NETA Level 2 Exam Study Guide 202001
NETA Level 2 Exam Study Guide 202001
Study Guide
Table of Contents
1. QUALIFICATIONS (Source: ANSI/NETA ETT-2015) ....................................................... 4
1.1 Education and Training Requirements ......................................................................... 4
1.2 Related Experience ...................................................................................................... 4
2. EXAM INFORMATION (Source: www.netaworld.org) ...................................................... 4
2.1 Exam ............................................................................................................................ 4
2.2 Exam Composition ....................................................................................................... 4
3. LEVEL II CERTIFICATION TOPICS (Source: NETA ETT-2015) ..................................... 4
3.1 Safety ........................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Mathematics ............................................................................................................... 20
3.3 Tools and Equipment.................................................................................................. 21
3.4 Electrical and Physical Theory ................................................................................... 27
3.5 System Analysis and Operation.................................................................................. 28
3.6 Codes and Standards ................................................................................................. 29
3.7 General....................................................................................................................... 32
3.8 Switchgear, Switchboards, Motor Control Centers ..................................................... 33
3.9 Transformers .............................................................................................................. 34
3.10 Wires, Cables and Buses ........................................................................................ 41
3.11 Circuit Breakers and Circuit Switchers .................................................................... 43
3.12 Electrical Protective Devices ................................................................................... 46
3.13 Metering .................................................................................................................. 54
3.14 Grounding Systems ................................................................................................. 55
3.15 Direct-Current Systems ........................................................................................... 55
3.16 Insulating Liquids .................................................................................................... 58
4. Important Formulas and Equations ................................................................................ 59
4.1 Short Circuit Current on Lowside of 3Ф Xfmr using FLC & %Z................................... 59
4.2 Short Circuit Current on Lowside of 3Ф Xfmr using KVA, KV & %Z ........................... 59
4.3 Full Load Current of a 3Ф Transformer ....................................................................... 59
4.4 Full Load Current of a 3Ф Motor ................................................................................. 59
4.5 Horsepower of a Single-Phase Motor ......................................................................... 59
4.6 Horsepower of a 3Ф Motor ......................................................................................... 60
4.7 Motor Torque .............................................................................................................. 60
4.8 Resistors in Parallel .................................................................................................... 60
4.9 The Imaginary Operator (j) for AC Circuit Analysis ..................................................... 60
4.10 Capacitive Reactance ............................................................................................. 60
4.11 Inductive Reactance ................................................................................................ 61
4.12 Basic Trigonometric Equations ................................................................................ 61
4.13 Pythagorean Theorem............................................................................................. 61
4.14 Application of the Pythagorean Theorem ................................................................ 61
4.15 Conversion between Polar and Rectangular Coordinates ....................................... 62
4.16 The Power Triangle ................................................................................................. 62
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4.17 Leading and Lagging Power Factor (pf) .................................................................. 62
4.18 Incident Energy Calculations (Simplified) ................................................................ 63
4.19 Incident Energy Calculations (IEEE 1584 Method) ................................................. 64
4.20 Calculation of Accuracy ........................................................................................... 64
4.21 Conversion from °C to °F ........................................................................................ 64
4.22 Conversion from °F to °C ........................................................................................ 64
5. Test Acceptance Criteria from NETA-ATS & NETA-MTS ............................................... 65
5.1 Transformer Turns Ratio (TTR) Test .......................................................................... 65
5.2 Bolted Connection, Contact and Fuse Resistance Tests............................................ 65
5.3 Infra-Red Thermography Test .................................................................................... 65
5.4 Insulation Resistance Test Acceptance Criteria for Transformers .............................. 66
5.5 Insulation Resistance Test Criteria for Rotating Machines ......................................... 66
5.6 Insulation Resistance Test Criteria for Other than Rotating Machines ....................... 67
5.7 Polarization Index (PI) and Dielectric Absorption Ration (DAR) ................................. 67
5.8 Switchgear Testing - AC and DC Withstand ............................................................... 69
5.9 Medium Voltage Cable Testing - DC High Potential ................................................... 69
5.10 Medium Voltage Cable Testing - AC High Potential ................................................ 70
5.11 Medium Voltage Cable Testing (VLF) of New Cable ............................................... 71
5.12 Medium Voltage Cable Testing (VLF) of In-Service Cables .................................... 71
5.13 Medium Voltage Cable Testing – Partial Discharge (PD) ........................................ 71
5.14 Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) ................................................................................ 72
5.15 Molded Case Circuit Breaker Testing - Inverse Time Trip Test ............................... 73
5.16 Molded Case Circuit Breaker Testing - Instantaneous Trip Test ............................. 73
5.17 Power Factor/Dissipation Factor for Liquid Filled Transformers .............................. 74
5.18 Test Limits for New Mineral Oil ............................................................................... 75
5.19 Frequency of Maintenance ...................................................................................... 75
5.20 SF6 Gas Tests ........................................................................................................ 78
6. Solved Problems (Examples) ......................................................................................... 79
7. Solved Problems using Mathematics ........................................................................... 101
7.1 Basic Algebra (Exponents) ....................................................................................... 101
7.2 Basic Algebra (The Order of Operations) ................................................................. 102
7.3 Basic Algebra (Solving for Variables) ....................................................................... 103
7.4 Percentages ............................................................................................................. 105
7.5 Conversion between SI units .................................................................................... 106
7.6 Trigonometry (Right Triangles) ................................................................................. 107
7.7 The Power Triangle .................................................................................................. 109
7.8 Fundamentals of Electricity (Ohm’s Law) ................................................................. 111
7.9 Fundamentals of Electricity (Voltage Divider) ........................................................... 112
7.10 Fundamentals of Electricity (Current Divider) ........................................................ 113
7.11 Analysis of Resistive Circuits ................................................................................ 114
7.12 Analysis of Resistive, Inductive and Capacitive (RLC) Circuits ............................. 116
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1. QUALIFICATIONS (Source: ANSI/NETA ETT-2015)
2.1 Exam
100-item, multiple-choice, closed-book, onsite proctored examination
Two hour exam (1 minute 12 seconds for each question)
Passing score of 410 or higher on a scale of 200 to 500 (70%)
15% - Safety
25% - Electrical Testing Fundamentals and Theory
55% - Component Testing
5% - Systems and Commissioning
3.1 Safety
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NFPA 70E Article 110
Employees responsible for responding to medical emergencies shall be trained
in first aid and emergency procedures.
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NFPA 70E Article 110
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Arc Flash Hazard
A dangerous condition associated with the possible release of energy caused by
an electric arc. When an electric current passes through air between ungrounded
conductors or between ungrounded conductors and grounded conductors, the
temperatures can reach 35,000°F.
Arc Blast Hazard
The tremendous temperatures of the arc cause the explosive expansion of both
the surrounding air and the metal in the arc path. Some facts to know are:
Copper expands by 67,000 times when it turns from a solid to a vapor
Dangers caused by this expansion are high pressure, sound, and shrapnel
The sounds associated with these pressures can exceed 160 dB
Material and molten metal are expelled away from the arc at speeds exceeding
700 mph, fast enough for shrapnel to completely penetrate the human body.
Safety Glasses
Safety Glasses for Electrical workers shall be non-conductive.
Hazard/Risk Assessment
Good Sources for Hazard/Risk Assessments
1. NFPA 70E
2. AIHA / ASSE Z10 (American Industrial Hygiene Association) (American Society
of Safety Engineers)
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OSHA 1910.132 - Hazard/Risk Assessment and PPE
OSHA 1910.132(d)(1)
The employer shall assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present,
or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective
equipment (PPE). If such hazards are present, or likely to be present, the
employer shall:
1. Select, and have each affected employee use, the types of PPE that will
protect the affected employee from the hazards identified in the hazard
assessment;
2. Communicate selection decisions to each affected employee; and
3. Select PPE that properly fits each affected employee
1910.132(f)(1)
The employer shall provide training to each employee who is required by this
section to use PPE. Each such employee shall be trained to know at least the
following:
1. When PPE is necessary; and
2. What PPE is necessary; and
3. How to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE; and
4. The limitations of the PPE; and
5. The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE
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Electrical LOTO is different from Mechanical in that equipment is not
considered de-energized until it is tested in Electrical LOTO
Lock Out / Tag Out (LOTO) - Control and Isolation of all energy sources to
equipment for the purpose of worker safety.
Zero energy state - The release of all stored energy i.e. electrical, mechanical,
and chemical.
Ultimately it is up to YOU to ensure that you are working SAFELY. It is YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY to CHECK the lockout/tagout for the work you are doing is
correct and achieves a Zero Energy State for YOU to work SAFELY.
Simple LOTO Procedure
1. Shut down the equipment through normal stop procedures
2. All circuit breakers and switches to the equipment or power feeds upon
which work is to be performed will be opened (switched off).
3. Personnel performing the work will affix their own lock so the service is
fixed in the open position (switched off) to prevent accidental
engagement.
4. An appropriate “Danger” tag will be affixed to each switch. The tag will
include the company name, date, name of employee, phone number
and the description of work.
5. Multiple lockout devices will be used when more than one employee
performs work on a piece of equipment or a system.
6. Each employee will affix a tag and a lock to the physical isolating device
or a group lockout box.
7. When multiple workers, crafts, departments, etc. are authorized to work
in the vicinity of equipment Your Company has applied LOTO, the Your
Company crew leader will review the LOTO process and demonstrate
absence of voltage to the affected workers.
8. For each operational system or piece of equipment on which they are
working, the employee must verify a “zero energy state” by one or more
of the following means:
Trying to restart equipment
Testing power feeds with an electrical testing device
Slowly opening valves on fluid or gas systems
9. Where more than one craft performs work on the system, each individual
trade will affix their tag and their lock on the power source
10. Only the employee placing their lock on the equipment will be the one to
remove the lock
11. Your Company may affix their lock-tag to any piece of equipment or
system that has been deenergized to further ensure a safe work process
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3.1.7 Recognize an electrically safe work condition (ESWC)
Understand the definition of an electrically safe work condition (ESWC) and be
capable of recognizing when/where an ESWC has been established.
NFPA 70E
Article 100 - Definitions
Article 110 - General Requirmnts for Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices
Article 120 - Establishing an Electrically Safety Work Condition (ESWC)
Article 130 - Work Involving Electrical Hazards
Chapter 2 - Safety-Related Maintenance Requirements
Chapter 3 - Safety Requirements for Special Equipment
Equipment Labeling
Electrical equipment such as switchboards, panelboards, industrial control
panels, meter socket enclosures, and motor control centers that are in other than
dwelling units and that are likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or
maintenance while energized shall be field-marked with a label containing all
the following information:
Respirators
1. An Air Supplying respirator is used in a confined space where there is
not enough oxygen for breathing and the atmosphere is Immediately
Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH).
2. An Air Purifying respirator is used to filter out dangerous and offending
materials.
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3.1.10 Electrical personal protective equipment
Have knowledge of the correct use of personal grounds and safety equipment
such as sleeves, rubber gloves, flash suits, blankets, insulated tools and sticks
and testing of same.
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Test Intervals for Rubber Insulating PPE
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An energized electrical work permit is not required for (1) voltage testing,
(2) troubleshooting, or (3) like activities
Voltage Detectors must be rated for the Type and Voltage being tested
The Safe Work Zone should be marked at the longest distance of the
Restricted Approach Boundary, Limited Approach Boundary or Arc Flash
Boundary.
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Arc Flash Boundary
When an arc flash hazard exists, an approach limit at a distance from a
prospective arc source within which a person could receive a second degree
burn if an electrical arc flash were to occur. Also may be called the Flash
Protection Boundary.
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Memory Aid: Limited and Restricted Approach Boundaries
Source Voltage ≤ LAB Movable LAB Fixed RAB
AC 50V ns ns ns
AC 150V 10ft 42” Avoid Contact
AC 750V 10ft 42” 12”
AC 15KV 10ft 60” 26”
DC 100V ns ns ns
DC 300V 10ft 42” Avoid Contact
Protective Equipment
Hard hat
Safety glasses or Safety goggles (SR)
Hearing protection (ear canal inserts)
Heavy duty leather gloves (Note 3)
Leather footwear (AN)
Protective Equipment
Hard hat
Safety glasses or Safety goggles (SR)
Hearing protection (ear canal inserts)
Heavy duty Leather gloves (Note 3)
Leather footwear
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Protective Equipment
Hard hat
Safety glasses or Safety goggles (SR)
Hearing protection (ear canal inserts)
Leather footwear
Protective Equipment
Hard hat
Safety glasses or Safety goggles (SR)
Hearing protection (ear canal inserts)
Leather footwear
Notes:
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3.2 Mathematics
Please see Section 7 for examples of Solved Problems for these topics.
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Examples
1 pF = 1 x 10-12 Farads (F) = 0.000000000001 Farads (F)
3 ns = 3 x 10-9 seconds (s) = 0.000000003 seconds (s)
1 µΩ = 1 x 10-6 Ohms (Ω) = 0.000001 Ohms (Ω)
4 mA = 4 x 10-3 Amps (A) = 0.004 Amps (A)
1 cm = 1 x 10-2 meters (m) = 0.01 meters (m)
5 kV = 5 x 103 Volts (V) = 5,000 Volts (V)
1 MΩ = 1 x 106 Ohms (Ω) = 1,000,000 Ohms (Ω)
1 GB = 1 x 109 Bytes (B) = 1,000,000,000 Bytes (B)
1 TB = 1 x 1012 Bytes (B) = 1,000,000,000,000 Bytes (B)
Conversion of Units
See examples of SI unit conversions in Section 6 and Section 7.
Please see Section 7 for discussion and examples of solved problems for these
topics.
Ladder Safety
Extension ladders must extend 3 feet beyond the upper landing surface
It is unsafe to climb higher than the 3rd rung from the top of any ladder
The top step of a tied-off ladder shall not be used as a step
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Insulation Resistance Tester (Megger)
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Figure 1 - DLRO C1 and P1 Figure 2 - DLRO C2 and P2 Figure 3 - DLRO Connections
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Transformer Turns Ratio (TTR) Test Set – Hand Crank Type
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3.3.3 Multimeter use
Select correct multimeter scales and ranges. Recognize the limitations of ohm,
voltage, and current scales. Recognize basic problems such as weak batteries or
defective leads.
Multimeter Limitations
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3.4 Electrical and Physical Theory
Please see Section 7 for discussion and solved problems for these topics.
Please see Section 7 for discussion and solved problems for these topics.
Diode Operation
Forward Bias
A diode (with symbol shown below) is “forward biased” and conducts current
when there is a positive (+) voltage on the Anode and a negative (-) voltage on
the Cathode. When a diode is “forward biased” it acts like a “closed switch”
with a voltage drop of approximately 0.70 volts (for a silicon diode) and 0.30 volts
(for a germanium diode).
Reverse Bias
A diode (with symbol shown below) is “reverse biased” and does not conduct
current when there is a negative (-) voltage on the Anode and a positive (+)
voltage on the Cathode. When a diode is “reverse biased” it acts like an “open
switch” and does not conduct current.
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3.4.4 AC circuit
Identify series and parallel circuits and apply Ohm's law to simple single-loop ac
circuits with linear components. Calculate equivalent capacitance and inductance.
Measure and/or calculate impedance and power.
Please see Section 4 and Section 7 for formulas, discussion and solved problems
for these topics.
3.4.5 DC circuits
Identify series and parallel circuits and apply Ohm's law to simple series dc circuits
with linear nonreactive components. Calculate equivalent resistance of and power
consumed by resistive devices.
Please see Section 4 and Section 7 for formulas, discussion and solved problems
for these topics.
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Common Electrical Symbols (continued)
Medium Voltage Pothead AC Generator
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OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration
An agency of the U.S. Department of Labor. OSHA's mission is to "assure safe
and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and
enforcing safety standards.” OSHA provides regulations regarding worker
safety and has enforcement authority. Some common OSHA Regulations are:
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
29CFR Labor
29CFR1910 AKA OSHA 1910 Occupational Safety and Health Standards
29CFR1926 AKA OSHA 1926 Safety and Health Regulations for Construction
10CFR Another Example Energy - Not on the NETA Level 2 Exam
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NETA - InterNational Electrical Testing Association
The mission of NETA is to serve the electrical testing industry by establishing
standards, publishing specifications, accrediting independent, third-party testing
companies, certifying test technicians, and promoting the professional services of
its members.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is published by the NFPA and provides
recommended safety provisions for Electrical Installations.
The NEC is not a Design Standard and does not establish Electrical Design
Criteria.
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3.6.2 NETA Standards
Have basic knowledge of the technical requirements of ANSI/NETA Standard for
Acceptance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems
(ANSI/NETA ATS) & ANSI/NETA Standard for Maintenance Testing Specifications
for Electrical Power Distribution Equipment & Systems (ANSI/NETA MTS).
Please see Section 5 for NETA standard test acceptance criteria for the most
commonly performed electrical tests.
3.7 General
3.7.1 Simple ac and dc equipment
Identify the functions and components of common types of electrical motors,
generators, transformers, solenoids and contactors. Be familiar with their uses in
single phase, three-phase or dc systems.
Motors
The Locked Rotor Current (LRC) of large induction motors is typically between 6
and 8 times the Full Load Current (FLC).
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4. Measure resistance of bolted connections with Low Resistance Ohmmeter
5. Tighten all bolted connections using a calibrated torque wrench
6. Perform a Thermographic Survey
7. Measure Battery Charger Float Voltage
8. Measure Battery Charger Equalize Voltage
9. Measure each Battery Cell voltage with Battery Charger in Float mode
10. Measure Total Battery System voltage with Battery Charger in Float mode
11. Measure Intercell Connection resistances
12. Measure Internal resistance of each cell
13. Measure positive-ground and negative-ground battery system voltages
14. Perform a Load Test
15. Verify all Battery Charger Alarms are functional
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Bolt Grades
Memory Aid:
Number of marks on SAE Grade Hex Head Bolt = Grade Number - 2
Bolt Grade # of Markings
1-2 0=2-2
5 3=5-2
7 5=7-2
8 6=8-2
3.9 Transformers
Types
Dry Type Transformer - uses air as a cooling medium (up to 7,500 kVA)
Page 34 of 117
CTs are step-down transformers which convert a larger current on the primary to a
smaller current on the secondary for use by protective relays, meters and
transducers. IEEE Standard CT ratios range from 50/5 Amps to 35,000/5 Amps.
PTs are step-down transformers which convert a larger voltage on the primary to a
smaller voltage on the secondary for use by protective relays, meters and
transducers. IEEE Standard PT ratios range from 2400/120V to 765,000/120V.
Transformer Windings
Primary Winding - The winding that is energized by connecting it to a SOURCE.
Secondary Winding - The winding that is connected to the LOAD.
Tertiary Winding - A third winding in a transformer. Sometimes connected to
Bushings (Y1, Y2, Y3, Y0) and sometimes it is just a delta connected transformer
which is wired internally with no external bushings.
Transformer Bushings
Bushings are used to connect (and insulate) the windings internal to a transformer
to Cables or Bus (Iso-phase Bus Duct or Non-segregated Bus Duct) on the outside
of the Transformer.
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Hot-Spot Temperature
Fiber Optic Cables are used to measure the Hot-Spot Temperature in a
Transformer Winding.
Oil Sampling
There is an SOP for this. The SOP says the following ”The valve through which
the sample is to be taken should be flushed by allowing about half a gallon (or
two quarts) of oil to flow to a waste container.
Gas Blanketing
Many liquid-filled transformers use Nitrogen (N2) at a positive pressure (aka a
Nitrogen Blanket) to fill the space between the top of the transformer oil and the
transformer tank because it is an inexpensive, inert gas. An inert gas has
extremely low reactivity with other substances. This keeps the transformer tank at
a positive pressure to prevent external contaminants from entering the transformer.
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Transformer Nameplate Data (One Example)
New Convention
Cooling Description
(Old Convention)
ONAN
Oil Natural Air Natural Circulation
(OA)
Page 37 of 117
Transformer Cooling - Old Nomenclature
A Air
O Oil
G Gas
New Convention
Cooling Description
(Old Convention)
Page 38 of 117
New Convention
Cooling Description
(Old Convention)
Page 39 of 117
Transformer coil and core are immersed in oil.
Typically a oil/water heat exchanger (radiator) is
attached to the outside of the tank. Cooling water is
ONWF pumped through the heat exchanger, but the oil flows
(OW) only by natural circulation. As oil is heated by the
windings, it rises to the top and exits through piping to
the radiator. As it is cooled, the oil descends through the
radiator and re-enters the transformer tank at the
bottom.
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3.10 Wires, Cables and Buses
Low Voltage ≤ 1 kV
Medium Voltage > 1 kV to ≤ 100kV (69kV is a Standard Voltage Level)
High Voltage > 100kV
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PE (Polyethylene) and XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)
Steel
Aluminum
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Partial Discharge (PD)
Partial discharges are created by ionization of air pockets within the insulation
Voltage Classes
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Interrupt Rating - The Maximum Fault Current a Circuit Breaker can safely
interrupt without damage. Generally provided in rms symmetrical Amps.
Sometimes provided in Amps Interrupting Current (AIC).
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Drawout Circuit Breaker Positions
1. Connect - Fully Racked In, Primary & Secondary Disconnects made
2. Test - Partially Racked In, Only Secondary Disconnects made
3. Disconnect - Fully Racked out, Primary & Secondary Disconnects parted
4. Withdrawn - Fully Withdrawn from the Compartment
The Arcing Contacts “make” before the Main Contacts on Closing and
“break” after the Main Contacts on Opening.
Anti-Pump Relay
The Anti-Pump relay (designated by the letter ‘Y’ in the trip & close schematic)
has a 52b contact in series with the Close Coil (designated by the letter ‘X’ in
the trip & close schematic) which prevents the close coil from being energized
more than once, or continuously, which ensures that the Circuit Breaker ONLY
CLOSES ONCE when the Control Switch is taken to the CLOSE position.
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Continuous Current Rating of a Circuit Breaker
The Frame Size and Rating Plug determine the Continuous Current Rating of a
Circuit Breaker. Sensor (CT) Taps are usually set to match the rating plug.
The Long Time Pick Up (LTPU or LDPU) of the Circuit Breaker Trip Unit
determines exactly how much current the breaker will carry continuously without
tripping.
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Device IEEE Protective Device Function Common Application
2 time delay relay transmission lines
11 multifunction relay generators, transformers, transmission
21 distance (impedance) relay lines
transmission lines
24 volts per hertz relay generators, gsu transformers
25 synchronizing or synchronism-check low, medium, high voltage breakers
27 relay
undervoltage relay medium voltage buses load shedding
32 directional (reverse) power relay generators
37 undercurrent or underpower relay generators
40 loss-of-field relay generators
41 field circuit breaker generators
43 manual transfer or selector switch circuit breaker control circuits
46 reverse-phase or phase-balance generators, motors
47 current relay
phase-sequence or phase-balance generators, motors, mv busses
49 voltage relay
machine or transformer thermal relay generators, motors, transformers
50 instantaneous overcurrent relay mv, lv switchgear breakers
51 ac inverse time overcurrent relay mv, lv switchgear breakers
52 ac circuit breaker lv, mv, hv switchgear, switchyards
55 power factor relay synchronous motors
59 overvoltage relay mv, lv busses
60 voltage or current balance relay generators
62 time delay relay transmission lines, breaker failure
63 sudden pressure switch large transformers (≥ 10MVA)
64 ground detector relay generator field winding, neutral resistor
67 ac directional overcurrent relay parallel radial transmission lines
72 dc circuit breaker dc batteries and distribution systems
74 alarm relay circuit breakers, motor control circuits
76 dc overcurrent relay dc batteries and distribution systems
79 ac reclosing relay transmission lines, distribution lines
81 frequency relay generators
86 lockout relay generators, transformers, breaker failure
87 differential protective relay generators, transformers, buses
94 Tripping or trip-free relay transmission lines, distribution lines
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Current Differential Relay (87) Operation
A current differential relay (87) will close its trip contacts if the following
Pilot Wire relay schemes are a form of differential relay (87) scheme.
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Overcurrent Trip functions on Solid State or Digital Trip Device
1. Long Time trip
2. Short Time trip
3. Instantaneous trip
4. Ground Fault trip
First-Out Timing Tests are performed to ensure the circuit breaker will open
within specifications after being closed for an extended period of time.
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Example Electronic Trip Unit (Utility Relay Company AC-PRO)
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Example Electronic Trip Unit (AC-Pro) - Phase O/C Curves
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Example Electronic Trip Unit (AC-Pro) - Ground O/C Curves
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Fuse Classes
Expulsion Fuses - Utilize boric acid for the interrupting medium. When a
fuse element melts, the heat of the arc decomposes the boric acid which then
produces water vapor and an inert boric anhydride which will extinguish the arc
by blasting through it and exiting through the bottom of the fuse.
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3.13 Metering
Page 54 of 117
3.14 Grounding Systems
For the Fall-of-Potential test, the Potential Electrode should be driven 62% of the
distance between the Tested Electrode and Current Electrode
Battery Facts
Lead-Acid Batteries - Most common type of Battery used in Substations
Page 55 of 117
Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) Batteries
1. Gel Cell is one common type of VRLA
2. Absorbed Glass Mat is another common type of VRLA
3. Often referred to as Maintenance-Free Batteries (actually low
maintenance)
Battery Hazards
Arc Flash
Eye Contamination from Acid
Skin Burns from Acid
Hydrogen (H2) gas is a hazard created by Battery Charging
Hydrogen (H2) gas is highly flammable and explosive
A mixture of 4% H2 in Air can produce an explosion
Battery rooms must be ventilated to remove this Hydrogen (H2) gas
Battery room ventilation reduces H2 gas to less than 1% H2 in Air
Battery Charging
Charging Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead acid batteries should be charged in three stages, which are:
[1] Constant-current charge
[2] Topping charge
[3] Float charge
Constant-current Charge - Applies the bulk of the charge and takes up
roughly half of the required charge time. During the constant-current charge,
the battery charges to about 70% of full charge in approximately 5-8 hours.
Topping Charge - Continues at a lower charge current and provides saturation
The topping charge brings the batteries from 70% to 100% charge (fully
charged) in approximately another 7-10 hours. The topping charge is essential
for the well-being of the battery and can be compared to a little rest after a good
meal. If continually deprived, the battery will eventually lose the ability to accept
a full charge and the performance will decrease due to sulfation.
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Float Charge - compensates for the loss caused by self-discharge. The float
charge in the third stage maintains the battery at full charge. Figure 1 illustrates
these three stages.
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3.16 Insulating Liquids
Specific Gravity of Oil (S.G. < 1.00) Take Oil Sample from the BOTTOM
Silicone oils have a higher fire point than mineral oils and, therefore, are
used where fire concerns are more critical.
A Color Test does not have to be completed for Silicone Oil while it is a
required test for Mineral Oil.
A Fire Point Test does not need to be completed for Mineral Oil while it is a
required test for Silicone Oil.
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4. Important Formulas and Equations
1HP = 746Watts
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4.6 Horsepower of a 3Ф Motor
𝑽 𝒙 𝑰 𝒙 𝒑𝒇 𝒙 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒙 𝟏. 𝟕𝟑𝟐
𝑯𝑷 =
𝟕𝟒𝟔
where
Page 60 of 117
4.11 Inductive Reactance
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4.15 Conversion between Polar and Rectangular Coordinates
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4.18 Incident Energy Calculations (Simplified)
Simplified Form of the Equation (Remember this for the Exam)
𝑡
𝐸=𝑘∙
𝐷2
where
E is incident energy (cal/cm2)
6102
k is a constant equal to 𝐶𝑓 𝐸𝑛 ∙ 0.2
t is arcing time (seconds)
D is distance from the possible arc point to the person (mm)
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4.19 Incident Energy Calculations (IEEE 1584 Method)
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5. Test Acceptance Criteria from NETA-ATS & NETA-MTS
5.1 Transformer Turns Ratio (TTR) Test
Turns-ratio test results shall not deviate by more than one-half percent from either
the adjacent coils or the calculated ratio.
Contact Resistance
Microhm or dc millivolt drop values shall not exceed the high levels of the normal range
as indicated in the manufacturer’s published data. If manufacturer’s published data is
not available, investigate values that deviate from adjacent poles or similar breakers
by more than 50 percent of the lowest value.
Fuse Resistance
Investigate fuse resistance values that deviate from each other by more than 15
percent.
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5.4 Insulation Resistance Test Acceptance Criteria for Transformers
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5.6 Insulation Resistance Test Criteria for Other than Rotating
Machines
10 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝐼𝑅 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔
𝑃𝐼 =
1 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝐼𝑅 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔
Dielectric Absorption Ratio (DAR)
Ratio of the 60 second insulation resistance reading to the 30 second insulation
resistance reading at constant voltage.
60 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝐼𝑅 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔
𝐷𝐴𝑅 =
30 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝐼𝑅 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔
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General Meanings of PI and DAR Readings
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5.8 Switchgear Testing - AC and DC Withstand
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5.10 Medium Voltage Cable Testing - AC High Potential
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5.11 Medium Voltage Cable Testing (VLF) of New Cable
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5.14 Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA)
Corona Hydrogen
Sparking Methane
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5.15 Molded Case Circuit Breaker Testing - Inverse Time Trip Test
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5.17 Power Factor/Dissipation Factor for Liquid Filled Transformers
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5.18 Test Limits for New Mineral Oil
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5.20 SF6 Gas Tests
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6. Solved Problems (Examples)
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A Low Resistance Ohmmeter outputs a current through the resistance to be measured and
measures the voltage. It then uses ohms law to display the resistance in Ohms on the meter.
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One worker is standing 3ft away from an exposed live part and another is
standing 6ft away. How much incident energy is the 6ft worker exposed to in
comparison to the 3 ft worker?
A) 1/2
B) 1/16
C) 1/4
D) 1/9
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Given a 3-phase circuit with 250kvar and 480v, what is the current?
A) 0.5 Amps
B) 521 Amps
C) 902 Amps
D) 301 Amps
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Open Delta versus Broken Delta
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Positive and Negative Phase Rotation
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Triangle NAB is as shown Then, the length of BD is
A. 80
B. 86.7
C. 100
D. 120
Solution:
𝐵𝐷
𝑆𝑖𝑛 60° =
𝐵𝑁
𝐵𝐷
∴ 𝐵𝑁 × 𝑆𝑖𝑛 60° = × 𝐵𝑁
𝐵𝑁
∴ 𝐵𝐷 = 𝐵𝑁 × 𝑆𝑖𝑛 60°
𝐵𝐷 ≅ 86.7