Ensuring Electrical System Reliability and Safety in Facility Operations

Electrical testing forms the cornerstone of maintaining safe, reliable, and efficient operations within facilities. The systematic evaluation and maintenance of electrical distribution systems helps identify deficiencies, implement essential repairs, and optimize system performance. Maintenance of equipment—including switchgear, circuit breakers, relays, transformers, and cables—is necessary to ensure components operate within manufacturer specifications and in compliance with standards such as NFPA 70E, NFPA 70B, and ANSI/NETA MTS.

By leveraging the expertise of professional engineering services and adhering to National Electrical Testing Association (NETA) or NFPA standards, a comprehensive approach encompassing preventive maintenance, field evaluation, data collection, and advanced power systems modeling further enhances the ability for customers to manage their assets and make informed decisions. By coupling a power systems analysis with an electrical testing program, it not only increases the efficiency of the two tasks, but it is essential to validate the results of arc flash studies and helps ensure that the breakers and relays trip when they are programmed to.

As part of this work, periodic site visits, detailed reporting, and collaboration among project stakeholders further enhance accountability and facilitate timely implementation of corrective actions. The initiative typically incorporates software such as ETAP® or SKM® PowerTools, to develop power system models, perform short-circuit studies, complete protective device coordination studies, and generate arc flash labels. Additionally, the use of these software tools allows for the simulation of various electrical scenarios, providing valuable insights into potential system vulnerabilities and enabling proactive measures to mitigate risks.

Presenters:

William (Bill) Ryan

Jeff Donaldson, CDM Smith