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 terms of a bomb or some other sensationalized description. Although…
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 Ft. Worth, Texas and various IEC meetings held at British…
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 a transformer circuit using only transformer nameplate data. This is…
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, there is an incredible amount of additional information, examples and…
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 on the planet that has electricity. An interesting side note…
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 new edition of NFPA 70E. Known as Arc Flash Warning…
The 2018 Edition of NFPA 70 provides a new definition for the term “Condition of Maintenance” : BUY NOW: 2018 NFPA 70E Changes Part 1 The state of the electrical equipment considering the manufacturers’ instructions, manufacturers’ recommendations, and applicable industry…
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 it was. A pole top rescue dummy just begging to…
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. The center will provide support and services to the European…
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 regularly during accident investigations and legal cases. The victim was…
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