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Technical Articles

Jim Phillips - Electrical Safety Discussion

Welcome to the Brainfiller Technical Library.

This is the place to find technical articles and information developed by Jim Phillips. Everything from Electrical Power Systems, Arc Flash, Electrical Safety, IEEE 1584, National Electrical Code, NFPA 70E and more!
This material is compiled from Jim’s more than 40 years of experience in the electrical industry along with his leadership positions in both United States and International Standards organizations.

Visit Brainfiller’s Arc Flash Forum for timely discussions about Arc Flash, Electrical Safety, NFPA 70E, IEEE 1584 and more!

IEEE 1584 under construction

IEEE 1584 Status Update

I have been receiving many questions lately about the status of the next edition of the standard: IEEE 1584 – IEEE Guide for Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations. As Vice-Chair of the

140 cal/cm^2 Arc Flash Suit

40 cal/cm^2 Deleted – But Some Confusion Remains.

When the topic of incident energy above 40 calories per square centimeter (cal/cm^2) comes up, the discussion can be quite interesting. People will sometimes refer to the high values in

IEEE and IEC Standards Update

By Jim Phillips March has been a busy month for me with Standards Committee work. I just returned home from three weeks of travel that included IEEE Standards meetings in

Figure 1 - TCC basics

Short Circuit Calculations with Transformer and Source Impedance

Short Circuit Calculations – Transformer and Source Impedance An infinite bus transformer short circuit calculation can be used to determine the maximum short circuit current on the secondary side of

NFPA 70E Annexes

2018 NFPA 70E Informative Annexes

Almost half of the pages in the 2018 edition of NFPA 70E are devoted to 17 informative annexes. Even though technically the annexes are not part of the mandatory text,

Earth at Night

Global Use of IEEE 1584

IEEE 1584 – It’s a Small World The world’s electrical systems do not discriminate when it comes to electrical safety. Electric shock, electrocution and arc flash hazards can occur anywhere

Arc Flash Labeling Requirments

Arc Flash Labels – Information No Longer Required (maybe)

New Exception 130.5(H) Exception No. 2 – Arc Flash Hazard Label Information May Not Be Required. It is amazing how the requirements for arc flash labeling have evolved with each

panel not properly maintained

The Elephant in the Room – Condition of Maintenance and Properly Maintained

The 2018 Edition of NFPA 70 provides a new definition for the term “Condition of Maintenance” : The state of the electrical equipment considering the manufacturers’ instructions, manufacturers’ recommendations, and

Don't Be a Dummy - Poster

Don’t Be a Dummy – Poster

While I was conducting a 2 day electrical safety training program for a large electric utility, we took a substation tour for a demonstration. Upon entering the control house, there

IEEE Opens Its European Technology Center in Vienna, Austria

IEEE continues to expand its global presence with the opening of the European Technology Center in Vienna. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and official opening were just recently held on September 22.

Electrical Safety Training – More than just “Checking the Box”

Jim Phillips, P.E. One word. Deadly! If someone performs energized electrical work without being properly trained, the results can be catastrophic – and deadly! I have seen this play out

Jim Phillips - IEC Office in Geneva Switzerland

IEC TC 78 Live Working Standards

By Jim Phillips, P.E.International Chairman IEC TC 78 As the International Chairman of IEC TC 78, a frequent question that I receive is “What is IEC TC 78?” IEC is

International Expert​

Jim is the International Chair of Geneva, Switzerland based International Electro-Technical Commission’s TC 78 for Live Working. He is also Vice-Chair of IEEE 1584, Technical Committee Member of NFPA 70E and active with many other standards organizations. 

He continues to travel the globe typically flying over 150,000 miles a year to work with various U.S. and international standards organizations and speak at many conferences and training events.

Jim and his wife of over four decades live in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

Multi-Award Winning: Best Paper at PCIC Conference and Electrical Safety Excellence recipient - to name a few.