WINTER2011

PPE REQUIREMENTS FOR

INSTALLATION OF TEMPORARY
PROTECTIVE GROUNDS
PAGE 20

2012

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

C o ver S t o ry Feat ures

7 PRESIDENTS DESK
Mose Ramieh,

20
Power & Generation Testing, Inc.
NETA President

10 NETA TURNS 40!

31 SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO 2012
NFPA 70E
Ron Widup and Jim White,
Shermco Industries

57 WHEN IS AN ENERGIZED
20 PPE Requirements for ELECTRICAL WORK PERMIT
Installation of REQUIRED
Temporary Protective Lynn Hamrick,
Shermco Industries
Grounds
By Scott Blizard and Paul Chamberlain
American Electrical Testing Co., Inc.

SAFETY ISSUES
WHEN PLACING EQUIPMENT
IN AN ELECTRICALLY SAFE

57
CONDITION
The goal is to work safely, and the best
way to do that is to have the equipment
deenergized. However, checking to see that
the equipment is, in fact, deenergized requires
PPE and special test equipment designed
to mitigate the hazards that exist when the
equipment is energized and determine that the
hazards no longer exist.

table of contents NETAWORLD 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I N E V E RY IS S UE INDUST RY T O PICS

26 MAINTENANCE CORNER 16 REAL WORLD LEARNING AT

Switching 2 Maintenance YOUR FINGERTIPS
Kerry Heid, Magna Electric Co. NETA Handbooks
38 TECH QUIZ 65 THE FORGOTTEN WORKPLACE
Placing Equipment in an Electrically-Safe
Work Condition
HOME
Don Brown, Shermco Industries
Jim White, Shermco Industries

43 THE NFPA 70E AND NETA 73 MEDIUM VOLTAGE STARTER

Lockout/Tagout Taking it for Granted CONTROL CIRCUIT SAFETY ISSUE
Jim White and Ron Widup, Shermco Industries Al Havens, E-Hazard.com

48 NICHE MARKET TESTING 84 ALL FACTORIES ARE NOT

Using Personal Protective Grounds in CREATED EQUAL
Industrial Facilities Paul Hartman, DLB Associates
Lynn Hamrick, Shermco Industries

53 TECHNICAL BRIEF NETA NEWS

Additional Safety Features
Jim Bowen, Powell Electrical Manufacturing Co.
29 NETA AND FRIENDS AT
78 NO-OUTAGE IEEE PCIC 2011
INSPECTION CORNER
Top Ten Finds Using Handheld PD Detectors 41 CE POWER SOLUTIONS, LLC
Don A. Genutis, No-Outage Electrical Testing, Inc. OF OHIO NAMED AS NETA
88 TESTING ROTATING MACHINERY ACCREDITED COMPANY
Insulation-Resistance Test 62 POWER SOLUTIONS GROUP
Vicki Warren, Iris Power LP.
IS PROUD TO JOIN THE RANKS
98 SAFETY CORNER OF NETA ACCREDITED
Communication is a Key Element to Electrical COMPANIES
Safety in the Workplace
95 PACIFIC POWERTECH INC.
107 TECH TIPS
Ground Testing Safety 103 SHERMCO INDUSTRIES
Jeff Jowett, Megger RECOGNIZED AS A "BEST PLACE
TO WORK" FINALIST FOR FIFTH
116 ANSI/NETA STANDARDS UPDATE
YEAR
111 NETA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND
MEMBER MEETING
120 NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES
126 ADVERTISER LIST

4 WINTER 2011 TABLE OF CONTENTS

How Do You
ensure Safety
and Reliability?
Hire a NETA Accredited Company!

NETA has been connecting designers, specifiers, architects

and users of electrical power equipment and systems with
independent, third-party electrical testing companies since 1972. For a complete
listing of NETA
NETA Accredited Companies test the complete system in
Accredited
accordance with industry codes and standards to provide
accurate test reports you can count on every time.
Companies
turn to page 120
or visit
www.netaworld.org.

For more information on NETA or our ANSI/NETA Standards

give us a call at 888-300-NETA (6382)
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: Jayne Tanz, CMP

NETA Officers
PRESIDENT: Mose Ramieh, Power & Generation Testing, Inc.
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT: David Human, Power Systems Testing Co.
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT: Ron Widup, Shermco Industries
SECRETARY: Walt Cleary, Burlington Electrical Testing Co., Inc.
TREASURER: John White, Sigma Six Solutions

NETA Board of Directors

Ken Bassett (Potomac Testing, Inc.)
Scott Blizard (American Electrical Testing Co., Inc.)
Jim Cialdea (Three-C Electrical Co., Inc.)
Walt Cleary (Burlington Electrical Testing Co., Inc.)
Roderic Hageman (PRIT Service, Inc.)
Kerry Heid (Magna Electric Corporation)
David Human (Power Systems Testing)
Alan Peterson (Utility Service Corporation)
Mose Ramieh (Power & Generation Testing, Inc.)
John White (Sigma Six Solutions)
Ron Widup (Shermco Industries)

NETA World Staff

TECHNICAL EDITOR: Roderic L. Hageman
ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Diane W. Hageman
MANAGING EDITOR: Jayne Tanz, CMP
ADVERTISING MANAGER: Jill Howell
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION: Newhall Klein, Inc.

NETA Committee Chairs

CONFERENCE: Ron Widup; MEMBERSHIP: Ken Bassett;
PROMOTIONS/MARKETING: Kerry Heid; SAFETY: Lynn Hamrick;
TECHNICAL: Alan Peterson; TECHNICAL EXAM: Ron Widup;
WORLD ADVISORY: Diane Hageman;
CONTINUING TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT: David Human;
TRAINING: Kerry Heid; FINANCE: John White;
NOMINATIONS: Alan Peterson; STRATEGY: Mose Ramieh;
AFFILIATE PROGRAM: Jim Cialdea

Copyright 2011, 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

As you read this the sound of jingle bells is in the air and the holiday spirit has
started to distract us from the task at hand, WORKING SAFELY. This issue
focuses on the goal of safety.

Safety allows us to get home and enjoy our families and friends during the holidays. The wearing
of PPE, thinking through the work plan, and executing the plan as written requires focus and
discipline. During this time of year that can be a difficult but necessary task. Please read this issue
cover to cover and put what you read into every day practice. If you see an area that has been missed
or not covered in as much depth as you would like, contact the NETA office and volunteer
to help out.

It is hard to believe that PowerTest 2012 is just two months away! Are you planning
to attend? The Ft. Worth venue is a great one for our conference. Here is your
opportunity to see what is left of the Wild West and at the same time learn a few
things, or at least sharpen your skills in testing and diagnostics.
I encourage all of the NACs to send as many technicians as possible to
this once a year event.

The last Member Meeting of the year was held in Boston in September.
We had a good turnout, but we would like to see more participation and
input from the membership. These meetings allow the membership to
provide input and direction for the association. The association needs
to hear from you so that it can create a strategic plan that will guide the
association in the coming years.

Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year to all!

Mose Ramieh
NETA President

Presidents desk NETAWORLD 7


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FEATURE

OVER THE HUMP but NOT OVER THE HILL!

TURNS
NETA wasnt always so well-known. Originally,
ANSI/NETA ATS-2013
ANSI/NETA MTS-2011

NETA was founded as the National Electrical

Testing Association in 1972 on April 14 at the first
recorded meeting, with the first association logo
ANSI/NETA ATS-2009

STANDARD FOR
ANSI/NETA STANDARD FOR ACCEPTANCE TESTING SPECIFICATIONS

w w w. n e t a w o r l d . o r g

Standard for ACCEPTANCE STANDARD FOR

ANSI/NETA Standard for Acceptance Testing Specificaitons 2009

MAINTENANCE
developed by the nine charter members. Wasting no Acceptance
TESTING SPECIFICATIONS
FOR ELECTRICAL
EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS
POWER
TESTING SPECIFICATIONS
FOR ELECTRICAL POWER
EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS
time at getting down to business, NETA published Testing
Specifications
its first Acceptance Testing Specifications document for Electrical Power

in 1973, followed by the first Maintenance Testing

Equipment and Systems

Specifications in 1975. NETAs founding fathers

worked hard at forging a path on which todays
members continue to travel. They recognized that 2009
being small in numbers meant that they would have
ATS09cover-1.indd 1 2/19/09 2:00:58 PM

to work even harder to get the word out about the Picture: www.omicronusa.com/paintings

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SPRING2011

SPRING2011

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it is hard not to feel pride and more than a little awe
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American National Standard referenced around the Visit us at
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10 WINTER 2011 NETA TURNS 40!

 FEATURE

NETA World, this beautiful, four-color technical journal

that now spans over 124 pages once was a humble newsletter,
affectionately titled NETA News. It was fostered over the years
by ambitious technical editors, Rod and Diane Hageman,
and championed by Executive Director, Mary Jordan, whose
torch is carried today by Jayne Tanz, soon to be celebrating
twenty years with NETA. NETAs first, four-page, newspaper-
style publication came out in 1979, the same year as the first
technical conference. Some of these excellent articles will
be published again over the year to come, hearkening back
to years past. The meat of this publication would not exist
without the tireless efforts of the many authors that have
put pen to paper and fingers to keys over the past forty years.
These individuals have provided readers with over 1,200
technically-relevant, educational articles in the course of four
decades. Quite an accomplishment.

While the hot-button issues of the day have changed over the
years, one thing is constant. NETAs desire to be positioned on
the leading edge of the latest in technology has always placed
the association at the forefront of the industry. One way that
the association kept up with technology was to begin offering
electrical testing and maintenance schools. These programs,
started in 1983, have evolved into what is now known as
PowerTest, a NETA hosted event. In the 1980s, PCB was a
focal point, and as years have passed everything from cables to
relays to the new buzz of smart grids have been covered by the
talented individuals who volunteer their time and expertise at
PowerTest. PowerTest has always served to unite individuals
seeking to expand their knowledge of that for which they are
passionate. NETA has always provided an environment that
encourages reaching out to bring in those that have a desire to
learn and grow, while those more experienced and seasoned
veterans are able to benefit from an infusion of new ideas and
youthful enthusiasm to get the job done. At one time, the
conference was limited to members only, but over the years
this week of learning and networking has grown to encompass
anyone and everyone involved with electrical testing. NETA
Accredited Companies always make a good showing, but the
attendees now include architects, engineers, manufacturers,
and field technicians not necessarily associated with a NETA
Accredited Company.

NETA certification and accreditation are two things that
really set this organization apart from many other professional
associations in existence today. An emphasis on quality,
whether that be the quality of a testing technician, the quality
of the company backing that individual, or the quality of the
test results and services provided, is a philosophy shared across
generations and geography alike. These items, coupled with
safety and breadth of service, are what have made the services
of NETA Accredited Companies and NETA Certified
Technicians highly sought after. In the early days of NETA, the
charter members saw a void that needed filling. Early pioneers
in electrical testing performed invaluable services. Before
NETA, there simply was nowhere else to obtain a consensus
standard for comprehensive testing and maintenance services.
Coming together for a common cause and establishing
consensus standards was something in which many of NETAs
members were well versed. Participation on committees of
other industry codes and standards such as NFPA and IEEE
committees helped NETA gain a voice at the table where it
counts and paved the way for NETA to develop its own set of
standards that address electrical testing requirements specific
to field installations. This was a goal early on, and one that
came to fruition in the 1990s and 2000s.
NETA TURNS 40!
FEATURE
After NETA was recognized as an American National
Standards Developer (ANSI SDO) in 1996, NETA worked
to get its first ANSI standard published. The long-standing
NETA certification program that had taken shape over the
years was embodied fully in the ANSI/NETA Standard for
Certification of Electrical Testing Technicians, the first edition
of which was published in 2000, followed by the current 2010
revision. NETA then worked within the parameters of the
ANSI process to successfully publish two additional ANSI
standards. NETAs firm foundation in technical knowledge
has lent itself to the development of other NETA publications
and training materials. The NETA Handbooks and Self-Paced
Technical Seminars are products that reflect the materials
produced in NETA World and at PowerTest. NETAs On-Line
Training Courses, now available to the general public, as well
as NETA Affiliates and NETA Accredited Companies, are
based on the ANSI/NETA standards and are geared toward
testing technicians.
NETAWORLD 13
At this time of reflection on the past and looking to the future, it is interesting to read sentiments of a past
NETA President, John Moore, from the early days of the organization. From NETA News, Spring
1983, his Letter From the President reads, NETA has grown primarily through the unselfish
volunteer efforts of several fine testing companies. NETAs presence has clearly been felt by
our industry through our testing specifications, technical certification programs, and
annual conferences. There is a strong continuing need for NETAs support of our
industry in the areas of technical development, safety, governmental support,
codes and standards, and market development. These activities can only be
accomplished effectively through dedicated committee action. As our
membership grows, we will be able to afford more outside services;
however, like the IEEE, NFPA, and other industry associations, the

40
backbone of our organization will remain your voluntary committee
support. Words that got to the core of it nearly thirty years ago still
ring true today. NETA, safety, standards, quality of life--all of these
threads woven together create and support the infrastructure
that supports our global community. These threads are not
things, but people people who have devoted themselves to
a life of high achievement through serving others. NETAs
birthday belongs to them and to those who follow in their
footsteps today. Come help us celebrate these outstanding
individuals and count yourself among those helping to make
the vision that is NETA possible.

If you have ever been to a NETA event, you know that the
old adage work hard, play hard is this groups unofficial
motto. Burning the candle at both ends remains a tradition
today, with members of the NETA family traveling to help
each other on the job site when occasion calls for it, jumping
from field work to code panel meetings, and from time to

YEARS!
time, celebrating another NETA members life milestone with
those who have become family over the years. There could not
be a group of individuals that better embodies growing older with
grace, celebrating wisdom and life experience with a healthy dose of
laughter. The best part is that there is always room for everyone, and
everyone is always welcome.

NETAs Birthday Celebration will officially take place at PowerTest 2012 at

the Dallas Cowboys Stadium on Monday, February 27, 2012. The towering
glass and steel stadium will host the party of the year (and the conference will
be pretty great as well)! Live music, great food, and lots of fun birthday traditions
will ring in the next decade for NETA, and it wouldnt be the same without you
being there.

14 WINTER 2011 NETA TURNS 40!

 FEATURE
Transformer Handbook Volume 1

Transformer
Handbook

REAL WORLD LEARNING

Volume 1

AT Y O U R F I N G E RT I P S
Published by InterNational Electrical Testing Association

Protective
Protective Relay

Relaying
Michigan 49024

In 2012 NETA celebrates 40 years of service to the electrical

Published by

Handbook
InterNational Electrical Testing Association
ing Handbook

Volume 1

systems industry Establishing industry standards and

6/5/09 9:38 AM
Volume 1

delivering leading-edge technical information and educational

Online Diagnostics

Online resources based on real-world experience.

Published by InterNatio

Diagnostics
nal Electrical Testing

Handbook
Handbook

Published by cal Testing Associ

ation
InterNational Electri
024
Association

Volume 1
NETA was founded with the goal of advancing Accredited Companies, and NETAs technical
AM
6/5/09 9:37
Volume 1

the industrys focus on safety and reliability. community seeking a comprehensive, subject-
The Associations contribution is fullfilled specific technical resource to use for training and
Published by InterNatio

through the development of the ANSI/NETA reference materials.

IR Scanning Hand

IR Scanning Standards and the creation of educational

nal Electrical Testing

ortage, Michig
an 49024

Handbook
2

A SALUTE TO NETAS MANY AUTHORS

org

and training resources that include the NETA

Association

Published by
book

InterNational Electri
cal Testing Association

Self-Paced Technical Seminars, the annual All NETA technical materials, publications, and
events are authored by industry experts leading-
6/5/09 9:36
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PowerTest conferences, the quarterly NETA World

Journal, as well as a 14 volume series of NETA edge, highly knowledgeable individuals who have
many years of experience in the field. NETA is
Insulating Oils

Handbooks.
Published by InterNatio

Insulating O extremely grateful for their contributions.

Handbook ils
Handbook
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Published by

The NETA Handbooks were first released as a

ation
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49024
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series in 2009. They are a go-to source for highly The NETA Handbooks bring together a
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Portage, Michig
an 49024
82
d.org

Volume 1
Association

Published by

the electrical industry, the general public, NETA

Handbook Volum

InterNational Electri
cal Testing Association

6/5/09 9:35
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e1

Arc-Flash Safet

Arc-Flash Sa
Published by InterNatio

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N E TA T E C H N I C A L H A N D B O O K S !
Published by cal Testing Associ
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 Youre Invited!
Come Celebrate
NETAs 40th Birthday!

WHAT: NETAs 40th Birthday

2012
WHERE:
Dallas Cowboys Stadium
WHEN: February 27, 2012
TIME: 6:30 10:30 PM
RSVP: www.powertest.org to register
Complimentary attendance for
conference registrants
COVER STORY

PPE REQUIREMENTS
FOR INSTALLATION
OF TEMPORARY
PROTECTIVE GROUNDS
B Y S CO TT B L I Z A R D AND PAUL CH AM BERL AIN, American Electrical Testing Co., Inc.

The purpose of temporary protective grounds

is to protect the personnel servicing the equipment
and to create a safe work environment.

20 WINTER 2011 PPE REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTALLATION OF TEMPORARY PROTECTIVE GROUNDS

 COVER STORY

The purpose of temporary protective grounds is to protect the personnel servicing the equipment and
to create a safe work environment. Prior to servicing a piece of electrical equipment, it is important
to ensure that it is in a safe state and to verify zero voltage before applying temporary protective
grounds. In many situations, more than one set of grounds or grounding apparatus must be applied.
When identifying the placement of temporary protective grounds, ensure all work will be performed
within the zone of protection. For correct placement and sizing of temporary protective grounds
and grounding apparatus, refer to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 Electric Power Generation, Transmission
and Distribution Standard. It states under paragraph (n) Grounding for the protection of employees
that grounding must be utilized as a means of protecting employees on de-energized lines, and that
For the employee to work lines or equipment as de-energized, the lines or equipment shall be
de-energized under the provisions of paragraph (m) of this section and shall be grounded as specified
in paragraphs (n)(3) through (n)(9) of this section. However, if the employer can demonstrate that
installation of a ground is impracticable or that the conditions resulting from the installation of a ground
would present greater hazards than working without grounds, the lines and equipment may be treated as
de-energized provided all of the following conditions are met:

1. The lines and equipment have been deenergized.

2. There is no possibility of contact with another energized source.
3. The hazard of induced voltage is not present.

1910.269 then states under (n)(4) that Protective grounding equipment shall be capable of conducting
the maximum fault current that could flow at the point of grounding for the time necessary to clear
the fault. This equipment shall have an ampacity greater than or equal to that of No. 2 AWG copper.

WHAT LE V E L OF P PE IS R EQUIR ED W HEN IN STAL L IN G

T EMPORA RY P R OTEC TIVE GR OUN D S?
Any work on or near exposed energized equipment that encroaches within the Restricted Approach
Boundary or the Arc-Flash Protection Boundary requires some form of additional personal protection.
The level of protection required depends on the incident energy level and proximity to the circuit.
A copy of the 2012 NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace should be referenced
prior to beginning the grounding operation. A lot of the tasks can be found within Table 130.7(C)
(15)(a), formerly known as Table 130.7(C)(9) in the 2009 version. When using the table, take notice
of the notes at the end of the table because they may change the requirements of PPE required to
perform the task.

Applying protective grounds to a circuit comprised of the same equipment, within the same voltage
range, reference Table 130.7(C)(15)(a) and back to (C)(16) to determine what is needed for personal
protective equipment when applying the grounds.

PPE REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTALLATION OF TEMPORARY PROTECTIVE GROUNDS NETAWORLD 21

COVER STORY
Tasks Performed on Energized Hazard / Risk Rubber Insulated and
Equipment Category Insulating Insulating Hand
Gloves Tools
Metal Clad Switchgear, 1 kV Through 38 kV
Parameters:
Maximum of 35 kA short-circuit current available; maximum of up to 0.2 second (12 cycle) fault clearing time; minimum 36
inches working distance
Potential arc-flash boundary with exposed energized conductors or circuit parts using above parameters: 422 inches
Application of temporary
protective grounding equipment, 4 Y N
after voltage test

TABLE 1
The table terminology now coincides with OSHA. It states that they are temporary protective grounds,
and that it is being done after voltage test. This means that even with the presence of zero voltage, the
application of grounds must be done when wearing personal protective equipment at a Hazard / Risk
Category Level 4, with rubber insulating gloves as a means of protecting the personnel. The following
table shows the PPE required for Hazard Risk Category Level 4.

HAZARD / RISK CATEGORY 4

Arc Rated Long Sleeve Shirt (Note 9)
Arc Rated Pants (Note 9)
Arc Rated Coveralls (Note 9)
FR Clothing - Minimum Arc Rating
Arc Rated Arc Flash Suit Jacket (AR (Note 9)
of 40 (Note 1)
Arc Rated Arc Flash Suit Pants (AR) (Note 9)
Arc Rated Arc Flash Suit hood (Note 9)
Arc rated Jacket, Parka, or Rainwear (AN)
Hard Hat
FR Hard Hat Liner (AR)
Safety Glasses or Safety Goggles (SR)
FR Protective Equipment
Hearing Protection (Ear Canal Inserts)
Arc Rated Gloves (Note 2)
Leather Work Shoes (AN)

TABLE 2
Application of the clamp to the grounded side can be achieved without the use of the full level of PPE
unless encroaching within the approach distance of some piece of equipment. Clamping the ground
to equipment that has been removed from service and de-energized should be accomplished using a
shotgun stick while wearing full gear. Table 130.7(C)(15)(a) requires gloves to perform the task and
the notes state that they need to be rated for the maximum line-to-line voltage upon which work will
be done.

22 WINTER 2011 PPE REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTALLATION OF TEMPORARY PROTECTIVE GROUNDS

 COVER STORY
RE COMME ND ED PR ACTICES
Here are some valuable steps that should be taken prior to commencing work:

1. Be familiar with the equipment being serviced.

2. Check drawings and one-lines.
3. Walk the site to identify any physical hazards.
4. Check the equipment for a recent Arc Flash Hazard Analysis
5. Write a switching and tagging order, or utilize the lockout/tagout procedure
specific to the equipment.
6. Write a Job Hazard Analysis, and / or the prejob briefing, identifying all site and
task specific hazards.
7. Discuss the prejob briefing with coworkers, and see if they have any insight into
past successes or failures in dealing with similar tasks.
8. Put on the required level of PPE after verifying that the task has a known or calculated
Hazard / Risk Category. Ensure that no additional PPE will be necessary
when applying protective grounds.
9. De-energize equipment.
10. Verify that the voltage testing device is functional against a known source.
11. Verify zero voltage, and have someone double check it.
12. Reverify that the test device is functional against a known source.
13. Apply the grounding side of the clamp and ensure that it is No. 2 AWG or
larger ground cable.
14. Apply grounds to the equipment utilizing a reach or remote method such as a shotgun.
15. Remove the PPE when the task is complete.

C ONCL US IO N
Refer to industry standards such as the NFPA or OSHA as necessary and wear the required PPE when
installing temporary protective grounds. Be safe; when in doubt, always err on the side of caution.

While reviewing the 2012 NFPA 70E in research for this article, the author noted that
130.8(C)(7) does not exist anywhere within the body of the Standard, except in the reference
indicated. The author has submitted a proposal to the NFPA to amend this typographical error.

RE FE RE NCE S
1) OSHA Standards for General Industry, 29 CFR Part 1910.269,
Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Standard
2) NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, 2012 and 2009 Editions.

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 12 years, working
for various companies and in various industries. He received a Bachelors of Science
degree from Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

Scott Blizard is the current Vice President-Chief Operations Ocer and the former
head of Safety for American Electrical Testing Co., Inc. Scott is a master electrician
and a NETA Level 4 Test Technician with over 30 years of experience in the electrical
industry.

PPE REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTALLATION OF TEMPORARY PROTECTIVE GROUNDS NETAWORLD 23

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MAINTENANCE CORNER
SWITCHING MAINTENANCE
B Y KER RY HE I D , One thing is for sure - if personnel are to establish
Magna Electric Corp. an electrically safe work condition, electrical
power systems apparatus must be switched.
(Im talking operating, opening, racking,
removing, resetting, etc.)
Any time there is interaction with the power
distribution equipment, the risk of some type of
failure increases. Switching an electrical device
can be a dangerous act when regular maintenance
on the equipment is not performed.
So where does maintenance rank when doing
a hazard analysis and a risk assessment during
planned switching operations? Here are a few
items to consider especially if your system is not
properly maintained:
1 . INSULATION FAIL U RE
Switching the distribution equipment
can initiate surges in the power system.
Insulation systems that are not maintained
can become weak over time. Partial discharge
activity may cause the insulation to slowly
decrease its resistance value phase-to-phase
and phase-to-ground. Transient voltage
spikes during switching can sometimes
exceed the insulation dielectric values. This
is of particular concern during the switching
processes as workers are interacting with the
equipment during the switching procedures.
Regular maintenance involving cleaning,
inspecting, insulation resistance testing, and
partial discharge testing will help eliminate
these issues.
2 . SWITC HING DEV IC ES D O
NOT OPER ATE PRO PERLY
One of the key facets of performing regular
maintenance is to ensure that the switching
devices will operate when called upon
either during routine switching activities
or during a fault condition. During regular
maintenance, equipment is operated
numerous times to ensure that it operates
26 WINTER 2011
as originally designed. From a 2011 NETA
survey, we know that most of the issues
with these devices are related to mechanical
problems. The fact that the device has not
operated in years is not a good thing. Often
these dormant devices will not open when
called upon in a critical fault condition or
when trying to perform normal switching
operations. Routine testing requires the
devices to be operated numerous times to
perform the various tests and assures that
the equipment will operate when called
upon. Some of the serious issues that have
been experienced are:
CIRCU IT B RE A KE R CLO S E D
WHE N RA CKIN G
This is a legitimate concern as it can
cause a serious arc flash if the device
is racked in or out in this state. If the
mechanism operated and the mechanical
indicator says open, are you sure that all
three power contacts actually opened?
NETA maintenance testing is designed to
ensure that these devices operate correctly
between service intervals.
O N LY TWO O F THRE E
VA CU U M B O TTLE
CO N TA CTS O P E N
Not only does this pose the same arc-
flash issues as above, it can cause the
misconception that the circuit is de-
energized fully, particularly in contactors
that do not rack out. In one instance an
electrical worker at a mine opened the boltin
contactor on a 4160 volt mine circuit. The
electrical worker received an electrical shock
at phase-to-ground voltage in the motor
connection box as one of the motor leads
was still energized.
SWITTCHING 2 MAINTENANCE

D IS CONNEC T SWIT CH ARC
BLAD E S TAYS IN (See figure 1)
This is a serious concern when switching. It is
very important to check the arc blade through
the viewing window on medium-voltage
switches or visually on outdoor switches.
The main blades of the disconnect switches
may open, but the arcing blades may not as
the arcing blades release after the main blades.
This can cause a misconception that the
circuit is fully isolated.
3 . PROTE CTION FAILS
It is not difficult to notice electrical systems
that are poorly maintained, dirty, or appear
to be in terrible condition. Precautions can
be taken when switching to avoid putting
workers in dangerous switching scenarios.
This is not always the case with the relaying
protection scheme. Older solid-state relaying
SWITTCHING 2 MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE CORNER
protection can fail without notice and what Figure 1:
is worse if the protection does not operate Main Contacts
at all or even operates milliseconds slower Open with Arcing
than designed, there will be a large impact Contacts Closed on
on incident energy during an arc-flash a Medium Voltage
event. This causes higher risk to workers Disconnect Switch
and will result in major equipment damage
as the fault clearing time extends. Here are
some things to ensure when maintaining
the relaying protection systems:
S E TP O IN TS
Always ensure the settings are current
with a recent arc-flash hazard analysis and
coordination study. With newer vintage
relays, review the entire set point file and
compare it to the original engineered design.
NETAWORLD 27
 RELAY FUNCT ION
AND T RIP T EST ING
Make sure the relay itself works according
to the manufacturers functional design.
Ensure the inputs are being received from
the power system and the associated
switching devices operate when called
upon. Utilize the up-to-date and accurate
drawings to prove this vital interaction of
the protection scheme.
CL EAN AND C AL IB RATE
Particularly on vintage electromechanical
relays, additional steps are required to clean
and calibrate the devices.
NETA 20 1 1 SURV EY
At the recent PCIC in Toronto, Ontario, the
results of our latest NETA survey were released.
After asking a number of questions regarding
the reliability of electrical power systems, the
following results were obtained. To learn more
about this survey you can attend PowerTest 2012
and listen to the entire presentation.
Highest reliability by
equipment type: Fuses
Lowest Reliability: Molded-Case
Circuit Breakers
Highest failure rate by Industry: Mining
Lowest failure rate: Commercial facilities
Highest Failure Rate during acceptance
testing: Molded Case Circuit Breakers
Lowest Failure Rate during acceptance
testing: Fuses
Other survey results indicated that equipment
reliability is the worst once the equipment is
over 25 years old.
There were some significant performance issues
found during the acceptance testing phase of the
equipment life cycle.
28 WINTER 2011
The most common reasons facilities do not
perform maintenance are challenges surrounding
scheduling, financial or technical constraints, or
having a run-to-failure philosophy.
The highest failure mode was mechanical
problems edging out protection relaying
(including settings) and well ahead of electrical
diagnostic issues such as insulation resistance
and contact resistance.
C ON C L U SION :
Maintenance testing assures that the equipment
is ready and capable of being operated safely
when establishing an electrically safe work
condition. Partnering with a NETA Accredited
Company using NETA Certified Technicians
who follow the ANSI/NETA Standard for
Maintenance Testing Specifications for electrical
Power Equipment and Systems, 2011 edition,
will give you everything you need to keep your
electrical system safe and reliable.
If you do not have a regular maintenance plan for
your electrical power distribution equipment, it
might be time for a switch.
Kerry Heid is the President of Magna Electric Corporation,
a Canadian based electrical projects group providing
NETA certified testing and related products and solutions
for electrical power distribution systems. Kerry is a past
President of NETA and has been serving on its board of
directors since 2002. Kerry is chair of NETAs training
committee and its marketing committee. Kerry was awarded
NETAs 2010 Outstanding Achievement Award for his
contributions to the association and is a NETA senior
certified test technician level IV.
Kerry is the chair of CSA Z463 Technical committee on
Maintenance of Electrical Systems. He is also a member
of the executive on the CSA Z462 technical committee
for Workplace Electrical Safety in Canada and is chair
of working group 6 on safety related maintenance
requirements as well as a member of the NFPA 70E CSA
Z462harmonization working group.
SWITTCHING 2 MAINTENANCE
NETA AND FRIENDS AT
IEEE PCIC 2011
Magna Electric, Shermco, and NETA co-hosted a suite at IEEE PCIC 2011 on Tuesday, September
20, 2011, in Toronto, Ontario. The theme for the suite was the NETA All Star Sports Bar, and featured
air hockey, open bars, bar food, and a big screen TV with hockey footage. Each sponsor had a booth
space and was able to interact with the attendees. NETA gave away USB drives that held copies of
the ANSI/NETA Standards along with some additional materials. Attendees asked about the ANSI/
NETA Standards and handbooks, PowerTest 2012, and training opportunities available through
NETA. Many attendees were interested in the services offered by NETA Accredited Companies.
Giveaways included an iPad, iPod Touch, Nook, and digital camera. These giveaways were done every
half-hour in conjunction with some other items purchased by Shermco. Comments from attendees
were positive about NETAs new presence at PCIC, noting that there was no NETA presence until
recently. The impression was NETA is relevant to this audience and a welcome addition to the line-up
of hospitality suites.

Kerry Heid and Ron Widup were awarded the opportunity to make a technical presentation at PCIC
2011 on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at 8:00 AM. Their 45-minute presentation discussed
the importance of electrical testing, both acceptance and maintenance, and was supported by case
studies and survey data collected from NETA accredited companies. The paper was well-attended,
with between 60-70 attendees. During the Q&A session at the end of the paper, two individuals
had questions, one individual asked what data was collected about the number of failures caused by
maintenance, and one gentleman had no question, but spoke about his companys LOTO procedures
for grounds that significantly reduced the number of failures caused by grounds left attached to a
system following maintenance. The presenters responded to the gentleman with the maintenance-
caused failures by stating that this is something that does occur from time to time, but the benefit of
performing routine maintenance by a qualified company and technicians far outweighs the cost of the
incidents of maintenance-related failures. In general, the attendees approved of the topic and found
the presentation to be well-presented, useful, and relevant information.
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 FEATURE

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
TO 2012 NFPA 70E
BY RON WIDUP AND JIM WHITE,
Shermco Industries

The 2012 edition of NFPA 70E is finalized at last!

In addition to the Report on Proposals (504 public
and eight committee proposals) and the Report on
Comments (433 public and 11 committee), there were
11 NITMAMs (Notice of Intent to Make a Motion)
and six appeals (the last gasp to change something).
It is actually unusual to see appeals made as they really get
no traction, but obviously someone did not like parts of
the 2012 edition. And while this article does not contain
all of the changes, it does contain some of the more
interesting ones to look for, and often times we refer to
the differences between the 2009 edition and the 2012
edition. At 103 pages, the 2012 edition is packed full of
guidance and direction on how to deal with electrical
hazards while on the job, and it should be in the toolbox
and back pocket of every electrical worker out there.

WHY DO YOU CAR E?

You probably have several articles on NFPA 70E,
and you might ask yourself Why do I care? Im not
involved in all that regulation and rules stuff; Im just
a [worker, engineer, manager, circus performer, etc.]
Here is the first answer to the question of Why do
I care?: You just made it through the first 225 words
of the article and you are still reading! Here is the
second reason why you care: Because whether you are
working in, around, on, or near electricity you have
the ultimate challenge of doing so without getting hurt
or killed. Knowledge of safe work practices and the
hazards of electricity are key if you are to lead an injury-
free existence.

Do do you cut the blue wire or the red wire? Lets try to
better understand the 2012 edition 70E and see if we can FIGURE 1: Flame Resistant (FR)
figure it out together. PPE is Now Arc-Rated PPE. Look for
the ATPV or EBT Rating.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO 2012 NFPA 70E NETAWORLD 31

FEATURE
G L O B AL CH ANGES
Here are a couple of important terms to understand and use as
you go through the day:
Fine print notes (FPN) have been changed to informational
notes (IN) in order to harmonize with the NEC style manual.
When referring to PPE, the term ame-resistant (FR) will be
replaced by arc-rated in the standard. It is important to note
that all arc-rated clothing is FR, but not all FR is arc-rated.
This is important to those of us who want protection from
effects of electrical arcs and not just protection from fire and
flames. It is a good idea to start saying Do you have your arc-
rated PPE? instead of Do you have your FR? Look for the
ATPV or EBT rating in clothing as thats how electrical PPE
is designated. (See Figure 1 for an example of arc-rated PPE.)
A RT ICLE 100 DEF INITIONS
A new definition of incident energy analysis was added.
It reads A component of an arc-flash hazard analysis used to
predict the incident energy of an arc flash for a specified set
of conditions.
ART IC L E 1 1 0 G EN ERAL REQU IRE M E N TS
F OR EL EC T RIC AL SAF ET Y-REL AT E D
W O RK PRAC T IC ES
The previous Sections 110.1 through 110.4 in the 2009
edition were separated into a new Article 105 for 2012 entitled
Application of Safety-Related Work Practices. These items had
more to do with the general document than just Article 110
and now serve as an introduction. Article 110 went through
many changes. All of 110.8 was moved to Article 130 so that
all information relating to electrical hazards or PPE could
be in one place. 110.1(C) Relationships with Contractors
(Outside Service Personnel, etc), Documentation was added
requiring that the meeting between the host and contract
employers be documented. This was required in the 2004
edition, but dropped in the 2009. Now it is back so make
sure you document those meetings!

Working On (energized conductor or circuit parts) the words

Intentionally coming in contact with were added. The intent
was to clarify that accidental contact was not working on,
it was accidental contact. See the full definition in the
call-out box.

2012 Edition of NFPA 70E:

Working On (energized electrical
conductors or circuit parts).
Intentionally coming in contact with
energized electrical conductors or circuit
parts with the hands, feet, or other body
parts, with tools, probes, or with test FIGURE 2: 110.1(C) Requires a Documented Meeting
equipment, regardless of the personal Between the Host Employer and the Contract Employer
protective equipment a person is wearing.
110.2(C) Training Requirements now require that all
There are two categories of working on:
Diagnostic (testing) is taking readings or employees responsible for taking action during an emergency
measurements of electrical equipment be trained in CPR, methods of release, and a new requirement
with approved test equipment that does for annual AED training, if one is at the site. While the source
not require making any physical change to is only known as an old safety manual, see Figure 3 for an old
the equipment; repair is any physical school method of release. This is probably not the way you
alteration of electrical equipment (such as would do it today.
making or tightening connections,
removing or replacing components, etc.).

PICTURE 1

32 WINTER 2011 SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO 2012 NFPA 70E

 FEATURE

FIGURE 3: Method of Release, Early Electrical Pioneers

110.2(D)(1)(f ) Employee Training takes wording very closely

from OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269(a)(2)(iii) which states:
The employer shall determine, through regular supervision and
through inspections conducted on at least an annual basis, that
each employee is complying with the safety-related work practices
required by this section.
110.2(D)(1)(f ) of the 70E has essentially the same language,
except for one small difference in that: The employer shall
determine, through regular supervision or through inspections
conducted on at least an annual basis, that each employee is
complying with the safety-related work practices required by this
standard.
110.2(D)(3)(d) Employee Training. Retraining for qualified
persons must now be conducted at least every three years.
This requirement was included because NFPA 70E has a three-
year cycle, and employers that are following its requirements
should train their personnel using the current edition.
FIGURE 4: Training of Qualified Persons Must also Include
the Content of Training.
110.4(C)(1) Test Instruments and Equipment requires that
GFCI protection be provided to employees where required
by code, standard or laws. It permits the use of listed cord sets
and GFCI protection for portable electric tools.
110.4(C)(2) Test Instruments and Equipment requires the
use of GFCI protection for portable electric tools and cord
sets supplied by 125 V 15 A, 20 A or 30 A circuits. If the tools
are rated for other voltages or currents, an assured grounding
program must be implemented.

110.2(E) Employee Training, Qualified Person. The required

documentation now includes the content of the training as
well as the employees name and dates of training. There was
a lot of discussion as to the wording (content vs. description).
Content means something more than an outline, but not
necessarily the handouts and text.

FIGURE 5: GFCI Protection is Required When

Outdoors and Operating Portable Tools.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO 2012 NFPA 70E NETAWORLD 33

FEATURE
A RT ICLE 130 WOR K INVOLVING
E L ECTRICAL HAZ AR D S
Arguably, Article 130 is one of the most valuable and widely-
used sections of the 70E. Providing guidance to management,
safety professionals, and electrical workers actually performing
the work, Article 130 supplies many answers to the difficult
aspect of working on, near, and around electrical equipment.
Article 130.1 specifies that all the requirements of Article 130
must be met whether the table method is used or an incident
energy analysis (arc-flash study) is performed. So no matter
how you get there, you need to follow the requirements of
Article 130.
FIGURE 6: Be Familiar With Article 130 When Working
on Electrical Equipment.
34 WINTER 2011
One of the more controversial changes was to Article 130.
Per Article 130.2 Electrically Safe Working Conditions,
electrical equipment that you are going to work on or might
be exposed to must be placed into an electrically safe work
condition (turned off ) if:
1. The employee is within the limited approach boundary.
2. The employee interacts with equipment where
conductors or circuit parts are not exposed, but
an increased risk of injury from an exposure to an
arc-flash hazard exists.
There is an exception to this which essentially states that
equipment that has been properly installed and maintained
and is opened or racked out to achieve an electrically safe work
condition does not have to be turned off in order to operate it
as long as the risk assessment agrees with that thought process.
Additionally, there were changes (see underlined text) to
Article 130.2(B)(1) Energized Electrical Work Permit:
An Energized Electrical Work Permit is required when working
within the limited approach boundary or the arc ash boundary
of exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts that
are not placed in an electrically safe work condition. The words
arc ash boundary were highlighted because this is a new, and
somewhat controversial, change to the 70E. But remember,
you are working on an energized piece of equipment with
exposed parts dont you think you should have plan as
to why?
FIGURE 7: An Energized Electrical Work Permit is Required
When Working Within the Arc-Flash Boundary of Exposed Parts.
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO 2012 NFPA 70E

130.3(1) Energized Electrical Conductors and Circuit
Parts. Before an employee works within the Limited Approach
Boundary energized electrical conductors and circuit parts
to which an employee might be exposed shall be placed in to
an electrically safe work condition, unless work on energized
components can be justified according to 130.2(A).
FIGURE 8: You Must Place Turn Off Exposed Equipment
When Working Within the Limited Approach Boundary
Unless Allowed by 130.2(A).
130.5 Arc Flash Hazard Analysis, IN No. 5 This IN replaces
Exception No. 1 that was in 130.3. It points out that an Arc
Flash Hazard Analysis may not be necessary for some three-
phase systems rated less than 240 volts and refers the reader to
IEEE 1584, Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Analysis.
There is good information in 130.5 that you should read and
become familiar with. We could probably write an entire
piece on just this article of the standard.
130.5(A) Arc Flash Hazard Analysis, Arc Flash Boundary
(AFB) eliminates the previously allowed precalculated
4-foot AFB and requires that the AFB be calculated as the
distance where a worker would receive 1.2 cal/cm2 incident
energy exposure. No more default to a four foot boundary
you need to figure out what it really is.
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO 2012 NFPA 70E
FEATURE
EQ U IPM EN T L AB EL IN G
One of the best ways to communicate to the electrical worker
in the field is to put a comprehensive label with pertinent
hazard information directly on the equipment he is about
to work on. Article 130.5(C) Arc Flash Hazard Analysis,
Equipment Labeling uses the wording from NEC Article
110.16 to specify that the labeling requirement does not
apply to all electrical equipment, only equipment that
requires inspection, maintenance, adjustment, or servicing
while energized. The label requirements have also changed.
Each label must have at least one of the following:
1. Available incident energy and the corresponding
working distance
2. Minimum arc rating of clothing
3. Required level of PPE
4. Hazard/Risk Category (HRC) for the equipment
Second, the label must also include the nominal system
voltage, and third, the label must contain the arc-flash
boundary information.
Also, an additional new requirement states that the method
used to calculate the values and the supported data must be
documented. It does not necessarily have to be on the label,
but it must be available for inspection, if needed.
An exception was included that allows the use of labels placed
onto equipment prior to September 30, 2011, if it has the
available incident energy or the required level of PPE.
ART IC L E 1 3 0 .7 PERSON AL AN D O T H E R
PRO T EC T IV E EQ U IPM EN T
Within Article 130.7(A), Personal and Other Protective
Equipment, an IN was added that states the normal operation
of an enclosed switch, disconnect, or circuit breaker that
has been properly maintained probably does not expose
the worker to an electrical hazard. The exact wording of
IN No. 2 is:
It is the collective experience of the Technical Committee on
Electrical Safety in the Workplace that normal operation
of enclosed electrical equipment, operating at 600 volts or
less, that has been properly installed and maintained by
qualified persons is not likely to expose the employee to an
electrical hazard.
NETAWORLD 35
FEATURE
Article 130.7(C)(5) requires that whenever you are working
within the arc-flash boundary you shall wear hearing
protection. An arc-flash event can be a very large and loud
acoustic event. It is a good idea to protect your hearing
from damage.
category 600 V Class Motor Control Centers (MCC), was split
into two parts to reflect the difference in hazard level from
working inside the bucket and working on the main bus.
The first nine tasks are in one section that has limits of 65 kA
short-circuit available current and 0.03 second operating time.

There has been a long-standing argument about whether or

not electrical equipment doors provide a quantifiable degree
of protection form an arc-flash event. Article 130.7(C)(15)
IN No. 2 and No.3 help to clarify the issue that cabinet doors
do not provide enough protection to eliminate the use of
PPE. The exact wording is:

Informational Note No. 2:The collective experience of the task

group is that, in most cases, closed doors do not provide enough
protection to eliminate the need for PPE for instances where the
state of the equipment is known to readily change ( for example,
doors open or closed, rack in or rack out).

Informational Note No. 3: The premise used by the task group

in developing the criteria discussed in Informational Note
No. 1 and Informational Note No. 2 is considered to be
reasonable, based on the consensus judgment of the full NFPA
70E Technical Committee.

T H E TA BLE S H AVE TUR NED

The tables in Article 130 are one of the most-used sections of
the 70E, and extensive work was done on and with the tables
for the 2012 edition, all of which was to help make the tables
easier to understand and use.

The table that outlined tasks and corresponding hazard risk

categories and selection of PPE is now Table 130.7(C)(15)(a)
which was formerly Table 130.7(C)(9). Notes 1, 2, 3, and 4
that provided the limits for this table were moved from
the notes section and put in the headers for each type of
equipment. Not only are the short-circuit current and
operating time of the overcurrent protective device (OCPD)
in the headers, but also the arc-flash boundary at the
maximum short-circuit current and operating time and FIGURE 9: The Tables in 130.7 Provide Guidance on PPE
the working distance. Voltage protection limits, the arc- Use and Hazard Risk Categories.
flash boundary and working distances for medium-voltage
equipment were also provided, something that has not The second section has three tasks and has limits of 42 kA
been provided previously. Also in Table 130.7(C)(15) short circuit available current and 0.33 second operating time.
(a), the device Switchboards in the category Panelboards or Table 130.7(C)(15)(b) is new for the 2012 edition of NFPA
Switchboards Rated >240 V and up to 600 V was moved to 70E. This has the same general format as the table for ac
category 600 V Class Switchgear (with power circuit breakers electrical power systems but is used for dc electrical systems.
or fused switches). In Table 130.7(C)(15)(a), the equipment

36 WINTER 2011 SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO 2012 NFPA 70E

In Table 130.7(C)(16), formerly Table 130.7(C)(10),
Hazard/Risk Category (HRC) 2* has been eliminated.
All HRC 2 tasks now require the use of either an arc-rated
balaclava and arc-rated face shield or an arc-rated hood.
The format is unchanged from the 2009 NFPA 70E.
A ND FINALLY LETS TALK A L IT T L E
MA INTE NANC E!
IF you have a single-line diagram, take note. Article 205.2
Single Line Diagram states that single-line diagrams must be
kept in a legible condition and must be kept current. Since
not all facilities have single-line diagrams, this would not
require one to be produced. A single line diagram, where
provided for the electrical system, shall be maintained in a
legible condition and kept current.
If you read Article 205.3 General Maintenance Requirements,
electrical equipment is required to be maintained in
accordance with the manufacturers recommendations or,
if they are not available, with industry consensus standards.
There are only two industry consensus standards; NFPA 70B,
Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance
and ANSI/NETA MTS-2011, Standard for Maintenance
Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment
and Systems.
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and more importantly, for you to work safely while on or near
electrical equipment, you really need to understand this very
important safety standard.
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 President 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 system
technicians. Jim is a Principal member of NFPA 70B representing Shermco
Industries, NETAs alternate member of NFPA 70E, and a member of
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TECH QUIZ
PLACING EQUIPMENT IN AN
ELECTRICALLY-SAFE WORK CONDITION
1. List the seven steps involved with
Jim White is the
Training Director for
Shermco Industries and
the principal Shermco
representative on the
NFPA 70B committee.
Jim is the alternate NETA
representative on the
NFPA 70E committee
and serves as the NETA
representative on the IEEE/
NFPA Arc-Flash Hazard 2. Which OSHA regulation contains the
Work Group (RTPC)
Ad Hoc Committee. He
served as the Chairman of
the 2008 IEEE Electrical
Safety Workshop. Jim is
a NETA Certified Level
IV Electrical Testing
Technician and a member
of the NETA Safety 3. How does electrical lockout/tagout differ
Committee.
38 WINTER 2011
No. 97
B Y JI M W H IT E, Shermco Industries
4. Which NFPA 70E article covers placing
placing equipment in an electrically-safe equipment in an electrically-safe
work condition: work condition?
a. ________________ a. Article 100
b. ________________ b. Article 110
c. ________________ c. Article 120
d. ________________ d. Article 130
e. ________________
5. Name the hazard involved with placing an
f. ________________
g. ________________ electrical system in an electrically-safe
work condition.
a. Backfeeds
requirements for electrical lockout/tagout? b. Induced voltages
a. 1910.147 c. Misreading single-lines or inaccurate
b. 1910.335 single-lines
c. 1910.333 d. Inaccurate or incomplete procedures
d. 1910.137 e. Assumptions made by workers
and employers
f. All the above
from mechanical lockout/tagout?
a. Equipment is not considered
deenergized until it has been tested.
b. Electrical equipment has to be
disconnected from energy sources.
See answers on page 113.
c. Electrical lockout/tagout requires the
use of nylon cable ties or their equivalent.
d. They are the same.
TECH QUIZ
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 CE POWER SOLUTIONS,
LLC OF OHIO NAMED AS
NETA ACCREDITED COMPANY
CE Power Solutions, LLC of Ohio is pleased to
announce that it became a NETA Accredited
Company in September 2011. This is something
we have been working toward and we are looking
forward to working with NETA to continue to
raise the bar in the electrical testing industry,
commented CEO and President Bill McCloy.
CE Power Solutions, LLC of Ohio provides field
testing and maintenance of electrical apparatus for
utilities and industrial and institutional facilities as
well as acceptance testing and energization services
for new installations at electrical generation,
transmission, and distribution facilities. The
company provides substation maintenance and
testing for systems through 500 kV including relay
testing and commissioning and NERC and FERC
compliance strategies. In recent years, an increasing
number of plant and facility managers have grown
to call upon CE Power to provide assistance with
annual outage maintenance and testing needs in
addition to providing additional upgrade and
repair services when needed as identified through
the testing and maintenance efforts.
CE Power Solutions was once again named to
Cincinnatis Fast 55 for 2011, an honor recognizing
CE Power as one of the fastest-growing private
firms in greater Cincinnati. Two Thousand Eleven
marks the 10-year Anniversary for CE Power, but
the technicians, engineers, management, and staff
average more than 20 years in the electrical power
industry. Many of the team members worked
together in the 1980s and 1990s providing
testing, maintenance, repair, and upgrade services
for electrical power apparatus. In 2001, CE Power
Ohio employed approximately five people. Since
that time, CE Power Solutions Ohio has grown to
35 employees, while fostering relationships with
other CE Power companies in Florida, Kentucky,
and Wisconsin (CE Power Solutions of Wisconsin,
LLC also a NETA Accredited Company).

 THE NFPA 70E AND NETA

L OC K OUT / TA GOU T
TA K I N G I T F O R G R A N T E D

All of us in the eld have had repeated training on lockout/tagout. BY JI M WHI TE

AND R ON WI DU P,
NETA technicians can have annual training, then training at Shermco Industries
each customers site, and often several other times throughout the
year and their career. It is often the topic of tailgate meetings and
safety briengs. It is probably human nature to hear something so
often and from so many sources that we go on auto-pilot at times. Figure 1:
Instead of going through the procedures deliberately, even the best of Switchgear
Involved in
us may not hit it as hard as we should. The following true case study the Incident
illustrates this point:
The project involved maintenance work that was being performed
by several contractors at a companys location in the Midwest (the
host). The work involved medium-voltage switchgear in a building
and an outside substation. The switchgear was of a standard metal-
clad, drawout, vacuum interrupter design and was in excellent
condition. As can be seen in Figure 1, the switchgear also was
marked with the single-line on the front of the gear.

LOCKOUT/TAGOUT TAKING IT FOR GRANTED NETAWORLD 43

THE NFPA 70E AND NETA
Figure 2: Location of the Incident
Figure 3: Location of the Incident
Figure 4: Exposed Bus Location
44 WINTER 2011
The worker involved in the incident was assigned to clean
the switchgear and vacuum bottles in a section of equipment
that had been properly locked out, tagged out, tested and
grounded. The work on this section of switchgear had been
ongoing for a couple of days. One of the other contractors
asked the worker to clean and test a circuit breaker cell that
was not on the original list of equipment to be maintained.
The host company that owned the equipment approved the
addition of this circuit breaker cell to the list. The circuit
breaker cell was to a bus tie breaker that had been deenergized
the evening before, but had been returned to service.
(See Figure 2).
It was believed that it was communicated to all the companies
that were considered to be either authorized or aected that
the bus tie breaker had been returned to service. Locks, tags
and signage were in place from all parties except the worker
who was asked to do the maintenance. Since the company that
the worker was employed by was not scheduled to perform
any maintenance on that particular circuit, the company was
not perceived to be affected or authorized when the LOTO
was performed. The involved worker had completed a Job
Safety Analysis ( JSA) prior to the start of work that day, but
did not include the newly-added circuit breaker cell, so the
backfeed hazard caused by the tie breaker was not addressed.
The affected worker did not place his own locks or tags on the
switchgear as it was already secured (see Figure 3). The locks
and tags were on the back side of the circuit breaker cubicle.
The worker involved in the incident opened the door on
the front of the circuit breaker cell in order to perform the
assigned maintenance. He did not test the circuit. The worker
knelt down on one knee and manually opened the shutters
over the bus stabs. Figure 4 shows the exposed energized bus
stabs with the shutters open.
As the worker extended his hand to begin cleaning the tie
breaker cell, an arc flash and shock to the worker occurred.
Other maintenance personnel in the area immediately came
to his aid and extinguished the fire on his clothing and
called 911. The injured worker was transported to a burn
center where he received the appropriate medical attention.
The worker survived this incident and received burn injuries
to his right hand and a blow-out injury to his knee (Figures
5 and 6). After a fairly long recovery period, this worker
should be able to continue on with his life, an option that
many people in his situation would not have had under
similar circumstances.
LOCKOUT/TAGOUT TAKING IT FOR GRANTED

Figure 5. Burn Injuries to Hand
Under similar circumstances, companies have been known to
fire employees for violating safety rules. That is one approach.
He did not test the circuit prior to working on it. He did not
complete a JSA. He did not consider how dangerous working
bus tie circuits can be. No arc-flash protective clothing or PPE
was worn. We could point to several mistakes that were made,
but the root cause does not belong entirely to the worker.
There were mistakes made by almost all parties involved.
The host company approved the additional cell maintenance
without considering all the consequences. Neither the host
nor the contractor requesting the circuit breaker cell be added
to the list advised the affected worker that the circuit had
been reenergized.
When I was in boot camp our Drill Instructor told us that
assume makes an ass out of you and me. It was true then,
and it is true today. In this instance, assumptions came into
play several times, both by the worker and by the companies
involved. The good news is that it did not result in a fatality,
but that does not relieve the pain and suffering that the
employee had to endure. This same type of scenario is likely
repeated at many job sites throughout the U.S. Multiple
contractors, dozens, maybe hundreds of workers, power system
equipment and devices, all have to be taken into consideration
when performing maintenance activities. It can become a blur.
People are people, and people make mistakes. That is why we
have OSHA, NFPA 70E, procedures, policies, etc. Most, if
not all of us have either been involved in accidents or know
people who have been. Its not like its a secret that people make
mistakes, but to talk to some, they seem to think only others
have that failing.
LOCKOUT/TAGOUT TAKING IT FOR GRANTED
THE NFPA 70E AND NETA
Figure 6. Blowout Injury to Knee
SU M M ARY
Safety is not about just any one procedure or rule. Its about
slowing down, planning, and executing that plan. There are
plenty of tools available to help us: policies, procedures, codes,
standards, federal regulations, and state and local laws. I am
not about to say that the worker involved in this incident
was not taking safety seriously, but he failed to follow some
fundamental safety rules like test-before-touch. If he had
taken just that one step, there would be nothing to write about.
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 President 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 system technicians. Jim is a Principal
member of NFPA 70B representing Shermco Industries, NETAs alternate
member of NFPA 70E, and a member of ASTM F18 Committee Electrical
Protective Equipment for Workers.
NETAWORLD 45
 Electric Service Company
5331 Hetzel St Cincinnati, OH 45227
Fax: 513-271-0543
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NICHE MARKET TESTING

USING PERSON AL
PROTECTIVE GROUNDS
IN INDUSTRIAL
FACILITIES

BY LY N N HA M R I C K,
Shermco Industries
You are sitting around waiting for the outage to begin. Your task is to perform preventive
maintenance on the 15 kV class switchgear lineup feeding a large industrial facility.
As seems typical of the situation, an argument is in full force over the need and adequacy of the
personal protective grounds being applied. The local contractor intends to use what looks like
a modified set of automobile jumper cables. Your supervisor is requiring use of a much more
substantial configuration of cables with fancy connectors on each end. He is also requiring
that two ground sets be attached so that his workers are working between the ground sets. The
customer is trying to resolve the situation. He just wants to start the outage. This is when one
of the contractors men offers a statement like, We used to just throw a logging chain across
the bus. If it came back out at you, it wasnt dead. During times such as those described above,
it is nice to know the requirements associated with use and selection of personal protective
grounds.

The primary purpose of personal protective grounding is to provide adequate protection

against electrical shock causing death or injury to personnel while working on de-energized
lines or equipment. For medium- and high-voltage applications, protective grounds are
required as part of the lockout/tagout program. This is accomplished by
grounding and bonding lines and equipment to limit contact or exposure
to voltages at the work site to a safe level if the lines or equipment are
The primary purpose accidentally energized from any source of hazardous energy. The greatest
of personal protective source of hazardous energy in most cases is direct energization of lines or
grounding is to provide equipment from the power system. Other sources of hazardous energy
may include:
adequate protection
Stored energy (capacitors and cables)
against electrical shock
Static build-up
causing death or Electromagnetic coupling
injury to personnel High-voltage testing
while working on Back-feed from atypical power sources
de-energized lines
or equipment.

48 WINTER 2011 USING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GROUNDS IN INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES

 NICHE MARKET TESTING

Personal protective grounding is intended for temporary grounding during installation, maintenance,
and repair or modification of lines and equipment. It is not intended to substitute for a prolonged
or permanent plant or station equipment grounding connection which should be provided by
permanent grounding and wiring methods. Any employee working on de-energized medium- and
high-voltage equipment is responsible for understanding protective grounding requirements and
procedures. Further, facility managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that workers are
knowledgeable of and comply with grounding procedures. Only trained and qualified workers shall
apply and remove temporary personal protective grounds.

OSHA requirements for personal protective grounding at an industrial facility is actually found in
29 CFR 1910.269, the standard typically associated with utility systems. As it states in the note from
1910.269(a)(1)(i)(A), (t)he types of installations covered include the generation, transmission,
and distribution installations of electric utilities, as well as equivalent installations of industrial
establishments. Medium-voltage electrical infrastructure within an industrial facility is an equivalent
installation. In accordance with 1910.269(n)(2), For the employee to work lines or equipment as
de-energized, the lines or equipment shall be de-energized and shall be grounded as specified in
paragraphs (n)(3) through (n)(9) of this section.

P R OTE CTIV E GR OUND S SIZ IN G AN D SEL EC T ION

Protective ground cables and associated grounding TA B LE 1
equipment shall meet the following requirements:
Personal protective grounds shall be capable
of conducting the maximum fault current
that could flow at the point of grounding
for the time necessary to clear the fault.
This equipment shall have an ampacity greater
than or equal to that of No. 2 AWG copper.
Personal protective grounds shall have an
impedance low enough to cause immediate
operation of protective devices in case of
accidental energizing of the lines or equipment.
This translates into being capable of carrying
the maximum av ailable fault current, including
dc offset current due to waveform asymmetry,
for high values of fault circuit impedance
X/R ratio.

The guidelines for determining the adequacy of

personal protective grounds are contained in ASTM
F855-2004, Standard Specifications for Temporary
Grounding Systems to Be Used on De-Energized
Electric Power Lines and Equipment. Based on
information in ASTM F855, the following table
is what we are using in the field for evaluating the
adequacy of protective grounds:

USING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GROUNDS IN INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES NETAWORLD 49

 NICHE MARKET TESTING

Select protective ground sets which are easy to apply. This includes considerations associated with the
field application conditions and minimizing preparation and installation time. Standardized ground
set configuration, to the extent practical, is desirable at each location to keep the number of sizes and
types to a minimum. The ground sets should be fabricated as an assembly of suitably rated components
(conductor, ferrules, and clamps) to withstand thermal and electromechanical stresses imposed while
conducting fault current.

It is also recommended that the ground sets be

stored and transported properly to avoid damage and
ensure that the ground sets are maintained in good
working order.

PROTECTIVE GROUNDS - LOCATION

The guiding principle for protective grounding in
facilities is that the grounds should be installed as
close to the workers as practical in order to provide
an effective current shunt around the body and
to limit exposure voltage. Keep in mind that the
conductor-end and ground-end clamps of protective
grounds should be connected near the locations
where workers will likely contact parts of equipment
that may inadvertently become energized.
The protective grounds should be connected
directly to the equipment, bus, or conductors to be
grounded. No impedance or device (circuit breaker,
FIGURE 1 disconnect switch, transformer, line trap, etc.) shall be permitted between the point of connection of
the protective grounds and the location of contact by the workers. Additionally, avoid connecting the
ground-end clamps to a grounding point (plant grounding conductor) that is not bonded directly
to permanently grounded parts of the equipment to be worked on. Otherwise, ground loops may be
formed with embedded ground mat conductors in plant concrete which can significantly increase the
exposure voltage.

PR OTECTIVE GR OU N D S APPL IC AT IO N AN D REM O VAL

Before any personal protective grounds are installed, the applicable lines and
equipment shall be tested and found absent of nominal voltage. This typically
involves measuring the voltage with a voltage sensor on the end of
a hot stick. Appropriate personnel protective equipment and
safety precautions consistent with the circuits being energized
should be utilized when testing for voltage and while applying
the grounds. When attaching the grounds, the ground-end
connection shall be attached first, and then the other ends
shall be attached by means of a live-line tool. When removing
protective grounds, the connections shall be removed from
the line or equipment using a live-line tool before the ground-
end connection is removed.

50 WINTER 2011 USING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GROUNDS IN INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES

 NICHE MARKET TESTING

Protective grounds may be removed temporarily Maximize personal safety while working
to accommodate tests. During those tests, it on de-energized high voltage equipment
is the responsibility of the tester and owner to through the use of appropriate protective
ensure that workers use insulating equipment grounding equipment, procedures, and
and are isolated from any hazards. Also, the training.
tester and owner should institute any additional
measures as may be necessary to protect each Limit work site exposure voltages to a safe
Lynn Hamrick
exposed worker from the previously grounded level during accidental energization. brings over 25 years
lines and equipment becoming energized. Ensure that protective grounds will not fail
of working knowledge
in design, permitting,
The general rule for on the job personal electrical under the most severe fault conditions. construction, and startup
of mechanical, electrical,
safety around de-energized lines and equipment Provide the nal energy barrier in the facility and instrumentation
is the lines and equipment shall be considered lockout/tagout (LOTO) program under and controls projects
energized until protective grounds are installed. direct control of personnel at the worksite. as well as experience
Until grounded, minimum approach distances in the operation and
apply with regard to the use and application of Reprinted from NETA World Summer 2008 maintenance of facilities.
personnel protective equipment and procedures. Lynn is a Professional
Engineer, Certified
Further, personal protective grounds must be Energy Manager and
designed, fabricated, and applied in a manner has a BS in Nuclear
Engineering from the
that satisfies the following basic criteria: University of Tennessee.

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ADDITIONAL SAFETY FEATURES B Y JI M B O WEN, Powell Electrical Manufacturing Co.
Our clients specify several optional features to enhance the
overall safety of the switchgear for the individual electrical
technician. This technical brief will highlight some of
these features so that others might benefit from the
collective experience.
Three of these topics that were discussed at a PCIC Safety
Workshop are:
SHU TTE R LABELS:
The simplest enhancements to add to a switchgear line-up are
shutter labels. The shutter label indicates the destination of
the top and bottom stabs to the technician performing testing
or grounding on a vertical section. The shutter is the moveable
guard that drops in front of the breaker stabs as the breaker
is racked to the disconnected position. The labels are decals
mounted on the shutters in front of the circuit breaker stabs.
The labels identify whether the stabs are Load Side, Line Side,
Bus Side A, or Bus Side B.
Tasks often require an electrical technician to open the shutters
on an energized cell. Whether the shutters need to be opened
to perform insulation testing of a motor feeder or to insert a
ground and test device, it is important that the technician be
given visual confirmation of which set of stabs is energized.
Yes, the safe-work practice requires that the stabs be checked
for voltage prior to hooking up the test equipment, but this
simple label offers a valuable confirmation to the technician
in the field that has proven to be effective.
SHU TTE R LOC KS
The shutter mechanism is the last level of protection between
the stabs and a person doing work in the cell. By padlocking
the shutter closed, you protect technicians from mistakenly
opening a shutter on an energized set of stabs. Our existing
shutter mechanisms have a set of holes to allow the shutters to
be padlocked in the closed position. We also have an optional
design that brings a bar from the shutter mechanism to the
very front of the cell. This extension design allows the shutter
to be the primary point of lockout/tagout.
Once again this is something that is covered by the plants
safe-work practices. Every safe-work practice assumes
everything is energized before you touch a conductor, but
we had a case recently of a individual getting electrocuted on
an energized stab while doing preventative maintenance. The
lead technician was performing preventative maintenance
ADDITIONAL SAFETY FEATURES
TECHNICAL BRIEF
on a secondary selective system. He had performed the
proper isolation and lockout procedure. As planned, he had
left a load side CPT energized via a downstream emergency
generator to provide station service power for the shut down.
The technician was going down the line-up cleaning all the
breaker stabs when he mistakenly went into the cubicle with
the load side stabs energized and was killed when he came in
contact with the stabs.
Because of other work going on, the group required access
to the cubicle so they had to be able to leave the cubicle
door unlocked. A simple lock and tag on that particular set
of shutters would have prevented the technicians mistake.
There is a pair of 3/8" holes through the moving and fixed
portion of the shutter mechanism that permit the locking of
the shutter. This locking mechanism also proves to be useful
with any main-tie-main system. The shutter lock is the best
system available for protecting people when the switchgear
has a tie cubicle and half of the system is out of service for
maintenance. The shutter lock is also a very effective point for
locking out the breaker and cell.
C EL L L O C KS
The most discussed topic when drafting a site lockou/tagout
procedure is where to place the locks on metal-clad switchgear.
Locking out the cell is replacing locking out the circuit breaker
due to the increased safety. Locking out the cell assures that
a spare breaker cannot be racked in and mistakenly energize
downstream loads. A cell lock allows full access to the breaker
out of the cell on the floor for maintenance purposes while
people continue to work under their lockout/ tag/out on
downstream loads. The cell lock absolutely prevents any
breaker from being racked onto the stabs.
In all cases the shutter labels, shutter locks, and cell locks can
play an important part in how the switchgear is operated.
Every site has different skill levels and site procedures that
determine when and if these features should be incorporated
into the site safety program.
Jim Bowen graduated from Texas A&M University in 1976 with a BSEE.
He has worked for SIP Engineering as a power engineer and for Exxon in
all facets of electrical engineering in the petrochemical process. He held the
position of regional engineer for Exxon Chemicals Europe for three years. In
January of 1997, Jim joined Powell Electrical Manufacturing Company as
Technical Director, providing leadership, training, and mentoring to both
internal and external electrical communities.
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 FEATURE

WHEN IS AN ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL

WORK PERMIT
REQUIRED? BY LYNN HAMRICK,
Shermco Industries

Most questions associated with the need for an energized electrical work
permit (EEWP) have to do with the performance of the following specific
work tasks:

Perform visual inspections onfrared (IR)surveys of energized circuits

Removal or installation of bolted covers that exposes energized circuits

Opening or closing hinged covers that exposes energized circuits

Work on energized electrical conductors or circuit parts

Application of safety grounds

Insertion or removal of equipment from energized circuits

Switch operation of energized equipment

In this article, each of these work tasks will be discussed with regard to the need
for processing an EEWP prior to performing the work.

As a basis for the discussion, the requirements from NFPA
70E, Electrical Safety in the Workplace, 2012 Edition, will be
used. From NFPA 70E, Article 130.1:
(B) E NE R GIZ ED ELECTR IC AL
WORK PE R M IT
(1) When Required. When working within the limited
approach boundary or the arc flash boundary of exposed
energized electrical conductors or circuit parts that are
not placed in an electrically safe work condition,
work to be performed shall be considered energized
electrical work and shall be performed by written
permit only.
(2) Elements of Work Permit. The energized electrical
work permit shall include, but not be limited to, the
following items:
(1) Description of the circuit and equipment to be
worked on and their location
(2) Justification for why work must be performed
in the energized condition
(3) Description of the safe work practices to be
employed
(4) Results of the shock hazard analysis
a. Limited approach boundary
b. Restricted approach boundary
c. Prohibited approach boundary
d. Necessary shock personal and other
protective equipment to safely perform the
assigned task
(5) Results of the arc flash analysis
a. Available incident energy or hazard/risk
category
b. Necessary personal protective equipment to
safely perform the assigned task.
c. Arc flash boundary
(6) Means employed to restrict the access of
unqualified persons from the work area

WHEN IS AN ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL WORK PERMIT REQUIRED NETAWORLD 57

FEATURE
(7) Evidence of completion of a job briefing,
including a discussion of any job-specific
hazards
(8) Energized work approval (authorizing or
responsible management, safety officer, or
owner, etc.) signatures
(3) Exemptions to Work Permit. Work performed within
the limited approach boundary of energized electrical
conductors or circuit parts by qualified persons
related to tasks such as testing, troubleshooting, and
voltage measuring shall be permitted to be performed
without an energized work permit, if appropriate safe
work practices and personal protective equipment.
are provided and used. If the purpose of crossing the
limited approach boundary is only for visual inspection
and the restricted approach boundary will not be
crossed, then an energized electrical work permit shall
not be required.
With NFPA 70E 2009, the language of this article led
one to focus on using the EEWP when shock hazards
were present with an implied applicability for arc-
flash hazards through the information required for
personal protective equipment (PPE) selection and
application. With the newly issued NFPA 70E 2012,
the language has been revised to require an EEWP
when either a shock hazard or an arc-flash hazard is
present. This was a needed clarification to the standard
that eliminates some of the questions associated with
implementing the EEWP process. Prior to discussing
the most-asked questions on EEWP application, it
should be noted that appropriate PPE and planning
for the hazards encountered is required whether an EEWP is
required or not. This is the case with EEWP-exempt work, as
well as EEWP-related work.
The following discussions will deal with whether or not
an EEWP should be required for the work tasks previously
identified as most used. The recommendations presented are
those of the author. Final determination and implementation
of site-specific requirements are the responsibility of
facility owners. They should consider their specific work
tasks and select the appropriate work rules and processes
for their facility which best fit their interpretation of
the standard.
In general, when performing work tasks which historically
have increased the probability of a hazard and/or will require
physically interacting with the energized circuit, an EEWP
should be required.
58 WINTER 2011
Perform visual inspection or IR surveys of energized
circuits. Visual inspections and IR surveys should be
considered testing or troubleshooting activities. The standard
specifically states that, from a shock hazard standpoint,
this work task does not require an EEWP if the restricted
boundary is not breached. However, further clarification
should be provided with regard to requiring an EEWP when
the arc-flash boundary is breached, which is the case when
performing many visual inspections or IR surveys. In general,
when performing work tasks which historically increase the
probability of a hazard and/or will physically interact with
or cause a change in the energized circuit, an EEWP should
be required. Given this statement, the decision to require
that an EEWP be provided to perform visual inspection or
IR surveys is dependent on what work tasks are required
to accommodate the inspection or survey. If a worker must
simply open a hinged door to perform the inspection/survey,
no EEWP should be required since there is no increase in the
probability of a hazard and there is no physical interaction with
the energized circuit. However, if the worker must remove
bolted covers to perform the inspection or survey, an EEWP
should be required due to an increase in the probability of
the hazard associated with removing bolts and the cover. As
stated above, the appropriate PPE for the hazard is required
whether an EEWP is required or not.
Removal or installation of bolted covers that exposes
energized circuits. Any work task that includes the
removal or installation of bolted covers associated with
exposed energized circuits should require that an EEWP
be performed. Historically, this task has been shown to
increase the probability of the hazard.
Opening or closing hinged covers that exposes energized
circuits.. Work tasks that include the opening or closing
of hinged covers associated with exposed energized
circuits should require an EEWP unless this task is being
performed as part of a testing, troubleshooting, and voltage
measuring effort.
WHEN IS AN ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL WORK PERMIT REQUIRED
Work on energized electrical conductors or circuit parts. A
pplication of safety grounds. The application of
Work tasks that include working on energized electrical safety grounds is typically part of an established LOTO
conductors or circuit parts should require an EEWP or clearance process. In most cases, an EEWP may not
unless these tasks are being performed as part of a testing, be required. However, in some cases, the LOTO process
troubleshooting, and voltage measuring effort. may result in a power circuit configuration modification
(i.e., using an alternate power source) such that the
Resetting thermal overloads should be considered part available short-circuit current to the circuit is not the
of a testing and troubleshooting effort as long as this same as the analyzed hazard. This change could affect
activity is performed such that there is no increase in the the required sizing of the safety grounds. In these cases,
probability of a hazard and there will be no automatic a specific EEWP associated with the application of safety
change in the energized circuit while exposed. grounds should be considered so that appropriate analysis
Replacing blown fuses should also be considered part of and written authorization for the change is provided. It
a testing and troubleshooting effort. However, replacing is the responsibility of the qualified worker to recognize
blown fuses presents a unique challenge. Fuses within this configuration change during the job planning and
power circuits that are greater than 50V should not be job briefing process and require the appropriate process
replaced while the portion of the circuit that contains the prior to application of the
fuse and fuseholder is energized. Therefore, the portion safety grounds.
of the circuit that includes the fuse and fuseholder should
be placed in a deenergized state by going throughan
appropriate lockout/tagout (LOTO) process to
accommodate the fuse replacement. Unfortunately, there
may still be exposed energized circuit parts present while
the fuse is being replaced in the now deenergized portion
of the circuit (i.e., the line side of the associated disconnect
for the circuit). Appropriate PPE requirements and
safety precautions should be implemented during the fuse
replacement process to mitigate any increased probability
of the hazard and physical interaction with the energized
portion of the circuit.
Implementing design changes to a circuit (i.e., the
thermal overload is modified or a different fuse type or
size is installed) should require an EEWP to ensure that
the safety-related aspects of the change are adequately
considered. These aspects should include operability
review of the circuit as well as any impacts on the arc-flash
analysis for the circuit. Additionally, any change to the
protective system should include written authorization
prior to implementation.

WHEN IS AN ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL WORK PERMIT REQUIRED NETAWORLD

NETA 59
FEATURE
Insertion or removal of equipment from energized
circuits. Any work task that includes the insertion or removal
of electrical equipment from energized circuits should
require that an EEWP be performed. These tasks include the
following:
Remove/install circuit breakers or fused switches in disconnect switches), when under a load condition, has been
lighting panels
Insertion or removal of motor control center buckets
Insertion or removal (racking) of circuit breakers or for a switch operation with the door closed whenever the
starters in switchgear cubicles
Insertion or removal of fused switches from bus ducts
Historically, these tasks have been shown to increase the
probability of the hazard.
Switch operation of energized equipment. As clarification,
this discussion applies to switch operations of energized
electrical distribution equipment where there is a known
hazard. When switch operations are performed with no
equipment guards in place (i.e., the door open), an EEWP
should be required since known hazards are present unless this
task is being performed as part of a testing, troubleshooting,
and voltage measuring effort.
Technically, for switch operations with the door closed,
there is no exposed circuitry due to guarding. Most medium-
voltage (1 kV to 38 kV) equipment includes safety interlocks
such that switching operations can only be performed with
guards in place (i.e., the door closed). With guards in place,
the shock hazard is eliminated. Some interpretations of the
standard suggest that there is no arc-flash hazard when the
guards are in place. Typically, arc-flash hazard analyses are
performed with the assumption that the circuit is exposed
and energized, not guarded. Realistically, there may be
an arc-flash hazard even with all guards in place.
With high current, low voltage (<1 kV) applications,
there may be a significant arc-flash hazard as is
implied in NFPA 70E, Table 130.7(C)(15)(a),
where Hazard Risk Category 2 PPE and clothing
is required when operating a device with a possible arc-
flash hazard.
60 WINTER 2011
The decision on whether an EEWP is required should be made
considering the extent of the arc- flash hazard, the condition of
the equipment, and the operating conditions under which the
operation is to be performed. A switch operation physically
interacts with the energized circuit. Additionally, performing
a switch operation with a nonload-breaking device (i.e., most
shown to increase the probability of an arc-flash event. Given
the above, it is recommended that an EEWP be implemented
operation involves a circuit under load conditions and there
exists an exposed arc-flash hazard of greater than Hazard Risk
Category 2, or 8 cal/cm2 based on an arc-flash hazard analysis.
For circuits that are guarded and which have an exposed arc-
flash hazard of less than Hazard Risk Category 2, no EEWP
should be required. If the extent of the arc-flash hazard is not
known due to unavailability of an arc-flash hazard analysis,
use of an EEWP is highly recommended.
This article has provided discussion and recommendations
associated with the use of and need for an EEWP for several
work tasks. With the newly issued NFPA 70E 2012, the
language has been revised to require an EEWP when either a
shock hazard or an arc-flash hazard is present. Additionally,
it is recommended that an EEWP should be required when
performing work tasks which historically increase the
probability of a hazard and/or will physically interact with the
energized circuit. Work tasks that are associated with testing,
troubleshooting, and voltage measuring efforts are typically
exempt from the EEWP process. The recommendations
presented are those of the author. Final determination
and implementation of site-specific requirements are the
responsibility of facility owners. They should consider their
specific work tasks and select the appropriate work rules and
processes for their facility which best fit their interpretation
of the standard.
Lynn Hamrick brings over 25 years of working
knowledge in design, permitting, construction,
and startup of mechanical, electrical, and
instrumentation and controls projects as well as
experience in the operation and maintenance
of facilities.
Lynn is a Professional Engineer, Certified Energy
Manager and has a BS in Nuclear Engineering
from the University of Tennessee.
WHEN IS AN ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL WORK PERMIT REQUIRED
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 THE FORGOTTEN WORKPLACE HOME

THE FORGOTTEN WORKPLACE

HOME
Have you ever received an electric shock while doing something at home?
Most of us have at one time or another. This could have happened for any number
of reasons. It could have been a faulty extension cord, or a bad connection
to a power tool, or maybe even it was unintentionally touching a bare wire.
In any case, it did not feel good.
Many people think about their safety while at work but seem to leave it there.
They do not take it home with them. If only they could leave the hazards there
as well. Unfortunately, it does not happen that way. Most of the time, there
are actually more hazards in the home than in the workplace.

WHAT H AZAR D S?
Everyone is aware of the necessity to maintain the equipment at their workplace, but what about at BY DON BR OWN,
your home? What happens if you do not take care of your vehicle? Your yard? Your home? Something Shermco Industries
as simple as checking the receptacles in the walls of your house can let you know that there could be
impending problems. Have you ever had to squeeze or spread the prongs of a plug to get it to stay
in the receptacle in the wall? Generally, that is caused by the internal contacts becoming worn out.
Overheating can cause that as well as the age of the receptacle. If it is used often, the normal wear and
tear on the contacts inside the receptacle can just stretch out of place and cause a loose plug. That is
one item that can very easily be addressed by the homeowner. Do you unplug the vacuum cleaner by
pulling on the cord instead of going all the way over to the plug? It is just this kind of action that can
start the deterioration of your home electrical system. When replacing the receptacles, do not just take
out the old one and put in the new one. Look at the condition of the receptacle itself. If there is some
discoloration or obviously burned or scorched surfaces do a little investigating to find out what caused
it. Many times it will be no more than a loose connection on the old receptacle. It could, however, be
the result of overloading the receptacle.

And what about those pesky two-prong receptacles that do not have a ground on them? Believe it
or not, there are still a lot of homes that have an inadequate, ungrounded electrical system. Many
homeowners have relied on the three prong adapters to help remedy this problem. This is not a good
idea at all. If there is no grounding conductor in your electrical outlet, you will only be increasing the
potential problems. The photos below show a very good example of what will happen if you use these
types of adapters. If you do not have a good, functional ground system in your home, you are putting
yourself at risk of a dangerous, and sometimes fatal, electric shock, or even fire. This is not the type
of repair that can be done by the typical homeowner. This kind of work needs to be done by a
qualified professional.

THE FORGOTTEN WORKPLACE HOME NETAWORLD 65

THE FORGOTTEN WORKPLACE HOME

W HAT T O L OOK F O R.
Look for the abnormal. Use your senses at all times while in
your home. Look for something that does not work the way
that you think it should. Is the plug loose in the receptacle
or does the plug continually fall out while you are working?
Do you smell burning insulation? Do you hear a humming
coming from the electrical panel? Does an appliance plug feel
hot when you unplug it?
Example 1. 3-Prong Wall Oulet
If you are going to take on the task of replacing a light switch
or a receptacle in your house, good for you. But before you
do, ask yourself this question Do I feel comfortable doing
this kind of work? If not, then you need to contact that
qualified electrical contractor to make the repairs. If you do
feel comfortable doing this kind of work, you need to take
certain precautions prior to starting the work.

Example 2. Back of 3-Prong Wall Oulet
Rule number one is to turn o the power! You must turn off
the power before attempting any type of electrical work, no
matter what your skill level. Are you sure that the power is
turned off ? Many times, home builders will run the circuitry
to include the maximum number of receptacles to each circuit
breaker. And some times this means tying receptacles from
different rooms onto the same circuit, especially on a common
wall between two rooms.

Invest in a good quality voltage detector that you can use

around the house. It does not have to be the most expensive
tester, but make sure that it will hold up to repeated use, and the
occasional drop test. A good reliable category II or III digital
multimeter would be a great investment in your safety around
the home. These can be purchased for a reasonable price at
most home improvement stores or electrical distributors.
Example 3. 3-Prong Adapter, Side View Another item that you should invest in is a pair of rubber
insulating gloves. Not the same kind of rubber gloves used
for dishwashing, but the correct type used in electrical work.
Example 4. Before you start to roll your eyes and think, no way am I going
3-Prong Adapter, to wear those just to replace a light switch, remember that the
Front View most common voltage involved in electrical fatalities is 120
Vac. Once you determine that the power is indeed turned off,
you can take off the gloves and do the work.

66 WINTER 2011 THE FORGOTTEN WORKPLACE HOME

 THE FORGOTTEN WORKPLACE HOME

H OW DO I REDUCE THE HAZ AR D S

AT H OME ?
The first thing to do is understand what the hazards are.
Then you can look for ways to reduce, or in many cases,
eliminate them. Probably the most common hazard to the
electrical system in the home is overloading. Plugging in
too many devices into a circuit will cause the wiring and
the devices (plugs and receptacles) to heat up and fail. In a
best case scenario, this overload will be cleared by the circuit
breaker in your electrical panel. If a breaker trips, it does it
for a reason. In the majority of the cases, a tripped breaker is
caused by an overload to the circuit. If the circuit is drawing
too many amperes, the breaker will sense it and open. This is a
warning to the homeowner. Unfortunately, most homeowners
just think this is a bad breaker that has started to trip for no
reason other than it is old. Breakers do not normally go bad
on a correctly designed system, and if they do trip, it is to
protect the wiring of the electrical system. If a breaker trips,
look for an overloaded receptacle, one that has more than two
devices plugged into it.

Although this a bit of an extreme situation, think about the

holiday season when all of the decorations are plugged into
a wall outlet. Everyone wants to have the best display and
the most lights, but if you do not understand the limitations Example 5.
of your electrical system, you can, and more than likely will, This Kind of Overload
have a situation like the one just shown. If this happens in Can Result in This:
your home, do not try to fix it yourself. This is the time to
spend the extra money on a qualified electrical contractor, one
that will be able to evaluate the extent of the damage to your
homes wiring.

Many people are getting into the do-it-yourself mode of

remodeling their homes as the economy gets tougher. This is
a great idea for making your home a little more comfortable
in trying times, but be careful about how you go about it.
Putting a new coat of paint on the walls may seem easy, but pay
attention to the details, especially when it comes to painting
around receptacles, light switches, and other electrical fixtures.
Some folks want these devices to blend into the room so they
wont stand out. That is fine, as long as you take the time to
replace them with devices that coordinate with the room
dcor. Do not just paint over the receptacles and switches.

Example 6.

ITHE FORGOTTEN WORKPLACE HOME NETAWORLD 67

THE FORGOTTEN WORKPLACE HOME

As the holiday season approaches, the decorations get

pulled out of storage. What condition are they in? How
were they stored for the last ten months or so? Were they
damaged before being put away last year? These are all
questions that need to be asked. Look at the decorations,
extension cords, and the strings of lights as you start to
pull them out of the storage boxes. Do not just grab and
start to pull them out. That is one sure way to break the
lights themselves. Do not just grab the plug and put it
into the extension cord lying in the same storage box with
them. Look each one over before plugging it in. If there
is one broken light bulb and it is resting on your skin,
plugging it in is one sure way to get shocked. And there
is the possibility of cuts and broken glass getting stuck
in your legs or hands. Pay close attention to how many
strings of lights are plugged together. Typically the light
manufacturers will place a warning on the boxes giving
a maximum number of strings that should be connected
together. Read and heed that warning. If you do not, it
will cause problems.

Example 7. Painted Wall Oulet W HAT T O D O N EX T

Keep an eye on your home. You may be remodeling a
room, setting up Christmas decorations, or just putting in
a new ceiling fan. If you find anything out of the ordinary,
make note of it and get it corrected before it leads to other,
more serious issues. If you decide to tackle a project like
replacing a light switch or outlet in the wall, make certain
that the power is turned off before you start the work.
Test the circuit that you will be working on with a reliable
test meter. Be sure that all of the connections you make are
tight and secure and the wires are not being pinched by
cover plates or screws. Use your senses around the house.
Look for problems; listen to your electrical panel; smell
for burning insulation; and feel for heated plugs, switches,
and outlets. But most importantly, do it safely or call a
qualified electrical contractor to do the work for you.

Example 8. Holiday Lights

Don Brown has been involved in the
electrical industry for over 35 years
15 of those specific to electrical testing.
He was a master electrician, safety
consultant, and business owner. He has
consulted for companies such as Intel, Air
Liquide, Bell Helicopter, and Chesapeake
Energy. Don now serves Shermco
Industries as a Senior Training Specialist.

68 WINTER 2011 ITHE FORGOTTEN WORKPLACE HOME

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 MEDIUM-VOLTAGE STARTER CONTROL

MEDIUM-VOLTAGE
STARTER CONTROL CIRCUIT
SAFETY ISSUE
Most medium-voltage starters have a recessed plug to accept BY AL HAVE NS,

an extension cord connection to power up the starters control E-Hazard.com

circuit when the contactor carriage of the starter is in the test

position. The function of the test position is to use external
control power and test the operation of the control circuit
without energizing the connected motor. The control circuit may
have a bond from the neutral
on the test connection on 240/120 VAC PDP
FIGURE 1

the controller carriage to Ground

H
Bus
the frame of the carriage. Extension Cord
N

G
This sets up a not so obvious Neutral Extension cord shown

problem for maintenance Bus without connectors to

PDP for clarity

personnel.

Having the control circuits neutral bonding

to the carriages frame allows electrical
current to flow between the 120 Vac power
distribution panel (PDP) through two paths.
The first is the normal path, which is through Medium Voltage MCC Enclosure

the neutral, or grounded conductor, of the

extension cord. The second path is through
Normal Neutral
the neutral bond in the PDP, through the Current Path
facilitys grounding system, conduits and
Starter Carriage
equipment grounding, to the carriage frame To Starter Control Circuit
itself, then to the neutral bonding jumper H N
on the test connection on the carriage.
Test Switch in Test Position CPT
These two paths of current flow are illustrated
in Figure 1.

Objectionable Current Path

MEDIUM-VOLTAGE STARTER CONTROL CIRCUIT SAFETY ISSUE NETAWORLD 73

MEDIUM-VOLTAGE STARTER CONTROL

This current path is objectionable ground current and does not comply with Article 250.6 in the
National Electrical Code. This ground current is potentially dangerous if the neutral in the
extension cord is not continuous.

The remedial action for existing equipment is the following:

1. Remove the bond on the carriage frame of the contactor. This is not as dangerous as it sounds.
The neutral bond to ground at the PDP will function as the appropriate grounded connection
using an extension cord while the controller carriage is in the test position.

2. Apply a bond to the frame of the starter enclosure at the control power transformers (CPT)
secondary neutral connection. The contactor carriage frame will be inherently connected to
the starter enclosure frame through metal connection of the carriage wheels. Measure the
dc resistance between the carriage frame and enclosure after establishing the bond at the
CPTs neutral connection. Use 0.5 ohm as a guideline. Investigate any value greater than that.
Use an electronic ohmmeter that can measure 0.001 ohm.

With new equipment, insist the manufacturer bond the CPTs neutral connection to ground on the
enclosure itself, not the contactor carriage frame. Verify that the carriage frame receptacle/plug for
the control circuit has a pin dedicated and connected to the frame of the enclosure, on the enclosure
side of the starter and to the frame of the carriage on the contactor carriage side of the starter.
That guarantees the two frames are electrically bonded. The bond will not depend on the carriage
wheels making good contact with the enclosure frame. Thoroughly examine the proposed starters
control circuit to make certain there is no neutral bond to the contactor carriage frame shown on the
equipments drawings.

Al Havens brings more than 40 years of electrical safety experience to the classroom, 26 of which
as Senior Electrical Engineer for U.S. Gypsum. He has extensive experience in industrial plant
and underground mine power distribution upgrades and is expert in the design and commission
of high resistance ground, switchgear battery and automatic power factor systems.

Al served as head of the USG Energy Monitoring Task Force and established their NFPA
70E compliance and training programs. He has presented to both the IEEE Electrical Safety
Conference and the International Electrical Testing Association (NETA) Conferences on
electrical equipment and high resistance grounding, and worked extensively on compliance
issues with the Mine Safety and Health Agency (MSHA).

74 WINTER 2011 MEDIUM-VOLTAGE STARTER CONTROL CIRCUIT SAFETY ISSUE

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Providing replacement
Use bio from previous edition

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Three Phase Ratiometer

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NO-OUTAGE INSPECTION CORNER

USING HANDHELD PD DETECTORS

A PICTORIAL
B Y DO N A . GE NUT IS, No-Outage Electrical Testing, Inc.

Handheld partial discharge detectors designed to discover insulation problems within

switchgear have been instrumental in preventing failures. This issues column provides
photos highlighting some the top problems discovered with this technology which is
applied non-intrusively to energized assets.

Figure 1.
Tracking Found under Switchgear Bus Support Insulator- Note
Bolt Plating Corrosion Due to Nitric Acid, Produced by PD
Activity and Moisture.
Figure 2.
MCC Unshielded Jumper Cable PD Damage. Unshielded
Cables do not Evenly Distribute Electrical Stresses and Fail
at Locations where the Insulation Touches Opposite Phases
or Ground.

78 WINTER 2011 TOP TEN FINDS USING HAND HELD PD DETECTORS

 NO-OUTAGE INSPECTION CORNER

Figure 3. Figure 4.
Phase Barrier Tracking in a Pad-Mount Switch Caused by Advanced Tracking on Switchgear Phase Support Barrier.
Energized Components Placed too Close to the Insulation. Note Erosion of Copper Bus.

Figure 5. Figure 6.
Potential Transformer Tracking - Environmental Insulator Tracking from Poor Field Modification - Electrical
Contamination Appears to be a Contributing Factor. Field Distribution has been Ignored.

TOP TEN FINDS USING HAND HELD PD DETECTORS NETAWORLD 79

NO-OUTAGE INSPECTION CORNER

Figure 7. Figure 8.
Severe Tracking from Poor Field Insulation Modifications. Poorly Designed Dry-Type Transformer Jumper Cable Support
Insulation. Cables Shown in Background were Removed for
Photo. When the Cables are Placed Along the Horizontal Support,
Three Different Types of Insulation are Concentrated in One
Area Along with a Metallic Fastener thus Creating an Electrical
Field Fiasco.

Figure 9. Figure 10.

Heavy Erosion of Bus Duct Insulation. Were the Low Voltage Final Stages of Tracking before Complete Failure Occurred on
Heater Wires the Cause of this Problem? Switch Jumper Cable Supports.

Don A. Genutis received his BSEE from Carnegie Mellon University. He was a NETA Certified
Technician for 15 years and is a Certified Corona Technician. Dons technical training and education
are complemented by twenty-five years of practical field and laboratory electrical testing experience.
Don serves as President on No-Outage Electrical Testing, Inc., a Group CBS affiliate that focuses on
new inspection technologies performed while the equipment remains in service.

80 WINTER 2011 TOP TEN FINDS USING HAND HELD PD DETECTORS

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 ALL FACTORIES ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL

A L L FA C T O R I E S A R E
N O T C R E AT E D E Q U A L
BY PAUL HARTMAN,
DLB Associates

When we purchase a product, we like to think the factory has built the best product they
can and that they insure it is 100 percent operational prior to delivery. Unfortunately,
this is not always the case, for even companies like Rolls-Royce occasionally have
factory recalls that require the owner to take the vehicle to a service shop.

Lets compare our car example to electrical switchgear. If our Rolls has a defect or recall, we drop it
off at the shop and drive the Bentley; no real harm done here. If our electrical switchgear has a defect

FA T
or recall, we have to bring someone from the shop to the site to correct it, and we do not have spare
switchgear in the meantime.

Thus the need for testing the electrical equipment prior to energizing and letting it run for years
without shutting it down. To better achieve the desired reliability goals, we need take the electrical
equipment on a shakedown tour, which is more commonly known as a factory acceptance test (FAT).

Over the last ten years, I have attended dozens of FATs. In fact FATs vary in such extremes that it

FA T is quite possible someone may think I am using my creative writing license just to make this story
more interesting.

For example, one Hungarian FAT visit was scheduled to last four days. On my first morning at the
E TEST
FA T
factory, I was presented with several books of documents, each with an acceptance cover sheet for
me to sign. The factory representatives told me that as soon as I signed the documents a driver would
whisk me away to their villa on the lake for the rest of the week.

ACCEPTANCE TEST They assured me there were plenty of pretty girls up at the lake. Imagine their devastation when I
informed them that I would be staying at a nearby hotel and that we would be performing FAT for
the next four days.
FACTORY ACCEPTANCE TEST By the end of the week, we had found numerous flaws in the equipment, some quite serious, all of
which were documented and corrected prior to the equipment being shipped.

FA T Another factory I visited, where they manufacture circuit breakers, boasted about the fact that they
had a one in 10,000 failure rate. When they heard that we had experienced a one in two failure rate
with their circuit breakers, they did not believe us. They asked for clarification.
ANCE TEST

FA T
84 WINTER 2011 ALL FACTORIES ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL
 ALL FACTORIES ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL

We informed them that we had had trip units, communication modules, and finger clusters fail.
Their response was that because these three components were manufactured by other divisions of the
company, they did not count as circuit breaker failures. Obviously, a weak excuse like that would not
be accepted by the end user.

One overseas factory was proudly showing off its test lab by demonstrating its product test procedures
using typical electrical test equipment. The only problem was that they were not performing the test
correctly. This certainly does not boost ones confidence in the factorys quality control process.

To their credit, after I explained the difference between the test procedure they were using and
standard NETA test procedures, they agreed to test our equipment using NETA procedures.

And so on the stories go. The underlying dynamic here is that almost all factories assemble a product
from multiple components commonly known as subassemblies, many of which originate in other
factories. A subassembly could be as small as a rotary control switch or as large as a 4000 ampere
circuit breaker or even several switchboard sections.

Thus, the quality control at any one factory primarily focuses on the actual assembly process
performed at that particular facility. This means that upon final assembly of a large electrical device
using subassemblies, the typical factory quality control testing is minimal and tends to focus on only
the work performed at that factory.

There are two clear internal contributors to the quality of a factory product. First is the ability of the
factory testing technicians to test the product and to select the appropriate type of test equipment to
use. Second is the percentage of components in a piece of equipment that the factory manufactures
from raw materials. The more parts that are made in house, the better the product; or inversely, the
FA T
more subassemblies delivered to a factory, the more likely there will be problems.

One huge external contributor to the quality of the factory product is FAT. Many factories lack the

FA T
experience, resources, or both to adequately test their equipment to the standards that clients expect.
Sending a NETA certified technician to the FAT prior to the equipment shipping can reap huge
benefits with respect to the quality of the product delivered to the site.

FACTO
Paul Hartman is an Electrical Commissioning Manager for DLB Associates in Atlanta,
Georgia, Paul has over 25 years of experience in the start-up, commissioning, design
review, and maintenance of large facilities in the petrochemical, generation and data
FA T
center environments, including projects in Pakistan, Thailand, Brazil, Korea, Finland,
Belgium, and England. Paul is currently involved with the oversight of the electrical FACTORY ACCEPTANCE
commissioning of large data facilities both domestic and overseas. He has been a
contributor to NETA World for over fifteen years and has been a frequent speaker at past
NETA Conferences.
FACTORY ACCEPTANCE TEST

FA T
FACTORY AC

FA T
ALL FACTORIES ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL NETAWORLD 85
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TESTING ROTATING MACHINERY

INSULATION-RESISTANCE TEST
The insulation-resistance test (IEEE Std. 43-2000), is a useful indicator of
contamination and moisture on the exposed insulation surfaces of a stator winding,
salient pole or cylindrical rotor windings, especially when there are cracks or ssures in
the insulation. The test is easily done and is one of the most common tests performed
on any motor or generator winding. Since squirrel cage induction motor rotor windings
are not insulated, this test is not appropriate for such motors.
B Y VIC KI WA R R EN , The insulation-resistance and/or the polarization-index test should be done prior to application of any
Iris Power LP. high-voltage tests to assure that the winding is not wet or dirty enough to pose a risk of failure that
might be averted by a cleaning and drying-out procedure. However, resistance testing is principally a
pass/fail criterion and cannot be relied upon to predict the condition of the main insulation except
when the insulation has already faulted. That is, since the insulation-resistance test is insensitive to
internal insulation problems, a high insulation-resistance reading does not imply that the winding is
in good condition.

T HEO RY
The insulation resistance is the ratio of the dc
voltage applied between the winding copper
and ground to the resultant current. When a
dc voltage is applied, four current components
flow: capacitance charging component (IC) into
the capacitance of the winding; a polarization
or absorption current (IA) involving various
molecular mechanisms in the insulation;
a conductance linear current (IG) that is a
property of the insulation material; and a leakage
component (IL) over the surface between exposed
conductors and ground (the creepage path).
Since solid insulation in good condition does
not conduct current, the insulation resistance
is normally very high. The capacitive and
absorption current components are properties of
the insulation (they are neither good nor bad),
and are time varying, since they are essentially
capacitances. The capacitive current component
typically decays in a few seconds. The absorption
component decays in a few minutes. For epoxy,
the conductance current is almost zero; for
FIGURE 1. LOW LEAKAGEEPOXY-MICA asphalt and polyester, it is slightly higher. The
leakage current is constant with time, since it is
essentially a resistance and is highly dependent
on the state of dryness of the winding. When
doing an insulation-resistance test, the test leads
should be clean and dry

88 WINTER 2011 INSULATION-RESISTANCE TEST

 TESTING ROTATING MACHINERY
T E S T S E TUP
Techniques have been developed to permit the insulation resistance to be determined with good accuracy
(IEEE Std. 43-2000, IEEE Std. 62-1995, IEEE Std. 95-2002, ANSI/NETA ATS-2009, and ANSI/NETA
MTS-2011).

STATOR W INDINGS
Connections - If practical, it is recommended to isolate the phases and test each phase individually. This
allows for phase comparisons. In practice, the insulation resistance of one phase winding is approximately
twice the value obtained when all three phase windings are tested together. In water-cooled windings
the water must normally be drained, and any hoses thoroughly dried by pulling a vacuum. (This is often
impossible, thus it is best to remove the hoses).

Instrument - Use a true IR (megohm meter) with a voltage selector and well-regulated voltage output.

GUIDELINES FOR DC VOLTAGES FOR INSULATION RESISTANCE TEST

(IEEE 43-2000)
Winding Rated * Voltage Insulation Resistance Test Voltage
<1,000 V 500 V
1,000-2,500 V 500 - 1,000 V
2,501-5,000 V 1,000 - 2,500 V
5,001 - 12,000 V 2,500 - 5,000 V
>12,000 V 5,000 - 10,000 V
* Rated line-to-line voltage for three-phase machines, line-to-ground voltage for single-phase machines
and rated DC voltage for dc machines or field windings

R OTOR W INDIN GS
Connections - The test instrument is connected between field winding leads and the rotor body.
The brushes must be lifted or the rotor diodes disconnected.

Instrument - Use a true IR (megohm meter) with a voltage selector and well-regulated voltage output.
For motors and generators rated 4 kV and above, 1000 V is often used for the rotor winding test voltage.

I N TE RPRE TATION
The insulation resistance is highly dependent on the temperature and humidity of the winding. Unless the
winding is always measured under exactly the same humidity and temperature conditions, it is virtually
meaningless to track the resistance over time. As described in IEEE Std. 43-2000, the insulation-resistance
values can be corrected for the winding temperature (as determined from imbedded temperature
indicators). It is common to correct the measurements to 40 C. If corrected measurements over the years
on the same winding reveal gradually decreasing resistance, then the insulation may be deteriorating.
However, it is much more probable that the resistance will swing wildly from measurement to measurement
due to humidity conditions, making interpretation impossible. Similarly, in comparing two windings,
a higher resistance in one does not imply that this winding is in better condition.

STATOR W INDINGS
When an actual fault or insulation puncture has occurred, the insulation resistance will be close to zero.
This is easily recognized as being unacceptable. However, it is difficult to set a practical pass/fail criterion for
the insulation-resistance test when the insulation is not punctured. IEEE standard 43-2000 recommends
the minimum acceptable insulation resistance. These values should be considered absolute minimums,
since modern machines typically have resistances exceeding 100's or even 1000's of megohms. In contrast,
insulation that has been exposed to humid air for a long period of time may only achieve 10's of megohms.

INSULATION-RESISTANCE TEST NETAWORLD 89

TESTING ROTATING MACHINERY
TABLE 4. RECOMMENDED MINIMUM INSULATION RESISTANCE VALUES AT 40*C
(ALL VALUES IN MEGOHMS) [IEEE 43-2000]

IR1(min) = kV + 1for most windings made before about 1970, all field windings, and
others not described below
IR1(min) =100 for most dc armature and ac stator windings built after about 1970
(form-wound coils)
IR1(min) =5 for most machines with random-wound coils and form-wound coils
rated below one kV
IR1 (min) = minimum insulation resistance of the entire machine winding in megohms, at 40o C
kV= rated machine terminal to terminal voltage, in rms kilovolts

ROT OR WINDINGS
When an actual fault or insulation puncture has occurred, the insulation resistance will be close to zero.
This is easily recognized as being unacceptable. However, it is difficult to set a practical pass/fail criterion
for the insulation resistance test when the insulation is not punctured. A minimum acceptable insulation
resistance is about two megohms for rotor windings. This value should be considered an absolute minimum,
since modern machines typically have resistances exceeding 100's of megohms. In contrast, insulation that
has been exposed to humid air for a long period of time may only achieve 10's of megohms.

SOUR C ES OF INF OR MAT IO N

IEEE std. 43-2000, IEEE Recommended Practice for Testing Insulation Resistance of Rotating Machinery

IEEE 62-1995 IEEE Guide for Diagnostic Field Testing of Electric Power Apparatus

IEEE Std. 95-2002, IEEE Recommended practice for Insulation Testing of Large AC Rotating Machinery
with High Direct Voltage

ANSI/NETA Standard for Acceptance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Distribution Equipment
and Systems 2009 edition

ANSI/NETA Standard for Maintenance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Distribution
Equipment and Systems 2011 edition

Ms. Vicki Warren, Senior Product Engineer, Iris Power LP. Ms. Warren is an electrical engineer with
extensive experience in testing and maintenance of motor and generator windings. Prior to joining
Iris in 1996, she worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. She was responsible for the testing and
maintenance of hydrogenerator windings, switchgear, transformers, protection and control devices,
development of SCADA software, and the installation of local area networks. At Iris, Ms. Warren
has been involved in using partial discharge testing to evaluate the condition of insulation systems
used in medium to high voltage rotating machines, switchgear and transformers. Additionally, Ms.
Warren has worked extensively in the development and design of new products used for condition
monitoring of insulation systems, both periodical and continual. Ms. Warren also actively participated
in the development of multiple IEEE standards and guides, and was Chair of the IEEE 43-2000
Working Group.

90 WINTER 2011 INSULATION-RESISTANCE TEST

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SAFETY CORNER
COMMUNICATION
IS A KEY ELEMENT TO
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
IN THE WORKPLACE
B Y N E TA For industrial facilities, OSHA requirements, as
S A FE T Y well as the NFPA 70E standard, are provided to
COMMITTEE
delineate the work rules and personal protective
equipment necessary to identify and mitigate
the effects of electrical hazards in the workplace.
The purpose of this Safety Corner article is to
place emphasis on how these requirements rely
on effective communication to enhance electrical
safety in the workplace. The NFPA 70E standard
will be used as the basis for this article.
Effective communication typically considers
both content and context. Content is what is
being communicated either in a written or verbal
form. With respect to electrical safety in the
workplace, the standards and associated written
procedures are the content of effective electrical
safety communication. Context has to do with
understanding the language and circumstances
of the communication. Worker training, skills,
and knowledge of electrical equipment and
electrical hazards are the context of effective
electrical safety communication. A qualified
worker is capable of taking requirements and
procedural content and putting it in the
appropriate context to perform an electrical
work task safely.
ELECTR IC AL SAF ET Y
98 WINTER 2011 COMMUNICATION IS A KEY ELEMENT TO ELECTRICAL SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE
C OM M U N IC AT ION C ON T E N T
As stated above, standards and associated written
procedures are the content of effective electrical
safety communication. NFPA 70E, Standard
for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, is a key
document that provides the content necessary
for electrical safety in the workplace. Below is
a brief summary of the communication content
provided in NFPA 70E:
De nitions NFPA 70E, Article 100,
provides definitions of terms essential to
the proper application of [the] standard.
The standard also provides informational
notes and annexes to assist the worker in
understanding the content of the standard.
General Requirements NFPA 70E, Article
110, provides electrical safety-related work
practices and procedures. Requirements
associated with the electrical safety program
are presented. Key content for the electrical
safety program include work procedures,
electrical work permits, electrical hazard
analysis, and evaluation.
Electrically Safe Work Conditions
NFPA 70E, Article 120, communicates
requirements associated with performing
an adequate lockout/tagout (LOTO)
process for electrical equipment so that
the electrical hazards are mitigated.
Further clarification is provided that, if
equipment is not locked or tagged out in
accordance with this process, it should be
considered energized.
 SAFTEY CORNER
Electrically Hazardous Work Conditions NFPA 70E,
Article 130, provides a description of the circumstances
that would allow electrically hazardous work to be
performed. To ensure proper electrical hazard awareness,
requirements associated with performing shock hazard
and arc-flash hazard analyses are provided. Based on
these analyses, the qualified electrical worker can select
the appropriate work practices and personal protective
equipment associated with performing the work safely.
Additionally, requirements for equipment labeling and
electrical hazard alerting techniques (i.e., safety signs and
tags, barricades, attendants, etc.) are presented.

NFPA 70E is a living document that is updated every three to

four years. Therefore, its content should be reviewed with each
issued revision. There is no grandfathering associated with
implementing electrical safety requirements in the workplace.
New or updated safety requirements must be implemented
upon issuance.

E LE CTRICA L SAF ETY C OM M UNIC AT IO N

C ONTE XT
In addition to the electrical safety content provided in
standards and written procedures, worker training, skills,
and knowledge of electrical equipment and electrical hazards
are the context of effective electrical safety communication.
This is why so much emphasis is placed on using qualified
electrical workers to work on or around electrical hazards.
As stated above, a qualified worker is capable of taking
requirements and procedural content and putting it in
the appropriate context to perform an electrical work task
safely. Some of this context is related to electrical equipment
and system reliability and operability. This can only be
accomplished with correct or appropriate maintenance.
To enhance a workers capability to provide an appropriate
context for performing work safely, NFPA 70 provides for
some electrical communication context as well:
De nitions NFPA 70E, Article 100, provides more sophisticated equipment and techniques. Typically,
definitions of terms essential to the proper application
of [the] standard. Qualified electrical workers should
understand and be familiar with these terms.
General Requirements NFPA 70E, Article 110, drawing, where provided for the electrical system, shall
includes responsibilities for owners and contractors to
tell each other about known hazards as well as reporting
observed safety violations of the standard. Requirements
associated with worker training and the electrical safety
program are presented. Key contextual elements of
the electrical safety program include job briefings and
electrical hazard awareness.
From NFPA 70E, Article 130.3 Th e arc ash
analysis shall be updated when a major modification or
renovation takes place. It shall be reviewed periodically,
not to exceed five years, to account for changes in the
electrical distribution system that could affect the results
of the arc-flash hazard analysis. The arc-flash analysis is
the basis for selection of arc-flash PPE. If the analysis and
associated labeling are not correct, the selected PPE may
be inadequate to protect the worker.
From NFPA 70E, Article 205.1 Employees who
perform maintenance on electrical equipment and
installations shall be qualified personsand shall be
trained in, and familiar with, the specific maintenance
procedures and tests required. Not all electrical workers
are qualified to perform all electrical tasks. Electrical
maintenance and testing activities have evolved into using
additional training on the use of this testing equipment
is required.
From NFPA 70E, Article 205.2 A single line
be maintained in a legible condition and kept current.
This is an often overlooked component of any good
maintenance program. Having up-to-date drawings
is a requirement for performing maintenance in a safe
and proper manner. It is also critical in determining
and implementing proper lockout/tagout processes
and procedures.

COMMUNICATION IS A KEY ELEMENT TO ELECTRICAL SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE NETAWORLD 99

SAFETY CORNER

From NFPA 70E, Article 205.4 Overcurrent From NFPA 70E, Article 205.9 - Access to working space
protective devices shall be maintained in accordance and escape passages shall be kept clear and unobstructed.
with manufacturers instructions or industry consensus
standards. From NFPA 70E, Article 210.3 - Current-carrying
conductors (buses, switches, disconnects, joints,
From NFPA 70E, Article 205.6 - Equipment, raceway, and terminations) and bracing shall be maintained
cable tray, and enclosure bonding and grounding shall to: (1) Conduct rated current without overheating;
be maintained to ensure electrical continuity. The only (2) Withstand available fault current.
way to verify that a facility has maintained electrical
continuity in the grounding system is to test and measure From NFPA 70E, Article 210.4 - Insulation integrity
that continuity. This testing is typically performed in shall be maintained to support the voltage impressed.
several steps. First, a fall-of-potential test is performed Insulation failure or breakdown is one of the more
to verify that the grounding electrode or system is significant causes of failures for transformers, cables,
adequately connected to ground. Then many point-to- cable terminations, cable splices, buses, and joints.
point tests are performed to verify adequate connection Because of this, a range of tests has been developed to test
of equipment, raceway, etc. to the grounding electrode. and monitor insulation integrity (insulation resistance
testing, ac and dc high-potential testing, power-factor
From NFPA 70E, Article 205.7 - Enclosures shall testing, polarization index testing, partial discharge
be maintained to guard against accidental contact testing, VLF tan delta, etc.). Combinations of these tests
with energized conductors and circuit parts and other are typically performed in an effort to determine the
electrical hazards. overall health of insulation systems.

From NFPA 70E, Article 205.8 Locks, interlocks, and From NFPA 70E, Article 210.5 - Protective devices
other safety equipment shall be maintained in proper
working condition to accomplish the control purpose.
shall be maintained to adequately withstand or interrupt
available fault current. Maintenance, which includes
operability testing, must be performed on a periodic basis
to ensure that protective devices operate as designed.
With the recent requirements associated with
arc-flash hazards analysis, correct protective
device operation is critical to the accuracy
of the arc-flash analysis, while
minimizing and mitigating the arc-
flash hazards.

100 WINTER 2011 COMMUNICATION IS A KEY ELEMENT TO ELECTRICAL SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE

From NFPA 70E, Article 225.1 - Fuses shall be Over the past 10 years, the above electrical safety
maintained free of breaks or cracks in fuse cases,
ferrules, and insulators. Fuse clips shall be maintained
to provide adequate contact with fuses. Fuseholders
for current-limiting fuses shall not be modified to allow
the insertion of fuses that are not current-limiting. Any
good maintenance program for low-voltage and medium-
voltage, fused disconnect switches includes visual
inspection, contact resistance testing, and fuse resistance
testing. Fuse sizing should be as designed and analyzed.
Any change to a fuse size or type requires a review of the
coordination and arc-flash studies.
From NFPA 70E, Article 225.3 Circuit breakers the electrical safety content for a qualified worker. Worker
that interrupt faults approaching their interrupting
ratings shall be inspected and tested in accordance with
the manufacturers instructions. To feasibly meet this
requirement, an accurate short-circuit study, which is
usually performed along with the arc-flash analysis, is
typically required.
COMMUNICATION IS A KEY ELEMENT
SAFTEY CORNER
communication context should be well known to any
qualified electrical worker. Most employers have provided
very specific training associated with electrical safety in the
workplace. If a qualified electrical worker is not aware of the
requirements discussed above, the workers qualifications
should be questioned.
In summary, effective communication typically considers
both content and context. With respect to electrical safety
in the workplace, the standards and associated written
procedures are the content of effective electrical safety
communication. NFPA 70E is a key document that provides
training, skills, and knowledge of electrical equipment and
electrical hazards provide the context for appropriately or
correctly communicating and implementing the electrical
safety requirements. This knowledge of the electrical
equipment and electrical hazards includes whether correct
system documentation, analyses, maintenance and operability
are being provided for the equipment. With this information,
a qualified worker should be capable of taking requirements
and procedural content and putting them in the appropriate
context to perform an electrical work task safely.
NETAWORLD 101
From big city to small town, east to west, North America to Europe, we are
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Contact Shermco Industries for safe, reliable testing, repair, professional

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 SHERMCO INDUSTRIES
RECOGNIZED AS A
BEST PLACES TO WORK
FINALIST
FOR FIFTH YEAR
For the fifth time, Shermco Industries remains
on the list of Dallas finest companies. The Dallas
Business Journal has recognized Shermco as a
mid-sized company finalist for the publications
2011Best Places to Work.

Shermco earned this distinction by being one of

the top-scoring businesses in an employee survey
administered by the Dallas Business Journal and
the independent research firm, Quantum Market
Research. Over 400 companies entered into the
survey process, but only 18 mid-sized companies
were chosen as finalists. A mid-sized company is
defined as one with 100 to 499 local employees.

Shermco has experienced tremendous growth,

and we are grateful to have dedicated employees
who take pride in their work and our company,
said Ron Widup, President of Shermco Industries.
We continue to expand and have over 50 new
job openings posted! We are committed to our
employees and appreciate their commitment to us.

Founded in 1974 in Dallas and with a corporate

location in Irving, Texas, a sales office in Brussels,
and service centers in Austin, Cedar Rapids, Des
Moines, Houston, Sweetwater, and Tulsa, Shermco
Industries has more than 385 full-time employees.
The company is a NETA Accredited Company.
For more information about Shermco Industries,
visit www.shermco.com.
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NETAWORLD 105
 TECH TIPS

GROUND
TESTING SAFETY
The greatest safety hazard in ground resistance testing is the perceived lack of danger.
The grounding system is often thought of as a dead element, other than in rare events
when a fault clearance is occurring. Even then, it is easy to think that the ground is
absorbing all the energy, and there is no danger. This may not be so! First, even in
seemingly quiescent times when not clearing a fault, the grounding system may be
carrying current - even lots of it. Secondly, an event, such as a fault clearance, does not
have to introduce itself with crackling lightning or ashing sparks such as are popular
on Action News highlights. The biggest risk to the operator during ground testing
is complacency. This article will examine the sources of risk and the standard safety
practices to avoid them.

The first point to consider is the grounding system under seemingly normal operating conditions. BY JE F F JOWE TT,
No breakers are tripping; no storms are on the horizon. The grounding system should be dead, and on Megger
a perfect electrical system, it would be. But load imbalances, harmonics generated by normal operation
of equipment, ground leakage currents, and other imperfections commonly produce current going to
ground. Often this is little more than a nuisance. The system may not be operating perfectly or to peak
performance, equipment may wear more quickly, but such conditions are often considered tolerable and
not worth the effort to remedy. But, there is no fair price on safety! These issues can magnify to the point
of presenting a safety hazard. There are often several amps of current flowing to ground without notice.
Never presume that the ground is not live. Always check it first.

Fortunately, in modern terms, this is easier than might be assumed. Years back, test equipment did not
come with the safety features that are common now, and operators, in the interest of saving time, tended
to develop a cavalier attitude. Leave that to the Three Musketeers. Be familiar with the safety features built
into the unit and pay attention to them. If the ground test instrument is a clamp-on device, a good one
will have a separate current measurement mode. Just set the meter, clamp over the electrode or grounding
conductor, and see whats there. This is a no-brainer as far as the instrument design is concerned. A clamp-
on ground tester already has two windings, one for current and one for voltage, in order to perform the
resistance measurement. A flick of the selector switch can engage the current winding only, and it becomes
a clamp-on current meter. In terms of technology, when in the resistance configuration, the instrument
reads only its own output frequency. But when in the ampere position, measurement becomes broad-band
to include utility frequencies and their harmonics. This can also be an important feature in tracking down
power quality problems, but most important, it alerts the operator that the system is live.

GROIUND TESTING SAFETY NETAWORLD 107

TECH TIPS
Standard three- and four-terminal ground testers may also
have a current clamp function, and this should be used first
to check the system before any physical contact is made. Even
without this feature, most well-designed testers will have
various types of warning indicators. Its easy to overlook them
when eagerly looking for a number, but always be familiar
with an instruments indicators and what they mean. Basic-
function testers that lack any such features should be backed
up with a clamp-on ammeter as part of the tool kit.

Modern ground test sets themselves are not a source of danger.

The sensitivity available with microprocessor technology has
enabled instrument design to be held within safe parameters;
less than 50 volts and only a few milliamperes. Old test sets
remaining in use may not be so limited, so be sure to review
the test sets specifications and respect them. The one other
exception is equipment made for geophysical prospecting,
where more power is needed to drive the signal to great
depths. But these allowances aside, it is not the test equipment
that poses any danger but the tested item; that is to say, the
electrical system that can produce dangerous voltages on
test instrumentation and leads. Be aware of the possibility
of an event. A euphemistic description indeed, but an event
can be extremely energetic, involving thousands of volts and
hundreds of amperes, when a fault or lightning stroke is being
cleared. As with on-line current, the biggest danger here is lack
of perception. Since events are comparatively rare, they often
are readily ignored. Moreover, the danger can be insidiously
non-conspicuous. The weather does not have to be blowing up
around the site or lightning visible close by. A spike or surge
can travel for miles and go to ground through the test circuit.
The danger is real but the protection is simple. Adherence to
well-established industry standard safety practice is all that
is required.

Extended test leads, in addition to the connected power

system, are possible sources of risk. Large grids sometimes
are tested using out-of-service transmission lines in the
current circuit, and these present an inductive hazard. It is
recommended not to schedule field measurements during
periods of forecasted lightning activity. This may seem a
no-brainer, but remember, the hazard is not confined to the
immediate working area. The station being measured and
the power network connected to the station being measured
should all be included. Test leads should not be laid out or
connected to out-of-service lines during such periods. Test
leads should be left disconnected when not in use but still
regarded as potentially energized. Similarly, if lightning is
observed, testing should be ceased and conductors isolated.

108 WINTER 2011 GROIUND TESTING SAFETY


The high voltages associated with lightning can inductively
produce similar voltages on extended leads, and even though
of short duration, the discharge can be lethal if through the
body of the operator.
Standard safety recommendations include the use of insulated
gloves and boots, hard hats, and eye protection. Work should
be carried out on an insulated blanket or dry, crushed
rock. Cable reels should be well insulated or mounted on
an insulating platform, and bare-hand contact between
equipment and test leads avoided. Personnel pulling cable
should be in the clear before connection to instrumentation
is made. Safety grounds should be sized for prospective fault
levels and connected to all equipment frames, while being
removed from the test circuit last. Leads can be fuse-protected,
which safeguards the instrument as well as the operator,
and switches or disconnects can be used to isolate when the
test is not in progress. If necessary, the instrument can be
connected to the grid through resistance voltage dividers or
instrument transformers.
Testing of single-point grounds and smaller facilities can
readily be performed solo, but large grids often call for
teamwork in stringing long leads, measuring, repositioning,
and the like. For safety, it is advisable to have a team leader
coordinate all activities, direct the positioning of leads, and
authorize the energizing and de-energizing of the circuit. A
tailgate meeting before the start of the procedure can serve
as a redundant safety feature, assuring that everyone knows
the plan and their own role. In this way, confusion and
oversights with the attendant safety hazards are prevented.
No one should touch the test circuit without clearance from
the leader. Such practice will prevent situations such as the
instrument operator becoming aware of a live circuit situation
but neglecting to relay the warning to persons at a remote
position, who in turn contact a lead for reasons of their own.
Elementary, but an important safeguard amidst the normal
bustle of a test site. Even radio communication may be in
order for safe and effective testing at the largest sites.
GROIUND TESTING SAFETY
TECH TIPS
Less-extended grounding systems do not require such long
test leads, and indeed may readily be covered by an operator
working alone. However, it is best practice to be familiar with
all the procedures and requirements of the largest and most
demanding sites, typically substations, so that the plan can be
adjusted down safely and without oversight. Finally, persons
performing ground tests around substations and generation
sites should be aware of step and touch potentials. These are
the voltages that can develop in the earth itself, or between a
fence and earth, in the vicinity of a substation during a fault.
They must be kept to safe levels by system design, and must
be measured for conformance. Step and touch potentials were
covered in previous articles and will be reviewed again upon
relevant standard revision.
Next, review will be made of underlying theory of ground
resistance measurement, how it departs from real world
experience, and yet remains relevant and useful.
SOU RC ES OF IN F ORM AT ION :
IEEE Standard 81.2 IEEE Guide for Measurement of
Impedance and Safety Characteristics of Large, Extended or
Interconnected Grounding Systems
ANSI/ASTM D 120 & D 178
Jeffery 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.
NETAWORLD 109
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110 WINTER 2011

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND MEMBER MEETING
September in Boston, Massachusetts was beautiful along the water. Perfect sunny skies, cool breezes
and warm days greeted the NETA Board of Directors and Members for the meetings on September
15-16, 2011. The Board meeting was focused on continuing the major strides made by the Association
over the past year and a half, with more focused efforts placed on continuing to educate the public on
the value of partnering with a NETA Accredited Company. Plans were finalized for a pilot lunch and
learn program that will take place this fall and should open new doors for NETA and its members.

The Member Meeting was once again a great forum for discussion and ideas about the shifting
demographics of electrical testing today. It is plain to see that everyone in attendance is passionate
about their industry, their business, and their contributions to this Association. NETA is continually
grateful to enjoy the participation of these volunteers who support NETA at every level in each
core program.

Rounding out a perfect meeting, Scott Blizard, American Electrical Testing, and his lovely wife
Lori, hosted a New England Clambake at their home on Cape Cod before the meeting. Gracious
hospitality that would give the South a run for its money was equally paired with excellent food and the
best of company.
CONFERENCE IN SESSION
The Electric Light & Power Executive Conference, now in its third year,
focuses on providing utility industry executives with information they need to navigate challenges and seize
opportunities in the energy industry. It provides an exclusive, intimate atmosphere in which industry leaders
can network and discuss important issues with other executives, industry and financial experts and regulators.
The conference is designed to help utilities move toward and adapt to a sustainable energy future.

Todd Buchholz
U.S. economist and bestselling author
Opening Keynote Session - Sunday, Jan. 22, 4 - 5 p.m.
A former director of economic policy at the White House, managing director of the $15 billion
Tiger hedge fund, and award-winning Harvard economics teacher, Todd Buchholz has advised
President Bush and is a frequent commentator on ABC News, PBS and CBS, and recently hosted
his own special on CNBC. Buchholz has debated such luminaries as Lester Thurow and Nobel
Opening Keynote Laureate Joseph Stiglitz. He is co-founder and managing director of Two Oceans Management
Session sponsored by: LLC and was a fellow at Cambridge University in 2009. His newest book, Rush: Why You Need
and Love the Rat Race, has been named a top 10 book for 2011 by Publishers Weekly.

Bill Richardson
Former governor of New Mexico, U.S. energy secretary, U.S. ambassador to the United
Nations and member of the U.S. House of Representatives
Luncheon Keynote Session - Monday, Jan. 23, 12:50 - 2 p.m.
Bill Richardson completed his second term as governor of New Mexico in December 2010. Since
then, he was named chairman of APCO Worldwides executive advisory service Global Political
Strategies (GPS). In addition, Richardson has joined several nonprofit and for-profit boards,
Luncheon Keynote including Abengoas International Advisory Board, the fifth-largest biofuels producer in the U.S.
Session sponsored by: Richardson served 15 years in northern New Mexico representing the 3rd Congressional District.
He served in 1997 as the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., and in 1998 he was unanimously confirmed
by the U.S. Senate as secretary of the Department of Energy. While a congressman, Richardson
won the release of hostages, U.S. servicemen and prisoners in North Korea, Iraq, Cuba and Sudan.
Richardson has been nominated several times for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Jan. 2223, 2012 Grand Hyatt San Antonio http://elpconference.com

Use this promotional code to receive an additional $20 off full conference registration: NETA-N

Owned & Produced by: Presented by: Media Sponsor: Host Utility:

A NS WE R 1
1. List the seven steps involved
with placing equipment in an
electrically-safe work condition:
The seven steps are:
a. Determine all possible sources
of electrical energy.
b. After properly interrupting
the load, open the disconnecting
device for each source.
c. When possible, visually verify all
blades or contacts are open.
d. Apply lockout/tagout devices.
e. Operate the circuit or device, if
possible, to ensure deactivation.
f. Test each conductor for the
absence of voltage.
g. If necessary, ground the circuit.
A N S WE R 2
2. Which OSHA regulation contains
the requirements for electrical
lockout/tagout?
c. 1910.333
1910.147 covers lockout/tagout
of mechanical equipment, while
1910.333(b) covers lockout/tagout
of electrical equipment.
TECH QUIZ ANSWERS
TECH QUIZ ANSWERS
No. 97
A N S W E R S
ANSW ER 3
3. How does electrical lockout/tagout
differ from mechanical
lockout/tagout?
a. Equipment is not considered
deenergized until it has
been tested.
a. is the correct answer. 1910.147
requires that energy sources be blocked
or restrained, and it also requires that
a nylon cable tie or its equivalent be
used for tags. The main difference is
that electrical lockout/tagout requires
a test to verify the absence of voltage.
Until this test is performed, it must be
considered energized.
ANSW ER 4
4. Which NFPA 70E article covers
placing equipment in an electrically-
safe work condition?
c. Article 120
Article 100 covers definitions,
Article 110 covers general
requirements, Article 120 covers
placing equipment in an electrically-
safe work condition, and
Article 130 covers work involving
electrical hazards.
AN SW ER 5
5. Name the hazard involved
with placing an electrical system in
an electrically-safe work condition.
f. All the above
f. There are specific hazards associated
with the different configurations of
electrical power systems. Double-
ended substations have twice the
incident energy if both main breakers
and the tie breaker are closed. Ring
bus or loop systems will usually have
energized stabs on the end breakers.
Tie breakers can have both sets of stabs
energized. The important thing is to
be aware of the configuration of the
system and expect the unexpected. In
other words, dont make assumptions.
NFPA Disclaimer: Although Jim White is a
member of the NFPA Technical Committee for both
NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in
the Workplace and NFPA 70B Recommended
Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance,
the views and opinions expressed in this message 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, nor be
relied upon as, a formal interpretation or promotion
of the NFPA. Readers are encouraged to refer to the
entire text of all referenced documents.
NETAWORLD 113
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SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS ACTIVITY

ANSI/NETA STANDARDS UPDATES

In keeping with NETAs branding initiative,

the covers of all three ANSI/NETA Standards
have undergone revision and all future editions
will reflect the new cover designs. If you have
any questions about the ANSI/NETA Standards,
including how to specify testing to the ANSI/
NETA Standards, please contact the NETA office
at neta@netaworld.org or call 888-300-6382.

A NS I/NE TA ATS-2 0 1 3 ANSI/N ETA M T S-2 0 1 1 AN SI/N ETA ET T-2 010

The ANSI/NETA Standard for
Acceptance Testing Specifications for
Electrical Power Equipment and
System is scheduled to be published
as a revised document in 2013. These
specifications cover 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 manufacturer's
tolerances, and are installed in
accordance with design specifications.
Work on this document began in the
spring of 2011. Once completed, this
standard will carry the designation of
ANSI/NETA ATS-2013.
NEW E D IT ION !
On May 16, 2011, NETA received
notification that the ANSI/NETA
Standard for Maintenance Testing
Specifications for Electrical Power
Equipment and Systems was approved as
a revised American National Standard.
This document contains specifications
which cover the suggested field tests
and inspections that are available to
assess the suitability for continued
service and reliability of electrical power
distribution equipment and systems.
The purpose of these specifications is to
assure that tested electrical equipment
and systems are operational and within
applicable standards and manufacturers
tolerances and that the equipment
and systems are suitable for continued
service. It is available in hard copy, PDF,
and CD Rom formats. Order your copy
today at www.netaworld.org.
The ANSI/NETA Standard for
Certification of Electrical Testing
Technicians was approved as an
American National Standard on
January 8, 2010. The document
was originally approved as an ANSI
standard in 2000. This standard
establishes minimum requirements for
qualifications, certification, training,
and experience for the electrical testing
technician. It also provides criteria
for documenting qualifications and
certification and details the minimum
qualifications for an independent and
impartial certifying body to certify
electrical testing technicians..

PAR TIC IPAT IO N

Comments and suggestions are always welcome on any of the standards and should be
directed to the NETA office at neta@netaworld.org or 888-300-6382. To learn more
about the NETA standards review and revision process, purchase these standards, or to
get involved, please visit www.netaworld.org or call 888-300-6382.

116 WINTER 2011 ANSI/NETA STANDARDS UPDATES

 ANSI/NETA MTS-2011

ORDER NOW!
NEW ANSI/NETA
MTS 2011
NETA Standard for
Maintenance Testing Specifications STANDARD FOR
for Electrical Power Equipment
and Systems!
MAINTENANCE
TESTING SPECIFICATIONS
FOR ELECTRICAL POWER
EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS

This document specifies field tests and inspections used to

assess the suitability for continued service and reliability
Join NETAs electrical power equipment and systems.
of el
Affiliate Program
MTS 2011 covers equipment such as:
MT
today for Savings
on MTS 2011. Switchgear Rotating machinery
Transformers Motors
Receive additional
Cables Batteries
discounts on
Switches Capacitors and reactors
PowerTest 2012 and
Circuit breakers and more...
all NETA publications.
Protective relays
Go to
www.netaworld.org Also included:
or call
New section on Nickel-Cadmium Batteries
888-300-NETA (6382)
Document references applicable industry standards
 Register Today!
Early Bird Registration Open Now!

2012

2012 Electrical Maintenance and Safety Event

February 27 March 1, 2012
Omni Fort Worth Fort Worth, Texas
Featuring:
Keynote Speaker Tim Autrey,
Practicing Perfection Institute
Presenting: No More Kicking the Can Down the Road

Main attractions:
Technical Presentations: Safety, Reliability, Equipment,
Codes and Inspections, Rotating Equipment
Transformers Symposium
Safety Summit
Panels: Relays, Motors and Generators,
Circuit Breakers
High Power Seminars
Networking with Industry Leaders

www.powertest.org
888-300-NETA (6382)
 AFFILIATE PROGRAM

Join as a
NETA Afliate.
NETA and our NETA
Accredited Companies
invite YOU to become a part of
NETAs technical community and take
advantage of the many benefits of
becoming a NETA Gold
or Standard Affiliate.

As a NETA Affiliate you can

participate in NETAs Technical
Working Committee, qualify for
substantial discounts, and access
industry leading experts and
technical resources.

Gold Affiliates Recieve a

Complimentary PowerTest
Conference Registration.

Call or go online to sign up for your NETA Afliate Subscription today!

Go to www.netaworld.org or give us a call at 888-300-NETA (6382).
NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES Setting the Standard

A&F Electrical Testing, Inc. American Electrical Testing Co., Inc. C.E. Testing, Inc.
80 Lake Ave. South, Ste. 10 1811 Executive Dr., Ste. M 6148 Tim Crews Rd. ELECT, P.C.
Nesconset, NY 11767 Indianapolis, IN 46241 Macclenny, FL 32063 7400-G Siemens Rd., P.O. Box 2080
(631) 584-5625 Fax: (631) 584-5720 (317) 487-2111 Fax: (781) 821-0771 (904) 653-1900 Fax: (904) 653-1911 Wendell, NC 27591
kchilton@afelectricaltesting.com rramsey@99aetco.us cetesting@aol.com (919) 365-9775 Fax: (919) 365-9789
www.afelectricaltesting.com www.99aetco.com Mark Chapman btyndall@elect-pc.com
Kevin Chilton Rick Ramsey www.elect-pc.com
CE Power Solutions, LLC Barry W. Tyndall
A&F Electrical Testing, Inc. American Electrical Testing Co., Inc. 4500 W. Mitchell Ave.
80 Broad St. 5th Floor Green Hills Commerce Center Cincinnati, OH 45232 Electric Power Systems, Inc.
New York, NY 10004 5925 Tilghman St., Ste. 200 (513) 563-6150 Fax: (513) 563-6120 21 Millpark Ct.
(631) 584-5625 Fax: (631) 584-5720 Allentown, PA 18104 info@cepowersol.com Maryland Heights, MO 63043-3536
afelectricaltesting@afelectricaltesting.com (215) 219-6800 Mark McCloy (314) 890-9999 Fax: (314) 890-9998
www.afelectricaltesting.com jmunley@aetco.us cfr@eps-international.com
Florence Chilton www.99aetco.us CE Power Solutions of Wisconsin, LLC www.eps-international.com
Jonathan Munley 3255 W. Highview Dr. Steve Reed
Advanced Testing Systems Appleton, WI 54914
15 Trowbridge Dr. American Electrical Testing Co., Inc. (920) 968-0281 Fax: (920) 968-0282 Electric Power Systems, Inc.
Bethel, CT 06801 1672 SE 80th Bella Vista Dr. jimvh@cepowersol.com 557 E. Juanita Avenue, #4
(203) 743-2001 Fax: (203) 743-2325 The Villages, FL 32162 James Van Handel Mesa, AZ 85204
pmaccarthy@advtest.com (727) 447-4503 Fax: (727) 447-4984 (480) 633-1490 Fax: (480) 633-7092
www.advtest.com rhoffman@aetco.us DYMAX Holdings, Inc. www.eps-international.com
Pat MacCarthy www.99aetco.com 4751 Mustang Circle Louis G. Gilbert
Bob Hoffman St. Paul, MN 55112
American Electrical Testing Co., Inc. (763) 717-3150 Fax: (763) 784-5397 Electric Power Systems, Inc.
480 Neponset St., Building 3 Apparatus Testing and Engineering gphilipp@dymaxservice.com 4436 Parkway Commerce Blvd.
Canton, MA 02021-1970 11300 Sanders Dr., Ste. 29 www.dymaxservice.com Orlando, FL 32808
(781) 821-0121 Fax: (781) 821-0771 Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 Gene Philipp (407) 578-6424 Fax: 407-578-6408
sblizard@aetco.us (916) 853-6280 Fax: (916) 853-6258 www.eps-international.com
www.99aetco.com jlawler@apparatustesting.com High Voltage Service, Inc. Doug Pacey
Scott A. Blizard www.apparatustesting.com 4751 Mustang Circle
James Lawler St. Paul, MN 55112 Electric Power Systems, Inc.
American Electrical Testing Co., Inc. (763) 717-3103 Fax: (763) 784-5397 6753 E. 47th Avenue Dr., Unit D
34 Clover Dr. Apparatus Testing and Engineering www.hvserviceinc.com Denver, CO 80216
South Windsor, CT 06074 7083 Commerce Circle, Ste. H Mike Mavetz (720) 857-7273 Fax: 303-928-8020
(860) 648-1013 Fax: (781) 821-0771 Pleasanton, CA 94588 www.eps-international.com
jpoulin@aetco.us (925) 454-1363 Fax: (925) 454-1499 DYMAX Service Inc. Thomas C. Reed
www.99aetco.com info@apparatustesting.com 23426 Industrial Park Ct.
Gerald Poulin www.apparatustesting.com Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2854 Electric Power Systems, Inc.
Harold ( Jerry) Carr (248) 477-6066 Fax: (248) 477-6069 23823 Andrew Rd.
American Electrical Testing Co., Inc. www.dymaxservice.com Plainfield, IL 60585
76 Cain Dr. Applied Engineering Concepts Bruce Robinson (815) 577-9515 Fax: (815) 577-9516
Brentwood, NY 11717 1105 N. Allen Ave. www.eps-international.com
(631) 617-5330 Fax: (631) 630-2292 Pasadena, CA 91104 DYMAX Service Inc. George Bratkiv
mschacker@aetco.us (626) 398-3052 Fax: (626) 398-3053 4213 Kropf Ave.
www.99aetco.com michel.c@aec-us.com Canton, OH 44706 Electric Power Systems, Inc.
Michael Schacker www.aec-us.com (330) 484-6801 Fax: (740) 333-1271 2601 Center Rd., # 101
Michel Castonguay www.dymaxservice.com Hinckley, OH 44233
American Electrical Testing Co., Inc. Gary Swank (330) 460-3706 Fax: (330) 460-3708
50 Intervale Rd., Ste. 1 Burlington Electrical Testing Co., Inc. www.eps-international.com
Boonton, NJ 07005 300 Cedar Ave. Eastern High Voltage Garth Paul
(973) 316-1180 Fax: (781) 316-1181 Croydon, PA 19021-6051 11A South Gold Dr.
trosato@aetco.us (215) 826-9400 (221) Robbinsville, NJ 08691-1606 Electric Power Systems, Inc.
www.99aetco.com Fax: (215) 826-0964 (609) 890-8300 Fax: (609) 588-8090 1129 East Hwy 30
Anthony Rosato waltc@betest.com joewilson@easternhighvoltage.com Gonzalez, LA 70737
www.betest.com www.easternhighvoltage.com (225) 644-0150 Fax: (225) 644-6249
Walter P. Cleary Joseph Wilson www.eps-international.com
C.J. Theriot

120 WINTER 2011 NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES


Electric Power Systems, Inc.
827 Union St.
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 375-0084 Fax: (540) 375-0094
virginia@eps-international.com
www.eps-international.com
Bruce Eppers
Electric Power Systems, Inc.
915 Holt Ave., Unit 9
Manchester, NH 03109
(603) 657-7371 Fax: 603-657-7370
www.eps-international.com
Cindy Taylor
Electric Power Systems, Inc.
146 Space Park Dr.
Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 834-0999 Fax: (615) 834-0129
www.eps-international.com
Larry Christodoulou
Electric Power Systems, Inc.
1090 Montour West Industrial Blvd.
Coraopolis, PA 15108
(412) 276-4559
www.eps-international.com
Ed Nahm
Electric Power Systems, Inc.
6141 Connecticut Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64120
(816) 241-9990 Fax: (816) 241-9992
www.eps-international.com
Joe Dillon
EPS Technology
29 N. Plains Hwy., Ste. 12
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 649-0145
www.eps-technology.com
Chris Myers
Electrical & Electronic Controls
6149 Hunter Rd.
Ooltewah, TN 37363
(423) 344-7666 (23)
Fax: (423) 344-4494
eecontrols@comcast.net
Michael Hughes
Electrical Energy Experts, Inc.
W129N10818, Washington Dr.
Germantown, WI 53022
(262) 255-5222 Fax: (262) 242-2360
bill@electricalenergyexperts.com
www.electricalenergyexperts.com
William Styer
NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES
NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES
Electrical Equipment Upgrading, Inc.
21 Telfair Place
Savannah, GA 31415
(912) 232-7402 Fax: (912) 233-4355
kmiller@eeu-inc.com
www.eeu-inc.com
Kevin Miller
Electrical Maintenance & Testing Inc.
7301 N. Georgetown Rd., Ste. 212
Indianapolis, IN 46268
(317) 471-8600 Fax: (317) 471-8605
www.emtesting.com
Brian K. Borst
Electrical Reliability Services
1057 Doniphan Park Circle, Ste. A
El Paso, TX 79922
(915) 587-9440 Fax: (915) 587-9010
www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
1775 W. University Dr., Ste. 128
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 966-4568 Fax: (480) 966-4569
www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
1455 East Sam Houston Parkway S.,
Ste. 190
Pasadena, TX 77503
(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
5810 Van Allen Way
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 804-2972
www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
8500 Washington St. 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 Parkway 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.
Lees Summit, MO 64086
(816) 525-7156 Fax: (816) 524-3274
www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
6900 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 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
14141 Airline Hwy, Bldg. 1, Ste. X
Baton Rouge, LA 70817
(225) 755-0530 Fax: (225) 751-5055
www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
121 E. Hwy. 108
Sulphur, LA 70665
(337) 583-2411 Fax: (337) 583-2410
www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
5580 Enterprice Parkway
Ft. Myers, FL 33905-5507
(239) 693-7100 Fax: (239) 693-7772
www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
2222 West Valley Hwy. N., Ste 160
Auburn, WA 98001
(253) 736-6010 Fax: (253) 736-6015
www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
3412 South 1400 West, Unit A
West Valley City, UT 84119
(801) 975-6461
www.electricalreliability.com
NETAWORLD
Setting the Standard
Electrical Reliability Services
6351 Hinson St., Ste. B
Las Vegas, NV 89118
(702) 597-0020 Fax: (702) 597-0095
www.electricalreliability.com
Electrical Reliability Services
610 Executive Campus Dr.
Westerville, OH 43082
(877) 468-6384 Fax: (614) 410-8420
info@electricalreliability.com
www.electricalreliability.com
Elemco Services, Inc.
228 Merrick Rd.
Lynbrook, NY 11563
(631) 589-6343 Fax: (631) 589-6670
BobW@elemco.com
www.elemco.com
Robert J. White
Electrical Testing, Inc.
2671 Cedartown Hwy
Rome, Ga 30161
(706) 234-7623 Fax: (706) 236-9028
steve@electricaltestinginc.com
www.electricaltestinginc.com
Steve C. Dodd Sr.
Grubb Emgineering, Inc.
3128 Sidney Brooks
San Antonio, Tx 78235
(210) 658-7250 Fax: (210) 658-9805
bobby@grubbengineering.com
www.grubbengineering.com
Robert D. Grubb Jr.
Hampton Tedder Technical Services
4571 State St.
Montclair, CA 91763
(909) 628-1256 x214
Fax: (909) 628-6375
matt.tedder@hamptontedder.com
www.hamptontedder.com
Matt Tedder
Hampton Tedder Technical Services
4920 Alto Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89115
(702) 452-9200 Fax: (702) 453-5412
www.hamptontedder.com
Roger Cates
Hampton Tedder Technical Services
3747 West Roanoke Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85009
(480) 967-7765 Fax: (480) 967-7762
www.hamptontedder.com
121
NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES
Harford Electrical Testing Co., Inc.
1108 Clayton Rd.
Joppa, MD 21085
(410) 679-4477 Fax: (410) 679-0800
harfordtesting@aol.com
Vincent Biondino
High Energy Electrical Testing, Inc.
2119 Orien Rd.
Toms River, NJ 08755-1366
(732) 286-4088 Fax: (732) 286-4086
hinrg@comcast.net
www.highenergyelectric.com
James P. Ratshin
High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
24 Walpole Park South Dr.
Walpole, MA 02081
(508) 668-9205
www.hvmcorp.com
High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
941 Busse Rd.
Elk Grove Village, Il 60007
(847) 228-9595
www.hvmcorp.com
High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
7200 Industrial Park Blvd.
Mentor, OH 44060
(440) 951-2706 Fax: (440) 951-6798
www.hvmcorp.com
High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
3000 S. Calhoun Rd.
New Berlin, WI 53151
(262) 784-3660 Fax: (262) 784-5124
www.hvmcorp.com
High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
8320 Brookville Rd. #E
Indianapolis, IN 46239
(317) 322-2055 Fax: (317) 322-2056
www.hvmcorp.com
High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
1250 Broadway, Ste. 2300
New York, NY 10001
(718) 239-0359
www.hvmcorp.com
High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
355 Vista Park Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15205-1206
(412) 747-0550 Fax: (412) 747-0554
www.hvmcorp.com
High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
150 North Plains Industrial Rd.
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 949-2650 Fax: (203) 949-2646
www.hvmcorp.com
122 WINTER 2011
High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
9305 Gerwig Ln., Ste. B
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 309-5970 Fax: (410) 309-0220
www.hvmcorp.com
High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
1455 Jamike Dr., Ste. 5
Erlanger, KY 41018
(859) 371-5355 Fax: (859) 371-5399
www.hvmcorp.com
High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
24371 Catherine Industrial Dr.
Ste. 207
Novi, MI 48375
(248) 305-5596 Fax: (248) 305-5579
www.hvmcorp.com
High Voltage Maintenance Corp.
5100 Energy Dr.
Dayton, OH 45414
(937) 278-0811 Fax: (937) 278-7791
www.hvmcorp.com
HMT, Inc.
6268 Route 31
Cicero, NY 13039
(315) 699-5563 Fax: (315) 699-5911
jpertgen@hmt-electric.com
www.hmt-electric.com
John Pertgen
Industrial Electric Testing, Inc.
11321 West Distribution Ave.
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 260-8378 Fax: (904) 260-0737
gbenzenberg@bellsouth.net
www.industrialelectrictesting.com
Gary Benzenberg
Industrial Electric Testing, Inc.
201 NW 1st Ave.
Hallandale, FL 33009-4029
(954) 456-7020
www.industrialelectrictesting.com
Industrial Electronics Group
P.O. Box 1870
850369 Highway 17 South
Yulee, FL 32041
(904) 225-9529 Fax: (904) 225-0834
butch@industrialgroups.com
www.industrialgroups.com
Butch E. Teal
Industrial Tests, Inc.
4021 Alvis Ct., Ste. 1
Rocklin, CA 95677
(916) 296-1200 Fax: (916) 632-0300
greg@indtests.com
www.industrialtests.com
Greg Poole
Setting the Standard
Infra-Red Building and Power Service
152 Centre St.
Holbrook, MA 02343-1011
(781) 767-0888 Fax: (781) 767-3462
tom.mcdonald@infraredbps.net
www.infraredbps.com
Thomas McDonald Sr.
M&L Power Systems, Inc.
109 White Oak Ln., Ste. 82
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
(732) 679-1800 Fax: (732) 679-9326
dan@mlpower.com
www.mlpower.com
Darshan Arora
Magna Electric Corporation
2361 Industrial Dr., Box 995
Regina, SK S4P 3B2
Canada
(306) 949-8131 Fax: (306) 522-9181
kheid@magnaelectric.com
www.magnaelectric.com
Kerry Heid
Magna Electric Corporation
3430 25th St. NE
Calgary, AB T1Y 6C1
Canada
(403) 769-9300 Fax: (403)769-9369
ppetrie@magnaelectric.com
www.magnaelectric.com
Pat Petrie
Magna Electric Corporation
851-58th St. East
Saskatoon, SK S7K 6X5
Canada
(306) 955-8131 x 5
Fax: (306) 955-9181
www.magnaelectric.com
Luis Wilson
Magna Electric Corporation
1683 Church Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R2X2Y7
Canada
(204) 925-4022 Fax: (204) 925-4021
cbrandt@magnaelectric.com
www.magnaelectric.com
Curtis Brandt
Magna IV Engineering
4103 - 97th St., N.W.
Edmonton, AB T6E 6E9
Canada
(780) 462-3111 Fax: (780) 462-9799
jwentzell@magnaiv.com
www.magnaiv.com
Jereme Wentzell
NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES
Magna IV Engineering
Unit 10, 10672- 46 St. S.E.
Calgary, AB T2C 1G1
Canada
(403) 723-0575 Fax: (403) 723-0580
info.calgary@magnaiv.com
Jereme Wentzell
Magna IV Engineering
8219D Fraser Ave.
Fort McMurray, AB T9H 0A2
Canada
(780) 791-3122 Fax: (780) 791-3159
info.fmcmurray@magnaiv.com
Jereme Wentzell
Magna IV Engineering
96 Inverness Dr. East, Unit R
Englewood, CO 80112
(303) 799-1273 Fax: (303) 790-4816
info.denver@magnaiv.com
Jereme Wentzell
Magna IV Engineering
Oficina 1407 Torre Norte
481 Nueva Tajamar
Las Condes, Region Metropolitana
7550099
Chile
+(56) 9-9-517-4642
info.chile@magnaiv.com
Jereme Wentzell
Magna IV Engineering
1040 Winnipeg St.
Regina , SK S4R 8P8
Canada
(306) 504-6501 Fax: (306) 729-4897
info.regina@magnaiv.com
Jereme Wentzell
MET Electrical Testing LLC
3602 East Southern Ave., Ste. 1 & 2
Phoenix, AZ 85040
(602) 796-6583 Fax:
www.met-test.com
Mike Ferguson
MET Electrical Testing LLC
6280 South Valley View Blvd.,
Ste. 618
Las Vegas, NV 89118
(702) 216-0982 Fax: (702) 216-0983
www.met-test.com
Terry Travelstead
MET Electrical Testing LLC
814 Greenbrier Circle, Ste. E
Chesapeake, VA 23320
(757) 548-5690 Fax: (757) 548-5417
www.met-test.com
Mark Anthony Gaughan, III

MET Electrical Testing LLC
3700 Commerce Dr. #901-903
Baltimore, MD 21227
(410) 247-3300 Fax: (410) 247-0900
www.met-test.com
Bill Hartman
MET Electrical Testing LLC
710 Thomson Park Dr.
Cranberry Township, PA 16066-6427
(724) 772-4638 Fax: (724) 772-6003
william.mckenzie@met.lincfs.com
www.met-test.com
William (Pete) McKenzie
Carolina Electrical Testing Co.
5805 G Departure Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27616
(919) 877-1008 Fax: (919) 501-7492
www.met-test.com
Mark Robinson
Substation Test Co.
4390 Parliament Place, Ste. Q
Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 967-3500 Fax: (301) 735-8953
www.met-test.com
Frank Ceci
National Field Services
649 Franklin St.
Lewisville, TX 75057
(972) 420-0157
www.natlfield.com
Eric Beckman
Nationwide Electrical Testing, Inc.
6050 Southard Trace
Cumming, GA 30040
(770) 667-1875 Fax: (770) 667-6578
Shashi@N-E-T-Inc.com
www.n-e-t-inc.com
Shashikant B. Bagle
North Central Electric, Inc.
69 Midway Ave.
Hulmeville, PA 19047-5827
(215) 945-7632 Fax: (215) 945-6362
ncetest@aol.com
Robert Messina
Northern Electrical Testing, Inc.
1991 Woodslee Dr.
Troy, MI 48083-2236
(248) 689-8980 Fax: (248) 689-3418
ldetterman@northerntesting.com
www.northerntesting.com
Lyle Detterman
NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES
NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES
Orbis Engineering Field Services Ltd.
#300, 9404 - 41st Ave.
Edmonton, AB T6E 6G8
Canada
(780) 988-1455 Fax: (780) 988-0191
lorne@orbisengineering.net
www.orbisengineering.net
Lorne Gara
Pacific Power Testing, Inc.
14280 Doolittle Dr.
San Leandro, CA 94577
(510) 351-8811 Fax: (510) 351-6655
steve@pacificpowertesting.com
www.pacificpowertesting.com
Steve Emmert
Pacific Powertech, Inc.
#110, 2071 Kingsway Ave.
Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 1T2
Canada
(604) 944-6697 Fax: (604) 944-1271
chite@pacificpowertech.ca
www.magnaiv.ca
Cameron Hite
Phasor Engineering
Sabaneta Industrial Park #216
Mercedita, PR 715
Puerto Rico
(787) 844-9366 Fax: (787) 841-6385
rcastro@phasorinc.com
Rafael Castro
Potomac Testing, Inc.
1610 Professional Blvd., Ste. A
Crofton, MD 21114
(301) 352-1930 Fax: (301) 352-1936
kbassett@potomactesting.com
www.potomactesting.com
Ken Bassett
Potomac Testing, Inc.
11179 Hopson Rd., Ste. 5
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 798-7334 Fax: (804) 798-7456
www.potomactesting.com
Power & Generation Testing, Inc.
480 Cave Rd.
Nashville, TN 37210
(615) 882-9455 Fax: (615) 882-9591
mose@pgti.net
www.pgti.net
Mose Ramieh
Power Engineering Services, Inc.
9179 Shadow Creek Lane
Converse, TX 78109
(210) 590-4936 Fax: (210) 590-6214
engelke@pe-svcs.com
www.pe-svcs.com
Miles R. Engelke
POWER PLUS Engineering, Inc.
46575 Magallan Dr.
Novi, MI 48377
(248) 344-0200 Fax: (248) 305-9105
smancuso@epowerplus.com
www.epowerplus.com
Salvatore Mancuso
Power Products & Solutions, Inc.
12465 Grey Commercial Rd.
Midland, NC 28107
(704) 573-0420 x12
Fax: (704) 573-3693
ralph.patterson@powerproducts.biz
www.powerproducts.biz
Ralph Patterson
Power Products & Solutions, Inc.
13 Jenkins Ct.
Mauldin, SC 29662
Fax: (800) 328-7382
ralph.patterson@powerproducts.biz
www.powerproducts.biz
Raymond Pesaturo
Power Services, LLC
P.O. Box 750066, 998 Dimco Way
Centerville, OH 45475
(937) 439-9660 Fax: (937) 439-9611
jbydash@att.net
Gerald Bydash
Power Solutions Group, Ltd.
2001 Commerce Dr.
Sidney, OH 45365
(937) 497-2025 Fax: (937) 492-3911
bwilloughby@powersolutionsgroup.com
www.powersolutionsgroup.com
Barry Willoughby
Power Systems Testing Co.
4688 W. Jennifer Ave., Ste. 108
Fresno, CA 93722
(559) 275-2171 ext 15
Fax: (559) 275-6556
dave@pstcpower.com
www.powersystemstesting.com
David Huffman
Power Systems Testing Co.
600 S. Grand Ave., Ste. 113
Santa Ana, CA 92705-4152
(714) 542-6089 Fax: (714) 542-0737
www.powersystemstesting.com
Power Systems Testing Co.
2267 Claremont Ct.
Hayward, CA 94545-5001
(510) 783-5096 Fax: (510) 732-9287
www.powersystemstesting.com
Setting the Standard
Power Test, Inc.
2200 Highway 49
Harrisburg, NC 28075
(704) 200-8311 Fax: (704) 455-7909
rich@powertestinc.com
www.powertestinc.com
Richard Walker
POWER Testing and Energization, Inc.
14006 NW 3rd Ct., Ste. 101
Vancouver, WA 98685
(360) 576-4826 Fax: (360) 576-7182
chris.zavadlov@powerte.com
www.powerte.com
Chris Zavadlov
POWER Testing and Energization, Inc.
731 E. Ball Rd., Ste. 100
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 507-2702
http://www.powerte.com
POWER Testing and Energization, Inc.
22035 70th Ave. South
Kent, WA 98032
(253) 872-7747
www.powerte.com
Powertech Services, Inc.
4095 South Dye Rd.
Swartz Creek, MI 48473-1570
(810) 720-2280 Fax: (810) 720-2283
jbrown@powertechservices.com
www.powertechservices.com
Jean A. Brown
Precision Testing Group
18590 Wedemeyer Rd.
Kiowa, CO 80117
(303) 621-2776 Fax: (303) 621-2573
glenn@precisiontestinggroup.com
Glenn Stuckey
PRIT Service, Inc.
112 Industrial Dr., P.O. Box 606
Minooka, IL 60447
(815) 467-5577 Fax: (815) 467-5883
Rod.Hageman@pritserviceinc.com
www.pritserviceinc.com
Rod Hageman
Reuter & Hanney, Inc.
149 Railroad Dr.
Northampton Industrial Park
Ivyland, PA 18974
(215) 364-5333 Fax: (215) 364-5365
mikereuter@reuterhanney.com
www.reuterhanney.com
Michael Reuter
NETAWORLD 123
NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES
Reuter & Hanney, Inc.
4270-I Henninger Ct.
Chantilly, VA 20151
(703) 263-7163 Fax: 703-263-1478
www.reuterhanney.com
Reuter & Hanney, Inc.
1371 Brass Mill Rd., Unit E
Belcamp, MD 21017
(410) 297-9566 Fax: (410) 297-9984
www.reuterhanney.com
Michael Jester
REV Engineering, LTD
3236 - 50 Ave. SE
Calgary, AB T2B 3A3
Canada
(403) 287-0156 Fax: (403) 287-0198
rdavidson@reveng.ca
www.reveng.ca
Roland Nicholas Davidson, IV
Scott Testing Inc.
1698 5th St.
Ewing, NJ 08638
(609) 882-2400 Fax: (609) 882-5660
rsorbello@scotttesting.com
www.scotttesting.com
Russ Sorbello
Shermco Industries
2425 E. Pioneer Dr.
Irving, TX 75061
(972) 793-5523 Fax: (972) 793-5542
rwidup@shermco.com
www.shermco.com
Ron Widup
Shermco Industries
1705 Hur Industrial Blvd.
Cedar Park, TX 78613
(512) 259-3060 Fax: (512) 258-5571
kewing@shermco.com
www.shermco.com
Kevin Ewing
Shermco Industries
33002 FM 2004
Angleton, TX 77515
(979) 848-1406 Fax: (979) 848-0012
mfrederick@shermco.com
www.shermco.com
Malcom Frederick
124 WINTER 2011
Setting the Standard
Shermco Industries Southwest Energy Systems, LLC Tony Demaria Electric, Inc.
1357 N. 108th E. Ave. 2231 East Jones Ave., Ste. A 131 West F St.
Tulsa, OK 74116 Phoenix, AZ 85040 Wilmington, CA 90744
(918) 234-2300 (602) 438-7500 Fax: (602) 438-7501 (310) 816-3130 x 111
jharrison@shermco.com bob.sheppard@southwestenergysystems.com Fax: (310) 549-9747
www.shermco.com www.southwestenergysystems.com tde@tdeinc.com
Jim Harrison Robert Sheppard www.tdeinc.com
Anthony Demaria
Shermco Industries Taurus Power & Controls, Inc.
777 10th St. 9999 SW Avery St. Trace Electrical Services & Testing, LLC
Marion, IA 52302 Tualatin, OR 97062-9517 293 Whitehead Rd.
(319) 377-3377 Fax: (319) 377-3399 (503) 692-9004 Fax: (503) 692-9273 Hamilton, NJ 08619
Lhamrick@shermco.com robtaurus@tauruspower.com (609) 588-8666 Fax: (609) 588-8667
www.shermco.com www.tauruspower.com jvasta@tracetesting.com
Lynn Hamrick Rob Bulfinch www.tracetesting.com
Joseph Vasta
Shermco Industries Taurus Power & Controls, Inc.
2100 Dixon St., Ste. C 6617 S. 193rd Place , Ste. P104 Utilities Instrumentation Service, Inc.
Des Moines, IA 50316 Kent, WA 98032 PO Box 981123
Fax: (515) 263-8482 (425) 656-4170 Fax: (425) 656-4172 Ypsilanti, MI 48198-1123
DesMoines@shermco.com jiml@tauruspower.com (734) 482-1450 (14)
www.shermco.com www.taruspower.com Fax: (734) 482-0035
Lynn Hamrick Jim Lightner GEWalls@UISCorp.com
www.uiscorp.com
Shermco Industries Three-C Electrical Co., Inc. Gary E. Walls
Boulevard Saint-Michel 47 190 Pleasant St.
1040 Brussels Ashland, MA 01721 Utility Service Corporation
Brussels, (508) 881-3911 Fax: (508) 881-4814 4614 Commercial Dr. NW
Belgium jim@three-c.com Huntsville, AL 35816-2201
+32 (0)2 400 00 54 www.three-c.com (256) 837-8400 Fax: (256) 837-8403
Fax: +32 (0)2 400 00 32 Jim Cialdea apeterson@utilserv.com
cperry@shermco.com www.utilserv.com
www.shermco.com Three-C Electrical Co., Inc. Alan D. Peterson
Chris Perry 79 Leighton Rd., Ste. 9
Augusta, ME 04330 Western Electrical Services
Sigma Six Solutions, Inc. (800) 649-6314 Fax: (207) 782-0162 14311 29th St. East
2200 West Valley Hwy., Ste. 100 jim@three-c.com Sumner , WA 98390
Auburn, WA 98001 www.three-c.com (253) 891-1995 Fax: (253) 891-1511
(253) 333-9730 Fax: (253) 859-5382 Jim Cialdea dhook@westernelectricalservices.com
jwhite@sigmasixinc.com www.westernelectricalservices.com
www.sigmasixinc.com Tidal Power Services, LLC Daniel Hook
John White 4202 Chance Lane
Rosharon, TX 77583 Western Electrical Services
Sigma Six Solutions, Inc. (281) 710-9150 Fax: (713) 583-1216 5680 South 32nd St.
1004 Wurzbach Rd., #226 monty.janak@tidalpowerservices.com Phoenix, AZ 85040
San Antonio, TX 78230 www.tidalpowerservices.com (253) 891-1995
info@sigmasixinc.com Monty C. Janak dhook@westernelectricalservices.com
www.sigmasixinc.com www.westernelectricalservices.com
Daniel Hook
Southern New England Electrical Testing, LLC
3 Buel St., Unit 2
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 269-8778 Fax: (203) 269-8775
dave.asplund@sneet.org
www.sneet.org
David Asplund, Sr.
NETA ACCREDITED COMPANIES
ADVERTISERS
This issues advertisers are identified below.
Please thank these advertises by telling them you
saw their advertisement in YOUR magazine
NETA World.
INDEPENDENT NETA
ACCREDITED COMPANIES
American Electrical Testing Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Apparatus Testing and Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Burlington Electrical Testing Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Eastern High Voltage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Electrical Energy Experts, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Electrical Reliability Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Elemco Testing Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Harford Electrical Testing Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
High Voltage Maintenance Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Industrial Electrical Testing, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Infra-Red Building and Power Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
M&L Power Systems, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
National Field Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Nationwide Electrical Testing, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
North Central Electric, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Orbis Engineering Field Services, Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
PACIFIC POWERTECH, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Potomac Testing, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Power & Generation Testing, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Power Products & Solutions, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Power Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Power Systems Testing Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
POWER Testing and Energization, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
PRIT Service, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Scott Testing, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Shermco Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Sigma Six Solutions, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Taurus Power & Controls, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Three-C Electrical Co. Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Tony Demaria Electric, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Trace Electrical Services & Testing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Utility Service Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
126 WINTER 2011
MANUFACTURERS AND
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
ABB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover
AEMC Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Aero Tec Laboratories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Ampteks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Arbiter Systems, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Arc Flash Study Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Avox Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Basler Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
BCS Switchgear, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Belyea Company, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Black and Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76, 125
Burlington Safety Laboratory, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
CBS ArcSafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
CBS ArcSafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Doble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
EC&M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Electric Light and Power Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Electric Service Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 46
ElectroRent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37, 56
ESW 2012 IEEE IAS Electrical Safety Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
GE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Group CBS, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
High Voltage, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
HV Technologies, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Infraspection Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Intellirent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
IRISS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Maintenance Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Megger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover
Megger Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Monster Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
National Switchgear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
NETA 40th Birthday Celebration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
NETA New Affiliate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
NETA PowerTest 2012 Call for Exhibitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
NETA Save the Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64, 118
NETA ANSI/NETA MTS-2011 Now Available . . . . . . . . . . . 117
NETA Why Hire an NAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
NETA PowerTest 2012 Call for Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Noram-SMC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
OMICRON electronics Corp. USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover
Phenix Technologies, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Protec Equipment Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Quality Switchgear, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Raytech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Solid State Exchange & Repair Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Summit Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Technitrol, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Thyritronics, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Utility Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Utility Relay Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Vanguard Instrument Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
VON Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
WEIDMANN Diagnostic Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
ADVERTISERS
 ABB Service. Quality service, best value, genuine
replacement parts.

ABBs large installed base of breakers, transformers, and distribution equipment,

coupled with our talent and technology, position us to reduce downtime, improve
reliability, increase safety, and extend the life of your existing equipment. Our
worldwide leadership and service excellence provide a variety of aftermarket solutions
for nuclear and conventional applications. ABB offers quality aftermarket solutions
including breaker technology upgrades, breaker refurbishment, protection devices, and
safety upgrades. Contact us today to improve the safety and reliability of your existing
distribution equipment. www.abb.us/mvservice

ABB Inc.
Service
+ 1-800-929-7947
+ 1 407-732-2000
+ 1-800-HELP365 Option 7

My Dad Tests Relays ...
No wonder Dad is so excited: Over the last
20 years, OMICRON has helped him to do
a great job and, with the following two
products, his life gets even easier:
CMC 356
Dads new protection test set, the
CMC 356, is the universal solution for test-
ing all generations and types of protection
relays. It provides the perfect combination
... and he is really excited about OMICRONs test equipment.
of versatility and power. Dad can test every-
thing from high burden electromechanical
relays to the latest IEC 61850 IEDs. He can
even perform wiring and plausibility checks
of current transformers, by using primary
injection of high currents from his test set.
CMControl
For speedy manual tests, Dad now has an
easy to use alternative to the proven Test
Picture: www.omicron.at /paintings
Universe PC software. His new CMControl
utilizes an intuitive touch screen user
interface and a control wheel. He can use
it either as front panel control or as a hand-
held controller. Dad can also magnetically
attach the CMControl to a protection panel
for convenient eye-level operation. He can
even upgrade his existing CMCs.
Now thats exciting!
www.omicronusa.com | info@omicronusa.com