Cables
General guidelines for online partial discharge testing of power cables
Online PD testing is becoming the topic of interest for power cable owners to ensure the safe and continuous operation of power cables. Partial discharge is a localised discharge in the insulation medium due to high voltage stress that does… Read more
Mar 30, 2015 | By Ammar Anwar KHAN
Energy and Power
Six energy efficiency improvement opportunities in fan systems
Efficiencies of fan systems vary considerably across impeller types. The average energy saving potential in these systems in the U.S. manufacturing industry is estimated at 6%. For optimal savings and performance, it is recommended that a systems approach is used…. Read more
Mar 27, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Maintenance
Maintenance of transformer load tap changers (LTC)
LTC maintenance is the basis for the regulating transformer’s high level of reliability. The background for maintenance recommendations is as follows: Oil: For LTCs where oil is used for arc-quenching, the arcing at the arcing switch or arcing tap switch… Read more
Mar 25, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Many engineers advocate the use of multiple-transfer switches
Automatic transfer switches are primarily used for emergency and standby power generation systems. These transfer switches may incorporate overcurrent protection and are designed and applied in accordance with the NEC, Articles 230, 517, 700, 701,702 and 710, and other applicable… Read more
Mar 23, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
4 Low Voltage Switchboard Partitioning Forms Defined By IEC 61439-2
There are 4 main reasons for partitioning a switchboard. To protect persons against direct contact with dangerous parts. The minimum degree of protection must be IPXXB. To protect the switchboard against the penetration of solid foreign bodies. The minimum degree of protection must be… Read more
Mar 20, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Eleven major causes of power system failures
To gain a broader understanding of power system reliability, it is necessary to understand the root causes of system faults and system failures. A description of major failure modes is provided below. Underground Cable Transformer Failures Lightning Tree Contact Birds… Read more
Mar 18, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Power Substation
6 Transformer Types You Can See In Commercial Installations
Transformers in commercial installations are normally used to change a voltage level from a utility distribution voltage to a voltage that is usable within the building, and are also used to reduce building distribution voltage to a level that can… Read more
Mar 16, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Electric Motor
Comparison of motor speed control methods
It is often desirable to control the motor speed, usually for reasons process control for such variables as flow or pressure. Such applications as fans and pumps often have varying output requirements, and control of the motor speed is more… Read more
Mar 13, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Electronics
Should We Blame Supplier For Voltage Dips and Transients?
Voltage dips and transients are usually blamed on the supplier, but this is often unfair. There are many potential on-site causes; for example, starting of heavy loads may cause voltage dips and switching of inductive loads will generate transients. Let’s… Read more
Mar 11, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Why it’s important to know which type of power factor correction to use
It’s important to understand where the capacitors are to be installed for a better exploitation of such advantages. There are no general rules applicable to every type of installation and, in theory, capacitors can be installed at any point, but it… Read more
Mar 09, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Nine Recommended Practices for Grounding
Grounding and bonding are the basis upon which safety and power quality are built. The grounding system provides a low-impedance path for fault current and limits the voltage rise on the normally non-current-carrying metallic components of the electrical distribution system…. Read more
Mar 06, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Low Voltage
Degradation of Insulation in Switchgear (What’s Really Happening)
Electrical insulation is subjected to electrical and mechanical stress, elevated temperature and temperature variations, and environmental conditions especially for outdoor applications. In addition to normal operating conditions, there are a host of other factors that may trigger accelerated aging or… Read more
Mar 04, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Impulse withstand voltage test performed on assemblies
Only optional in the past, the impulse test which allow defining the rated impulse withstand voltage Uimp, is now a necessity thus demonstrating the strategy of the Standards directed to increasing the importance of such performance. In addition to the… Read more
Mar 02, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
