TO
ANY OPINION, PRODUCT OR SERVICE REFERENCED OR ADVERTISED IN THIS
PUBLICATION. NETA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY TO ANY
CONSUMER, PURCHASER OR ANY OTHER PERSON USING ANY PRODUCT
OR SERVICE REFERENCED OR ADVERTISED HEREIN FOR ANY INJURIES OR
DAMAGES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO
ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, DIRECT OR INDIRECT
DAMAGES. NETA FURTHER DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS
OF IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
ELECTRICAL TESTING SHALL BE PERFORMED ONLY BY TRAINED ELECTRICAL
PERSONNEL AND SHALL BE SUPERVISED BY NETA CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS/
LEVEL III OR IV OR BY NICET CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS IN ELECTRICAL TESTING
TECHNOLOGY/LEVEL III OR IV. FAILURE TO ADHERE TO ADEQUATE TRAINING,
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS, AND APPLICABLE PROCEDURES MAY RESULT IN LOSS
OF PRODUCTION, CATASTROPHIC EQUIPMENT FAILURE, SERIOUS INJURY
OR DEATH.
 PRESIDENTS DESK

SUMMER IS COMING TO A CLOSE AND FALL IS HERE!

For many of us, the fall season is one of our busiest. Many facilities are experiencing
fall outages, and the work days can be longer and more stressful than normal. Even if
your days throughout the fall season are not that much different, one thing we must
constantly do is evaluate and mitigate exposures to risk.
One of your best defenses against risk is education. The more you know, the less likely you are to have
an unfortunate incident. So read this edition of NETA World from cover to cover from technical
topics to safety information, youll find many articles and bits of valuable content to assist you in
mitigating risk.

Even something as simple as understanding the difference between guarded and

unguarded parts insert shameless plug here for an article Jim White and I wrote
this time can be informative. But seriously, having a complete understanding of
this basic concept is important.

As for the Association, dont forget to mark your calendars: PowerTest 2017
is February 27 thru March 3, 2017, at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim,
California. The PowerTest Conference Committee has already met on site,
along with members from the local area who comprise our Local Organizing
Committee, and I can tell you the venue and program for PowerTest 2017 is
sure to be great.

Invite your clients, co-workers, and industry partners to this premier electrical
maintenance and safety event and again, mark those calendars.

Have a safe and productive fall season Go, Cowboys!

Sincerely,

Ron Widup
President
NETA InterNational Electrical Testing Association

PRESIDENTS DESK
SAFETY TRAINING

Who does your training?

So you thought school was out? Training topic examples:
:VTL[PTLZ`V\KVU[RUV^^OH[`V\KVU[RUV^
(UKZVTL[PTLZ[OH[PZYLHSS`HWYVISLTLZWLJPHSS` )HZPJ,SLJ[YPJHS-\UKHTLU[HSZ
^OLYL LSLJ[YPJHS ZHML[` HUK ILZ[ THPU[LUHUJL )HZPJ,SLJ[YPJHS;LJOUPJHS:RPSSZ
WYHJ[PJLZHYLJVUJLYULK:OLYTJV0UK\Z[YPLZPZ[OL ,SLJ[YPJHS7YPU[9LHKPUN
SLHKPUN PUKLWLUKLU[ 5VY[O (TLYPJHU WYV]PKLY VM ,SLJ[YPJHS:HML[`MVY8\HSPMPLK,SLJ[YPJHS>VYRLYZ
LSLJ[YPJHSWV^LYZ`Z[LTTHPU[LUHUJLYLWHPY[LZ[PUN ,SLJ[YPJHS:HML[`MVY4HUHNLYZ
HUK[YHPUPUN6YPNPUHSS`KL]LSVWLK[V[YHPUV\YV^U *)4HPU[LUHUJL6WLYH[PVU *VU[YVSZ
Z[HMM [OLZL [YHPUPUN ZLY]PJLZ HYL UV^ H]HPSHISL :WSPJPUN ;LYTPUH[PVUVM4LK=VS[HNL*HISLZ
HJYVZZ 5VY[O (TLYPJH PU IV[O JSHZZYVVT HUK 7YV[LJ[P]L9LSH`4HPU[LUHUJLHUK*HSPIYH[PVU
VUZP[L]LU\LZ*VU[PU\PUN,K\JH[PVU<UP[Z*,<Z 7YVNYHTTHISL3VNPJ*VU[YVSSLYZ
HYL L]LU H]HPSHISL [OYV\NO HU HSSPHUJL ^P[O (YJ-SHZO:LTPUHY
3V\PZPHUH ;LJO <UP]LYZP[` :OLYTJV OHZ HJ[P]L :\IZ[H[PVU4HPU[LUHUJL
TLTILYZ VU T\S[PWSL [LJOUPJHS JVTTP[[LLZ
6WLYH[PVUZHUK:HML[`MVY>PUK.LULYH[PVU:P[LZ
PUJS\KPUN 5-7(, HUK ) 5,* 0U[LY5H[PVUHS
<UKLYZ[HUKPUN5-7(,
,SLJ[YPJHS ;LZ[PUN (ZZVJPH[PVU (:;4 0,,, HUK
(TLYPJHU >PUK ,ULYN` (ZZVJPH[PVU ;OPZ WLYZVUHS
WHY[PJPWH[PVUHZZ\YLZ[OH[V\YWYVNYHTZHYLHS^H`Z Training updated for
HJJ\YH[LHUK\W[VKH[L(SSVM[OLJSHZZVMMLYPUNZ lastest safety standards
JHU IL J\Z[VTPaLK [V TLL[ ZWLJPMPJ JVTWHU`
SVJH[PVUVYPUK\Z[Y`ULLKZ

:VIHJR[VZJOVVS[PTL:[H`J\YYLU[Z[H`ZTHY[
HUKZ[H`ZHML

2425 E Pioneer Drive +1.972.793.5523

Irving, TX US 75061 WWW.SHERMCO.COM

Transformers & Motor Analysis
Partial Discharge/Corona
Current Injection
Cable Fault Location Ground Grid

Advanced Test
Equipment Rentals

800-404-ATEC (2832) rentals@atecorp.com www.atecorp.com

We put the we
in Empower

Get Empowered with Doble.

Learn more about our in-service testing tools which help you to identify and locate electrical partial
discharge, low-voltage arcing and mechanical system defects before they lead to
asset failure.
www.doble.com/NETA

Empowering the industry with services, solutions and unmatched knowledge.

For nearly a century, Doble has been amassing an unprecedented amount of knowledge and practical experience
in preventing asset failure. We share this knowledge through our products, services and training programs.
We make sure you have the tools and information you need to perform your job and meet the needs of your customers.
 THE NFPA 70E AND NETA

WHAT DO
YOU MEAN,
GUARDED?B Y JA M E S R . WH IT E AND RON W IDUP, Shermco Industries

For the technician or engineer in the field, it is important to completely

understand the term guarded and the implications when equipment
is guarded. It is even more important when equipment is unguarded.
Understanding the terms and the aligning behaviors can have a
significant impact on workers performing tasks safely and error-free.
NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC) and
NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the
Workplace define guarded in the same manner:

Guarded. Covered, shielded, fenced, enclosed, or

otherwise protected by means of suitable covers,
casings, barriers, rails, screens, mats, or platforms
to remove the likelihood of approach or contact
by persons or objects to a point of danger.

SCENARIO NO. 1
Guarded. Why is this word important to those
working in the field? What role does it play in
electrical safety? To answer these questions, lets
look at a common scenario.

A motor control center (MCC) starter located in

Workers often have to determine whether electrical equipment is
guarded or unguarded.
an MCC lineup is acting up, and needs testing
and troubleshooting. A work order is issued; the
assigned worker (a qualified person) reviews the
companys standard operating procedure and
determines that an energized electrical work
permit (EEWP) must be completed. The worker
is encouraged to fill one out as part of the risk
assessment procedure. An alternative is to use

WHAT DO YOU MEAN, GUARDED? NETAWORLD 11

THE NFPA 70E AND NETA
a separate risk assessment form. The worker
opts to complete the EEWP, but since this is a
troubleshooting task, does not have it signed by
management.
As part of the overall risk assessment process, a
shock-risk assessment, an arc-flash risk assessment,
and a personal protective equipment (PPE) analysis
are completed. Boundaries for shock and arc flash
are determined, and appropriate barriers are set
up to prevent entry into an area that is prohibited
to unqualified persons. The tools, instruments,
and other items required to complete the task
safely are entered in the appropriate fields of the
EEWP, and a second qualified person reviews the
completed EEWP.
(Important note: Review by a second qualified
person is an important step to ensure nothing was
missed that could cause a safety issue. Often, it is
not performed in the field.)
Execution of the Task
The worker inspects, then puts on the necessary
rubber-insulating (shock) and arc-rated PPE
and clothing, in this case Category 2 arc-rated
clothing with Class 00 rubber insulating gloves
and leather protectors. Company policy does not
mandate the use of a safety backup for this task,
so none is present. Using an insulated screwdriver,
the worker opens the door of the MCC, exposing
the bucket, which is energized. The worker is
confronted with one of two configurations: one
where the line side of the main disconnect is
guarded by a plastic cover and one in which the
line side is unguarded.
this case, guarded means contact cannot be made;
therefore, these boundaries would not apply. But
to clarify, if the worker removed the MCC bucket
while energized, the arc-flash boundary would
exist and would have to be enforced, unless its
design is such that PPE is not required.
As soon as the door to the MCC bucket is
opened, it is now unguarded, meaning there are
exposed energized conductors or circuit parts,
and all the requirements of NFPA 70E Article
130 must be met. The shock and arc-flash
boundaries are now in play, and appropriate
PPE must be worn. Appropriate clothing and
PPE must be worn during the troubleshooting
process, as the worker is now exposed to electrical
hazards and risks associated with those hazards.
Since the troubleshooting process usually requires
the circuits to be energized, the worker is required
to wear shock and arc-rated clothing and PPE
during this task.
Guarded or unguarded status is also applicable
when placing this equipment into an electrically
safe work condition for repair activities. If the line
side of the main circuit breaker or fused disconnect
is guarded by a plastic shield, it is guarded; once
it is locked out, tagged out, tested, and verified to
be electrically safe, no shock or arc-rated clothing
or PPE is required to replace components or to
perform repairs.

Whether a piece of equipment is guarded or not

comes into play in various ways in this scenario.
As the worker approaches the MCC, all doors
are closed and properly secured, which means
the equipment is guarded. Nothing can make
contact with any energized conductor or circuit
part. Because of this, there are no shock or arc-
flash boundaries because the closed door guards
the energized conductors and circuit parts. If this
were a piece of equipment that could be inserted
or removed (racked) with the doors closed, an arc-
flash boundary might be imposed (depending on
its design) while it is being inserted or removed. In Guarded Motor Control Center Main

12 FALL 2016 WHAT DO YOU MEAN, GUARDED?


Unguarded Motor Control Center Main
However, if the equipment is configured
without the plastic shield, this is unguarded.
Even though the load side is de-energized,
the line side is still exposed and energized
and presents a risk to the worker. There are
different ways to handle this risk, but at this
point, an EEWP needs to be completed and
signed by management if it must be repaired
while energized.
There are four options:
1) Repairs could proceed with the line side
of the main exposed and energized.
Shock and arc-rated clothing and PPE
are required. This is the least desirable
method and is the one that involves the
most risk. This option is only allowable if
the company can show that de-energizing
is not feasible or creates additional or
increased hazards/risks.
2) Remove the bucket from the MCC. This
may be the better option since it allows
for the safe testing of all the components.
By removing the MCC bucket, there
is some measure of increased risk when
removing and inserting the bucket
WHAT DO YOU MEAN, GUARDED?
THE NFPA 70E AND NETA
because a component failure may cause
another component to fail or weaken
or it is caused by another component
failing. The additional risks involved
have to be weighed against whether
the more thorough testing would be
worthwhile.
3) Guard the line side using rubber
insulating shielding. This is not a rubber-
insulating blanket, which is much heavier,
but is thin, light, and comes rated at 500 V.
A section of this shielding can be secured
around the line side of the main and
effectively guard it from contact. Shock
and arc-rated clothing and PPE must be
worn while it is being put into place and
removed, but once it is in place, the PPE
can be removed. The downside of this
option is increased risk while putting
the guarding into place and the fact
that testing individual components
may not be practical. Extra care must
also be exercised while the guarding
is in place so it is not disturbed or
removed.
4) Turn it o. This requires the complete
de-energization of the MCC, including
the unit that needs repair. This may
require scheduling during off-hours
or weekends to accomplish without
impacting production. It may also
mean suspending production while
repairs take place if proper justification
cannot be produced.
The best option depends on several factors
beyond this article. Your risk assessment
should point to the most appropriate
method and provide guidance on what
measures must be taken to implement
it successfully. Other than the obvious
option #4 turn it off it is likely that
options #2 or #3 are the ones to consider;
however, only the person who is qualified
and performing the work and the risk
assessment can make that decision.
NETAWORLD
NETAWORLD 13
THE NFPA 70E AND NETA
15 kV Circuit Breaker Cell, Shutters Raised to Illustrate Clearances
SCENARIO NO. 2
Is it really guarded? A 15 kV circuit breaker has
an issue with its control circuit. It is necessary to
troubleshoot the control circuit on the door. The
worker goes through the preliminary steps as
outlined previously, but in addition, the circuit
breaker has been racked out, and the shutter is
covering the energized stabs. This scenario recently
happened at Shermco, and the technicians working
this job pulled a Stop Work Card. This is not
really a card, but initiates a process that contacts
engineering and safety supervisors for guidance.
The concern was whether the shutter had
sufficient dielectric strength to protect the
worker. The short answer is that it doesnt matter.
Many medium-voltage draw-out circuit breakers
have metal shutters, and they are conductive. The
circuit-breaker cubicles are built so there is more
than adequate clearance from the energized stab
to the shutter, so the shutters dielectric strength
is not an issue. The stop-work process worked;
14 FALL 2016
we discussed the issue, provided training and
analysis of the risks, and educated the workers
on the process. What we did not want to do was
impede our technicians from stepping back and
questioning potentially risky situations, causing
them to lose confidence in our process.
There is no wrong answer to this particular
scenario. Some people would insist it is too
risky, while others would say it is workable with
a qualified person performing the task as long as
the shutter is not disturbed. We agree with this
opinion. If the circuit breaker had some other
issue, such as extreme dirt or difficulty racking
in or out or some other issue where the stabs
could potentially be exposed while energized
then we would have a different opinion. With
the shutter down and the energized stabs covered,
however, the system is guarded. Could there be
some catastrophic failure that could cause an arc
flash? It is possible, but not likely.
Situations like this must be evaluated on their own
merits and under the conditions that are present
at the time the task is performed, recognizing
that the circumstances are fluid. Conditions
can change rapidly and the qualified persons
performing the task(s) are the only ones who can
adequately evaluate the conditions where they are.
There may be other factors that our engineering
and safety people cannot see, so to second-guess
our workers is not appropriate. However, we want
to make certain they are making their decisions
based on the best work practices we can provide.
SUMMARY
Knowing what guarded or unguarded means and
how to apply these terms for electrical safety is
important to successfully and safely completing
tasks. Qualified persons often misunderstand
whether equipment is safe to work on or not
because they dont understand this basic concept.
The key is that guarded conductors and circuit
parts do not normally present an electrical risk
because a worker cannot make contact with
them. If we are interacting with the equipment
in a manner that could cause failure, then
guarding is not a part of the consideration.
NFPA 70E provides examples, including
WHAT DO YOU MEAN, GUARDED?
racking of circuit breakers and inserting or
removing MCC buckets. Operating circuit
breakers or switches is not considered in this
category, as long as the equipment has been
properly installed, properly maintained, and
shows no evidence of impending failure.
A word of caution: Your company may require
PPE to be worn when operating switches or
circuit breakers. If it does, you must wear the
required PPE, or disciplinary action could result.
NFPA 70E provides the minimum safe work
practices not the best so it is often necessary
to exceed those requirements.
Lastly, though it may be unlikely that normal-
operating equipment could fail, it certainly does.
Be smart and protect yourself.
Evaluating risk and making sound decisions is a
big responsibility for those of us in the electrical
power business. We have to use all the resources
we can to make those critical decisions.
Ron Widup and Jim White are
NETAs representatives to NFPA Technical
Committee 70E (Electrical Safety
Requirements for Employee Workplaces).
Both gentlemen are employees of Shermco
Industries in Dallas, Texas, a NETA
Accredited Company. Ron Widup is
Ron Widup CEO of Shermco and has been with the
company since 1983. He is a Principal
member of the Technical Committee on Electrical Safety
in the Workplace (NFPA 70E) and a Principal member
of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) Code Panel
11. He is also a member of the technical committee
Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment
Maintenance (NFPA 70B), and a member of the NETA
Board of Directors and Standards Review Council.
Jim White is nationally recognized for
technical skills and safety training in
the electrical power systems industry. He
is the Training Director for Shermco
Industries, and has spent the last twenty
years directly involved in technical skills
and safety training for electrical power
Jim White system technicians. Jim is a Principal
member of NFPA 70B representing
Shermco Industries, NETAs alternate member of NFPA
70E, and NETAs Principal representative to the ASTM F18
Committee Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers.
 A

Company

Up Your Production And Stay In The Game!

PQ Analyzers with Remote Wireless Communications
Control your Dranetz HDPQ from your smartphone, tablet, or computer!

732.287.3680
1000 New Durham Road
Edison, New Jersey 08817
sales@dranetz.com www.dranetz.com
NO-OUTAGE CORNER
GAUGING
B Y D O N A . G E N U TI S ,
Fluid-filled transformers are unique compared to other electrical
equipment in that basic visual inspections can often provide a
wealth of condition-related information.
The fluid in a liquid-filled transformer provides
several critical functions, including electri-
cal insulation and cooling. The high dielectric
strength of the fluid allows more consistent in-
sulating capabilities compared to air and also
functions as a coolant to allow heat transfer away
from the windings. Cooling fins allow the warm
fluid to cool and help preserve the paper wind-
ing insulation.
Fluid-filled transformers are typically equipped
with three primary gauges that can provide im-
portant operating information.
1. Vacuum-pressure gauge. Large substation
transformers are filled with mineral oil that
typically does not have oxygen inhibitors
or other additives. It therefore is more criti-
cal to maintain a positive nitrogen blanket
so that oxygen does not have a chance to
cause adverse effects on the oil and create
corrosion of internal metallic components.
A slight positive pressure is desired when
inspecting the top gas-pressure gauge. The
pressure can fluctuate because of tempera-
ture variations due to loading and ambient
18 FALL 2016
Halco Testing Services
temperature changes. A gauge that is always
at zero may be an indication of a leak that
can allow moisture and other contaminants
to enter the transformer.
2. Oil-level gauge. This gauge only displays
the 25 degrees C mark which is related to
present fluid level indicated by the needle.
If the present transformer temperature
is not 25 degrees C, the needle will
fluctuate accordingly; however, if the fluid
temperature is near 25 degrees C, the needle
should be near this mark. This gauge is very
useful to spot low coolant levels, which
can impede proper cooling functions and
create transformer overheating, which can
substantially reduce operating lifetime.
3. Temperature gauge. The temperature gauge
provides the present oil temperature. Since
fluid temperature can vary, the maximum
temperature indicator (if equipped) is
useful to determine how hot the transformer
got since the indicator was last reset. This
indication should be compared to the rating of
the transformer to spot possible overheating.
GAUGING TRANSFORMER CONDITION

WINDING-
T E M P E R AT U R E G A U G E
There is another less common and slightly more
complex gauge to consider when performing
transformer inspections. The winding-temperature
gauge is often used to control auxiliary cooling
systems such as fans and pumps, which operate
when a set winding temperature is reached. The
winding-temperature gauge typically determines
the winding temperature indirectly by measuring
the top oil temperature plus the temperature
produced by a small internal heater circuit in close
proximity to the temperature bulb. This heater
circuit is connected by a current transformer (CT)
to one of the low-voltage phases. As the transformer
secondary current and thus CT current increase,
the heater circuit elevates the temperature of the
bulb, thus simulating actual winding temperature.
NO-OUTAGE CORNER
Other transformer gauges may include the
bushing oil-level gauge and the conservator tank
oil-level gauge.
Collectively, transformer gauges provide a simple
overview of transformer operating conditions
and should be considered when performing no-
outage transformer inspections.
Don A. Genutis holds a Bachelor of
Science degree in Electrical Engineering
and has been a NETA Certified Technician
for more than 15 years. He has held various
principal positions during his 30-year
career in the electrical testing field and
has primarily focused on advancing
no-outage-testing techniques for the last 15 years. Don
presently serves as President of Halco Testing Services in
Los Angeles, California.
NETA QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES APRIL 1 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2016
International Conference of Doble Clients, April 3 8, 2016
Held annually in Boston, Massachusetts, the Doble International Conference is considered one of the
worlds leading events for the electrical power distribution industry. NETAs annual participation provides
attendees access to electrical testing standards, training, and important industry information with the goal
of supporting utility professionals and advancing electrical power system safety and reliability.

Strategy Meeting and Board of Directors Meeting, June 16 17, 2016

NETA held a Strategy Planning meeting and Board of Directors meeting in Annapolis, Maryland, in
June. Strategy discussions focused on committee proposals for the coming year, outlining initiatives
to keep NETA on track to achieve the goals established at the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities, and Threats) meeting held in May 2015.

The NETA Board of Directors reviewed the past year as well as plans for fiscal 2017. A highlight of the agenda
was the welcoming of two new Board Members: Dan Hook of Western Electrical Services and Eric Beckman
of National Field Services. Additionally, each Committee Chair presented plans and budgets for NETAs many
programs assuring NETAs vision and alignment with its mission.
 , visit uty
n D
atio ough
m T
infor com/

Max -Vac TOUGH DUT

Ma DUTYTM
re r .
r mo reake
Fo itB
cu
Cir

POWER/VAC REPLACE
REPLACEM
MEN
ENTT

CBS MaxiVacsTM new Tough DutyTM line of roll-in replacement

TOUGH DUTYTM ADVANTAGES
circuit breakers replaces aging Power/Vac breakers without
Direct Roll-In Replacement
any modications to existing cells or
Meets or Exceeds ANSI/IEEE
switchgear. The Tough DutyTM breakers
are tested per ANSI/IEEE certication Testing Standards
standards, are available in all standard 5-year, 3,000-Operation Warranty
ratings, and include the newest New Rugged Encapsulated Vacuum
encapsulated pole assemblies from Vacuum Interrupter Pole Design
Interrupters, Inc. Encapsulated poles Mechanism Made In USA
harden your breakers against environmental
Extended Warranties Available
contamination, extending the life of your
power distribution equipment. Utilizes Trusted ML-17 and
ML-18 Mechanisms

CircuitBreaker.com/ToughDuty

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact your local Max -Vac
Group CBS Ofce or call (800) 232-5809.
All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners Tough DutyTM Power/Vac Replacement
CircuitBreaker.com/ToughDuty
TECH QUIZ

No. 115

James R. (Jim) White

is the Training Director
of Shermco Industries,
ELECTRICAL RISK ASSESSMENT
Inc., in Dallas, Texas. B Y JI M W H I TE , Shermco Industries
He is the principal
member on the NFPA NFPA 70E can be a useful resource for performing and understanding electrical risk
technical committee assessments. This months quiz mostly comes from the 70E, but also requires some
Recommended Practice
for Electrical Equipment
problem-solving on your part.
Maintenance (NFPA
70B). Jim represents 1. NFPA 70E Section 110.1(G) contains 4. In NFPA 70E Section 130.4, Shock Risk
NETA as an alternate
member of the NFPA Informational Note 2 specifying three items Assessment, if additional protective measures
Technical Committee that may be required in a risk assessment. are required, what should be identified (mark
Electrical Safety in the What are they? all correct answers)?
Workplace (NFPA 70E) a. PPE, equipment, and the experience of the a. The design of the electrical equipment,
and represents NETA
on the ASTM F18
second person including its over-current protective device
Committee Electrical b. Training, equipment, and certification b. The voltage to which personnel will be
Protective Equipment c. Equipment, experience, and PPE exposed
For Workers. Jim is an d. Training, PPE, and certification c. The minimum arc rating of protective
IEEE Senior Member e. PPE, training, and experience equipment
and in 2011 received the
IEEE/PCIC Electrical d. Personal and other protective equipment
Safety Excellence required
2. What one step could a technician in
award. Jim is a past e. The boundary requirements
Chairman (2008) of the the field take to reduce the possibility of
IEEE Electrical Safety electrical accidents?
Workshop (ESW). a. Test for the absence of voltage 5. NFPA 70E provides ____________.
b. Inspect the equipment carefully a. Electrical and mechanical safe work practices
c. Get the supervisors approval b. Industry-best safe work practices
d. Complete a safety checklist c. International safe work practices
d. Exceptional safe work practices
e. Minimum safe work practices
3. Who does OSHA hold responsible for
performing a risk assessment?
a. The employee
See answers on page 116.

b. The site safety specialist

c. Anyone involved in the task(s)
d. The safety backup
e. The employer

22 FALL 2016 TECH QUIZ

HIGH VOLTAGE - HIGH CURRENT - HIGH POWER 1-301-746-8118
TEST SYSTEMS and COMPONENTS www.PhenixTech.com

info@phenixtech.com 75 Speicher Drive, Accident, MD 21520 USA

High Current Circuit Breaker Test Sets

Ideal for testing thermal, magnetic, and solid state relays, molded case circuit breakers and
ground fault trip devices, plus other applications requiring a high current source.

Taiwan
+886.2.2835.9738
info@phenixasia.com

Switzerland
+41.61.383.2770
info@phenixsystems.com

35+ Years
Experience Made for field testing. Mobile units offer:
Models up to 75,000 Amps. Manual or computer operation with numerous
C
Features: automated modes.
ISO RE 9001 Proven duty cycle Precise, repeatable current pulses, minimal distortion.
TIFIED
Auto-jog and current-hold capabilities. Current wave form display with WIN HC.
 NETA WELCOMES NEWEST
CCREDITED COMPANY HALCO
TESTING SERVICES
NETA, the InterNational Electrical Testing Association, is pleased to add Halco
Testing Services to the community of electrical testing companies committed to
meeting the ever-increasing demand for qualified testing firms and personnel.
Halco Testing Services began as a construction services, power monitoring, power engineering
company with origins dating back to 1949, evolving studies, and no-outage testing. Typical customers
into an organization focused solely on testing. include commercial high-rise office facilities, hotels,
Harold Orum formed the company in 1976 and movie studios, power plants, hospitals, renewable
transferred the business management to Don power facilities, consulting engineers, and electrical
Genutis and Keith Orum in 2013. The company contractors.
serves Southern California out of its original Los
Angeles location. Halco is a NECA member, affiliated with the IBEW,
and certified to perform California Title 24 lighting
Halco maintains a full staff of experienced personnel, controls acceptance. Halco is pleased to become a
including project managers, engineers, and technicians NETA Accredited organization and looks forward
who promote a team concept to ensure operative, to being an integral part of the NETA community,
on-time completion of the work. Maintenance and says Halco President Don Genutis. Providing
acceptance testing services for low-, medium-, and high-level acceptance and maintenance services is a
high-voltage equipment includes traditional testing vital and integral part of our success.

24 FALL 2016 ACCREDITED COMPANY HALCO TESTING SERVICES

 And Your Source for
NFPA 70E Compliant
Protective Gear
Metro NY/NJ/PA 800-220-2120
Calif (SF) 888-817-1412
Calif (LA) 800-296-2803
www.BurlingtonSafety.com
info@BurlingtonSafety.com
Buy Online Now!

CHOOSE BETWEEN KEEPING MAINTENANCE COSTS DOWN

AND KEEPING UP WITH PRODUCTION DEMANDOR DO BOTH.

THATS THE
CRITICAL DIFFERENCE.
NETA certied experts at Electrical Reliability Services will keep you in perfect balance.
To ensure the reliability of your electrical power, you have to balance the need to reduce maintenance costs
and Double Helix Design are trademarks and service marks of Emerson Electric Co.
Emerson, Business-Critical Continuity, Emerson Network Power and the Emerson

with the need to perform regular maintenance. Only the team from Electrical Reliability Services delivers
cost-effective services and system expertise to keep you up and running 24/7.

ElectricalReliability.com
 HVI - The Worlds Source for
High Voltage Test Equipment

+1.518.329.3275 |

NEW!
VLF & TD from High Voltage, Inc. HVI with the newest designs available
offering the most in control, communications and data reporting.

To
Te
<
ut
Outp

st C
HV VLF-34E Solid State Design TD-34E
VLF

ab
le
0 34 kVac peak, sinusoidal or square wave
0.5 +F 5.0 +F @ 0.1 Hz 0.01 Hz
+/- 34 kVdc, Sheath Testing, Load Burn
USB Port for data collection and removal Full
nd
Gr
ou Remote Control Wireless with XBee
XBee for Reliable Wireless - no Bluetooth

< VLF-65E Solid State Design TD-65E

0 65 kVac peak, sinusoidal or square wave
1.0 +F 10.0 +F @ 0.1 Hz 0.01 Hz
+/- 65 kVdc, Sheath Testing, Load Burn
USB Port for data collection and removal Full
Remote Control Wireless with XBee
XBee for Reliable Wireless - no Bluetooth

All HVI Products are

Made in the USA
ISO 9001 2008
HIGH VOLTAGE, INC. &RXQW\5W$&RSDNH1<7HO)D[sales@hvinc.com www.hvinc.com
 228 Merrick Road 601 Union Street
Lynbrook, NY 11563 Brooklyn, NY 11215
(631) 589-6343/Fax (516) 596-3680 (718) 786-4900

this
shouldnt be
the rst time
you think about
ELECTRICAL
TESTING and
MAINTENANCE
Routine Maintenance and Testing will help avoid unplanned outages.

Let 3C provide Peace of Mind

Serving the Northeast
40 Washington Street SAFETY QUALITY VALUE (855) 881-3911
Westborough, MA 01581 www.three-c.com
TECH TIPS

HAZMAT
BY J EFF J OWET T, Megger

Electrical grounding is installed primarily for safety and also for the
efficient functioning of the electrical system and installed equipment.
The grounding system diverts unwanted currents (fault currents) safely
into the ground and away from persons and equipment to protect against
potential electrocution and fire. The grounding system also mitigates
noise and establishes a firm zero reference for voltage rating, thereby
aiding proper and efficient functioning of electrical equipment. These
core functions are well known and are commonly implemented by
permanent grounding structures in the soil, from a simple rod for a
residential ground to a complex and extensive grid underlying a power
substation or commercial facility.
However, there are less well known but equally
important protective functions of grounding.
One of those is HAZMAT (hazardous materials)
grounding during transportation. This includes
highways and railways as well as accident
situations and normal operation. Performance
isnt the issue; its all about safety. The grounding
electrode isnt normally a permanent part of
the larger electrical system, but often a hastily
installed rod in a race against time.

Tanker trucks and tank cars on railways can carry

volatile and potentially dangerous materials and
become involved in accidents. Tipped Truck with Ground

28 FALL 2016 HAZMAT GROUNDING


When this happens, the previously well-
protected dangerous material can become
instantly exposed to potentially catastrophic
consequences. One of the worst of these
hazards is ignition. Volatile materials can be
readily ignited to explode or catch fire. Given
tank-car quantities, the ensuing conflagration
can wipe out a small town. The responsibility
for averting or successfully containing such
potential disasters usually falls upon the local or
municipal fire department.
A major culprit causing the ignition of volatile
materials is static electricity. Just picture the
shower of sparks flying as a metallic body goes
careening down a road surface. Such violent
stress in a conductive material like a tanker
hull can readily cause a separation of charge.
Static charge will usually dissipate on its own
as electrons flow to reconstitute a neutral state.
But if the separation of charge is across an air
gap, even of miniscule dimension, an arc may
occur. If this happens in the presence of volatile
material, the heat of the spark can start a
monumental chain reaction and a devastating
explosion.
Safe, non-volatile dissipation of charge can be
readily accomplished by effective grounding.
The quicker a good, low-resistance ground
can be established, the better. A heavy-gauge
grounding conductor of negligible resistance is
attached to a ground rod driven into the earth
with the other end connected to the hull of the
stricken tanker.
Firefighters and first responders are trained
to move the potential spark or arc out ahead
of them. They would connect the cable to the
tanker first and then take it to the earth ground.
This is a safety feature to protect firefighters and
first responders. Once a good electron path is
established, safe equalization of charge can occur
through the earth.
Although soil in small quantities is not
considered a good conductive material, planet
Earth is a good conductor, principally because
there is so much of it. The important thing
is to have the ground rod make an efficient
HAZMAT GROUNDING
TECH
C H TTIPS
IP
PS
Train tanker with Ground
low-resistance contact with the vastness of the
surrounding soil. Simply driving a standard rod
may provide a good ground, or it may not. The
conductive quality of soil varies considerably
and is profoundly affected by local conditions,
everything from weather to local construction.
To be thorough and rigorous, as well as to
conform with various authorities such as
insurance coverage and local safety codes, you
may be required to test the rod.
At crash sites, time is of the essence. Even though
a resistance test of the temporary ground rod may
be advised or required, it may be skipped over
for the sake of expediency. To actually perform
the task, the obvious method of choice would be
the clamp-on test. To review, a clamp-on ground
tester is similar to a clamp-on ammeter; the jaws
are opened and clamped around the test item,
and viola theres the measurement. Sorry,
Charley, its not that easy. A clamp-on ground
tester has two circuits and two windings in the
jaws, one for current and one for voltage. A test
current is induced on the grounding system and
the voltage drop measured around the circuit.
Ohms Law performs the resistance calculation.
The technique works well in utility-grounded
systems where the multi-grounded neutral
provides a convenient low-resistance return. But
on an overturned tanker, no such circuit exists.
The tester merely reads an open circuit.
NETAWORLD
WORLD 29
TECH TIPS
Truck with Clamp-On Ground Tester
Indeed, a temporary return can be rigged by
running a wire back from a metal fence post,
but this is a drop-dead or better-than-nothing
alternative at best. It wouldnt fare well under
intense third-party scrutiny. A more traditional
method is called for: in this case, a standard
three- or four-terminal ground tester. Here, in
place of windings in a clamp, the voltage and
potential circuits are extended out by long wires
from terminals on the tester to probes driven
into the ground at discrete distances.
Traditional Fall-of-Potential Ground Test
30 FALL 2016
These distances are largely dependent on soil
conditions and can be hundreds of feet, hardly
amenable to a quick test under pressure. The
full procedure, as described in IEEE Std. 81,
is to graph a series of readings taken at regular
intervals as the potential probe is moved toward
the current probe. The graph then reveals
the maximum resistance at the limits of the
electrical field around the ground rod, beyond
which no additional resistance is encountered.
This procedure is called Fall of Potential (FOP)
and is regularly described in the literature. Its
limitation is obvious: time. For a permanent
structure, like a building ground, its the method
of choice. But for HAZMAT grounding, a
quicker method is the order of the day.
Experienced ground testing technicians often
take a shortcut around Fall of Potential by
merely moving the potential probe back and
forth five or 10 feet and taking two or three
additional readings, as opposed to plotting and
graphing the entire distance. The measurement
displayed on the test instrument is the soil
resistance to the point of placement of the
potential probe. The three or four readings
so collected may vary by a few ticks due to
localized inconsistencies in the soil. They can
be averaged to get an acceptable measurement.
What one does not want to see are steadily rising
numbers as the potential probe is moved away
from the ground under test. This would indicate
that the maximum resistance that defines the
quality of the ground connection has not been
reached. The test is being conducted within the
electrical field of the test ground, not beyond
it. The probes would have to be moved to
greater distances and the test rerun.
As every such measurement may not be exactly
the same to the last decimal, a degree of
operator interpretation is involved in accepting
or rejecting the result. Therein lies a possible
source of error. To make such a test more
objectively reliable, one can go to the Simplified
Fall of Potential. The test procedure is basically
the same, involving only three measurements.
But instead of the operator deciding, a brief
mathematical proof separates an acceptable test
from a spurious one. The three readings are taken
HAZMAT GROUNDING
halfway and at 40 percent and 60 percent of the
distance to the current probe. The readings are
averaged, and the one that deviates most from
the average is expressed as a percentage of the
average. This figure is then multiplied by a
correction factor of 1.2. The resulting calculation
is the percentage accuracy of the average, like an
accuracy statement for a meter. The same general
rules apply. For example, if a calculation of 10.2
calculates to a 1.5 percent accuracy, thats
good. If it calculates to greater than a 10 percent
accuracy (industry standard), the test should be
considered unacceptable and repeated with new
probe spacing. Submitting the calculation in a
test report gives the test objectivity and removes
the stigma of possible operator misjudgment in
the eyes of third parties.
Taking the reduction of test time one step
further to its optimal single measurement brings
us to the familiar 62-percent rule. Seen widely in
ground-testing literature, the method consists of
placing the potential probe at 62 percent of the
distance to the current probe and taking a single
measurement. Yes, this actually works, but it is
based on ideal test conditions. The theory behind
it states that a FOP graph will coincide with the
probe position for the perfect measurement at 62
percent (actually 61.8 percent) of the distance to
the current probe.
The ground rod has now been verified, but the
grounding conductor that runs from the tank
to the rod must also be verified as providing
a continuous, low-impedance path. This is
relatively easy with a three- or four-terminal
ground tester. It does not require an additional
piece of test equipment. Modern testers have a
selector switch, allowing the operator to engage
the desired number of terminals for the required
test. Physical jumpering of terminals is no longer
required as it was in the old days; just turn the
selector to the two-terminal position and run
test leads from the tank to the rod. In seconds,
the resistance of the grounding conductor will
be displayed and should be less than one ohm.
If a high reading appears, take measures to
tighten the contact at both ends. Alternatively,
replacement of the conductor may be necessary.

As a complete FOP graph covers all the points

from virtually zero at the test ground to some
value higher than that of the test ground, because
of the superimposed resistance of the current
probe, the graph must coincide at some point
with the correct measurement. This point is at
62 percent. However, this isnt a universal test
procedure because it relies on ideal conditions.
Bonding Test Showing Selector Switch
Among numerous factors, these include soil
uniformity, underground objects, and current
probe placement at a sufficient distance that its The site has now been grounded and static charges
own resistance is not included. These conditions dissipated harmlessly into the soil. But the job is
are frequently not met in practical testing, not finished. Dangerous materials must be off-
necessitating other methods. Nonetheless, the loaded into safe containers or tanks. Normally,
62-percent method does have reference in IEEE fluids passing through hoses are considered
Std. 81 and in many cases, will yield the correct benign, but in fact, the friction involved can
measurement, more or less by luck. Under the again separate the charge in the hose material,
time pressures that often accompany HAZMAT and the site reverts to a dangerous condition
clearance, it may be the best choice. with a risk of arcing. To guard against this,

HAZMAT GROUNDING NETAWORLD

WORLD 31
TECH TIPS
hoses have to be electrically tested. A new piece
of test equipment, an insulation tester, is now
required. Fortunately, none of the requirements
are demanding, and so an economical basic-
function tester may be employed. Industry
standard is to perform a 500-volt test, end to
end. Resistance of the hose material must be
low enough to permit movement of charge
to counter the effects of the rapidly passing
fluid within, so that dangerous separation of
charge doesnt develop on the surface and build
voltage to the point of arcing. Since the hoses
are made of insulating material, much higher
resistances are involved, and hence, the need
for greater test voltage. Different materials have
slightly different properties, and manufacturers
should be consulted on their recommendations.
Resistance must be adjusted to hose length, but
in general, an industry standard of less than 1
M is recognized.
HAZMAT sites can be volatile and dangerous,
but all the procedures are established and in place
to render sites safe through diligent application
of safe working practices.
Jeffrey R. Jowett is a Senior Applications
Engineer for Megger in Valley Forge,
Pennsylvania, serving the manufacturing
lines of Biddle, Megger, and multi-Amp
for electrical test and measurement
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.

A FULL SERVICE
NETA ACCREDITED
ELECTRICAL
TESTING
COMPANY.

Acceptance Testing
Commissioning
Maintenance Testing
High Voltage Substations
Short Circuit and
Coordination Studies
Data Centers and
UPS Systems
Serving the Sacramento and
San Francisco Bay Area

916-853-6280
www.apparatustesting.com
 HERES WHY
ELECTRICAL TECHNICIANS
TURN TO US
FOR SOLUTIONS

CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS
S CUSTOMER-1ST FOCUS
Our technicians perform to a higher
standard than the industry requires to
make sure you have safe and
reliable electrical equipment.
MORE TESTING OPTIONS
We lead the industry in the testing
and service of Electrical Power
Distribution and include easy to
read Test Reports.
MASSIVE INVENTORY
From the 1950s to 2016 and
everything in between. Our
200,000 square feet of
inventory holds all the spares,
replacement parts and rental
options you need to
stay up and running.
Our expert staff does whatever it
takes, even the seemingly
impossible, to get you what you
need when you need it.
COMPETITIVE PRICING
We offer the most reasonable prices
on electrical equipment and service.
We beat OEM prices for
UHFRQGLWLRQLQJDQGUHWURWLQJ

call us for EMERGENCY SERVICE

1.800.476.1486
SOUTHLANDELECTRICAL.COM
 SAFETY CORNER

AN INDISPENSABLE
BY PAUL CHAMBERLAIN, American Electrical Testing Co., Inc.

Protection from hazards always begins with proper prior planning.

An important aid to planning a job correctly and thoroughly includes
using a tool known throughout the industry as a pre-job briefing
(PJB). These tools are commonly called tailgates or tailgate meetings
in construction parlance, but no matter what they are called, they
are designed to do the same thing: identify relevant hazards on the
jobsite or during performance of a task and communicate those
hazards to all persons on the job who may be affected.
Per the NFPA 70E 2015, Standard for Even the Occupational Safety and Health
Electrical Safety in the Workplace, Article Administration (OSHA), under 29 CFR 1910.269
110.1(H) clarifies when a job briefing should Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and
be conducted: Distribution Standard, specifies the requirement
for a PJB.
Before starting each job, the employee in charge 1910.269(c)(1)(i): In assigning an employee
shall conduct a job briefing with the employees or a group of employees to perform a job, the
involved. The briefing shall cover such subjects as employer shall provide the employee in charge
hazards associated with the job, work procedures of the job with all available information
involved, special precautions, energy source that relates to the determination of existing
controls, PPE requirements, and the information characteristics and conditions.
on the energized electrical work permit, if that 1910.269(c)(1)(ii): The employer shall ensure
might affect the safety of employees occur during that the employee in charge conducts a job
the course of the work. briefing that meets paragraphs (c)(2), (c)(3),
and (c)(4) of this section with the employees
The NFPA also includes a sample Job Briefing involved before they start each job.
and Planning Checklist under Informative
Annex I (Table 1). Although this specific form OSHA also requires that the PJB cover hazards
is not required, a similar form should be created associated with the job, work procedures involved,
to aid the employee in the identification and special precautions, energy-source controls, and
mitigation of potential hazards. personal protective equipment requirements.

34 FALL 2016 PRE-JOB BRIEFINGS: AN INDISPENSABLE SAFETY TOOL

 SAFETY CORNER

Additional PJBs may be required should the Table 1: Sample Job Briefing and Planning Checklist
task or workplace location change significantly Source: NFPA 70E 2015, Article 110.1(H), Informative Annex I
enough to change the hazards involved in
performing the work. The more potential
hazards, the more detailed the PJB should Identity
Hazards Shock protection
be. Additionally, more extensive PJBs may be Voltage levels involved boundaries
required for inexperienced employees. The Skills required Available incident energy
only time a PJB does not need to be conducted, Any foreign (secondary Potential for arc flash
source) voltage source (Conduct an arc flash hazard
per OSHA 1910.269(C)(5), is if an employee Any unusual work conditions analysis.)
will be working alone. It states: However, the Number of people needed to Arc flash boundary
employer shall ensure that the tasks to be performed do the job
are planned as if a briefing were required.
Ask
Can the equipment be Is a standby person
OSHAs website, under its e-tools, suggests that de-energized? required?
a checklist be used to facilitate the PJB: Are backfeeds of the circuits
to be worked on possible?
Keeping a written record of job briefings is not Check
specifically covered by the standard, but it is a best Job plans Safety procedures
Single-line diagrams and Vendor information
practice to do so. A written checklist can include
vendor prints Individuals are familiar with
the hazards, procedures, precautions, and PPE Status board the facility
requirements associated with a job, as well as a Information on plant and
column for employee signatures indicating they vendor resources is up to date
are knowledgeable about job hazards and safety Know
procedures. Such documentation can help ensure What the job is Who is in charge
that proper briefings are held at the right times (for Who else needs to know
Communicate!
example, beginning of a shift) and that everyone
has been informed. For an example checklist, see Think
the Job Briefing and Planning Checklist in Annex About the unexpected Install and remove temporary
event... What if? protective grounding
I of the National Fire Protection Associations equipment
Look Tag Test Try
NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Test for voltage FIRST Install barriers and barricades
Workplace, 2004 Edition. Use the right tools and What else...?
equipment, including PPE
As seen in this quote, even OSHA refers back
Prepare for an emergency
to the sample PJB in the NFPA 70E. Is the standby person CPR What is the exact work
trained? location?
PJBs come in a variety of versions and styles. Is the required emergency How is the equipment shut off
equipment available? in an emergency?
They come from utilities, large manufacturers, Where is it? Are the emergency telephone
and from individual testing companies. All of Where is the nearest numbers known?
them are designed to do one thing, and they telephone? Where is the fire extinguisher?
Where is the fire alarm? Are radio communications
do it fairly well: They aid the task performer(s) Is confined space rescue available?
in identifying and minimizing risks associated available?
with the hazards of performing the task. Some
PJBs focus strongly on physical hazards, others
focus on task-specific procedures, and some form that encapsulates all of those needs. The
help identify human-error traps. Since a PJB is employer should be able to identify which
designed to be a quick and simple-to-use tool hazards are greatest or are a more pressing
for the task performer, it is hard to develop a need to address within the workforce, and

PRE-JOB BRIEFINGS: AN INDISPENSABLE SAFETY TOOL NETAWORLD

NETAWORLD 35
SAFETY CORNER
develop a PJB adequate enough to identify
those hazards.
One item of concern that should be addressed
in every PJB is the need to identify the means
of preventing the inadvertent or unexpected
release of electrical energy. Since that is one of
the greater and most prevalent hazards within
the testing industry, it is also a good idea to
identify how it will be controlled. Whether it
is controlled via individual lock out/tag out,
switching and tagging, live-line clearances, and/
or the use of grounding, it should be indicated
on the PJB. Additionally, it is wise to allow the
performer a space within the form to indicate
lock or tag or ground locations to ensure the
proper removal when the work is completed.
Addressing and indicating the limited,
restricted, and arc-flash boundaries on the form
is also recommended. This will make it easier
for performers to advise visitors to the work
location of the various approach distances.
Additionally, the hazard/risk category level,
PPE level category, and any additional PPE
required to complete the task should be
indicated on the form.
The person in charge who fills out a PJB
form should review all hazards with the
performer(s) of the task and give them ample
opportunity to ask questions. A PJB should
be a give-and-take discussion, not a dictation.
The review of the PJB should be conducted
with all personnel who may be affected by
task performance or with anyone else whose
work may impact the task. This includes
contractors, subcontractors, and peripheral
36 FALL 2016
workers on the jobsite. Once the review is
complete, the names of all persons attending
the PJB review should be noted. It may be
as simple as printing each name on the PJB
itself, or the PJB may have a separate sign-
in sheet. Should the task or the job location
significantly change, a new PJB or review/
amendment of the old PJB form may be
necessary. Should a visitor arrive on-site,
they should be immediately stopped from
encroaching upon the work area, and the PJB
should be discussed, apprising them of the
potential hazards on the job site.
Identifying and mitigating potential job
hazards is important in the prevention of
possible injuries or accidents. It is up to the
employer to provide an adequate means of
identifying and addressing those hazards. A
PJB form is required in most cases, and is an
easy and effective means of identification. The
employer should ensure it is adequate for the
tasks the employees will be performing, and the
employee should use the provided form to help
prevent potential injuries. Should an employee
have suggestions on improving the form, they
should voice those suggestions to the employer.
After all, it is the employees form to use.
Paul Chamberlain has been
the Safety Manager for American
Electrical Testing Co., Inc. since
2009. He has been in the safety field
for the past 17 years, working for
various companies and in various
industries. He received a bachelor
of science degree from Massachusetts
Maritime Academy.
PRE-JOB BRIEFINGS: AN INDISPENSABLE SAFETY TOOL
THEYRE READY. ARE YOU?

The NETA Series II Handbooks

are now available.
Put real-world learning at your ngertips.
The NETA Handbooks house valuable resources
related to electrical power systems testing and
maintenance and are the perfect combination
of technical and practical applications.

Order Today for Special Pricing!

$195* For the 13 volume set

$ 15* For each issue
*Additional cost for shipping and handling

Become a NETA Alliance

Partner and save 20%!

For more information on the NETA Handbooks or other NETA publications,

visit the NETA bookstore at www.netaworld.org or call 888-300-6382 (NETA).
 RELAY COLUMN

COMMUNICATION-ASSISTED
TRIPPING AND SECTIONALIZING
FOR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
BY STEVE TURNER, Beckwith Electric Company, Inc.

This article demonstrates how to perform high-speed, communication-

assisted tripping and sectionalizing on distribution systems. All faults are
quickly cleared and the distribution system is rapidly sectionalized to restore
service to the most customers possible. Inherent time delays embedded in
the traditional approach are eliminated.
Portions of rural electric distribution systems
can operate in a network. This application
is limited since the majority of rural electric
distribution systems consist of long, tapped
radial feeders; however, sometimes, a portion
of a system can be operated as a looped
network. The main advantage of a network
is less chance of customer outages when a
primary source is lost a very important
consideration for critical-need customers such
as hospitals.

The Smart Grid era has ushered in a new age,
revitalizing our distribution assets. The Smart
Grid uses digital technology like high-speed
communication at the enterprise level. Many
rural areas still lack a Digital Subscriber Line
(DSL) and cable modem services. In such
cases, the least expensive type of non-dial-up
connection remains a 64-kbit/s frame-relay
line (Figure 1). Smart Grid could provide rural
electric utilities an incentive to loop their feeders
to improve service. A series of simple examples
illustrates how to protect looped feeders since
conventional protection such as time overcurrent
relays are inadequate.
Figure 1: Frame Relay Topology
HIG H-SPEED ,
C OM M U N IC AT IO N -ASSIST ED
T RIPPIN G (HSC AT )
Figure 2 illustrates two distribution feeders tied
together by a section of feeder (length equal to d).
The tie switch (S) is shown located beside the first
feeder for practicality. The two substations must
share a high-speed communications channel that
allows the numerical line relays located at each
terminal to transmit and receive data from each
other. The HSCAT scheme logic does not need to
know the state of the tie switch.

HIGH-SPEED, COMMUNICATION-ASSISTED TRIPPING AND NETAWORLD

NETAWORLD 39
SECTIONALIZING FOR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
RELAY COLUMN
Figure 2: Single-Line Diagram for HSCAT Scheme
Where:
R1 Recloser #1
R2 Recloser #2
L1 Feeder Relay #1
L2 Feeder Relay #2
D1 Sectionalizer #1 (motor-operated, no
remote control)
D2 Sectionalizer #2 (motor-operated,
no remote control)
The normal practice is to only close the tie
switch when one of the reclosers is open to
pick up the entire load on that feeder. HSCAT
provides high-speed tripping at both ends via
the communication channel for faults anywhere
in between when the tie switch is closed. High-
speed tripping the two reclosers eliminates the
need for coordination between the reclosers
with their respective sectionalizers for the first
trip. Most faults are transient in nature (> 90
percent) and should have cleared prior to the
first reclose. The next section discusses how to
rapidly sectionalize the system to restore service
when the fault is permanent. Motor-operated
sectionalizers cannot break current and only trip
after sensing the fault current has cleared.
Figure 3 shows simple conceptual scheme logic for
HSCAT. This is often referred to as a permissive
overreaching transfer trip (POTT) scheme. Note
that the voltage transformers (VTs) and current
transformers (CTs) at each end must be connected
such that both numerical relays can distinguish
40 FALL 2016
Figure 3: HSCAT Scheme Logic
between a feeder fault (forward) and an external
fault located behind the terminal (reverse).
Modern numerical feeder relays have directional
elements that can determine if a fault is forward or
reverse with respect to its own location.
If a fault is between the two terminals and
the tie switch is closed, then both numerical
feeder relays declare a forward fault and
trip their respective breakers after receiving
permission from the remote end, quickly
clearing the fault.
If the tie switch is open, then one numerical
line relay will not see the fault, and the
feeder protection reverts back to classic
coordinated time-overcurrent protection.
If there is an out-of-section fault and the tie
switch is closed, one numerical relay sees the
fault as reverse and blocks tripping at both
terminals. If the reclosers are fed by delta/
wye distribution transformers, then ground
directional elements will not see single phase-
to-ground faults on the interconnected
transmission system (Figure 4).
HIGH-SPEED, COMMUNICATION-ASSISTED TRIPPING AND
SECTIONALIZING FOR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
 RELAY COLUMN
Fault Location F1
Step 1. Trip both reclosers R1 and R2 via
HSCAT scheme.
Step 2. Trip the tie switch S.
Step 3. High-speed reclose reclosers
R1 and R2.
Step 4. Trip and lockout recloser R1.

Fault Location F3
Step 1. Trip both reclosers R1 and R2 via
Figure 4: Ground Faults on Transmission System HSCAT scheme.
Step 2. Trip the tie switch S.
Step 3. High-speed reclose reclosers R1
HIGH-SPEED SECTIONALIZING
and R2 (first shot).
FOR PERMANENT FAULTS Step 4. Trip recloser R1.
If the fault is permanent, then it is possible to Step 4. Trip and lockout sectionalizer D1.
rapidly sectionalize the distribution system and Step 5. Reclose recloser R1 (second shot).
quickly restore service. The tie switch must have
a numerical control with access to the high- Fault Location F5
The fault appears as external to the HSCAT
speed communications channel so that the
scheme since the fault is reversed with respect
numerical feeder relays can send remote trip and
to the numerical line relay at Substation No. 1
close commands. and forward with respect to the numerical feeder
relay at Substation No. 2. The transformer
Figure 5 shows where faults can occur on the
differential protection can trip and lockout
distribution system from our first example. This
recloser R1 if the CTs are connected as shown
section covers the number of steps and what in Figure 6.
actions must be performed to properly isolate
the fault for each location. We only need to
cover the odd-numbered fault locations due to
the symmetry of the distribution system for this
example. Note that once the tie switch is initially
tripped open, the recloser and sectionalizer
on the faulted segment rely upon traditional
coordination to trip during the second step. Figure 6: CT Locations for Bus Faults

Figure 5: Fault Locations

HIGH-SPEED, COMMUNICATION-ASSISTED TRIPPING AND NETAWORLD 41

SECTIONALIZING FOR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
RELAY COLUMN
Second Case F2
Figure 9 illustrates a fault located between
reclosers R3 and R4.

Figure 7: Looped Distribution System

Figure 9: Fault Between Reclosers R3 and R4
C OM P LEX D ISTR IB U T IO N
SYSTEM
The distribution systems considered so far are Third Case F3
very simple to help present the main concepts. Figure 10 illustrates a fault located between
Figure 7 represents a more complex looped reclosers R2 and R4.
distribution system. We shall now analyze
how to apply the HSCAT scheme logic for
this system.

Reclosers R1 and R3 are located at the two

substations, while reclosers R2 and R4 are out in
the system. TS is the normally closed tie switch.
All of these devices must share the same high- Figure 10: Fault Between Reclosers R2 and R4
speed communications channel that allows the
numerical line relays located at each terminal
(including the tie switch) to transmit and receive Fourth Case F4
data from each other. Assume that the forward Figure 11 illustrates a fault located behind R1.
direction for reclosers R1 and R3 is looking out
into the system, while reclosers R2 and R4 are
looking back toward their respective substations.

First Case F1
Figure 8 illustrates a fault located between
reclosers R1 and R2.

Figure 11: Fault Behind Recloser R1

Fifth Case F5
Figure 12 illustrates a fault located behind R3.

Figure 8: Fault Between Reclosers R1 and

R2

Figure 12: Fault Behind Recloser R3

42 FALL 2016 HIGH-SPEED, COMMUNICATION-ASSISTED TRIPPING AND

SECTIONALIZING FOR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

Table 1 shows the directional decisions made by
the numerical feeder relays for each fault location.
Table 1: Relay Directional Decisions
Figure 13 shows how to apply HSCAT to
protect the looped system:
The numerical feeder relays at R1 and R2
provide the first zone of protection for the
feeder between them, i.e., forward-looking
directional elements.
The numerical feeder relays at R3 and R4
provide the second zone of protection for the
feeder between them, i.e., forward-looking
directional elements.
The numerical relays at R2 and R3 provide the
final zone of protection for the feeder between
them, i.e., reverse-looking directional elements.
Figure 13: Overlapping Zones of Protection
Therefore, the minimum requirements for point-
to-point communications are:
R1 to R2 (if necessary, R1 can transfer trip
TS via R2)
R3 to R4 (if necessary, R3 can transfer trip
TS via R4)
R2 to TS
R3 to TS
HIGH-SPEED, COMMUNICATION-ASSISTED TRIPPING AND
SECTIONALIZING FOR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
RELAY COLUMN
HIG H-SPEED SEC T ION AL IZ IN G
F O R PERM AN EN T FAU LT S
Figure 14 is the same looped system shown in
Figure 6 with sectionalizers included to better
represent an actual system, and it shows all of the
internal fault locations. If the fault is permanent,
then it is possible to rapidly sectionalize the
distribution system and quickly restore service.
The tie switch must have a numerical control
with access to the high-speed communications
channel so that the numerical feeder relays can
send remote trip and close commands. Assume
that the sectionalizers are motor-operated and
provide remote fault indication. This section
covers the number of steps and what actions
must be performed to properly isolate the fault
for each location. For this example, only the odd-
numbered fault locations need to be covered due
to the symmetry of the distribution system.
Fault Location F1
Step 1. Trip both reclosers R1 and R2 via
HSCAT scheme (no fault indication
from D1).
Step 2. High-speed reclose reclosers R1 and R2.
Step 3. Trip and lockout reclosers R1 and R2.
Fault Location F3
Step 1. Trip both reclosers R1 and R2 via
HSCAT scheme (fault indication
from D1).
Step 2. High-speed reclose reclosers R1
(first shot).
Step 3. Trip recloser R1.
Step 4. Trip and lockout sectionalizer D1.
Step 5. Reclose recloser R1 (second shot).
Fault Location F5
Step 1. Trip both reclosers R2 and R4 via
HSCAT scheme (fault indication
from D2).
Step 2. Trip open tie switch S.
Step 2. High-speed reclose reclosers R2
and R4 (first shot).
Step 3. Trip recloser R2.
Step 4. Trip and lockout sectionalizer D2.
Step 5. Reclose recloser R2 (second shot).
NETAWORLD 43
RELAY COLUMN

Figure 14: Looped Distribution System with Sectionalizers

Fault Location F7 Single-Pole Tripping. Single-pole tripping on

Step 1. Trip both reclosers R2 and R4 via
HSCAT scheme (no fault indication
from D2 or D4).
Step 2. Trip open tie switch S.
Step 3. High-speed reclose reclosers R2 and
R4 (first shot).
Step 4. Trip and lockout recloser R2.
distribution feeders has become popular in areas
like Florida since many loads are single phase
(residential). Tripping only the faulted phase
during a single line-to-ground fault prevents
interruption of service to single-phase load
connected to the unfaulted phases (Figure 16).

SP ECIAL C ONSID ERAT IO N S

There are special conditions associated with
operating a looped distribution system, including
ground sources, single-pole tripping, and
directional element-polarizing quantities.

Ground Sources. Three-phase transformers

out in the system that have a star-connected
winding facing the distribution system can
provide a ground path and back feed external
faults tripped at one end of a looped feeder. The
numerical feeder relay located at R1 in Figure 15
should identify the ground fault as external due
to its directional elements.
Figure 16: A-Phase Tripped Open
Negative-sequence and zero-sequence currents
flow through the unfaulted phases during the
dead time following a single-pole trip prior to
reclosing.

Figure 17: Symmetrical Component Diagram

Figure 15: Back-Fed Ground Fault for Single-Pole Open

44 FALL 2016 HIGH-SPEED, COMMUNICATION-ASSISTED TRIPPING AND

SECTIONALIZING FOR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
 RELAY COLUMN
Figure 17 is a symmetrical component diagram
for single-pole open on a looped distribution
feeder. The unbalanced current flows through
the parallel combination of the negative-
sequence and zero-sequence system impedances
at the point where the open pole exists.

ES Equivalent Source at Substation S

ER Equivalent Source at Substation R
ZS Equivalent Source Impedance at
Substation S
ZR Equivalent Source Impedance at
Substation R Figure 18: Negative-Sequence, Voltage-
M distance to open pole from Substation S Polarized Directional Decision for Forward Fault
Z1 Positive-Sequence Feeder Impedance (CCW Rotation)
Z2 Negative-Sequence System Impedance
Z0 Zero-Sequence System Impedance Forward Fault
I2 Negative-Sequence Current V2 = -jXSI2
I0 Negative-Sequence Current I2 = -j|I2|
V2 = -XS|I2|
This condition can cause false operation of
directional elements that are polarized by negative- The phase of the negative-sequence voltage is
sequence or zero-sequence quantities. Analysis is inverted for a reverse fault. So, for the case of
required to determine if the directional elements reverse flow of the negative-sequence current
will work properly during the open pole and during an open pole, a negative-sequence,
what actions, if any, must be taken to prevent voltage-polarized directional element can still
misoperations from occurring. correctly determine the actual direction of the
open pole with respect to the relay terminal
D IRE CTIONAL ELEM ENT (Figure 19). However, directional elements
P OLARIZING QUANTITIES that operate on impedance calculations can
The choice of polarizing quantities is important misoperate if not set properly.
to ensure reliability and security of the high-
speed, communication-assisted tripping scheme.
Generally, negative-sequence is chosen for
unbalanced faults, while positive-sequence
is required for three-phase balanced faults.
Exercise caution during the selection of the
polarizing quantity for unbalanced faults when
single-pole tripping is enabled. Due to the open
pole, negative-sequence and zero-sequence
current actually flow backwards. Figure 18
shows the directional decision for a negative-
sequence, voltage-polarized directional element
during a forward fault. If I2 is lagging V2 by 90
degrees, then the fault is declared forward.
Figure 19: Negative-Sequence, Voltage-Polarized
Directional Decision for Reverse Fault (CCW
Rotation)

HIGH-SPEED, COMMUNICATION-ASSISTED TRIPPING AND NETAWORLD 45

SECTIONALIZING FOR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
RELAY COLUMN
If the distribution system is radial following
the first trip, then directional elements can be
disabled to prevent misoperations and rely upon
traditional coordination.
C ONCLUSIONS
In performing high-speed, communication-assisted
tripping and sectionalizing on distribution systems,
all faults are quickly cleared. The distribution
system is rapidly sectionalized to restore service
to the most customers possible. Inherent time
delays embedded in the traditional approach
are eliminated.
Steve Turner, an IEEE Senior Member, is
a Senior Applications Engineer at Beckwith
Electric Company. His previous experience
includes work as an application engineer with
GEC Alstom and as an application engineer
in the international market for SEL, focusing
on transmission line-protection applications. Steve worked for Duke
Energy (formerly Progress Energy), where he developed a patent
for double-ended fault location on overhead transmission lines. He
has a BSEE and MSEE from Virginia Tech. Steve has presented
at numerous conferences, including Georgia Tech Protective Relay
Conference, Western Protective Relay Conference, Energy Council
of the Northeast, and Doble User Groups, as well as various
international conferences.

AEMC has Expert Tools for Testing

Insulation Safely & Accurately!

15kV Digital Megohmmeter Model 6555
Voltage testing: 500, 1000, 2500, 5000, 10,000 & 15,000
Variable voltage testing
Ramp voltage testing
Step voltage testing
Resistance measurement range: 10k: to 30T:
Selectable test current modes
Test current: up to 5mA short circuit current
Ratio calculations: DAR, PI and DD

IP
53
Rated

www.aemc.com
Chauvin Arnoux, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC Instruments
200 Foxborough Blvd., Foxborough, MA 02035 USA
Phone: (800) 343-1391 Fax: (508) 698-2118
 OPEN NOW!
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION
Save $100
September 1 through December 31, 2016

REGISTER TODAY!

HIGH-POWER SEMINARS NETWORKING WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS

POWERTEST.ORG 888.300.6382
A N A H E I M C A L I F O R N I A
February 27 - March 3 2017 THE PREMIER ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE & SAFETY EVENT

DISNE Y L A ND HO T E L
 ELECTRICAL TESTING AND
MAINTENANCE CORPORATION
NETA, the InterNational Electrical Testing Association,
is proud to add Electrical Testing and Maintenance
Corporation to the community of electrical testing
companies committed to meeting the ever-increasing
demand for qualified testing firms and personnel.
Founded in 1994, Electrical Testing and Maintenance
Corporation serves the Mid-South region of the
United States, which includes Tennessee, Mississippi,
and Arkansas, as well as parts of Missouri, Kentucky,
Louisiana, and Alabama. Electrical Testing and
Maintenance's goal is to provide customers with state-of-
the-art, value-added power system services necessary to
ensure the reliable, safe, and efficient operation of a facility
and its related electrical components. ETM offers the
Mid-South area the most up-to-date services for repair,
maintenance, and inspection of electrical apparatus for
utility, industrial, and commercial customers.
Ron Gregory, President and NETA Accredited
Representative for ETM, is proud to be part of NETA.
We have been looking forward to joining NETA for
a long time. Weve admired the organization over the
years, and now, as a NETA Accredited Company,
ETM can offer benefits and services to our customers
we would not have been able to offer before. We look
forward to an exciting year!
 Introducing AVOs Cable U.
AVO

A one of a kind cable field for the most complete

U
cable testing and diagnostic study found anywhere.
AVO After years of careful planning, design and construction, AVOs Cable U is here.
CABLE Designed to accommodate our new Medium-Voltage Cable Fault Location &
Tracing and Cable Testing & Diagnostics courses, It allows cable technicians the
most technologically advanced real world place for every electrical cable testing
and diagnostic application. The study of cable just got a lot smarter.

WWW.AVOTRAINING.COM 877-594-3156
W

Many AVO training courses are eligible for NETA ctds.*

FEATURE
UNDERSTANDING
AND MAINTAINING
CRITICAL SERVICE
B Y JO H N WEBER,
EQUIPMENT
The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company
All institutions and businesses strive to maintain
a reliable and consistent level of service to their
customers. Many also establish disaster and
recovery plans for unexpected natural disasters
or other crisis situations. An often overlooked
but foreseeable disaster is the failure of the main
electrical service switch for the facility.
The main switch of a facility can fail
catastrophically if the manufacturers required
maintenance is ignored.
Extended loss of electrical power to a facility
due to catastrophic equipment failure usually
disrupts all business function and creates many
unexpected and unplanned expenses. Most service
equipment failures are preventable by following
manufacturers maintenance recommendations or
50 FALL 2016 UNDERSTANDING AND MAINTAINING CRITICAL SERVICE EQUIPMENT
requirements for the installed service equipment.
Electrical equipment failures should be included
in the disaster plan, and the process begins with
conducting an electrical equipment failure risk
assessment.
When performing an electrical equipment
failure risk assessment for a facility, one of the
most important considerations is the reliability
of the service equipment. The National Electrical
Code, NFPA 70-2014 Article 100 Definitions
defines service equipment as:
The necessary equipment, usually consisting
of a circuit breaker(s) or switch(es) and fuse(s)
and their accessories, connected to the load end
of the service conductors to a building or other
structure, or an otherwise designated area, and
intended to constitute the main control and
cutoff of the supply.
When the service equipment fails to perform
as intended or fails catastrophically, a complete
shutdown of all business activities occurs. A
catastrophic failure usually results in expediting
standby generators to the site and the use of
many electricians working around the clock to
re-establish power to the facility. Damage to
the service equipment makes it very difficult
to connect a standby generator at a single
termination point. Sometimes the feeder sections
need to be subdivided or isolated from the
busbars for the standby generator connections.

Recovering from service equipment failures
typically includes costs for generator rental and
fuel oil, generator power cable rental, overtime
electrical trade labor, additional security guard
coverage, and equipment transportation. The
analysis shown in Figure 1 highlights the
total cost associated with standby generator
requirements. When long-term outages are
expected, temporary transformers or rerouted
service conductors may be more cost effective
than running generators. Keep in mind that
all of these costs are only for the temporary
emergency re-establishment of power.
Figure 1: Standby generator rental cost is a fraction of the total cost associated with the use of a
temporary generator installation.
UNDERSTANDING AND MAINTAINING CRITICAL SERVICE EQUIPMENT
FEATURE
Additional time and expense is expended
working with designers and electrical contractors
to determine the extent of the damages and
solutions for permanent equipment replacement.
Catastrophic service equipment failures are
often accompanied by electrical equipment
meltdown, fire, smoke, and water damage.
Depending on the degree of equipment failure,
major NEC-code upgrades may be required for
the equipment room and electrical equipment
before it can pass current electrical and building
code requirements.
NETAWORLD
NETAWORLD 51
FEATURE
Required code upgrades can
create additional unexpected
expenses. Depending on new
or used equipment availability,
final electrical and building
repairs can take weeks or
months. In addition to all of
the costs for temporary and
permanent electrical repairs,
the occupants typically suffer
a major business interruption.
Many key personnel are diverted
to expediting activities and
emergency resolutions of the
current business crisis. Who
is left to manage the day-to-
day business, and how many
customers needs are not being
met because of this unexpected
The proactive review and execution of main switch maintenance
and untimely electrical failure?
requirements can help prevent switch failures, power outages, and
Knowing that all of these costs costly business interruptions.
typically follow an unexpected
service equipment failure, the best solution What caused this to happen? How could
is to avoid the failure in the first place. This ignoring required maintenance on this switch
requires that the owner is aware of the type result in such total destruction of the switchgear?
of installed electrical equipment and the What could have been done to prevent this
maintenance requirements specified by the catastrophe?
equipment manufacturers. As with any type
After a service equipment failure of this
of service equipment, if the manufacturers
magnitude, owners, contractors, engineers, and
maintenance requirements are ignored, the facilities managers quickly assemble to try to
consequences can devastate a business and understand how this could have happened. The
result in unrecoverable business losses and discussions usually include questions such as:
crushing financial burdens.
Was an electrical risk assessment ever
One common type of service equipment switch conducted for the site?
used by a wide range of facilities is the bolted Were electrical experts included in the risk
pressure switch. By evaluating the results of assessment process?
a catastrophic bolted pressure switch failure, Was there an awareness that the electrical
the importance of proper service equipment equipment required periodic maintenance?
maintenance becomes evident. Was any preventive maintenance ever
performed on the service equipment?
No business owner wants to respond to an Was it known that a bolted pressure switch
emergency call at their facility to find a bolted was installed on the premises?
pressure switch failure. The bolted pressure Were the manufacturers service requirements
switch failure shown in this photo occurred and frequencies known?
catastrophically with all of the consequences Were qualified electrical personnel employed
described previously. at the facility to evaluate and design

52 FALL 2016 UNDERSTANDING AND MAINTAINING CRITICAL SERVICE EQUIPMENT


a comprehensive electrical preventive
maintenance program?
Was there an awareness of the potentially
catastrophic consequences of not
performing the manufacturers maintenance
recommendations?
Knowing that service equipment failures typically
follow this response pattern, what can be learned
in the interest of prevention? After a disaster has
occurred, there is always great interest in what
can be done to prevent a recurrence. The real
benefit of this discussion is to forewarn owners
and facilities managers to proactively consider
all of the above questions before a catastrophic
service switch failure occurs.
As an example, bolted pressure switch
manufacturers typically require annual inspection
and lubrication of the conductive blade parts and
the operating mechanism. Depending on the
presence of adverse environmental conditions, such
as excessive temperatures or dirty or wet conditions,
more frequent inspection and maintenance
may be required. If a bolted pressure switch is
involved in an event where fuses have blown or
if it has interrupted a ground fault, a complete
switch inspection should be performed. One
manufacturer states that, after a switch has
interrupted a fault, switch design standards
indicate that an unserviced switch is not suitable
for reuse. After a fault opening, contaminated
lubrication may need to be removed. Pitting,
splatter and weld marks may need to be addressed.
In addition, arc quenchers and barriers may need
inspection and repairs. Contamination from
the fault may prevent proper future operation
of the opening and closing mechanisms. Each
manufacturer provides additional details for the
type of lubricants to use for the cleaning and
re-lubrication process to follow. Even though a
riveted nameplate was installed with large font
size and bold lettering to stress the requirement
of annual lubrication, the proper maintenance
was not performed. Note that the instructions
use the word required versus recommended.
Many facilities use bolted pressure switches
as the main service equipment for the facility.
Annual inspections and servicing of these
UNDERSTANDING AND MAINTAINING CRITICAL SERVICE EQUIPMENT
FEATURE
Annual lubrication is stressed by the manufacturer
on this nameplate. Many owners and facility
managers believe that the main switch is
maintenance-free.
switches requires planned shutdowns. NFPA
70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the
Workplace requires electrical equipment to be
de-energized, locked out, and tagged out before
performing electrical work. NFPA 70E also
requires personal protective equipment (PPE)
for electrical workers. The frequent requirement
for annual maintenance on a bolted pressure
switch often conflicts with the typical needs of
most businesses trying to maintain continual
uptime for 24/7 productivity reasons.
Options exist to replace existing bolted pressure
switches with a circuit breaker. This can be
accomplished without purchasing all new
switchgear enclosures. The benefit of the retrofit
is that, under normal operating conditions,
many new circuit breakers allow for significantly
longer maintenance intervals. The differences
in the vulnerabilities of the mechanical
operating mechanisms account for the extended
maintenance-interval requirements. This can
be a good option when it is impractical or
logistically complicated to perform frequent
annual maintenance on bolted pressure switch
service equipment. Not performing the required
maintenance on a bolted pressure switch should
never be an option.
NETAWORLD
NETAWORLD 53
FEATURE
Th
is b
ar
sho
uld
be
ve
rtic
al
Lack of proper maintenance prevented this switch from closing and
clamping completely.
Bolted pressure switches typically have two
movable blades per phase. When the switch
blades rotate vertically to the closed positon,
the two movable blades straddle the upper
stationary contacts. With continuous motion,
the three pairs of movable blades are clamped
tightly at the stationary contacts and at the lower
hinge points of the switch blades. The clamping
action is usually achieved by rotating a screw
that is linked to the switch-closing mechanism.
The insulated crossbar picture shown here
indicates that the crossbar arm did not complete
its stroke. The bar is at a 45-degree angle. It
should be in the vertical position when fully
closed and clamped. If the required maintenance
is not performed, an event like the one seen in
this photo can occur.
In this case, the switch mechanism did not
complete its full stroke to close the blades and
clamp them properly. As a result, the switch
operated with high contact resistance at all six
of the unclamped switch blade locations. High
amperage on the main switch caused excessive
heat to occur on the blades. This became a
worsening condition with increased heating
and increased resistance over time. The loose,
overheated connections began arcing. Typically,
arcing in a nominal 480-volt switch will result
54 FALL 2016
an
dn
ot
at
45
The six un-clamped switch joints operated with high
contact resistance. Excessive heat and arcing destroyed this
bolted pressure switch.
in phase-to-ground and phase-to-phase arcing
faults. Arcing faults can destroy the switchgear
enclosures and the internal switchgear
components. The arcing burned a hole through
the thick metal mounting plate for this switch.
Many owners may not be aware of the arcing
fault phenomenon and the degree of equipment
destruction associated with arcing faults.
Once established, arc faults tend to travel
in a direction moving away from the source.
This is caused by the magnetic forces acting
between the arc itself and the magnetic flux
produced in the busbars. This effect is similar
to the electromagnetic forces that cause a
motor shaft to rotate. The arc will travel at
varying speeds depending on the fault current
developed. When the fault currents are over
5,000 amperes, the fault can produce a gun-
blast noise. An arcing fault will do the most
damage at locations where the arc is physically
restrained from traveling due to barriers. In
the pair of photos shown here, the insulated
fuse sleeves restrained the physical travel of the
arc. The intense heat of the arc burned away
the thick, switch mechanism crossbar and the
insulated switch-mounting panel.
The devastating effects of not performing
the required maintenance on bolted pressure
UNDERSTANDING AND MAINTAINING CRITICAL SERVICE EQUIPMENT

The downward traveling arc burned through the
insulated crossbar and burned the tops of the fuses.
er
rm
fo
ns
tra
nt
rre
cu
PE
The GFPE current transformer melted and
GF
fell from its mounting bracket. The mounting
ed
elt
bracket can be seen on the left side above the CT.
M
switches are evident in the top photo.
All three of the main fuses are damaged. The
ground fault protection of equipment (GFPE)
system is destroyed. The yellow arrow shows
the melted and dislodged ground fault current
transformer that surrounds all four of the phase
and neutral busbars. The GFPE relay is melted
beyond recognition. Conductor insulation is
damaged. The smoke and combustion products
UNDERSTANDING AND MAINTAINING CRITICAL SERVICE EQUIPMENT
FEATURE
produced in the enclosure have contaminated
the entire enclosure.
HOW TO MAKE A
POSI TI VE CHANGE
It is important to realize that many building
owners are not aware of the type of service
equipment installed in their facility. In many
cases, an owner assumes that a service switch
does not require any maintenance. It is
understandable that this idea would exist in
the owners mind. Compare the bolted pressure
switch annual maintenance requirements to the
extended maintenance interval requirements for
the circuit breaker installation.
How does the building owner know which one is
installed in his facility? Who in the organization
is qualified to inspect, identify, and implement
the proper preventive maintenance routines for
the installed equipment? Although the technical
documents for the service equipment and
the maintenance requirements probably exist
somewhere in an archived file drawer, who is
technically qualified to read them and create a
maintenance and disaster prevention plan?
In this regard, a positive change and a reduction
in catastrophic service equipment failures can be
achieved when:
Electrical design engineers consider the
maintenance requirements of service
equipment when evaluating and specifying
equipment suitable for the customers
actual use. Are the future maintenance
requirements ever considered in the electrical
equipment selection process? For example,
if a building is designed for 24/7 intense
manufacturing processes, should a service
switch requiring annual maintenance or one
requiring extended maintenance intervals be
selected? Is it realistic to think that 24/7 types
of use could accommodate frequent annual
service intervals? Will the intense pressures
for productivity always overrule the shutdown
requirements for maintenance?
Electrical contractors proactively notify
customers where known service equipment
NETAWORLD
NETAWORLD 55
FEATURE
is not receiving the proper maintenance
required by the manufacturer. In many
cases, the owner and his employees are not
technically qualified to make this assessment.
If facility operations and schedules cannot
accommodate annual shutdowns, then
appropriate extended maintenance interval
equipment options could be suggested. This
would avoid the continued operation of an
unmaintained bolted pressure switch.
NETA Accredited electrical companies
continue a concerted effort to educate
owners. Owners and facility managers must
be informed of the risks associated with
not following manufacturers maintenance
recommendations for bolted pressure switches
and other critical electrical equipment.
Owners and facility managers should receive
additional resources, such as this article, to explain
the destruction of equipment that can occur
when a relatively small internal malfunction of a
switch mechanism develops into an arcing-fault
switchgear meltdown and business interruption
disaster.
John Weber is Principal Electrical
Engineer for The Hartford Steam Boiler
Inspection and Insurance Company.
He has over 30 years of experience in
facilities/electrical engineering and
management roles. John has a Bachelors
Degree in Electrical Engineering and
has a strong background in electrical
engineering, HVAC, energy management, building
automation controls, and National Electrical Code
compliance.

$(7%ULQJV3UHFLVLRQDQG9DOXHWR
(OHFWULFDO7HVWLQJ&RPPLVVLRQLQJ
DQG(QJLQHHULQJDQG3RVLWLYH
Results to Our Customers.
AET delivers the best value in
WKHPDUNHWSODFHE\RHULQJ
WKHKLJKHVWTXDOLW\VHUYLFH
at competitive prices. With a
ZRUNIRUFHDQGRFHVORFDWHG
WKURXJKRXWWKHFRXQWU\$(7LV
an industry leader and one of the

The Power of
ODUJHVWLQGHSHQGHQWHOHFWULFDO
WHVWLQJFRPSDQLHVLQWKH86

Positive Results To learn more about AETs full

range of testing and engineering
services, visit www.aetco.us

$6XEVLGLDU\RI

:::$(7&286 800.992.3826
A Nationwide Service Provider An Company
Delivering Powerful Reliability Solutions

 Power System Acceptance Testing

 Commissioning and Start-up
 Maintenance
 Life-Cycle Extension
 Troubleshoot and Repair
 Training and Engineering Services
 Planning and Operations Support
 Project Management

Sigma Six Solutions, Inc.

2200 West Valley Hwy North, Suite 100 | Auburn, WA 98001
2IFH|6DOHV
ZZZVLJPDVL[FRP
FEATURE

SECOND DRAFT
MEETING FOR
B Y R ON WIDUP AND J IM WH IT E, Shermco Industries

The NFPA has a long-standing and well-established process for its

consensus-based standards, and revision for the 2018 edition of
NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, follows
these tried-and-true NFPA processes. Two of the larger milestone
events are the first and second draft meetings. This article speaks to
the work accomplished at the second draft meeting.
The NFPA 70E Technical Committee met in Salt including changes to the tables. Although those
Lake City from July 18 through July 22, with are the changes that affect most people, other
task group meetings taking place July 16 and 17. changes are also important. One such change
The task group work is particularly important in to Article 110.1 concerns the risk-assessment
completing the Second Draft of the 70E, as task procedure, which states:
groups hammer out the details on many of the
public comments (PCs), which saves time in the (2) The risk assessment shall take into
main committee meeting. Once the task groups consideration the potential for human error and
agree on the PCs, the full technical committee its negative consequences on people, processes,
meets to discuss and vote on the task group work. the work environment, and equipment.
This is not to say that the recommendations Informational Note: The potential for human
of the task groups are rubber-stamped by error will vary with factors such as tasks and the
the full committee. Often, the task groups work environment.
recommendations are not followed, or they are
Human error and its effects can cause serious
modified once the full committee discusses them.
This may seem a waste of time, but it is necessary safety issues. What are the possible human error
to ensure that the process is streamlined and that elements that could occur? If one of these were
full consideration is given to all parties. to occur, what would the consequences be?
What can be done to eliminate or compensate
The last 70E column in NETA World Journal for these errors? A thorough risk assessment
covered major changes in the standard, would consider human error, but the 70E

58 FALL 2016 SECOND DRAFT MEETING FOR NFPA 70E


Committee wanted to be as specific as possible
about what a risk assessment should contain.
A new section in Article 110 regarding job safety
planning completes the primary steps in a job safety
assessment: planning the job. A risk assessment
would list the tasks, the steps to complete the task,
and then determine whether it is safe to perform
those steps and tasks. The job safety plan would
be completed to document what is required to
perform the work, including the equipment, PPE,
barriers, etc. The job briefing would communicate
those requirements to anyone involved in the
performance of the work.
(1) Job Safety Planning. The job safety plan
shall be in accordance with the following:
(1) Be completed by a qualified person
(2) Be documented
(3) Include the following information:
a. A description of the job and
the individual tasks
b. Identification of the electrical
hazards associated with each task
c. A shock risk assessment in
accordance with Article 130.4
for tasks involving a shock hazard
d. An arc flash risk assessment
in accordance with Article
130.5 for tasks involving an arc
flash hazard
e. Work procedures involved,
special precautions, and energy
source controls
In Article 110.2(C), the requirements for
emergency response training have been
changed to read:
(2)(d) Refresher training shall occur at a
frequency that satisfies the requirements of the
certifying body.
Previously, the requirement was to perform
such training annually because it is unlikely
that people will remember how to perform
such tasks effectively in an emergency situation.
As an example, 99 percent of electrical workers
have probably not performed CPR on a live
person, and, if called upon to do so, would
have difficulty remembering exactly what to
SECOND DRAFT MEETING FOR NFPA 70E
FEATURE
do or how to do it. Performing CPR and other
critical tasks is much different when done in
the field as opposed to the classroom. However,
the full committee decided to rely on more
general requirements in this case.
One area that created a lot of discussion
(and confusion) was in regard to the original
electrical and interval testing of rubber
insulating gloves, specifically related to the note
in Table 130.7(C)(7)(c). That footnote reads:
If the insulating equipment has been electrically
tested, but not issued for service, it may not be
placed into service unless it has been electrically
tested within the previous 12 months.
OSHA has the same language in Footnote
1 of Table I-5 in 29 CFR 1910.137, which
could be interpreted in several waysand we
believe several members of the 70E committee
probably did just that.
Issued for service was interpreted as: 1) when the
manufacturer sold the glove; 2) when the glove was
physically issued to a worker; or 3) when the glove
was received by the purchaser. Each scenario would
provide a different time period. David Wallis,
formerly the Director of the Office of Engineering
Safety, stated that OSHA considers the date the
manufacturer (or a third-party) electrically tested
the glove to be the golden date.
This could cause problems for the end user,
as that date is not readily apparent. The
manufacturer could be queried based on the
control number stamped onto the glove cuff,
but most people dont ask. At Shermco, we have
the gloves tested and the cuff stamped when
we purchase them. This bypasses that problem,
but many companies dont have them tested
when purchased. The 2018 edition of NFPA
70E will try to clarify the language used by
OSHA (and ASTM) by revising the existing
note in the table as follows:
New insulating equipment is not permitted to be
placed into service unless it has been electrically tested
within the previous 12 months. Insulating equipment
that has been issued for service is not new and must be
retested in accordance with the intervals in this table.
NETAWORLD
NETAWORLD 59
FEATURE
The new language will help users of NFPA 70E
understand that 1) new rubber insulating
gloves cannot be issued for service unless they
have been electrically tested within 12 months,
and 2) once they have been issued for service
they are no longer new and must be retested
every six months. As David Wallis put it, Gloves
are only new once.
Article 130.2 Normal Operation is being changed
to read Normal Operating Condition to better
clarify when normal operation is permitted.
Item number (3) underlined below is being
added. Other underlined portions are what is
modified.
(4) Normal Operation Operating Condition.
Normal operation of electric equipment shall be
permitted where a normal operating condition
exists. A normal operating condition exists when
all of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) The equipment is properly installed.
(2) The equipment is properly
maintained.
(3) The equipment is used in accordance
with instructions included in the
listing and labeling and in accordance
with manufacturers instructions.
(4) The equipment doors are closed and
secured.
(5) All equipment covers are in place and
secured.
(6) There is no evidence of impending failure.
Some committee members suggested that the
section really specifies when electrical equipment
could be operated in the manner the manufacturer
recommends. This does not include operations
where there is an increased risk of arc flash, such as
racking a circuit breaker or inserting or removing
a MCC bucket.
In Article 130.5 (E) Equipment Labeling, the
exception is being changed, as the 2015 edition
contained a specific date, and that date is losing
relevance. The section will now read:
Exception No. 1: Unless changes in electrical
distribution system(s) render the label inaccurate,
labels applied prior to the effective date of this edition
of the standard shall be acceptable if they complied
60 FALL 2016
with the requirements for equipment labeling in the
standard in effect at the time the labels were applied.
This change allows the exception to be applicable to
all labels, regardless of when they may have been (or
will be) applied.
Lastly, a new requirement is being added
to Article 130.7(C)(16) concerning PPE
Conformity.
(16) Personal Protective Equipment Conformity
Assessment.
(a) All personal protective equipment
referenced in Table 130.7(C)(14) shall
comply with the associated referenced
standard.
(b) Effective January 1, 2018, all personal
protective equipment shall comply with
ANSI/ISEA 125, American National
Standard for Conformity Assessment
of Safety and Personal Protective
Equipment, conformity assessment Level
1, 2, or 3 in its entirety, and shall be
marked in accordance with Section 9 of
ANSI/ISEA 125.
This requirement is needed due to the flood of
arc-rated and other PPE being imported.
The photo below shows a confusing flame-
resistant clothing label. It has an ATPV, a
label with HRC2 on it, but states inside that
it only meets NFPA 2112, which is not a test
for electrically-rated/arc-rated clothing. All arc-
rated clothing must meet ASTM F1506 and
NFPA 70E. NFPA 2112, is for clothing rated
A Confusing Flame-Resistant Clothing Label
SECOND DRAFT MEETING FOR NFPA 70E
for flash fires not electrical arcs but the
NEW eBOOK
PACKED FULL OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION!
wording on this label implies it is arc-rated.
ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT BREAKERS,
There is clothing with both ratings, but they FUSES AND PROTECTIVE RELAYS
clearly state this. The new section on conformity
should help weed out such mislabeling, as by L.W. Brittian
manufacturers or assemblers would have to
certify that their clothing, PPE, etc., conforms 900+ pages
to the standards listed in NFPA 70E Table
130.7(C)(14). 200+ pictures

S U MM A RY 125+ Charts and Tables

As previously stated, this column only touches
the tip of the iceberg, especially when we Only $5.99
are talking about all of the changes to the
2018 edition of the 70E. And while the 70E Achieve specialist level knowledge
affects almost all workplaces and certainly all
of Circuit Breakers, Fuses, and
employees performing electrically related tasks,
small changes may be of special concern to some Protective Relays with this
companies. It is important to stay up to date and convenient take-anywhere eBook.
informed on the changes, and keep coming back
for more information. AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON.COM
IN THE KINDLE STORE

Ron Widup and Jim White are

NETAs representatives to NFPA Technical
Committee 70E Electrical Safety FLEXIBLE / COLLAPSIBLE AIR-CELLS
Requirements for Employee Workplaces.
Both gentlemen are employees of Shermco
Industries in Dallas, Texas, a NETA
Accredited Company. Ron Widup is
Ron Widup CEO of Shermco and has been with the
company since 1983. He is a Principal
member of the Technical Committee on Electrical Safety
in the Workplace (NFPA 70E) and a Principal member
of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) Code Panel
11. He is also a member of the technical committee
Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment
Maintenance (NFPA 70B), and a member of the NETA
Board of Directors and Standards Review Council.
Jim White is nationally recognized for
technical skills and safety training in
the electrical power systems industry. He
is the Training Director for Shermco
Industries, and has spent the last twenty COLLAPSED
years directly involved in technical skills 2-DAY AVERAGE! BLADDER
and safety training for electrical power
Jim White system technicians. Jim is a Principal STANDARD SIZES PLUS CUSTOM AIR-CELLS TO
member of NFPA 70B representing FIT ANY TRANSFORMER INSTALLATION!
Shermco Industries, NETAs alternate member of NFPA 70E,
and NETAs Principal representative to the ASTM F18
U S E D B Y: WA U K E S H A , C A L P I N E , T VA ,
Committee Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers. F I R S T E N E R G Y, P S E & G , L . A . D E P T. O F
WAT E R & P O W E R , J A C K S O N V I L L E E L E C .
AUTHORITY & MANY MORE!

PILLOW TANKS

MADE IN AMERICA - 40 YEARS STRONG

FOR DIELECTRIC
OIL, TOO!

TOLL FREE: TELEPHONE: WEB:
SECOND DRAFT MEETING FOR NFPA 70E
800-526-5330 +1-201-825-1400 ATLINC.com
 Are you having
Power Equipment Problems?

BCS HAS THE SOLUTION!

$%5a5YKVEJIGCTa+PEaKUaQPGaQHaVJGaNCTIGUVa
KPFWUVTKCNaUWRRNKGTUaCPFaTGRCKTaHCEKNKVKGUa
QHaSWCNKV[aGSWKROGPVa

new used obsolete reconditioned

a /QNFGFa%CUGa$TGCMGTU a #KTa%KTEWKVa$TGCMGTU a 8CEWWOa$TGCMGTU
a +PUWNCVGFa%CUGa$TGCMGTU a /GFKWOa8QNVCIGa$TGCMGTU a 5YKVEJGU
a 8CEWWOa%QPVTCEVQTU a 5YKVEJIGCT

ABB GENERAL ELECTRIC ITE GOULD WESTINGHOUSE SIEMENS

SQUARE D ALLIS CHALLMERS FEDERAL PACIFIC

Call Toll Free: 888-599-0486

TEXAS OFFICE
SWITCHGEAR, INC. 4790 Hwy 377 South
Powering industry with superior equipment since 1999. Krugerville, TX 76227
www.bcsswitchgear.com FAX 940-365-1808
FEATURE

DO A

ASSESSMENT
B Y JI M W H I TE , Shermco Industries
?
This article discusses the whys of performing a job safety assessment (JSA)
or a job hazard assessment (JHA). This often comes up during safety
classes where attendees say, Oh, I had no idea why we did those. It was
just something we were told to do. While employees should comply with
standard operating procedures (SOPs) or company directives, since we
are dealing with adults, they also need to understand why we do things.
Once they do, compliance goes way up.

R IS K VE RSUS F REQUENCY assessment are types of risk assessments. Frequency,

Risk is defined by NFPA 70E as a combination of course, is how often a task is performed during
of the likelihood of occurrence of injury or the work day. Figure 1 shows the four quadrants
damage to health and the severity of injury comparing risk to frequency.
or damage to health that results
from a hazard. Risk assessment
is defined as an overall process
that identifies hazards, estimates
the potential severity of injury
or damage to health, estimates
the likelihood of occurrence of
injury or damage to health, and
determines if protective measures
are required. NFPA 70E adds
this to the definition of risk
assessment: Informational Note:
As used in this standard, arc-flash
risk assessment and shock risk Figure 1: Risk versus Frequency

64 FALL 2016 WHY DO A RISK ASSESSMENT?


High Risk/High Frequency tasks include
utility work on overhead lines or live-line
bare-hand work on energized electrical lines
or equipment. Most industrial companies try
to limit or eliminate tasks such as these to
prevent electrical events. Utilities, however,
operate in this environment frequently. High
Risk/Low Frequency tasks include racking a
circuit breaker in or out of its enclosure and
removing or installing a MCC bucket or a
bus duct fuse. These tasks are rarely done,
but the risks involved are high. Low Risk/
High Frequency tasks are things like driving
a car, walking, or climbing stairs. These tasks
are performed thousands of times each day,
but accidents are infrequent. Examples of
Low Risk/Low Frequency tasks are riding a
merry-go round, playing billiards, or other
similar activities.
Of these four types of tasks, which one
would have more injuries? Surprisingly (or,
maybe not), most events happen in the Low
Risk/High Frequency category. We perform
these tasks day in and day out, hardly giving
them a thought and that is where we get
into trouble. Our brain goes into auto-pilot
mode, and we just go through the motions.
For example, as we drive on an interstate
highway, we tend to use only that portion
of our brain really needed to get us from
point A to point B. Since our brain is the
biggest energy user of our entire body, it
automatically throttles back to conserve
energy. We dont consciously do this; it just
happens. If a police car comes up behind
us with its lights flashing and siren blaring,
we go into full alert mode. Once that police
car passes us, we drop back into interstate
driving mode. We are conserving energy.
Many would argue that driving a vehicle is
not low risk, but consider how many millions
of miles are driven each year and the number
of vehicles on the road at any given time.
According to the National Highway Safety
Traffic Administration, there were 32,719
deaths attributed to traffic accidents in 2013.
Thats a lot, but there were also about 212
million drivers who drove about 2.96 trillion
WHY DO A RISK ASSESSMENT?
FEATURE
miles. This works out to 1.13 fatalities per
million miles driven. Those fatalities were not
in any way acceptable, but for the number of
miles driven, the fatality rate is relatively low.
The implications of the way our brain
operates are tremendous. The first time we
perform a task, we are focused and sharp.
As we perform the task repeatedly, we tend
to be less focused. Our brain is conserving
energy, preserving our energy stores in case
we have to run from a saber tooth tiger,
climb a tree, or some other survival-related
task. We go through the motions, not really
paying attention. If anything different should
happen anything not planned for we
could quickly be in a safety-critical position.
PROBABI LI TY VERSUS
CONSEQUENCE
We are all familiar with the concept of
probability. We constantly weigh probabilities,
sometimes more successfully than others. If we
make a sudden lane change or we decide to
answer a cell phone call while driving, we
are weighing the probability of an accident,
and we all deal with the consequences of
decisions made every day.
Figure 2 shows probability versus consequence.
Low Probability/High Consequence would be
a task such as racking a circuit breaker in or
out or inserting/removing MCC buckets. We
dont do these often, and the probability of
failure is small; but if a failure does occur, the
consequence of failure could be very high
even life-threatening. High Probability/High
Consequence tasks are those that have a high
probability of injury and the consequences
would be high. Going back to utility linemen
as an example, they work in close proximity to
energized lines and equipment. If they should
make contact, the consequences would be
high. Low Probability/Low Consequence
tasks are such tasks as sharpening a pencil
or brushing your teeth, etc. The chances
of injury are small, and, if it did occur, the
resulting consequence would be very minor.
High Probability/Low Consequence tasks
are those that have a high probability of an
NETAWORLD
NETAWORLD 65
 INDUSTRY TOPICS

THE BASIS FOR PERFORMING

INSULATION POWER-FACTOR
TESTING ON LARGE CAST-COIL

B Y B R U CE M . R O CK W E L L , American Electrical Testing, Inc.

This article discusses the industry basis and value of performing

an insulation power-factor test on dry-type transformers,
specifically the cast-coil design. The basis for performing this
test as outlined in the industry standards is discussed. The value
of performing the test based on the transformer application, site
conditions, and customer objectives is presented. The intent is
to provide insight into when it is prudent to apply insulation
power-factor testing to dry-type transformers.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Section 8 of the C57.12.01 standard addresses
(IEEE) publishes a voluntary consensus standard, testing. Specifically, paragraph 8.3 addresses
IEEE Std. C57.12.01 (2015), IEEE Standard for routine, design, and other tests for transformers.
General Requirements for Dry-Type Distribution Dry-type transformer tests are summarized in
and Power Transformers. This standard was Table 16. The insulation power-factor test is
first published in 1979, and its purpose is to listed under other tests. The standard implies
provide a basis for establishing performance and that other tests are those that are specified
interchangeability requirements for dry-type individually as deemed appropriate. Thus, the
transformers. This standard describes electrical and standards recognize it is common practice to
mechanical requirements of single- and poly-phase consider insulation power-factor testing for
as well as ventilated, non-ventilated, and sealed dry-type transformers.
dry-type distribution and power transformers or
autotransformers with a voltage of 601 volts or A companion standard to IEEE C57.12.01
higher in the highest voltage winding. This standard is IEEE C57.12.91 (2011), IEEE Standard
applies to all dry-type transformers, including those Test Code for Dry-Type Distribution and
with solid cast and/or resin-encapsulated windings. Power Transformers. This standard provides

THE BASIS FOR PERFORMING INSULATION POWER-FACTOR NETAWORLD

NETAWORLD 69
TESTING ON LARGE CAST-COIL TRANSFORMERS
INDUSTRY TOPICS
information regarding procedures for testing power factor over time as a predictor of
dry-type transformers. It identifies that overall insulation quality. Such trend test
transformer requirements and specific test data is helpful in identifying degradation
criteria are not part of this standard but are or verifying insulation quality improvement
contained in appropriate standards such as from drying/cleaning. Such testing is also
IEEE C57.12.01 or in other user-developed helpful in identifying potential issues
specifications. Thus, there is some basis that (insulation voids/carbonization) that may
applications vary, and as such, different testing not be observed externally.
may be applicable for different conditions.
Large (>500 kVA) cast-coil transformers (stand-
Within IEEE Std. C57.12.91, the following alone or unit substation types) are generally
commentary is noted: applied (in lieu of open-wound or encapsulated
types) where additional strength and protection
While the real significance that can be is required. These units are intended for harsh
attached to the insulation power factor of dry- environments and/or outdoor applications
type transformers is still a matter of opinion, and are applied for their superior short-circuit
experience has shown that insulation power strength and short-duration overloads as are
factor is helpful in assessing the probable typically experienced in industrial process
condition of the insulation when good judgment applications.
is used. In interpreting the results of insulation
power-factor test values, the comparative values One noted disadvantage when applying or using
of tests taken at periodic intervals are useful in a cast-coil transformer is that the coefficient
identifying potential problems rather than an of expansion of the epoxy insulation is less
absolute value of insulation than that of the copper (or
power factor. A factory aluminum) windings. If the
insulation-power-factor test transformer is exposed to
THE TEST COMMUNITY
is of value for comparison environmental or operating
with field insulation-power- UNIVERSALLY conditions that create cyclical
factor measurements to assess RECOGNIZES APPLYING expansion and contraction
the probable condition of THE INSULATION by heating and cooling the
the insulation. It has not coils, this can lead to cracking
been feasible to establish POWER-FACTOR TEST of the cast-coil epoxy-resin
standard insulation-power- PERIODICALLY FOR insulation over time.
factor values for dry-type MAINTENANCE AND
transformers because General Electric published
USING THE TREND-TEST a service bulletin titled Test
experience has indicated that
little or no relation exists DATA TO VALIDATE Application Data for Secondary
between insulation power THE QUALITY OF DRY- Substation Transformers. In
factor and the ability of the this test application guide,
TYPE TRANSFORMER the insulation power-factor
transformer to withstand the
prescribed dielectric tests. INSULATION AS AN test is listed as an optional
ESTABLISHED INDUSTRY test; however, it is noted that
Another factor cited for this test is useful for checking
BEST PRACTICE.
the inability to establish a the condition of the insulation.
standard insulation-power- This service guide identifies
factor test value is the that comparative measurements
wide variation in size, type, and quantity made at periodic (i.e., maintenance) intervals
of insulating materials used in large dry- are useful in identifying potential problems
type transformers. However, practice has rather than the absolute test value. Thus, GE
proven the value in trending the insulation is one manufacturer that readily acknowledges

70 FALL 2016 THE BASIS FOR PERFORMING INSULATION POWER-FACTOR

TESTING ON LARGE CAST-COIL TRANSFORMERS

the value of using the insulation power-factor
test trend data as a maintenance test.
The American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) publishes the ANSI/NETA MTS,
Standard for Maintenance Testing Specifications
for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems, 2015
edition.
The ANSI/NETA MTS-2015 test specifications
identify the insulation power-factor test as
a standard (routine) test. Additionally, the
specifications identify an insulation power-
factor tip-up test as an option. Industry practice
has established the value of performing this
additional test when the standard insulation-
power-factor test results are suspect.
The industry body of knowledge referenced
herein provides guidance on transformer
testing by considering the type of insulation
system: dry-type or liquid-filled. There
is some distinction with respect to size.
Transformers larger than 500 kVA (three-
phase) are generally considered significantly
more critical to business operations. The
standards make no distinction with respect
to the test specifications based on the various
types of dry-type insulation system designs
such as cast coil, resibloc, vacuum-pressure
impregnated (VPI), or vacuum-pressure
encapsulated (VPE). Industry standards
further guide the user toward good engineering
judgment and apply reasonable economic
justification based on additional factors such as
reliability, criticality, environment, and service-
aged conditions.
Having data on the frequency and magnitude of
through-faults experienced by a transformer are
criteria that warrant consideration with respect
to specifying more or less testing. In facilities
and plant sites that have high available fault
currents, and in situations where a transformer
has been subjected to a through-fault, it is
prudent to perform insulation power-factor
testing to verify the insulation quality.
Doble Engineering Company suggests the
following as acceptable, stand-alone insulation-
power-factor test values:
THE BASIS FOR PERFORMING INSULATION POWER-FACTOR
TESTING ON LARGE CAST-COIL TRANSFORMERS
INDUSTRY TOPICS
1. Ventilated Dry-Type
CHL (high-to-low) 2 percent
CL (low-to-ground) 4 percent
CH (high-to-ground) 3 percent
2. Epoxy Encapsulated Dry-Type
CHL 1 percent
CL 2 percent
CH 3 percent
It is important to note that CL power factors
as high as 8 percent have been noted in some
manufacturers transformers, and these levels
may be considered acceptable. Thus, having
trend data is very helpful in monitoring/
identifying normal and degraded conditions.
Literature published by electrical test instrument
manufacturer Megger Group Ltd. provides
the following insight: Higher overall power-
factor results may be expected on dry-type
transformers; however, the majority of test
results for PF are found to be below 2.0
percent, but can range up to 10 percent.
The test community universally recognizes
applying the insulation power-factor test
periodically for maintenance and using the
trend-test data to validate the quality of dry-type
transformer insulation as an established industry
best practice. This practice is also recommended by
ANSI/NETA as a routine maintenance test.
The insulation power-factor tip-up test is
an additional test recognized in the ANSI/
NETA MTS-2015 industry standard. This
test is performed to further clarify what the
insulation power-factor test results may be
indicating. When performed, this optional
test is useful in evaluating and discriminating
whether moisture or corona are present in the
insulation system. To perform the tip-up test,
the applied test voltage starts at about 1 kV and
increases in intervals up to 10 kV or the line-to-
ground rating of the winding insulation. If the
insulation power-factor does not change as the
test voltage is increased, moisture is suspected
as a probable cause. If the insulation power-
factor increases as the voltage is increased,
carbonization of the insulation or ionization in
voids is a probable cause.-
NETAWORLD
NETAWORLD 71
INDUSTRY TOPICS
C ONC LUSION
It is reasonable to perform the insulation power-
factor test on dry-type transformers, including
cast-coil designed units. The insulation power-
factor test may add two to four hours to the
testing scope; thus, it can be significant in the
price of the work. It is important to understand
how to prioritize the value of this test with
customer economic expectations.
In some aspects, this is akin to the mindset
that transformers only need to be tested on
the applied tap setting. However, turn-to-
turn winding shorts are found often enough
to justify testing a transformer on all of its
available tap positions, and time added for this
testing is minimal. Understanding the value of
the test, the added scope/cost, and when it may
provide the best value to the customer are all
things to consider when specifying testing for
dry-type cast coil transformers.
Bruce Rockwell is the Director of
Engineering for American Electrical
Testing, Inc., Boonton, New Jersey. Bruce
has more than 35 years of engineering and
operations experience spanning industrial
and utility power systems in transmission,
distribution, substation, generation, and rail transit from low
voltage to 500 kV. He has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical
Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and
an MBA from Monmouth University. Bruce is a licensed
Professional Engineer in 22 states, a licensed Electrical
Contractor in New Jersey, and a New Jersey State-Certified
Continuing Education Instructor for electrical contractors.
He is a senior member of IEEE and has been recognized
many times for his contributions to various publications and
as a speaker at various electric power industry conferences.
Bruce was recently appointed as an alternate to the NEC -
Code Panel 10.

Industrial Electric Testing, Inc.

{xU{ i}iV-iVi

*/



 /

/ -/ 
, *
,
U
>Li U66-Vi U,iVi
U66
V i>i U,i>
/i U-}i
ii
U,>}>Vi U

ii U
>>V
Uii U`}-i U >ii
U
>V/>vi-Vi U/>vi U`>-i
U-V}i>>`-VL>` U>}` U i>`

iLi U/i}>V-i /i}

" -1/ 
  , - ,6
-
U>`-`i U>Vi}>
U/>i6>}i,iV`}>`
> U,i>Viiv>}`
U iV>}iVi` /i} U*i>V-`i

7iL
iiU>Vi]`>xU{nn
7
iiU>>`>i]`>Ux{{x
 1 965-2
965-201
015
5

Electro Rent is No
Electro Noww a NETA
NETA Gold
Gold
Electro
Electr o Rent Tur ns 50
urns YEARS
Corpor
Cor poraate Alliance Par
artner
tner

Electro Rent answers

your every test need.
Largest inventory
NOW IN HOUSTON
Consistent, reliable delivery service
Immediate availability Electro Rent is proud to
introduce its new Regional
ISO and ANSI accredited labs Service Center, serving your
test needs better and faster
than ever with experienced
customer support 24x7. If it
Learn more at:
www.electr
www .electror
orent.com/electr
ent.com/electrical-power tests, weve got it and were
800.304.4744 | sales@electrorent.com ready to deliver in Houston.

Vanguard Instruments Company, Inc.

www.vanguard-instruments.com
 NETA INDUSTRY
LEADERS THANK
BOARD MEMBER
FOR LONG-TIME SERVICE
BY CARL A K AL OG ERIDIS

Members of the NETA Board of Directors commit

to two-year terms when they agree to serve. Someone
apparently forgot to tell that to Rod Hageman, who is
retiring from the NETA Board after 28 years of service.

My time on the NETA Board was my service to the

industry, Hageman says.

Hageman took over Illinois-based PRIT Service, Inc.,

in 1972 from his father, Lynn Hageman, who had
established the company as an independent testing and
engineering services firm in the 1950s. Over the last 40
years, PRIT Service has been part of a growing industry,
servicing industrial and power-producing companies
throughout the Midwest. PRIT Service joined NETA
in 1986 and shared its technical knowledge through
Hagemans participation on the Board; his service
(along with that of his respected and beloved late wife,
Diane) as NETA World Journals Technical Editor; and
his leadership roles on the Standards Review Council
(SRC) and NETA Technical Exam Committee. He has
also represented NETA on other industry committees,
such as NFPA CMP-10.

I particularly enjoy my work with the SRC, Hageman

says. Its a great group of highly skilled technical people
who put away their egos and listen to each other. The
SRC is responsible for the technical oversight and
review of NETA's programs, products, and services
including the ANSI/NETA standards and the NETA
Certification Program.
Hageman, whose company was acquired by Shermco
Industries earlier this year, would like to continue working
on the SRC and stay connected to the industry. The
problem with retiring is that then you become one of
those guys who used to know everything, he says. I hope
to stay involved with NETA wherever I can contribute.
Through the years, Hageman has been particularly proud
of the NETA Boards recognition of and willingness to
change when change was needed. For example, re-doing
the NETA Certification Exam, which was a project that
began in October of 2014, was very important work, he
says. I appreciated that the Board agreed to let us get that
Rod and Diane at dinner with friends in Jackson Hole,
Wyoming.

done. NETA Certification is a credential earned by

individuals who perform electrical maintenance testing,
acceptance testing, and commissioning of electrical power
equipment and systems. The NETA credential is the
industry-leading certification program for this career path.

That being said, Hageman has seen the Board make some
tough decisions, too. Weve had to make changes as the
world is changing around us, he says. Board members
listen to each other and learn from each other. When you
come through that door, you have to park your attitude
about how you run things in your business at the door.
A friendly game of pool with Mose Ramieh, John White,
The NETA Board always keeps the interests of the Rod Hageman, and Ken Bassett in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
organization and its members at heart.

Looking ahead, Hageman says the NETA Board is on solid
ground. I hear people raise concerns periodically about
succession, but I dont see that as a problem for the NETA
Board or in the technical arena, he says. The young men
and women I see entering our industry are smart and have
the same work ethic we do. The NETA organization will
remain strong for the foreseeable future.
PE R S O N A L AND P R OF E SSIONAL
R EF LE C T I ON S
No one works in an industry and volunteers with its
leading association for decades without making a few
acquaintances along the way. Hageman has a long list of
colleagues who respect his work and leadership and who
love him as a person.
Ive known Rod more years than either of us would like
to admit, says Mose Ramieh, former President of Power
& Generation Testing, Inc. and a long-time member of
NETAs Board of Directors. When I joined NETA, Rod
was the first Board member I met and we hit it off from
the start. Later, after Ramiehs election to the Board, they
became close friends. He and Diane were very helpful
after my wife died, and our bond became even closer.
Ramieh describes Hageman as loyal, honest, smart,
compassionate, and humble. If I had to pick one word to
describe him personally, it would be sensitive, but that
still leaves a lot on the table, Ramieh says.
Professionally, Ramieh knows Hageman as a lover of all
things technical with a passion for sharing knowledge.
Rod has been a trendsetter in the technical side of
NETA and the industry. He has been a pioneer in the
protective relay world. His technical review and scrutiny
of NETA World Journal has given NETA a respected
place in the industry. He has like so many others in the
NETA family contributed much to make us the
800-pound gorilla in the testing industry.
Ron Widup, CEO of Shermco Industries and President
of the NETA Board, has worked with Hageman on the
Board, the SRC, PowerTest, several ad hoc committees,
and other miscellaneous projects for the Association.
Rod has been a fantastic resource, he says, always
willing to jump in and help out.
Widup describes Hageman as a smart man who has had a
direct impact on the technical competence and industry-
leading position of NETA. His attention to detail, his
high expectations of accuracy and validation for both
6RPHWKLQJ\RXGRQ
WVHH
HYHU\GD\

%XWZHGR
<RXUILHOGVHUYLFHVXSSRUWFHQWHUIRU
,QVXODWHG&DVHEUHDNHUV

6DOHV 5HSDLUV +U(PHUJHQF\6HUYLFH 7HFKQLFDO6XSSRUW

 INDUSTRY TOPICS

EVALUATING
TESTING STRATEGIES
BY B R I A N C R O NI N , CSA Engineering Services, LLC

Look at a sales brochure, or even an instruction manual, for many relays

available today and youll find only a small portion of it dedicated to
protection. Much of what youll find is dedicated to the integration of the
device into the power system so it can replace what was previously performed
by a myriad of devices. Metering, monitoring, and control features allow
for significantly more functions than the predecessor to the modern digital
relay. These additional features are part of the digital relay and can be used
to remotely control and monitor portions of a system. To implement these
remote features, the relay must be incorporated into a communications
system, which requires the selection of appropriate network architecture.
In addition to the remote control and monitoring, one incredibly powerful
feature of the digital relay is its ability to record and evaluate system events.
Recorded data can also be used to aid in operations. Many of these devices
require a significant number of settings to take advantage of these features
and often times these ancillary elements may be overlooked.
The ANSI/NETA Standard for Acceptance Testing the relay logic are indicated in this standard,
Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and although no specific methods are identified.
Systems, 2013 edition,, identifies various methods Perhaps the accuracy of additional features such
to inspect and test microprocessor-based relays. as fault recording and display data does not seem
These procedures identify the recommended apparent; however, when properly used, these
methods for testing the protective functions, features are extremely helpful in evaluating events.
inputs, and outputs associated with digital relays;
however, many of the functions available in the As with any product class, the functions and
digital relay requiring testing are not included features of digital relays will vary between
in these specifications. Testing of metering and manufacturers and even within the varying

EVALUATING DIGITAL RELAY TESTING STRATEGIES NETAWORLD 79

collection of individual items in a singular
device and the acceptance test includes the
testing of these, individual testing should
include the following items:
Verification of all metering functions
Verification of required protection elements
Verification of required inputs
Verification of required outputs
Verification of device targets
Verification of event records
Verification of protection logic (including its
interaction with internal and external elements)

Generally, acceptance testing exists in a vacuum, Reliable Power System Solutions

and it is not until systems are commissioned
that the device integration into a larger system We deliver optimum system reliability and performance while reducing the
chances of costly unplanned power outages. Whether you need acceptance
is evaluated. A digital relay is truly a small testing or preventive maintenance, depend on EnerGTest to keep the power on.
system and must be tested as such. ANSI/
NETA ATS calls for testing of pilot schemes
and in-service monitoring. These are tests that ener es

Accredited Company

can only be performed when other components

Serving clients in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey,
are in service. Instrument transformers, external Maryland, Washington, DC and New England.
contacts, coils, and other devices must be tested
with the digital relay as part of its system, and its 204 Gale Lane Kennett Square, PA 19348 484.731.0200 enerGtest.com
testing should be as detailed as the acceptance
testing. The digital relay should be tested using
a method that closely represents the system that
it is intended to protect and the conditions it
will be expected to withstand. It should also be
tested for all functions and features it is expected
to perform. The ANSI/NETA, Standard for
Electrical Commissioning Specifications for
Electrical Power Equipment and Systems, 2015
edition, provides good direction on developing
complete testing protocols to ensure the digital
relay system will provide its intended function.

Brian Cronin, PE, is the President of CSA

Engineering Services, LLC. He has over
30 years in the electric power industry with
extensive control and protection engineering
experience, both as a Senior Protection Utility
Engineer for a privately-owned electric utility
and as a Field Applications Engineer/ Business Development
Manager for a major OEM. Brian holds a BS in Electrical
Engineering from Manhattan College and an MBA from New
York Institute of Technology. He is a Registered Professional Engineer,
a member of the NYC Electric Code Interpretation Committee, a
member of IEEE, and a member of NFPA.

EVALUATING DIGITAL RELAY TESTING STRATEGIES

 ATTENTION
NETA ALLIANCE PARTNERS.
The NETA Alliance Program is designed
for individuals working in and connected to
the electrical power systems industry.
Partners enjoy many benets:
EXCLUSIVE INVITATION TO NETA EVENTS
Annual Member/Alliance Meeting Take
Annual Member/Alliance Luncheon
Meeting of the Minds advantage
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS of YOUR
Discounted PowerTest Registration
50% off one ANSI/NETA Standard ($138 value) benets
20% off NETA Bookstore Purchases today.
20% off NETA Training and SPTS Courses
STAY INFORMED ALLIANCE
NETA World Journal ($40 value) PARTNERSHIP
SHARE INFORMATION $150 ($285 Value)
Post Press Releases
Participate in Technical Working Committee Activities

www.netaworld.org

Ask About Joining the NETA Alliance Partnership Program.

Get Involved and Stay Connected! Go to www.powertest.org or give us a call at 888-300-6382

BUSY PRODUCTION
TRAINING ACTIVITIES
B Y CH R I S A L L A I R E ,
Henry Ford is credited with the adage: What if we
train them and they leave? What if you dont train
them and they stay? The reality of this saying
affects everyone from the owner to the manager,
the technician, and down to the new hire.
No doubt, we will agree that in our extremely
technical and ever-changing industry, a highly
skilled and educated workforce is paramount
to the success of our organizations. We can
also agree that the demands of our hectic day-
to-day life, be it job related or personal, seem
to always get in the way of participating in
training for ourselves or providing training for
our technicians.
Therefore, if we can agree that training is
essential not to mention, in some cases,
regulatory we must find ways to fit training
activities into an already full schedule. What
can we do? Two choices:
1. Complain that there is never enough
time, and the only option is the minimum
required training.
2. Find a solution and prosper.
Lets stay optimistic and look at strategies to
fit training into a hectic production schedule
and personal life. We will explore training
from two perspectives and consider ways to
increase participation and alleviate stresses
created by conflicting goals.
BALANCING A BUSY PRODUCTION SCHEDULE WITH TRAINING ACTIVITIES
INDUSTRY TOPICS
Shermco Industries
SPEAKING TO THE MANAGER
As manager or scheduler, you know all
too well how difficult it can be to juggle
customers needs and expectations with
available resources. And just when you have
the production schedule all worked out, the
emergency call comes in. You then must
pull personnel off one job to send to the
emergency and move others around to cover
for them. You find it easier to pull resources
from scheduled technical training when the
emergency job suddenly must be manned.
The key is to consciously put a higher
priority on technical training and safety
training. Both are easily sidetracked, but it
is important to commit to holding training
once it is scheduled. We all understand that
the customer comes first, but that does not
mean that training should come last. When
your technicians see that training is a high
priority to you, they will be more inclined
to value it and take advantage of training
opportunities. Richard Branson, founder
and CEO of Virgin Airlines, said: "Train
people well enough so they can leave; treat
them well enough so they don't want to."
NETAWORLD 85
INDUSTRY TOPICS
Look for ways you can provide the much-
needed training that will not negatively impact
your production schedule. Here are a few ideas:
Break training into smaller segments. For
example, you may break an eight-hour
class into two-hour increments taught over
the next few weeks. Most of us learn better
in shorter classes anyway.
Present training in an e-learning format
to better t in the techs schedule. Dont
make the mistake of substituting e-learning
as your primary delivery method for
training. That said, an advantage to
e-learning is that your technicians can
access the training as their schedule allows.
E-learning may also address your
technicians need for on-demand training.
Consider providing tuition assistance or
recognition for completed courses. Most
community colleges have night or weekend
classes. Some community college courses
are presented online, with labs offered once
a week on campus.
Provide suggestions for self-study such as
trade journals, technical papers, or
manufacturers literature. You most likely
know where to find the best articles and
materials relevant to your technicians
needs. Be sure to ask for feedback in a week
or so as a follow up.
Encourage reading a specic article in the
NETA World Journal and then lead a short
discussion as part of a weekly safety
meeting. You may want to ask technicians
for topic-of-the-month suggestions such as
transformer testing or reading breaker curves.
Take advantage of your senior technicians
knowledge and experience. Most are
willing to provide on-the-job training to
the newer technicians. I am amazed at the
wide-ranging depth of knowledge possessed
by NETA Level III and Level IV technicians.
Oer technical webinars during the day
or in the evenings. Many organizations
86 FALL 2016 BALANCING A BUSY PRODUCTION SCHEDULE WITH TRAINING ACTIVITIES
offer webinars free of charge. Look around
for topics that best fit your needs, and
make your technicians aware of the
date and time of the webinar. Keep in mind
that many field technicians feel they
commit enough time to the company as it
is, so you may consider offering some kind
of incentive. For example, you could plan a
pizza party to view the webinar as a group.
Send some of your top performers to
PowerTest, but take it one step further.
Explain to them that you consider
PowerTest a train-the-trainer activity, and
that you expect each of them to lead an
informative discussion on a given topic
once they return.
When you have a project coming up that
requires particular safety training or site-specific
orientation, make certain the technicians receive
it. You have no choice; you must provide proof
of required training to get them on the job. Treat
your technical training with the same must-do
mindset as you do required regulatory training.
Encouraging professional development and
technical training delivers the benefit of more
loyal and knowledgeable employees.
SPEAKING TO THE TECHNICIAN
Are you willing to do what it takes to get the
training you want and need? How much
self-study time are you willing to devote to
better yourself and advance your career? The
answers to these very important questions
indicate your personal commitment to self-
improvement. Arnold Schwarzenegger, once
said, Bodybuilding is much like any other
sport. To be successful, you must dedicate
yourself 100 percent to your training, diet, and
mental approach. How dedicated are you to
your future?
Of course, managers can help provide
technicians with technical training, but it
is up to them to take advantage of learning
opportunities offered by the company.
Employees should be encouraged to explore
other ways to better themselves apart from
training offered by their employer. Either way,

training and self-improvement are ultimately
the individuals responsibility.
For example, I am currently taking a series of six
online classes with a friend from work through
the local community college. After I complete
these six eight-week courses, I will be a Certified
Instructional Designer and a Certified Training
Manager. If your work schedule is anything
like mine, you dont have time to sit in class.
Taking classes online is the only way I am able
to work on these certifications. Online classes
can be taken at home or in a hotel room when
you are on an out-of-town job. Just make sure
you are willing to commit the time necessary to
complete the course.
Instructor-led classes are one of the better ways
to learn new things or to brush-up on new
technology. In a classroom setting or webinar,
participants have the opportunity to ask
questions and interact with other learners. Most
good technical training will include some form
of hands-on activity to reinforce the subject
matter. To get the most out of instructor-led
training, I suggest that participants try to learn
something about the subject before taking the
class. The more you already know, the more you
will get out of the training. For example, if
scheduled for a Tan Delta class, look up articles in
past issues of the NETA World Journal or check out
some YouTube videos before taking the training.
It is not necessary that all your training is
technical in nature. Look for a technical writing
course to improve your report-writing skills as
well as grammar and punctuation. Consider
taking a Microsoft Word or Excel class to better
your computer skills. I teach a basic GED math
class on Monday nights at the Community
Enrichment Center near my house. Classes
such as these are offered free of charge and
BALANCING A BUSY PRODUCTION SCHEDULE WITH TRAINING ACTIVITIES
INDUSTRY TOPICS
often include the textbook. Improving your
math skills can go a long way in helping to
improve your technical skills. Rorry Philips,
Shermcos Human Resources Director, teaches
a course titled The 7 Habits for Managers:
Essential Skills and Tools for Leading Teams
for employees in leadership positions.
SUMMARY
Lets face it: It can be as difficult for managers
to schedule training as it is for technicians to
attend training. In our industry, being difficult
has never been an excuse to not meet goals or
exceed expectations. The key to personal success
is the effort put into it. If unhappy with the
results received on the job (or life in general),
take a step back and honestly evaluate why this
is the case. There are people willing to take the
necessary steps to pull ahead of the pack and
those who eat their dust. Which type are you?
Chris Allaire is a Technical
Instructor/Developer for Shermco
Industries and an Adjunct Instructor
for Texas State Technical College
and North Lake College. Chris
previously served as Lead Electrical
Instructor at Everest College in
Arlington, Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Science
in Technical Management from DeVry University,
majoring in Electronic Engineering Technology,
and a Masters of Education in Curriculum and
Instruction from American College of Education.
Chris spent nearly 30 years with General Electric,
starting in the motor shop as a Motor Mechanic and
Test Technician. The second half of his GE career
was spent as a Field Service Technician, performing
start-up and commissioning at water treatment
plants, data centers, and industrial facilities.
NETAWORLD
NETAWORLD 87
 Can you tell at a glance which
breaker mechanism needs service?

With the patented Sluggish Breaker Detection in AC PRO II

AC-PRO-II
Now You Can!
With the SAFE-T-TRIP and the new AC-PRO-II, you can trip a breaker
from a safe distance and the Sluggish Breaker Detection feature
will record the mechanism operating time, on the first operation.

With hardened lubrication or bad

bearings a Warning Service Breaker Contact:
screen will be displayed on the 888-289-2864
AC-PRO-II www.UtilityRelay.com

URC Utility Relay Company

21 Years of Exceptional Products & Exceptional Service
 INDUSTRY TOPICS

CABLE FAULT
LOCATION NOT FOR

B Y TH O M A S S A N DRI, Shermco Industries

The mere mention of cable fault location sends shivers down many a
spine. Dont lose heart; all is not lost. Remember, cable fault location,
like any other craft, simply requires some basic skills, proper tools,
and a sound procedure. Dont be fooled into over-simplifying the
problem or relying on a single technique or instrument for every
situation. Although many faults exhibit similar properties, all faults
are unique. A fault-locating technique or instrument that works well
in one situation may be completely useless in another.
A skilled golfer must be able to analyze a situation Gather as much information as possible about
before reaching into their bag and selecting a the cable that needs testing. Understand the test
club. A variety of clubs, and knowledge of their and measurement equipment available to you and
performance, allows the golfer to select the most the application it was designed for. Know how
to properly operate the equipment and know its
efficient tool for the job. The same is true for a
performance capabilities and limitations. The first
skilled cable-fault locator. As in diagnosing any step in a healthy procedure is to conduct basic
complex problem, following a step-by-step performance tests to determine the nature of the
procedure will help in arriving at the solution problem. Tests and equipment available for this
in this case, locating the fault efficiently. step include, but are not limited to:

CABLE FAULT LOCATION NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART NETAWORLD

NETA WORLD 89
IINDUSTRY
N TOPICS
Table 1: Basic Performance Tests
Figure 1: Cable Termination Detected with TDR at 1,248 Feet
Even with the proper equipment and experience,
cable fault locating can present challenges.
These challenges are minimized significantly by
understanding the equipment and techniques
available, and perhaps most important, developing
and adhering to a sound procedure.
After the cable has been tested, the results
must be interpreted and the type of failure
identified. Proper interpretation of test results
and selection of a fault-locating technique best
suited for the parameters identified will save
90
9 0 FALL 2016
Cable Insulation Testing with VLF Overpotential Test Set
time, money, and stress for the technician and
cable under test.
Fault-locating techniques can be placed into two
different categories: pre-locating techniques and
tracking techniques. Pre-locating techniques
measure the approximate distance to the cable fault
from a single test point on the circuit. A tracking
technique requires the technician to probe or test
along the entire cable path in search of the fault.
In most situations, tracking techniques will also
serve as pinpointing techniques.
CABLE FAULT LOCATION NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART
 INDUSTRY TOPICS
Table 2: Pre-locating Techniques

Figure 2: Arc Reflection Test Reveals Fault at 3,126 Feet Figure 3: Impulse Current Test Reveals Fault at 974 Feet

CABLE FAULT LOCATION NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART NETAWORLD 91

IINDUSTRY
N TOPICS
Most cable-fault-locating failures and wasted
time can be attributed to technicians not
properly interpreting test results, selecting
the wrong tools for the job, or taking short
cuts in the process.
Table 3: Tracking and Pinpointing Techniques
92 FALL 2016
Obtaining an approximate location of a fault prior
to tracking along the cable path saves time and
effort and reduces potential stress to the cable. Keep
in mind that although an approximate location can
be obtained, a pinpointing technique is still advised.
CABLE FAULT LOCATION NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART

Tone Tracing a Direct
Buried Cable
Acoustic Pinpoint Using
Thumper and Acoustic Detector
When faults occur, the pressure is on. Keep a cool
head and stick to your step-by-step procedures;
they will serve you well and keep you on the
right path. Never rush out to the job site without
collecting basic information about the task at
hand. This will allow you to prepare the right tools
for the task and will greatly improve your success.
Thomas D. Sandri is a Senior Technical
Instructor at Shermco Industries. He has
been active in the field of electrical power
and telecommunications for over 30
years. During his career, he has developed
numerous training aids, training guides,
and has conducted domestic and
international seminars. Thomas supports a wide range of
electrical and telecommunication maintenance application
disciplines. He has been directly involved in supporting test and
measurement equipment for over 20 years and is considered an
industry expert in application disciplines, including battery and
dc systems testing and maintenance, medium- and high-voltage
cables, ground testing, and partial discharge analysis. He holds
a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from
Thomas Edison University in Trenton, New Jersey.
Sertec Can Bring That Relay Back to Life
Sertec Relay Services buys and sells protective relays and specializes in extending the life of obsolete electromechanical
relays by providing quality repair, remanufacture, and retrot services for relays of all types and manufacture. We also service
specialty electronics used in electrical power systems.

sInstantaneous Overcurrent Relays sDifferential Relays

sTime Overcurrent Relays sReverse Power Relays
sDirectional Overcurrent Relays sPhase Balance Relays

sUndervoltage Relays
sFrequency Relays
sDistance/Impedance Relays

RELAY MANUFACTURERS
sGeneral ElectricTM sBaslerTM
sWestinghouseTM sSchweitzer-SELTM
sABBTM sGE MultiLinTM, and more!

* Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners

Emergency support 24/7

www.sertecrelayservices.com 203-888-7500
WALLINGFORD, CT P:(203) 888-7500 SERTEC@CBSALESNE.COM For more emergency contact phone numbers, visit:
cbsalesne.com/services/eld-services

&MFDUSJD
4FSWJDF
$PNQBOZ

)FU[FM
4U
$JODJOOBUJ
0)

:PV
LOPX
IPX
XFMM
XF
IBOEMF
B
'BY

&NBJM
FMTDP!GVTFOFU

USBOTGPSNFS
FNFSHFODZ XXXFMFDUSJDTFSWJDFDPN

*NBHJOF
IPX
XFMM
XF
EP

XIFO
JUT
OPU

-BSHF
TFMFDUJPO
PG
/FX
$PQQFS
8PVOE
%SZ
5ZQFT
6OJUT


JO
4UPDL

L7"
UISV

L7"

"WBJMBCMF
XJUI
/&."

*OEPPS
BOE

/&."
3
0VUEPPS
&ODMPTVSFT


:FBS
8BSSBOUZ
0JM
'JMMFE
6OJUT
JO
4UPDL

/FX
1BE
.PVOUT


L7"
UP

L7"

/FX
DPQQFS
XPVOE
SPVOE
DPJM

$BMM

PS
 IJHI
FG
DJFODZ
ESZ
UZQFT
 We support testing
Relay and Protective Device Test Equipment

Battery Analysis and Battery Discharge Test Equipment

Low Voltage Circuit Breaker and Switchgear Test Equipment

Medium/High Voltage Circuit Breaker and Substation Test Equipment rental

SF6 Chemical Analysis Equipment

Transformer Testing and Diagnostic Equipment

support
DC, VLF, Online PD and Ofine PD Test Equipment for Cables

Cable Fault Location Equipment

logistics
Power Quality and Load Analysis

Data Acquisition and Recorders

888.902.6111
Meter Analysis Equipment
info@intellirentco.com
Online and Ofine Partial Discharge for Apparatus and Substations intellirentco.com

Low Resistance Ohmmeters

Insulation Resistance / Megohmmeters

Ground Test Equipment

ir
intellirent

Photovoltaic Test Equipment

Infrared Cameras

Ultrasound and TEV Analysis Equipment

Motor and Rotating Apparatus Test Equipment

Patient Care Area Test Equipment

AC and DC Load Banks

AC High Potential Test Sets to 200kV

DC High Potential Test Sets to 200kV

VLF and Tan Delta to 90kV

 ANSI/NETA MTS - 2015 UPDATED EDITION

To learn more about the newest edition of the

ORDER NOW! ANSI/NETA MTS Standard for Maintenance Testing

Specifications, visit netaworld.org/standards.
 HIRE A
NETA ACCREDITED COMPANY.
Ensure YOUR Safety and Reliability.
NETA has been connecting designers, speciers, ar
NET architect
chitectss and
and use
serrs of
ele
elect
ctrrica
icall powe
werr eq
equuipm
ipmen
entt and
and syste
system
ms with
with idepe
idepend
nden
ent,
t, third-pa
third-parrty electr
electrical
testing
testing co
compan
mpanie
iess sin
ince
ce 19
1972
72..

NETA Acc
NETA Accrredit
edite
ed Co
Compan
mpanies
ies test th
the ccom
omplete
plete syste
systemm in acc
accor
orda
dan
nce with
with
indu
indust
strry co
codes anand st
stan
anda
darrds to
to prov
provid
idee acc
accur
urat
atee test re
repor
ports
ts you
you ca
can
n coun
ountt
on ev
ever
ery y time.
time.

For more information on NETA or our ANSI/NETA Standa

Standards
rds give us a call at 888-300-NETA (6382)
or a complete listing of NETA Accredited Companies visit www.netaworld.org.
 EN G
PM IN
T
UI NT SOLID STATE
EQ RE
ST W

INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS
TE O
N

We Buy, Sell, Trade, Calibrate, Repair

Featuring quality, reliable, on-time service and support for all brands
and types of solid state power electronics.
Power electronics are our business
Let us suppoort you with our quality repair, calibration and servicing
of your solid state equipment. We also buy, sell and trade:
Communications devices for power equipment
Protective relays
Circuit breaker trip devices
Motor overload relays
Rating plugs

Toll Free
877-TRIP-FIX

4701 Spartan Drive Denton, TX 76207

(877-874-7349) Phone: 940-243-3731 Fax: 940-387-8277
Email: info@solidstaterepair.com Web: www.solidstaterepair.com
ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY
DATA CENTER CONTAINMENT
SYSTEMS
For those unfamiliar with data center thermal
management containment systems, the following
is a summary of the main approaches. This will
form the basis for a discussion on testing practices.

In-Row Cooling Configuration. In-row cooling

offers capacity and efficiency gains by moving the
air conditioner from the perimeter of the room
closer to the actual load. This system provides
local, focused cooling at the rows of server
cabinets that fill the data center. The cooling
mechanism is generally situated between the
equipment racks and arranged in single or
multiple rows (Figure 1).
Overhead Cooling Configuration. Similarly,
an overhead cooling arrangement (Figure 2)
contains a cooling mechanism situated over the
racks and/or rack rows. Here again, the strategy
is to manage the heat loads at the source an
approach that is well published and proven to
yield higher efficiencies.
Figure 2: Overhead Cooling Configuration
Hot Aisle Containment Scheme. Most IT
equipment flows cooling air from front to rear.
The conventional approach is to align equipment
racks in a side-to-side row arrangement, forming
a physical separation between the cooler intake
air on the fore side (cold aisle) and the warmer
exhaust air on the aft side (hot aisle). Hot-aisle
containment (Figure 3) contains and manages
the hot-aisle air before it migrates to other areas
of the data center. This zone-controlled thermal
management strategy results in heightened
HVAC system efficiencies and reduced cap-ex
and op-ex costs.

LOAD-BANK TESTING IN DATA

CENTERS
Bulk Room Testing. Many data centers are
tested and commissioned using bulk-room
power and thermal load simulation. In these

Figure 1: In-Row Cooling Figure 3: Hot-Aisle Containment

100 FALL 2016 PRECISION COMMISSIONING THROUGH INTEGRATED SYSTEM TESTING

 ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY
cases, floor-mounted load banks (sometimes
referred to as suitcase load banks) are dispersed
throughout the room to simulate the power and
heat generated by the rack-level equipment as
specified in the data center design.

This method is generally straightforward due

to the plug-and-play nature of suitcase units.
Although they can be deployed quite rapidly, the
efficiencies gained in set-up time are outweighed
by the deficiencies that result from inaccurate
emulation of rack-level thermal loading. Here,
disproportionate temperature readings between
that of macro-level load simulation and that of
the actual and more discrete rack-level equipment
may lead to over-sized HVAC equipment and Figure 4: Engendren Test Cell
reduced energy efficiency.

Discrete Zone Testing. A preferred alternative

to bulk-room data center simulation is discrete
zone simulation. In many cases, testing can be
performed with rack-mounted load banks.
Rack-mounted units can more precisely
simulate the power and heat load distribution
of the actual rack-level equipment as specified
in the data center design.

Although the set-up of rack-mounted load

banks is not as expedient as suitcase units, the
advantages gained through closer simulation of
rack-level architectures are great. For example,
closer modeling of airflow throughout the rack
yields areas where hot or dead zones must be
addressed by containment or other HVAC
strategies. Actual rack-level equipment can Figure 5: Engendrens Thermodule Technology
be reconfigured if rack-mounted load bank
testing reveals extreme temperature gradients
on the intake and/or exhaust sides of the racks. face racks at Engendren s facility in Kenosha,
Moreover, closer simulation of the actual rack Wisconsin. A containment zone was established
architecture allows HVAC equipment to be with a footprint of 5-foot width x 9-foot length
right-sized versus over-sized. x 8-foot height.

THE ENGENDREN/COMRENT Thermal management was by in-row

EVALUATION
Test Arrangement. Although testing using rack-
mount load banks was generally considered to
be a more accurate method for commissioning,
little data is available to support this. To capture
this data, ComRent configured a two-rack,
single-row test cell (Figure 4) of four-post, open-
cooling per Engendrens Thermodule
technology (Figure 5). The variable-
speed dc fans incorporated in Engendrens
Thermodule were controlled by the cold-
aisle temperature; they accurately held the
cold-aisle temperature constant during
the test.

PRECISION COMMISSIONING THROUGH INTEGRATED SYSTEM TESTING

NETAWORLD 101
ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY
Rack loads (Figure 6) were simulated with
various load bank arrangements, including:
A single suitcase load bank positioned
in the hot aisle
Two 9u rack-mounted load banks as located
in the racks
Four 5u load banks as located in the racks
Data Acquisition. Temperature and air flow
readings in the hot and cold aisles were recorded
from floor to ceiling in accordance with the
various load bank arrangements (Figure 7). Power
draw was recorded for the auxiliary HVAC system
as it reached equilibrium for each load bank
arrangement.
During data acquisition, temperature and air flow
readings in the hot and cold aisles were recorded
from floor to ceiling.
Test Results. Graph 1 demonstrates the equivalent
of the occupant temperature in a room to that of

Figure 6: Thermocouple Placement Figure 7: Test Arrangement for Two-Rack System

Graph 1: The accuracy of rack-mounted load banks is significantly better than floor load banks from a
thermal mapping perspective.

102 FALL 2016 PRECISION COMMISSIONING THROUGH INTEGRATED SYSTEM TESTING


a cold aisle temperature in a data center space.
Cold aisle temperatures, like creature comfort
temperatures, set the design basis for the HVAC
industry (see ASHRAE TC 9.9, 2011 Thermal
Guidelines for Data Processing Environments
Expanded Data Center Classes and Usage
Guidance). Inevitably, poorly distributed
temperatures in a computer room will lead to
specifying larger equipment and/or the occupant
adjusting the thermostat to compensate for the
hot pockets. The first leads to excessive capital
equipment investments and lower efficiency,
whereas the latter leads to higher capital and/or
operating costs.
Similarly, Graph 1 demonstrates that improved
emulation of load bank size and configuration to
that of the actual server equipment leads to more
realistically profiled cold aisle temperatures. The
result: Heightened precision of empirical data
allows for more accurate designing, selecting, and
operating facilities equipment.
ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY
Like the cold aisle temperature, the data center
industry references Power Use Effectiveness (PUE)
as a benchmark efficiency target. PUE is the ratio
of total consumed power (entire infrastructure
load) to total consumed IT power (IT load). For
testing, this is calculated as:
(HVAC auxiliary load + Load Bank Setting) /
Load Bank Setting
where the load bank accurately represents the
IT load electrical and thermal. The ideal
PUE ratio approaches 1, but is 1.5 for an
efficient facility with an average facility at 2.0.
Poorly distributed thermal loads during testing
will lead to false-positive efficiencies of a data
center. In this case (Graph 2), the load banks
that more closely simulate that of rack-level
equipment result in lower PUE. Bulk-average,
suitcase, or floor-mounted load banks cause
the auxiliary equipment to compensate where
input power must increase, resulting in higher
and effectively false PUE values.

Graph 2: The PPUE graph shows that the accuracy of rack-mounted load banks is significantly better
than floor loadbanks from a power-use efficiency perspective.

PRECISION COMMISSIONING THROUGH INTEGRATED SYSTEM TESTING

NETAWORLD
NETA WORLD 103
ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY
OPPORTUNITY FOR
IMPROVEMENT IN
COMMISSIONING TESTING
The data also shows opportunity to fine-tune
the designs of load banks using these testing
scenarios. For example, the thermal image
shown here (Figure 8) illustrates that the hot-
aisle air is being pushed into the cold aisle due
to the high fan speed. This could be curtailed
by more precise resolution of fan speed control.
COMMISSIONING BEST
PRACTICES
For maintenance professionals and technicians
supporting facilities that must meet energy
consumption targets, install integrated and
complex systems, and introduce new technologies
and concepts, commissioning in the design phase
will help achieve energy performance parameters.
Some overall best practices for commissioning
include:
1.Integrated
1. Integrated Systems Testing
Perform integrated systems testing as a test
of all electrical systems under expected
Figure 8a: Test Setup: Cold Aisle at Left, Figure 8b: Thermal Image When Fan Speed is
Hot Aisle at Right Set Too High
104 FALL 2016 PRECISION COMMISSIONING THROUGH INTEGRATED SYSTEM TESTING
loads as they have been installed. In the
case of critical facilities, the system is also
tested and optimized during this phase.
Use rack-mounted load banks to precisely
simulate computer equipment electrical
loads, thermal distribution and airflow in
hot aisle/cold aisle containment
2. Comprehensive Test Planning
Include commissioning test planning in all
phases of a project as well as maintenance
and installation functions.
Use data captured during the
commissioning of a project as a baseline
for maintenance testing and other
maintenance activities.
Determine which high-performance
building standards will require verification
through testing and commissioning and
which tests will need to be run, as well as
which stakeholders in the commissioning
process need to be involved.

Determine what equipment is required
to conduct these tests, how to capture the
necessary data, and determine the proper
amount of time for reports to be created.
3. Evaluation of Equipment Requests in
Relation to Testing Objectives
Determine if the equipment is the right
tool for the job, if it is readily available
and cost effective, and if it will arrive on
time in proper working order.
Determine if the power quality
measurement data and reporting are
efficient.
Ensure that the equipment is properly
maintained and operated in a safe
manner.
Implement a commissioning test plan
that accurately simulates the electrical
and thermal load characteristics of the
equipment to be used in the data center.
This will result in optimized efficiency
and lower maintenance costs.
4. Employ New Tools and Equipment that
Faciliate Optimization
Use newly available products and
techniques to make the precision testing
easier to perform with less testing and
setup time. New products will include
a more flexible application through
improved adjustability.
Use multiple methods for power
connection to the rack-mounted load
bank.
Take advantage of the ability to adjust
power demand in much smaller
increments.
Make sure airflow is adjusted more
precisely.
Set up the test so the thermal distribution
simulates whats expected after computer
equipment installation.
PRECISION COMMISSIONING THROUGH INTEGRATED SYSTEM TESTING
ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY
5. Gain Greater Control and Save Time in
Test Setup and Operation
Use mounting and setup of the load banks
as a much faster and safer alternative than
currently available products
Use remote controls to allow multiple
load banks or the entire test to be
controlled from a single remote control.
This article provides information on best
practices in commissioning that are not
generally known in the industry. ComRent
provides NETA member companies with
support in developing leading practices that tie
commissioning and maintenance to improve
facility availability.
Special thanks to Al Meissner, Chief Technology
Officer, Engedren
Mark Siira is the Director of
Technology Strategy for ComRent
International, a leader in load-testing
solutions. He is a senior member of
IEEE, including a member of the IEEE
Standards Coordinating Committee
21, which establishes standards for
grid interconnection and smart grid interoperability;
Working Group Chair of IEEE 2030.2 Guide for
Interoperability of Energy Storage Systems; Vice Chair for
IEEE1547 Interconnection Standard Revision, focusing
on interoperability, simulation and modeling, and testing;
and is starting activity on IEEE1547.1 Test Procedures for
Interconnection. Mark is an active participant in the IEEE
Power Systems Relaying Committee; Vice Chair of Committee
K10 - SCC21 Distributed Resources Standard Coordination;
and a member of Committee I25 Substation Commissioning
Best Practices Report to NERC. He is a member of the UL
Standards Technical Panels 1741 (Inverters), UL2200
(Generators), and 6171 (Wind Farms Interconnection), and
Sub-Group Chair of the EPRI Energy Storage Integration
Council, which is leading an effort to define commissioning
practices for energy storage and PV systems. Mark has
spent 20 years in the distributed power generation industry
developing products and solutions for an inverter and energy-
storage appliance, combined heat and power systems, critical
power systems paralleling switchgear, and microturbines. He
has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from
GMI Engineering and Management Institute (now Kettering
University) and an MBA from Harvard University.
NETAWORLD
NETA WORLD 105
 7(&+1,&$/ 6$)(7<
TRAINING

ENGINEERING SERVICES TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMISSIONING

Protection Systems Design, Relay Testing
&HUWLHG&DEOH6SOLFLQJ&DEOH7HVWLQJ $QDO\VLVXVLQJ9/) | |

9/)7$1'HOWDDQG3DUWLDO'LVFKDUJH
0RWRU*HQHUDWRU 7UDQVIRUPHU0DLQWHQDQFH7HVWLQJ2LO+DQGOLQJ /HDN5HSDLUV 
7URXEOHVKRRWLQJ3RZHU6\VWHPVDQG3RZHU4XDOLW\$XGLWV ZZZWGHLQFFRP
131 W F Street
Wilmington, CA 90744
CA LICENSE #315448 Los Angeles Area

www.youtube.com/tdeinc2 www.twitter.com/tdeinc www.facebook.com/tdeinc www.linkedin.com/company/tony-demaria-electric

 L E B RA TING 45 YEARS
N C E OF E
I XCE
E TA LLE
N
IN N
JO

CE
Test your industry knowledge with the images and questions on pages
The countdown to 109-110 in the Fall issue of the NETA World Journal.
NETAs 45th Watch for additional trivia quizzes in the upcoming issues of the NETA World
Anniversary Celebration Journal, online, and through NETAs Facebook and LinkedIn networks.

begins now! Answers must be submitted by email to neta@netaworld.org to be eligible

for the prize drawing at PowerTest 2017.

NETAs 45th Anniversary Celebration will culminate at the PowerTest 2017s Power Bash Reception,
on February 28, 2017, in Anaheim, California. Watch for other exciting celebratory events
leading up to and during PowerTest 2017.

Complete Your Early Bird Registration Today and Save $100

00

A N A H E I M C A L I F O R N I A February 27 - March
ch 3 2017 DISNEYLAND HOTEL
DISNEYL
T HE P R E M I E R E L E C T RI C A L M A I N T E N A NC E & S A F E T Y E V E N T P OWERTEST.O RG 888.30 0.6382
 JOIN NETA IN CELEBRATING
45 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
NETA The InterNational Electrical Testing Association begins the
countdown to its 45th Anniversary celebration event at PowerTest 2017
with the announcement of industry-wide activities and challenges and
recognition of milestone accomplishments.
NETA The InterNational Electrical Testing
Association is kicking off a series of activities and
events to engage members and the electrical power
systems industry at large in the celebration of its 45th
Anniversary. The celebration will include a historical
look back at the progress and accomplishments of the
organization and the industry it serves, interesting
Trivia Challenges, and a special event at PowerTest
2017 dedicated to the 45th Anniversary.
Founded in 1972 by nine electrical testing companies,
NETA was created to establish standards for electrical
testing of electrical power equipment and systems.
In the early days of NETA, membership focused
on electrical testing. Standards were authored by
NETAs early members to codify testing procedures
that clarify industry best practices and improve the
quality of testing, safety, and system reliability. As
time passed and technology advanced, electrical
testing came to include more services, allowing
wider diversity among companies eligible to become
accredited with NETA.
Today, NETA is the only accrediting body of
electrical testing organizations, providing assurances
that its member NETA Accredited Companies
meet specific requirements necessary to perform
electrical testing to the industrys highest standards.
With the introduction of the ANSI/NETA Standard
for Electrical Commissioning Specifications in
2015, NETA now publishes and maintains four
ANSI-approved standards that are used by testing
companies, engineering firms, power distribution
108 FALL 2016
organizations, and those responsible for power
system maintenance across the many industries that
supply this economy.
NETA and the industry have come a long way
in 45 years, thanks to a collective commitment
toward continual improvement across all sectors
of the electrical power industry, says Ron Widup,
CEO of Shermco Industries and NETAs Board
President. NETA will celebrate its shared successes
with a salute to the industrys advancements and
achievements, and with a challenge to all power-
related businesses to continue to raise the bar on
quality, safety, and reliability.
As part of the Anniversary celebration, the next
several issues of NETA World Journal will inspire
readers to consider the electrical power system
industrys 45-year evolution of technology and
progress. NETA will partner with suppliers, service
providers, testing companies, electrical and test
equipment manufacturers, and other professionals to
recognize the industrys milestone achievements and
excellence accomplishments that were born and
spirited through collaboration and volunteerism.
To kick off NETAs 45th Anniversary Celebration,
NETA is sponsoring a historical Trivia Challenge
with questions provided by industry suppliers and
NETA Accredited Companies. Open to anyone
in the industry, test your industry knowledge
with the images and questions in this article,
the first in a series of trivia quizzes. Participants
are encouraged to submit quiz answers to neta@
JOIN NETA IN CELEBRATING 45 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
netaworld.org to be eligible for a prize drawing
at PowerTest 2017, where the 45th Anniversary
celebration will culminate.
With the assistance of its many industry friends,
the 45th Anniversary special event at PowerTest
will also include a fascinating historical display
of industry apparatuses and equipment, with
additional opportunities to test your knowledge.
NETA is excited to celebrate more than
four decades of serving the electrical power
systems industry over the coming months,
and we welcome everyone to participate
in these unique activities leading up to the
special event at PowerTest 2017, says Missy
Richard, NETAs Executive Director. For
more information on PowerTest, please visit
www.powertest.org.

NETAs 45th Anniversary

TRIVIA CHALLENGE SERIES 1

TEST YOUR INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE

Note: Please submit answers by emailing neta@netaworld.org
to be entered into the prize drawing at PowerTest 2017.

Trivia Challenge #1

Vintage Circuit breaker

The photo below is of a vintage breaker

recently in service at a sawmill in Florida.

Questions:
1. What years were these type of circuit
breakers made?
2.The
2. The manufacturer is ITE What does
ITE stand for?
3.What
3. What is the frame size?
4.What
4. What is the model?
The above photo shows the back of six of
the same vintage breakers as shown left. One
breaker failed at the cable connection point
which caused an arc flash and damaged one
of the breakers. Replacement parts were
available to repair this breaker, but the loss
was submitted as an insurance claim. From
the photo, you can see this configuration used
six breakers with no main and no bus, just
cable connections, which is no longer valid
per the current NEC. The insurance company
would not allow for a non-NEC-compliant
installation to be repaired, so all the gear was
pulled out and replaced with a new line-up.

Photos and questions contributed by Group CBS

JOIN NETA IN CELEBRATING 45 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE NETAWORLD

NETA WORLD 109
 Trivia Challenge #2

Vintage Eversheds Testing Set

Questions:
1. What is an Evershed Test?
2. Who is Evershed?
3. What do you think it says under the
white mask?

Photos and questions contributed

by 3-C Electrical Co., Inc.

Independent Electrical Testing and Preventive Maintenance

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
(JJLW[HUJL;LZ[PUN ;YHUZMVYTLY6PS(UHS`ZPZ=HJ\\T
7SHUULK,SLJ[YPJHS;LZ[PUNHUK7YL]LU[P]L +LNHZZPUNHUK9LWHPY
4HPU[LUHUJL7YVNYHTZ *PYJ\P[)YLHRLY9L[YV[HUK9LWHPY
7V^LY-HJ[VY;LZ[PUN 7V^LY.LULYH[PVU:`Z[LTZ;LZ[PUN
*HISL;LZ[PUN 3VHKHUK7V^LY8\HSP[`9LJVYKPUN(UHS`ZPZ
9LSH` 4L[LY*HSPIYH[PVU *OPSSLY:`Z[LTZ;LZ[PUN
.YV\UK9LZPZ[HUJL;LZ[PUN 0UMYHYLK0UZWLJ[PVUZ
609-890-8300 www.easternhighvoltage.com
(:.VSK+YP]L9VIIPUZ]PSSL51 
DONT SAY GOODBYE TO
YOUR OLD POWER/VAC
CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Extend their life, avoid downtime, and save $$$ with
NEW Encapsulated Pole replacement assemblies

EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR POWER/VAC CIRCUIT

BREAKERS WITH NEW ENCAPSULATED POLES
EPOXY-ENCASED POLES RESIST CONTAMINATION, MOISTURE,
AND OTHER ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

EXTENDS THE LIFE OF YOUR BREAKER, ALLOWING RE-USE OF

TRUSTED USA-MADE MECHANISM
FUTURE MODELS WILL ACCOMMODATE ALL POWER/VAC
RATINGS UP TO 27 kV AND 63 kA

13765 BETA ROAD, FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS 75244 | 214-442-5877

VACUUMINTERRUPTERSINC.COM | INFO@VACUUMINTERRUPTERSINC.COM

One of these is a brand new vacuum interrupter.

The other two are 30-year-old hand grenades.

Need a
vacuum interrupter
from
We have it in stock.
And replacements for every
other vacuum breaker Which one is in your circuit breaker?
ever made too!
MAC-TS4
The worlds rst predictive test system for vacuum interrupters
13765 BETA ROAD, FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS 75244 | 214-442-5877
LEARN
VACUUMINTERRUPTERSINC.COM | INFO@VACUUMINTERRUPTERSINC.COM MORE AT
VACUUMTESTING.COM
US PATENT NO. 9,031,795 B1 Replacement vacuum interrupters | Vacuum interrupter test systems | Portable circuit breaker timer test systems
 TWO NEW SELF-PACED TECHNICAL SEMINARS
(SPTS)

Maintenance and Testing of Battery Systems Risk Assessment Techniques Using NFPA 70E: A Primer

ADDITIONAL Learn at your own pace. Advance your knowledge. Ask about
continuing education. Earn CTD*Credits for NETA Level III
COURSES and IV Technicians. Order online at: www.netaworld.org or
AVAILABLE call 888-300-6382 (NETA)
*CTDs awarded when participant receives a passing score on the prociency exam.
SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS ACTIVITY
ANSI/NETA STANDARDS UPDATE
ANSI/NETA ECS-2015
STANDARD FOR
ELECTRICAL
COM
CO MM SION
ISS
MIS NG
NG
ONIING
S P E C I F I C AT I O N S
FOR ELECTRICAL
EQUI ENT AND SYST
PME
UIPM SYSTEEMS
G SPECIFICATIONS
ANSI/NETA ATS-201X
REVISION IN PROCESS
The ANSI/NETA, Standard for Acceptance
Testing Specifications for Electrical Power
Equipment and Systems began the review
and revision process in October 2014 at the
Standards Review Council meeting. The
initial ballot and draft document will be
issued on May 31, 2016, with a closing date
of June 30, 2016. The draft document will
be available for public comment from April
22 through June 6, 2016. The document is
expected to be published as a revised ANSI
standard in the spring of 2017.
The ANSI/NETA ATS-201X covers the
suggested field tests and inspections that
are available to assess the suitability for
initial energization of electrical power
equipment and systems. The purpose
of these specifications is to assure that
tested electrical equipment and systems
are operational, are within applicable
standards and manufacturers tolerances,
and are installed in accordance with
design specifications.
114 FALL 2016
B Y K R IST EN W ICK S, NETA
2015
ANSI/NETA ETT-2015
STANDARD FOR
CERTIFICATION
OF ELEC TRI
RICC AL TES
TESTI
TIN
TECHNICIANS
POWER
ANSI/NETA ECS-2015
FIRST EDITION AMERICAN
NATIONAL STANDARD
The ANSI/NETA ECS, Standard for
Electrical Commissioning of Electrical Power
Equipment and Systems, 2015 edition, edition,
was approved as an American National
Standard on December 3, 2014. This new
standard is available for purchase in the
NETA Bookstore www.netaworld.org .
The ANSI/NETA ECS describes the
systematic process of documenting and
placing into service newly installed or
retrofitted electrical power equipment
and systems. This document shall be
used in conjunction with the most recent
edition of the ANSI/NETA, Standard
for Acceptance Testing Specifications for
Electrical Power Equipment and Systems.
Systems.
The individual electrical components
shall be subjected to factory and field tests,
as required, to validate the individual
components. It is not the intent of
these specifications to provide compre-
hensive details on the commissioning
of mechanical equipment, mechanical
NG
instrumentation systems, and related
components.
Voltage classes addressed include:
Low-Voltage Systems (less than
1,000 volts)
Medium-Voltage Systems (greater
than 1,000 volts and less than
100,000 volts)
High-Voltage and Extra-High Voltage
Systems (greater than 100 kV and less
than 1,000 kV)
References
ASHRAE, ANSI/NETA ATS, NECA,
NFPA 70E, OSHA, GSA Building
Commissioning Guide
ANSI/NETA MTS-2015
NEW EDITION
The ANSI/NETA MTS, Standard for
Maintenance Testing Specifications for
Electrical Power Equipment and Systems,
2015 edition,
edition, was approved as an American
National Standard on December 3, 2014,
and supersedes the ANSI/NETA MTS-
2011. This new standard is available
ANSI/NETA STANDARDS UPDATES
for purchase in the NETA Bookstore online at Updated references to industry standards
www.netaworld.org..
www.netaworld.org Many more revisions, all marked in the PARTICIPATION
margins for ease of use Comments and
The ANSI/NETA MTS contains specifications suggestions on any
that cover suggested field tests and inspections ANSI/NETA ETT-2015 of the standards are
available to assess the suitability for continued NEW EDITION always welcome and
service and reliability of electrical power equipment The ANSI/NETA ETT, Standard for should be directed to
and systems. The purpose of these specifications Certification of Electrical Testing Technicians, the NETA office at
is to assure that tested electrical equipment and 2015 edition,
edition, was approved as an American neta@netaworld.org
systems are operational and within applicable National Standard on December 3, 2014, and or 888-300-6382.
standards and manufacturers tolerances, and supersedes the ANSI/NETA ETT-2010. This To learn more about
that the equipment and systems are suitable for new standard is available for purchase in the the NETA standards
continued service. NETA Bookstore online at www.netaworld.org
www.netaworld.org.. review and revision
process, to purchase
Revisions include: The ANSI/NETA ETT establishes minimum these standards, or to
New numbering system for more requirements for qualifications, certification, get involved, please visit
accurate referencing training, and experience for the electrical www.netaworld.org or
Protective relays testing technician. It also provides criteria for call 888-300-6382.
Instrument transformers documenting qualifications for certification
Rotating machinery and details the minimum qualifications for an
Revised Table 100.1 independent and impartial certifying body to
New Table 100.11 certify electrical testing technicians.

Years of Experience
25 Years of Reliability

FULL SERVICE INDEPENDENT ELECTRICAL TESTING

Acceptance Testing Services

Low, Medium, and High Voltage

4VCTUBUJPOT t %JTUSJCVUJPO TXJUDIHFBS

t 5SBOTGPSNFST t $BCMFT t 3FMBZT
Preventative Maintenance & Testing
Switchgear

*OGSBSFE
TVSWFZT
t
$JSDVJU
CSFBLFST
t
3FMBZ
UFTUJOH
BOE
DBMJCSBUJPO

5SBOTGFS
TXJUDIFT
t
$PNQMFUF
NBJOUFOBODF
PG
"$#T0$#T4'
$#T

614

TUBUJPO
CBUUFSZ
NBJOUFOBODF
t
(FO
MPBE
UFTUT
Transformers

553
t
1PXFS
GBDUPS
UFTUJOH
t
0JM
UFTUJOH
BOE
FME
BOBMZTJT

0JM
SFDPOEJUJPOJOH

SFDMBJNJOH
t
FME
SFQMBDFNFOUT
Engineering Services

"SDBTI
TIPSU
DJSDVJU
BOE
DPPSEJOBUJPO
TUVEJFT

1PXFS
GBDUPS
DPSSFDUJPO
t
1PXFS
RVBMJUZ
BOE
IBSNPOJD
TUVEJFT

-PBE
TVSWFZT
t
(SPVOEJOH
TZTUFN
EFTJHO
5SVTU VT UP LFFQ ZPVS CVTJOFTT VQ BOE SVOOJOH $BMM GPS B GSFF DPOTVMUBUJPO UPEBZ
781-767-0888
Email: infrared.ma@verizon.net
152 Centre Street
Holbrook, MA 02343
www.Infraredbps.com
 TECH QUIZ ANSWERS

No. 115
A N S W E R S
A NS W ERS
1. e. NFPA 70E specifies the requirements for a safety backup
or standby person (second person). The electrical safety
program should specify what PPE, training, and experience
that person should have. Informational Notes cannot
contain requirements but are used to clarify and provide
additional direction as to the committees thinking on a
subject. Even though Informational Note No. 2 says that
such information may be specified, this information should
be considered whenever a safety backup is used.
2. a. In all the electrical incidents I have seen over the years,
one step might have prevented 90 percent of these incidents.
If technicians would faithfully perform an absence-of-
voltage test whether they think the circuit is energized
or not they could save themselves and their families a lot
of pain, suffering, and grief. It is the single most important
safety task to perform.
5. e. This is a topic that comes up frequently at NFPA 70E
committee meetings. Some committee members believe
that the 70E should provide best safe work practices. As
NETA Board President Ron Widup once stated, if that were
the case, the 70E could be boiled down into one sentence:
Turn it off !
What the 70E really provides is the minimum acceptable
safe work practices, much as OSHA regulations do.
Employers and employees are expected to exceed
these minimum requirements to protect their safety.
Unfortunately, many people take the 70E at face value and
do not do what is needed to prevent themselves or others
from being injured.

3. e. OSHA uses what is called a single point of responsibility.

That single point is the employer. OSHA will always hold
the employer responsible for their employees safety. Job
safety assessments, risk assessments, etc., are all required to
be completed by the employer. This may simplify OSHAs
task of assessing responsibility, but the fact of the matter
is that the employee is the one who suffers from a mishap.
No employer can be everywhere a technician is about to
work, nor can that employer be at the site in front of the
equipment to assess risk. Only the technician preparing to
perform a task can make the final risk assessment. This is
especially true for NETA Field Service Technicians.
NFPA Disclaimer: Although Jim White is a member of the NFPA
4. a, d, and e. NFPA 70E Section 130.4 covers the shock Technical Committee for both NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety
hazard and risk assessment, while Section 130.5 covers in the Workplace and NFPA 70B, Recommended Practice for Electrical
arc flash. Additional protective measures could include Equipment Maintenance,the views and opinions expressed in this message
guarding the energized conductors or circuit parts, are purely the authors and shall not be considered an official position of the
NFPA or any of its technical committees and shall not be considered to be,
setting up safety barrier tape, identification of look-alike nor be relied upon as, a formal interpretation or promotion of the NFPA.
equipment, or other measures as called out by NFPA 70E. Readers are encouraged to refer to the entire text of all referenced documents.

116 FALL 2016 TECH QUIZ

 1965-20
19 65-2015
15

Electro Rent is Now a NETA Gold

Electro Rent Turns 50 YEARS
Corporate Alliance Partner

Electro Rent answers

your every test need.
Count on Electro Rent to get the test equipment you need fast,
with experienced customer support you can rely on, 24x7. From
motor test equipment to borescopes: if it tests, weve got it and
were ready to meet your need.

Largest inventory
Consistent, reliable delivery service
Immediate availability
ISO and ANSI accredited labs

Learn more at:

www.electr
www .electror
orent.com/electr
ent.com/electrica
ical-po
l-pow
wer
800.304.4744 | sales@electrorent.com Vanguard Instruments Company, Inc.
www.vanguard-instruments.com

RESPONSIBLE FOR ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM COMMISSION?

Get the ANSI/NETA Standard for Acceptance Testing and BUNDLE YOUR ORDER
the ANSI/NETA Standard for Electrical Commissioning. AND SAVE!

New!

Save 28% when you purchase the ANSI/NETA ATS 2013 and ANSI/NETA ECS 2015 together.
To order: visit www.netaworld.org, call 888.300.6382, or email neta@netaworld.org
 Absolute confidence. Every time.
You can count on us for specialized experience in healthcare, data center, oce complex, and commercial
acceptance and maintenance testing. Absolutely. Power generation, petrochemical, oil & gas, and heavy
industries also look to us for high demand services such as start-up commissioning, maintenance testing,
shut-down and turnarounds, and breaker shop repair. Get started today.

Toll free: 832.467.4446

6829 Guhn Road, Houston, Texas 77040
Email: Alan Postiglione apost@absolutetesting.com
absolutetesting.com Like us on:
WERE MORE THAN JUST PARTS.
WERE PART OF THE
SOLUTION.

When your electrical equipment is failing, getting the parts you need shouldnt be part of the problem.
With a huge inventory of new, surplus and repurposed electrical circuit breaker and switchgear products,
National Switchgear can be a big part of your solution. We have millions of parts, but we also have the
expertise to see the whole picture, to understand your problem and to recommend the best total solution.
Of course, if you already know exactly what you need, we make it easy to buy online on our constantly
updated website, where youll also discover hard-to-nd resources like installation manuals, wiring
diagrams and more. If you need advice, customized equipment, remanufacturing or reconditioning,
were ready to share our expertise. Because integrity is always in stock.

800-322-0149
nationalswitchgear.com
 NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES Setting the Standard

A&F Electrical Testing, Inc. Scott A. Blizard

80 Lake Ave. South, Ste. 10 ABM Electrical Power Solutions American Electrical Testing Co., Inc. Apparatus Testing and Engineering
Nesconset, NY 11767 5809 Departure Dr., Ste. 104 34 Clover Dr. 7083 Commerce Circle, Ste. H
(631) 584-5625 Fax: (631) 584-5720 Raleigh, NC 27616 South Windsor, CT 06074 Pleasanton, CA 94588
kchilton@afelectricaltesting.com (919) 877-1008 Fax: (919) 501-7492 (860) 648-1013 Fax: (781) 821-0771 (925) 454-1363 Fax: (925) 454-1499
www.afelectricaltesting.com www.ABM.com jpoulin@aetco.us info@apparatustesting.com
Kevin Chilton Rob Parton www.99aetco.com www.apparatustesting.com
Gerald Poulin Harold ( Jerry) Carr
A&F Electrical Testing, Inc. ABM Electrical Power Solutions
80 Broad St. 5th Floor 317 Commerce Park Dr. American Electrical Testing Co., Inc. Applied Engineering Concepts
New York, NY 10004 Cranberry Township, PA 16066-6427 76 Cain Dr. 1105 N. Allen Ave.
(631) 584-5625 Fax: (631) 584-5720 (724) 772-4638 Fax: (724) 772-6003 Brentwood, NY 11717 Pasadena, CA 91104
afelectricaltesting@afelectricaltesting.com christopher.smith@abm.com (631) 617-5330 Fax: (631) 630-2292 (626) 398-3052 Fax: (626) 398-3053
www.afelectricaltesting.com www.ABM.com mschacker@aetco.us michel.c@aec-us.com
Florence Chilton Christopher Smith www.99aetco.com www.aec-us.com
Michael Schacker Michel Castonguay
ABM Electrical Power Solutions ABM Electrical Power Solutions
3602 East Southern Ave., Ste. 1 4390 Parliament Place, Ste. S American Electrical Testing Co., Inc. BEC Testing
Phoenix, AZ 85040 Lanham, MD 20706 50 Intervale Rd., Ste. 1 50 Gazza Blvd.
(602) 722-2423 (301) 967-3500 Fax: (301) 735-8953 Boonton, NJ 07005 Farmingdale, NY 11735
www.ABM.com www.ABM.com (973) 316-1180 Fax: (781) 316-1181 (516) 531-9136 Fax: (631) 249-6115
Doug Bukowski Frank Ceci jsomol@aetco.us wfernandez@banaelectric.com
www.99aetco.com www.bectesting.com
ABM Electrical Power Solutions ABM Electrical Power Solutions Jeff Somol William Fernandez
9800 E. Geddes Avenue, Unit A-150 3600 Woodpark Blvd., Suite G
Englewood, CO 80112 Charlotte, NC 28206 American Electrical Testing Co., Inc. Burlington Electrical Testing Co., Inc.
(303) 524-6560 Fax: (303) 524-6581 (704) 273-6257 Fax: (704) 598-9812 4032 Park 65 Dr. 300 Cedar Ave.
www.ABM.com ernest.goins@abm.com Indianapolis, IN 46254 Croydon, PA 19021-6051
Brian Smith www.ABM.com (317) 487-2111 Fax: (781) 821-0771 (215) 826-9400 (221)
Ernest Goins scanale@aetco.us Fax: (215) 826-0964
ABM Electrical Power Solutions www.99aetco.com waltc@betest.com
2142 Rheem Drive ABM Electrical Power Solutions Stephen Canale www.betest.com
Pleasanton, CA 94588 720 S. Rochester Ave., Suite A Walter P. Cleary
(408) 466-6920 Ontario, CA 91761 American Electrical Testing Co., Inc.
www.ABM.com (800) 597-1225 Fax: (909) 937-6798 Green Hills Commerce Center C.E. Testing, Inc.
John Marvulli www.ABM.com 5925 Tilghman St., Ste. 200 6148 Tim Crews Rd.
Mike Bivens Allentown, PA 18104 Macclenny, FL 32063
ABM Electrical Power Solutions (215) 219-6800 (904) 653-1900 Fax: (904) 653-1911
3940 Ruffin Rd., Ste. C Absolute Testing Services jmunley@aetco.us cetesting@aol.com
San Diego, CA 92123 6829 Guhn Rd. www.99aetco.com Mark Chapman
(858) 754-7963 Houston, TX 77040 Jonathan Munley
william.mckenzie@abm.com (832) 467-4446 Fax: (713) 849-3885 CE Power Solutions, LLC
www.ABM.com rgamble@absolutetesting.com American Electrical Testing Co., Inc. 4040 Rev Dr.
William McKenzie www.absolutetesting.com 12566 W. Indianola Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45232
Richard Gamble Avondale, AZ 85392 (513) 563-6150 Fax: (513) 563-6120
ABM Electrical Power Solutions (480) 383-9242 info@cepowersol.net
6280 South Valley View Blvd., Ste. 618 Accessible Consulting Engineers, Inc. dmadaglia@aetco.us www.cepower.net
Las Vegas, NV 89118 1269 Pomona Rd., Ste. 111 www.99aetco.com Rhonda Harris
(602) 300-2188 Fax: (602) 437-3894 Corona, CA 92882 Donald Madaglia
www.ABM.com (951) 808-1040 CE Power Solutions of Minnesota, LLC
Jason Black info@acetesting.com AMP Quality Energy Services, LLC 7674 Washington Ave. South
www.acetesting.com 4220 West Schrimsher SW Site W1 Eden Prairie, MN 55344
ABM Electrical Power Solutions Iraj Nasrolahi P.O. Box 526, Huntsville, AL 35804 (877) 968-0281 Fax: (952) 400-8772
814 Greenbrier Circle, Ste. E (256) 513-8255 jason.thompson@cepower.net
Chesapeake, VA 23320 Advanced Testing Systems Brian Rodgers www.cepower-mn.net
(757) 548-5690 Fax: (757) 548-5417 15 Trowbridge Dr. Jason Thompson
www.ABM.com Bethel, CT 06801 Apparatus Testing and Engineering
Mark Anthony Gaughan, III (203) 743-2001 Fax: (203) 743-2325 11300 Sanders Dr., Ste. 29 Control Power Concepts
pmaccarthy@advtest.com Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 353 Pilot Rd; Ste. B
ABM Electrical Power Solutions www.advtest.com (916) 853-6280 Fax: (916) 853-6258 Las Vegas, NV 89119
3700 Commerce Dr. #901-903 Pat MacCarthy info@apparatustesting.com (702) 448-7833 Fax: (702) 448-7835
Baltimore, MD 21227 www.apparatustesting.com www.controlpowerconcepts.com
(410) 247-3300 Fax: (410) 247-0900 American Electrical Testing Co., Inc. Harold ( Jerry) Carr John Travis
www.ABM.com 25 Forbes Blvd., Ste. 1
Bill Hartman Foxboro, MA 02035
(781) 821-0121 Fax: (781) 821-0771
sblizard@aetco.us
www.99aetco.com

120 FALL 2016 NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES

 NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES Setting the Standard

Dude Electrical Testing LLC
145 Tower Dr., Unit# 9
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
(815) 293-3388 Fax: (815) 293-3386
scott.dude@dudetesting.com
www.dudetesting.com
Scott Dude
DYMAX Service, LLC
46918 Liberty Dr.
Wixom, MI 48393
(248) 313-6868 Fax: (248) 313-6869
www.dymaxservice.com
Bruce Robinson
DYMAX Service, LLC
4213 Kropf Ave.
Canton, OH 44706
(330) 484-6801 Fax: (740) 333-1271
www.dymaxservice.com
Chuck Baker
Eastern High Voltage
11A South Gold Dr.
Robbinsville, NJ 08691-1606
(609) 890-8300 Fax: (609) 588-8090
joewilson@easternhighvoltage.com
www.easternhighvoltage.com
Joseph Wilson
ELECT, P.C.
7400-G Siemens Rd., P.O. Box 2080
Wendell, NC 27591
(919) 365-9775 Fax: (919) 365-9789
btyndall@elect-pc.com
www.elect-pc.com
Barry W. Tyndall
Electric Power Systems, Inc.
21 Millpark Ct.
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
(314) 890-9999 Fax: (314) 890-9998
www.epsii.com
Electric Power Systems, Inc.
557 E. Juanita Ave., #4
Mesa, AZ 85204
(480) 633-1490 Fax: (480) 633-7092
www.epsii.com
Electric Power Systems, Inc.
4436 Parkway Commerce Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32808
(407) 578-6424 Fax: 407-578-6408
www.epsii.com
Electric Power Systems, Inc.
7000 E. 47th Avenue Drive, Suite 100
Denver, CO 80216
(720) 857-7273 Fax: 303-928-8020
www.epsii.com
Electric Power Systems, Inc.
23823 Andrew Rd.
Plainfield, IL 60585
(815) 577-9515 Fax: (815) 577-9516
www.epsii.com
NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES
Electric Power Systems, Inc. Electric Power Systems, Inc.
2601 Center Rd., # 101 6141 Connecticut Ave.
Hinckley, OH 44233 Kansas City, MO 64120
(330) 460-3706 Fax: (330) 460-3708 (816) 241-9990 Fax: (816) 241-9992
www.epsii.com www.epsii.com
Electric Power Systems, Inc. Electric Power Systems, Inc.
56 Bibber Pkwy #1 2495 Boulevard of the Generals
Brunswick, ME 04011 Norristown, PA 19403
(207) 837-6527 (610) 630-0286
www.epsii.com www.epsii.com
Electric Power Systems, Inc. Electric Power Systems, Inc.
4100 Greenbriar Dr., Ste. 160 1129 East Hwy. 30
Stafford, TX 77477 Gonzalez, LA 70817
(713) 644-5400 (225) 644-0150 Fax: (225) 644-6249
www.epsii.com www.epsii.com
Electric Power Systems, Inc. Electric Power Systems, Inc.
11861 Longsdorf St. 7925 Dunbrook Rd., Ste. G
Riverview, MI 48193 San Diego, CA 92126
(734) 282-3311 (858) 566-6317
www.epsii.com www.epsii.com
Electric Power Systems, Inc. Electrical & Electronic Controls
827 Union St., 6149 Hunter Rd.
Salem, VA 24153 Ooltewah, TN 37363
(540) 375-0084 Fax: (540) 375-0094 (423) 344-7666 (23)
www.epsii.com Fax: (423) 344-4494
eecontrols@comcast.net
Electric Power Systems, Inc. Michael Hughes
915 Holt Ave., Unit 9
Manchester, NH 03109 Electrical Energy Experts, Inc.
(603) 657-7371 Fax: 603-657-7370 W129N10818, Washington Dr.
www.epsii.com Germantown, WI 53022
(262) 255-5222 Fax: (262) 242-2360
Electric Power Systems, Inc. bill@electricalenergyexperts.com
146 Space Park Dr. www.electricalenergyexperts.com
Nashville, TN 37211 William Styer
(615) 834-0999 Fax: (615) 834-0129
www.epsii.com Electrical Equipment Upgrading, Inc.
21 Telfair Place, Savannah, GA 31415
Electric Power Systems, Inc. (912) 232-7402 Fax: (912) 233-4355
8515 Cella Alameda NE, Ste. A kmiller@eeu-inc.com
Albuquerque, NM 87113 www.eeu-inc.com
(505) 792-7761 Kevin Miller
www.epsii.com
Electrical Maintenance & Testing Inc.
Electric Power Systems, Inc. 12342 Hancock St., Carmel, IN 46032
7140 Dean Martin Drive, Suite 900 (317) 853-6795 Fax: (317) 853-6799
Las Vegas, NV 89118 info@emtesting.com
(702) 815-1342 www.emtesting.com
www.epsii.com Brian K. Borst
Electric Power Systems, Inc. Electrical Reliability Services
319 US Hwy. 70 E, Unit E 1057 Doniphan Park Circle, Ste. A
Garner, NC 27529 El Paso, TX 79922
(919) 322-2670 (915) 587-9440 Fax: (915) 587-9010
www.epsii.com www.electricalreliability.com
Electric Power Systems, Inc. Electrical Reliability Services
1090 Montour West Industrial Blvd. 1775 W. University Dr., Ste. 128
Coraopolis, PA 15108 Tempe, AZ 85281
(412) 276-4559 (480) 966-4568 Fax: (480) 966-4569
www.epsii.com www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
1426 Sens Rd. Ste. 5
Houston, TX 77571
(281) 241-2800 Fax: (281) 241-2801
www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
4099 SE International Way, Ste. 201
Milwaukie, OR 97222-8853
(503) 653-6781 Fax: (503) 659-9733
www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
5909 Sea Lion Place, Ste. C
Carlsbad, CA 92010
(858) 695-9551
www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
8500 Washington Pl. NE, Ste. A-6
Albuquerque, NM 87113
(505) 822-0237 Fax: (505) 822-0217
www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
1380 Greg Street, Ste. 217
Sparks, NV 89431
(775) 746-8484 Fax: (775) 356-5488
www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
2275 Northwest Pkwy SE, Ste. 180
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 541-6600 Fax: (770) 541-6501
www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
7100 Broadway, Ste. 7E
Denver, CO 80221-2915
(303) 427-8809 Fax: (303) 427-4080
www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
348 N.W. Capital Dr.
Lee's Summit, MO 64086
(816) 525-7156 Fax: (816) 524-3274
www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
6900 Koll Center Parkway, Ste. 415
Pleasanton, CA 94566
(925) 485-3400 Fax: (925) 485-3436
www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
10606 Bloomfield Ave.
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
(562) 236-9555 Fax: (562) 777-8914
www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
3535 Emerson Parkway, Ste. A
Gonzales, LA 70737
(225) 755-0530 Fax: (225) 751-5055
www.electricalreliability.com
NETAWORLD 121
 NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES Setting the Standard

www.hvmcorp.com
Electrical Reliability Services Elemco Services, Inc. Hampton Tedder Technical Services High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
245 Hood Rd. 228 Merrick Rd. , 3747 West Roanoke Ave. 9305 Gerwig Ln., Ste. B
Sulphur, LA 70665 Lynbrook, NY 11563 Phoenix, AZ 85009 Columbia, MD 21046
(337) 583-2411 Fax: (337) 583-2410 (631) 589-6343 Fax: (631) 589-6670 (480) 967-7765 Fax: (480) 967-7762 (410) 309-5970 Fax: (410) 309-0220
www.electricalreliability.com courtney@elemco.com www.hamptontedder.com www.hvmcorp.com
www.elemco.com
Electrical Reliability Services Courtney Gallo Harford Electrical Testing Co., Inc. High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
11000 Metro Pkwy., Ste. 30 1108 Clayton Rd. 24371 Catherine Industrial Dr,
Ft. Myers, FL 33966 EnerG Test Joppa, MD 21085 Ste. 207
(239) 693-7100 Fax: (239) 693-7772 204 Gale Lane (410) 679-4477 Fax: (410) 679-0800 Novi, MI 48375
www.electricalreliability.com Bldg. 2 - 2nd Floor testing@harfordtesting.com (248) 305-5596 Fax: (248) 305-5579
Kennett Square, PA 19348 www.harfordtesting.com www.hvmcorp.com
Electrical Reliability Services (484) 731-0200 Fax: (484) 713-0209 Vincent Biondino
2222 West Valley Hwy. N., Ste 160 kbleiler@energtest.com High Energy Electrical Testing, Inc. High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
Auburn, WA 98001 www.energtest.com 515 S. Ocean Ave. 5100 Energy Dr.
(253) 736-6010 Fax: (253) 736-6015 Katie Bleiler Seaside Park, NJ 08752 Dayton, OH 45414
www.electricalreliability.com (732) 938-2275 Fax: (732) 938-2277 (937) 278-0811 Fax: (937) 278-7791
Energis High Voltage Resources, Inc. hinrg@comcast.net www.hvmcorp.com
Electrical Reliability Services 1361 Glory Rd. www.highenergyelectric.com
3412 South 1400 West, Unit A Green Bay, WI 54304 Charles Blanchard High Voltage Service, LLC
West Valley City, UT 84119 (920) 632-7929 Fax: (920) 632-7928 3890 Pheasant Ridge Dr. NE, Ste. 170
(801) 975-6461 info@energisinc.com High Voltage Maintenance Corp. Blaine, MN 55449
www.electricalreliability.com www.energisinc.com 24 Walpole Park South Dr. (763) 784-4040 Fax: (763) 784-5397
Mick Petzold Walpole, MA 02081 www.hvserviceinc.com
Electrical Reliability Services (508) 668-9205 Mike Mavetz
6351 Hinson St., Ste. B EPS Technology www.hvmcorp.com
Las Vegas, NV 89118 29 N. Plains Hwy., Ste. 12 HMT, Inc.
(702) 597-0020 Fax: (702) 597-0095 Wallingford, CT 06492 High Voltage Maintenance Corp. 6268 Route 31
www.electricalreliability.com (203) 679-0145 941 Busse Rd. Cicero, NY 13039
www.eps-technology.com Elk Grove Village, Il 60007 (315) 699-5563 Fax: (315) 699-5911
Electrical Reliability Services (847) 640-0005 jpertgen@hmt-electric.com
9636 St. Vincent, Unit A Grounded Technologies, Inc. www.hvmcorp.com www.hmt-electric.com
Shreveport, LA 71106 10505 S. Progress Way, Ste. 105 John Pertgen
(318) 869-4244 Parker, CO 80134 High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
www.electricalreliability.com P-(303) 781-2560 7200 Industrial Park Blvd. Industrial Electric Testing, Inc.
F- (303) 781-5240 Mentor, OH 44060 11321 West Distribution Ave.
Electrical Reliability Services jodymedina@groundedtech.com (440) 951-2706 Fax: (440) 951-6798 Jacksonville, FL 32256
610 Executive Campus Dr. www.groundedtech.com www.hvmcorp.com (904) 260-8378 Fax: (904) 260-0737
Westerville, OH 43082 Jody Medina gbenzenberg@bellsouth.net
(877) 468-6384 Fax: (614) 410-8420 High Voltage Maintenance Corp. www.industrialelectrictesting.com
info@electricalreliability.com Grubb Engineering, Inc. 3000 S. Calhoun Rd. Gary Benzenberg
www.electricalreliability.com 3128 Sidney Brooks New Berlin, WI 53151
San Antonio, Tx 78235 (262) 784-3660 Fax: (262) 784-5124 Industrial Electric Testing, Inc.
Electrical Testing and Maintenance Corp. (210) 658-7250 Fax: (210) 658-9805 www.hvmcorp.com 201 NW 1st Ave.
3673 Cherry Rd., Ste. 101 joy@grubbengineering.com Hallandale, FL 33009-4029
Memphis, TN 38118 www.grubbengineering.com High Voltage Maintenance Corp. (954) 456-7020
(901) 566-5557 Robert D. Grubb Jr. 8320 Brookville Rd. #E www.industrialelectrictesting.com
r.gregory@etmcorp.com Indianapolis, IN 46239
www.etmcorp.net Hampton Tedder Technical Services (317) 322-2055 Fax: (317) 322-2056 Industrial Electronics Group
Ron Gregory 4571 State St. www.hvmcorp.com 850369 Highway 17 South
Montclair, CA 91763 P.O. Box 1870
Electrical Testing, Inc. (909) 628-1256 x214 High Voltage Maintenance Corp. Yulee, FL 32041
2671 Cedartown Hwy. Fax: (909) 628-6375 1250 Broadway, Ste. 2300 (904) 225-9529 Fax: (904) 225-0834
Rome, GA 30161-6791 matt.tedder@hamptontedder.com New York, NY 10001 butch@industrialgroups.com
(706) 234-7623 Fax: (706) 236-9028 www.hamptontedder.com (718) 239-0359 www.industrialgroups.com
steve@electricaltestinginc.com Matt Tedder www.hvmcorp.com Butch E. Teal
www.electricaltestinginc.com
Hampton Tedder Technical Services High Voltage Maintenance Corp. Industrial Tests, Inc.
Electrical Testing Solutions 4920 Alto Ave. 355 Vista Park Dr. 4021 Alvis Ct., Ste. 1
2909 Green Hill Ct. Las Vegas, NV 89115 Pittsburgh, PA 15205-1206 Rocklin, CA 95677
Oshkosh, WI 54904 (702) 452-9200 Fax: (702) 453-5412 (412) 747-0550 Fax: (412) 747-0554 (916) 296-1200 Fax: (916) 632-0300
(920) 420-2986 Fax: (920) 235-7136 www.hamptontedder.com www.hvmcorp.com greg@indtest.com
tmachado@electricaltestingsolutions.com Roger Cates www.industrialtests.com
www.electricaltestingsolutions.com High Voltage Maintenance Corp. Greg Poole
Tito Machado 150 North Plains Industrial Rd.
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 949-2650 Fax: (203) 949-2646

122 FALL 2016 NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES

 NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES Setting the Standard

Infra-Red Building and Power Service Magna IV Engineering Orbis Engineering Field Services Ltd. Power Products & Solutions, LLC
152 Centre St. 96 Inverness Dr. East, Unit R #300, 9404 - 41st Ave. 12465 Grey Commercial Rd.
Holbrook, MA 02343-1011 Englewood, CO 80112 Edmonton, AB T6E 6G8 Midland, NC 28107
(781) 767-0888 Fax: (781) 767-3462 (303) 799-1273 Fax: (303) 790-4816 Canada (704) 573-0420 x12
tom.mcdonald@infraredbps.com info.denver@magnaiv.com (780) 988-1455 Fax: (780) 988-0191 Fax: (704) 573-3693
www.infraredbps.com Aric Proskurniak lorne@orbisengineering.net ralph.patterson@powerproducts.biz
Thomas McDonald Sr. www.orbisengineering.net www.powerproducts.biz
Magna IV Engineering Lorne Gara Ralph Patterson
Longo Electrical-Mechanical, Inc. Avenida del Condor #590
One Harry Shupe Blvd., Box 511 Oficina 601 Pacic Power Testing, Inc. Power Products & Solutions, LLC
Wharton, NJ 07885 Huechuraba, Santiago 8580676 14280 Doolittle Dr. 13 Jenkins Ct.
(973) 537-0400 Fax: (937) 537-0404 Chile San Leandro, CA 94577 Mauldin, SC 29662
jmlongo@elongo.com +(56) 9-9-517-4642 (510) 351-8811 Fax: (510) 351-6655 (800) 328-7382
www.elongo.com info.chile@magnaiv.com steve@pacificpowertesting.com ralph.patterson@powerproducts.biz
Joe Longo Harvey Mendoza www.pacificpowertesting.com www.powerproducts.biz
Steve Emmert Raymond Pesaturo
Longo Electrical-Mechanical, Inc. Magna IV Engineering
1625 Pennsylvania Ave. 1040 Winnipeg St. Pacic Powertech, Inc. Power Services, LLC
Linden, NJ 07036 Regina , SK S4R 8P8 #110, 2071 Kingsway Ave. 998 Dimco Way, P.O. Box 750066
(908) 925-2900 Fax: (908) 925-9427 Canada Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 6N2 Centerville, OH 45475
jmlongo@elongo.com (306) 585-2100 Fax: (306) 585-2191 Canada (937) 439-9660 Fax: (937) 439-9611
www.elongo.com info.regina@magnaiv.com (604) 944-6697 Fax: (604) 944-1271 mkbeucler@aol.com
Joe Longo Andrew Westerman jkonkin@pacificpowertech.ca Mark Beucler
www.pacificpowertech.ca
Longo Electrical-Mechanical, Inc. Magna IV Engineering Josh Konkin Power Solutions Group, Ltd.
1400 F Adams Rd. 106, 4268 Lozells Ave. 425 W. Kerr Rd.
Bensalem, PA 19020 Burnaby, BC VSA 0C6 Canada Phasor Engineering Tipp City, OH 45371
(215) 638-1333 Fax: (215) 638-1366 (604) 421-8020 Sabaneta Industrial Park #216 (937) 506-8444 Fax: (937) 506-8434
jmlongo@elongo.com Scott Nixon Mercedita, PR 00715 bwilloughby@powersolutionsgroup.com
www.elongo.com Puerto Rico www.powersolutionsgroup.com
Joe Longo Magna IV Engineering (787) 844-9366 Fax: (787) 841-6385 Barry Willoughby
11811 North Freeway, Ste. 500 rcastro@phasorinc.com
M&L Power Systems, Inc. Houston, TX 77060 Rafael Castro Power Solutions Group, Ltd.
109 White Oak Ln., Ste. 82 (281) 436-7329 135 Old School House Rd.
Old Bridge, NJ 08857 www.magnaiv.com Potomac Testing, Inc. Piedmont, SC 29673
(732) 679-1800 Fax: (732) 679-9326 1610 Professional Blvd., Ste. A (864) 845-1084 Fax:: (864) 845-1085
milind@mlpower.com National Field Services Crofton, MD 21114 fcrawford@powersolutionsgroup.com
www.mlpower.com 649 Franklin St. (301) 352-1930 Fax: (301) 352-1936 www.powersolutionsgroup.com
Milind Bagle Lewisville, TX 75057 kbassett@potomactesting.com Anthony Crawford
(972) 420-0157 www.potomactesting.com
Magna IV Engineering www.natlfield.com Ken Bassett Power Solutions Group, Ltd.
1103 Parsons Rd. SW Eric Beckman 670 Lakeview Plaza Blvd.
Edmonton, AB T6X 0X2 Power & Generation Testing, Inc., Columbus, OH 43085
Canada Nationwide Electrical Testing, Inc. a CE Power Company (614) 310-8018
(780) 462-3111 Fax: (780) 450-2994 6050 Southard Trace 480 Cave Rd. sspohn@powersolutionsgroup.com
info@magnaiv.com Cumming, GA 30040 Nashville, TN 37210 www.powersolutionsgroup.com
www.magnaiv.com (770) 667-1875 Fax: (770) 667-6578 (615) 882-9455 Fax: (615) 882-9591 Stuart Spohn
Virgina Balitski Shashi@N-E-T-Inc.com mose@pgti.net
www.n-e-t-inc.com www.pgti.net Power Systems Testing Co.
Magna IV Engineering Shashikant B. Bagle Mose Ramieh 4688 W. Jennifer Ave., Ste. 108
200, 688 Heritage Dr. Fresno, CA 93722
Calgary, AB T2H 1M6 North Central Electric, Inc. Power Engineering Services, Inc. (559) 275-2171 ext 15
Canada 69 Midway Ave. 9179 Shadow Creek Lane Fax: (559) 275-6556
(403) 723-0575 Fax: (403) 723-0580 Hulmeville, PA 19047-5827 Converse, TX 78109 dave@pstcpower.com
info.calgary@magnaiv.com (215) 945-7632 Fax: (215) 945-6362 (210) 590-4936 Fax: (210) 590-6214 www.powersystemstesting.com
Dave Emerson ncetest@aol.com engelke@pe-svcs.com David Huffman
www.ncetest.com www.pe-svcs.com
Magna IV Engineering Robert Messina Miles R. Engelke Power Systems Testing Co.
8219D Fraser Ave. 600 S. Grand Ave., Ste. 113
Fort McMurray, AB T9H 0A2 Northern Electrical Testing, Inc. POWER PLUS Engineering, Inc. Santa Ana, CA 92705-4152
Canada 1991 Woodslee Dr. 46575 Magellan (714) 542-6089 Fax: (714) 542-0737
(780) 791-3122 Fax: (780) 791-3159 Troy, MI 48083-2236 Novi, MI 48377 www.powersystemstesting.com
info.fmcmurray@magnaiv.com (248) 689-8980 Fax: (248) 689-3418 (248) 344-0200 Fax: (248) 305-9105
Ryan Morgan ldetterman@northerntesting.com smancuso@epowerplus.com
www.northerntesting.com www.epowerplus.com
Lyle Detterman Salvatore Mancuso

NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES NETAWORLD 123

 NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES Setting the Standard

Power Systems Testing Co. Premier Power Maintenance Corporation REV Engineering, LTD Shermco Industries
6736 Preston Ave, Ste. E 3066 Finley Island Cir NW 3236 - 50 Ave. SE 33002 FM 2004
Livermore, CA 94551 Decatur, AL 35601 Calgary, AB T2B 3A3 Angleton, TX 77515
(510) 783-5096 Fax: (510) 732-9287 (256) 355-1444 Canada (979)848-1406 Fax: (979) 848-0012
www.powersystemstesting.com johnnie.mcclung@premierpower.us (403) 287-0156 Fax: (403) 287-0198 cking@shermco.com
www.premierpowermaintenance.com rdavidson@reveng.ca www.shermco.com
Power Test, Inc. Johnnie McClung www.reveng.ca Chris King
2200 Highway 49 Roland Nicholas Davidson, IV
Harrisburg, NC 28075 Premier Power Maintenance Corporation Shermco Industries
(704) 200-8311 Fax: (704) 455-7909 4301 Iverson Blvd., Ste. H Saber Power Services 1357 N. 108th E. Ave.
rich@powertestinc.com Trinity, AL 35673 9841 Saber Power Lane Tulsa, OK 74116
www.powertestinc.com (256) 355-3006 Rosharon, TX 77583-5188 (918) 234-2300
Richard Walker kevin.templeman@premierpower.us (713) 222-9102 jharrison@shermco.com
www.premierpowermaintenance.com info@saberpower.com www.shermco.com
POWER Testing and Energization, Inc. Kevin Templeman www.saberpower.com Jim Harrison
14006 NW 3rd Ct., Ste. 101 Mark Reid
Vancouver, WA 98685 Premier Power Maintenance Corporation Shermco Industries
(360) 597-2800 Fax: (360) 576-7182 7301 E County Road 142 Scott Testing Inc. 796 11th St.
chris.zavadlov@powerte.com Blytheville, AR 72315 1698 5th St. Marion, IA 52302
www.powerte.com (870) 762-2100 Ewing, NJ 08638 (319) 377-3377 Fax: (319) 377-3399
Chris Zavadlov kevin.templeman@premierpower.us (609) 882-2400 Fax: (609) 882-5660 jedwards@shermco.com
www.premierpowermaintenance.com rsorbello@scotttesting.com www.shermco.com
POWER Testing and Energization, Inc. Kevin Templeman www.scotttesting.com Jason Edwards
731 E. Ball Rd., Ste. 100 Russ Sorbello
Anaheim, CA 92805 Premier Power Maintenance Corporation Shermco Industries
(714) 507-2702 7262 Kensington Rd. Sentinel Power Services, Inc. 2100 Dixon St., Ste. C
www.powerte.com Brighton, MI 48116 7517 E. Pine St. Des Moines, IA 50316
(517) 230-6620 Tulsa, OK 74115 (515) 263-8482
POWER Testing and Energization, Inc. brian.ellegiers@premierpower.us (918) 359-0350 jedwards@shermco.com
22035 70th Ave. South www.premierpowermaintenance.com gellis@spstulsa.com www.shermco.com
Kent, WA 98032 Brian Ellegiers www.sentinelpowerservices.com Jason Edwards
(253) 437-3100 Greg Ellis
www.powerte.com Premier Power Maintenance Corporation Shermco Industries
4537 S. Nucor Rd. Sentinel Power Services, Inc. 4383 Professional Parkway
Powertech Services, Inc. Crawfordsville, IN 47933 1110 West B St., Ste. H Groveport, OH 43125
4095 South Dye Rd. (317) 879-0660 Russellville, AR 72801 (614) 836-8556 Fax: (614) 836-8557
Swartz Creek, MI 48473-1570 kevin.templeman@premierpower.us (918) 359-0350 jharrison@shermco.com
(810) 720-2280 Fax: (810) 720-2283 www.premierpowermaintenance.com gellis@spstulsa.com www.shermco.com
kirkd@powertechservices.com Kevin Templeman www.sentinelpowerservices.com Jim Harrison
www.powertechservices.com Greg Ellis
Kirk Dyszlewski Reuter & Hanney, Inc. Shermco Industries
149 Railroad Dr. Shermco Industries 998 East Berwood Ave.
Precision Testing Group Northampton Industrial Park 2425 E. Pioneer Dr. Saint Paul, MN 55110
5475 Highway 86, Unit 1 Ivyland, PA 18974 Irving, TX 75061 (651) 484-5533 Fax: (651) 484-7686
Elizabeth, CO 80107 (215) 364-5333 Fax: (215) 364-5365 (972) 793-5523 Fax: (972) 793-5542 jedwards@shermco.com
(303) 621-2776 Fax: (303) 621-2573 mikereuter@reuterhanney.com rwidup@shermco.com www.shermco.com
glenn@precisiontestinggroup.com www.reuterhanney.com www.shermco.com Jason Edwards
Glenn Stuckey Michael Reuter Ron Widup
Shermco Industries
Premier Power Maintenance Corporation Reuter & Hanney, Inc. Shermco Industries 12000 Network Blvd., Bldg D,, Ste. 410
6525 Guion Rd. 4270-I Henninger Ct. 112 Industrial Dr., PO Box 606 San Antonio, TX 78249
Indianapolis, IN 46268 Chantilly, VA 20151 Minooka, IL 60447 (512) 267-4800 Fax: (512) 267-4808
(317) 879-0660 (703) 263-7163 Fax: 703-263-1478 (815) 467-5577 Fax: (815) 467-5883 cking@shermco.com
kevin.templeman@premierpower.us www.reuterhanney.com rwidup@shermco.com www.shermco.com
www.premierpowermaintenance.com www.shermco.com Chris King
Kevin Templeman Reuter & Hanney, Inc. Ron Widup
11620 Crossroads Circle, Suites D-E Shermco Industries Canada Inc.
Premier Power Maintenance Corporation Middle River, MD 21220 Shermco Industries 1033 Kearns Crescent, Box 995
2725 Jason Rd. (410) 344-0300 Fax: (410) 335-4389 1705 Hur Industrial Blvd. Regina, SK S4P 3B2
Ashland, KY 41102 www.reuterhanney.com Cedar Park, TX 78613 Canada
(606) 929-5969 Michael Jester (512) 267-4800 Fax: (512) 258-5571 (306) 949-8131 Fax: (306) 522-9181
jay.milstead@premierpower.us cking@shermco.com kheid@magnaelectric.com
www.premierpowermaintenance.com www.shermco.com www.shermco.com
Jay Milstead Chris King Kerry Heid

124 FALL 2016 NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES

 NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES Setting the Standard

Shermco Industries Canada Inc. Taurus Power & Controls, Inc.
851-58th St. East 9999 SW Avery St.
Saskatoon, SK S7K 6X5 Tualatin, OR 97062-9517
Canada (503) 692-9004 Fax: (503) 692-9273
(306) 955-8131 robtaurus@tauruspower.com
Fax: (306) 955-9181 www.tauruspower.com
ajaques@magnaelectric.com Rob Bulfinch
www.shermco.com Taurus Power & Controls, Inc.
Adam Jaques 19226 66th Ave. S, Ste. L102
Kent, WA 98032
Shermco Industries Canada Inc. (425) 656-4170 Fax: (425) 656-4172
3731-98 St. servicereq@tauruspower.com
Edmonton, AB T6E 5N2 www.tauruspower.com
Canada David Koons
(780) 436-8831 Fax: (780) 468-9646
cgrant@magnaelectric.com 3C Electrical Co., Inc.
www.shermco.com 40 Washington St.
Cal Grant Westborough, MA 01581
(508) 881-3911 Fax: (508) 881-4814
Shermco Industries Canada Inc. jim@three-c.com
3430 25th St. NE www.three-c.com
Calgary, AB T1Y 6C1 Jim Cialdea
Canada
(403) 769-9300 Fax: (403)769-9369 3C Electrical Co., Inc.
cgrant@magnaelectric.com 72 Sanford Dr.
www.shermco.com Gorham, ME 04038
Cal Grant (800) 649-6314 Fax: (207) 782-0162
jim@three-c.com
Shermco Industries Canada Inc. www.three-c.com
1375 Church Ave. Jim Cialdea
Winnipeg, MB R2X 2T7
Canada Tidal Power Services, LLC
(204) 925-4022 Fax: (204) 925-4021 4202 Chance Lane
cbrandt@magnaelectric.com Rosharon, TX 77583
www.shermco.com (281) 710-9150 Fax: (713) 583-1216
Curtis Brandt monty.janak@tidalpowerservices.com
www.tidalpowerservices.com
Sigma Six Solutions, Inc. Monty C. Janak
2200 West Valley Hwy., Ste. 100
Auburn, WA 98001 Tidal Power Services, LLC
(253) 333-9730 Fax: (253) 859-5382 8184 Highway 44, Ste. 105
jwhite@sigmasix.com Gonzales, LA 70737
www.sigmasix.com (225) 644-8170 Fax: (225) 644-8215
John White www.tidalpowerservices.com
Darryn Kimbrough
Southern New England Electrical Testing, LLC
3 Buel St., Ste. 4 Tidal Power Services, LLC
Wallingford, CT 06492 1056 Mosswood Dr.
(203) 269-8778 Fax: (203) 269-8775 Sulphur, LA 70663
dave.asplund@sneet.org (337) 558-5457 Fax: (337) 558-5305
www.sneet.org www.tidalpowerservices.com
David Asplund, Sr. Steve Drake
Southwest Energy Systems, LLC Tony Demaria Electric, Inc.
2231 East Jones Ave., Ste. A 131 West F St.
Phoenix, AZ 85040 Wilmington, CA 90744
(602) 438-7500 Fax: (602) 438-7501 (310) 816-3130
bob.sheppard@southwestenergysystems.com (310) 549-9747
www.southwestenergysystems.com neno@tdeinc.com
Robert Sheppard www.tdeinc.com
Nenad Pasic
Trace Electrical Services & Testing, LLC
293 Whitehead Rd.
Hamilton, NJ 08619
(609) 588-8666 Fax: (609) 588-8667
jvasta@tracetesting.com
www.tracetesting.com
Joseph Vasta
Utilities Instrumentation Service, Inc.
2290 Bishop Circle East
Dexter, MI 48130
(734) 424-1200 Fax: (734) 424-0031
GEWalls@UISCorp.com
www.uiscorp.com
Gary E. Walls
Utility Service Corporation
4614 Commercial Dr. NW
Huntsville, AL 35816-2201
(256) 837-8400 Fax: (256) 837-8403
apeterson@utilserv.com
www.utilserv.com
Alan D. Peterson
Western Electrical Services, Inc.
14311 29th St. East
Sumner , WA 98390
(253) 891-1995 Fax: (253) 891-1511
dhook@westernelectricalservices.com
www.westernelectricalservices.com
Dan Hook
Western Electrical Services, Inc.
3676 W. California Ave., #C, 106
Salt Lake City, UT 84104
(888) 395-2021 Fax: (253) 891-1511
rcoomes@westernelectricalservices.com
www.westernelectricalservices.com
Rob Coomes
Western Electrical Services, Inc.
5680 South 32nd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85040
(602) 426-1667 Fax: (253) 891-1511
carcher@westernelectricalservices.com
www.westernelectricalservices.com
Craig Archer
Western Electrical Services, Inc.
4510 NE 68th Dr., Ste. 122
Vancouver, WA 98661
(888) 395-2021 Fax: (253) 891-1511
Tasciutto@westernelectricalservices.com
www.westernelectricalservices.com
Tony Asciutto

NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES NETAWORLD 125

ADVERTISERS
This issues advertisers are identified below.
Please thank these advertisers by telling them you
saw their advertisement in YOUR magazine
NETA World.
INDEPENDENT NETA
ACCREDITED COMPANIES
Absolute Testing Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
American Electrical Testing Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Apparatus Testing and Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Burlington Electrical Testing Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Eastern High Voltage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Electrical Energy Experts, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Electrical Reliability Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Elemco Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
EnerG Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Hampton Tedder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Harford Electrical Testing Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
High Voltage Maintenance Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Industrial Electric Testing, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Infra-Red Building and Power Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Nationwide Electrical Testing, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
North Central Electric, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Orbis Engineering Field Services, Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Potomac Testing, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Power Products & Solutions, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Power Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Power Systems Testing Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
POWER Testing and Energization, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Scott Testing, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Shermco Industries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Sigma Six Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Taurus Power & Controls, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
3C Electrical Co. Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Tony Demaria Electric, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Trace Electrical Services & Testing, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
126 FALL 2016
MANUFACTURERS AND
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
45th Anniversary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Advanced Test Equipment Rentals (ATE Corp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
AEMC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Aero Tec Laboratories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Ampteks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
ANSI/NETA ATS & ECS Bundle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
ANSI/NETA MTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Arbiter Systems, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
AVO Training Institute, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
BCS Switchgear, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Belyea Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Burlington Safety Laboratory, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Doble Engineering Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Dranetz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Electro Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73, 117
Elsco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 94
Group CBS, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
High Voltage, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
High Voltage Electrical Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
HV Diagnostics, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Instel Power Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Intellirent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
IRISS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
L.W. Brittain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Megger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover
Monster Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
National Switchgear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
NETA Alliance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
NETA PowerTest Call for Exhibitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
NETA PowerTest Early Bird Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
NETA Series II Handbooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
NETA Why Hire NAC? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
OMICRON electronics Corp. USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover
Phenix Technologies, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Protec Equipment Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Quality Switchgear, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Raytech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover
Sertec Relay Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Solid State Exchange & Repair Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Southland Electrical Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SPTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Technitrol, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Thyritronics, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Utility Relay Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Vacuum Interrupters, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Vanguard Instrument Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23, 78
ADVERTISERS
 Product Lines
Year Warranty

Single and 3-Phase Ratiometers

Power Factor Test Sets

Winding Resistance with

Core Demagnetization

Current Transformer Test Sets 10A and 200A Contact Resistance

Raytech focuses on 5 product lines, ensuring expertise in each one. Our instruments
combine superior quality with ease-of-use.

product lines of the most reliable and rugged instruments on the market.
year warranty with every instrument at no additional charge.

Toll free 888 484 3779 | Phone 267 404 2676 | Fax 267 404 2685
118 South 2nd St., Perkasie, PA 18944

www.RaytechUSA.com
ARCO 400:
Recloser control testing redened!
In developing a universal test solution for recloser controls we have
signicantly improved existing work routines. To achieve this, our
engineers thoroughly considered all existing procedures and local
conditions. With ARCO 400 we were able to develop an excellent plug-
and-play solution that meets all your needs: compact and lightweight,
rugged, easy to use, and suitable for any recloser control.
Discover ARCO 400 and the new way of testing recloser controls.

www.omicronenergy.com/newARCO400
+1-800 OMICRON