Weekly Informational and Training Webinars

• Presented by Jim Chastain, Support Engineer at EasyPower
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - Multiple recommendations for high voltage arc flash calculations abound: Ralph Lee equations, NESC tables, ArcPro™ software, etc. EasyPower gives you the options and control over which approach to use. In this refresher webinar, Jim Chastain provides details of these  HV features in EasyPower and shares examples that you can use to verify which works best for your HV systems.

• Presented by Jim Chastain, Support Engineer at EasyPower
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - With the removal of the "low voltage exception", many facilities are looking at the possibility of a dramatically increased bus count for their latest update on their arc flash hazard assessment. What is driving this requirement and what choices could improve the cost of completing the arc flash study update? In this refresher webinar, Jim Chastain examines the changes and options available.

• Presented by Jim Chastain, Support Engineer at EasyPower
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - When properly modeled, the digital data file created during an arc flash study represents the ‘ideal’ model of a plant’s electrical distribution system. This webinar, given by Jim Chastain at EasyPower, offers a brief insight into the extraordinary value that can be extracted with a PowerFlow analysis of the electrical power system. He discusses system capacity, power factor correction, standby power considerations, and pre-emptive maintenance flags. These are all readily available with a PowerFlow study using the arc flash data file as a starting point. This will be an additional value-added resource for any contractor providing maintenance support as well. This will be an updated version of a popular webinar from 4 years ago.

• Presented by Jim Chastain, Support Engineer at EasyPower
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - IEEE 1584.2018 provides no recommendation or guidance for arc flash calculations which fall just outside the scope of the IEEE model. In this Refresher webinar,  Jim Chastain  provides a number of techniques using EasyPower tools to compare and evaluate the Arc Flash calculation methods from which the person doing the study must choose and justify.

• Presented by Jim Chastain, Support Engineer at EasyPower
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - In this first of a 4-part series titled Protective Device Coordination the Easy Way, Jim Chastain from EasyPower covers the definition and focus of selective device coordination, TCC plots for comparing performance loads and OCPD, and EasyPower display controls to customize for specific focus.

• Presented by Jim Chastain, Support Engineer at EasyPower
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - In the second installment of a 4-part series titled Protective Device Coordination the Easy Way, Jim Chastain from EasyPower discusses fuse ratings, coordination rules of thumb using TCCs to confirm coordination of different manufacturers, current-limiting fuse energy let-through versus TCC plotting, and arc flash calculations using fuses. The following topics will also be discussed: NEC requirements for service equipment, and how to use EasyPower to identify and compare device performance.

• Presented by Jim Chastain, Support Engineer at EasyPower
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - In the third presentation of a 4-part series titled Protective Device Coordination the Easy Way, Jim Chastain from EasyPower focuses on breaker types based on trip mechanisms, series rating, and molded case circuit breakers for selective device coordination to determine constraints for time and current. The following topics are also discussed: LVPCB, Solid State trip, TCC plots – long term, short term, and instantaneous adjustments.

• Presented by Jim Chastain, Support Engineer at EasyPower
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - In the concluding session of the 4-part series titled Protective Device Coordination the Easy Way, Jim Chastain from EasyPower covers information on relay protection schemes, ground fault protection, transformer protection, differentials, arc sensing, TCC controls, and hard-grounded systems versus resistance ground.

• Presented by Jim Chastain, Support Engineer at EasyPower
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - In modeling, users often run into the 'Bus Limit' of their EasyPower license when the project includes a large number of motor loads. In this Refresher Webinar, Jim Chastain describes alternatives and trade-offs involved when using EasyPower for Short Circuit, Arc Flash, and Power Flow studies. This is a valuable review for experienced EasyPower users and a strong recommendation for engineers new to the tools.

• Presented by Jim Chastain, Support Engineer at EasyPower
• GoToMeeting info - Register Now
• Webinar starts at 8:00am PST

Description - Power flow studies are an important tool to better understand and optimize any electrical system. This webinar, presented by EasyPower’s Jim Chastain, shows how you can use EasyPower’s PowerFlow analysis module to observe system voltages, find overloaded equipment, and reduce operating costs through optimized design. Additional topics covered include transformer tap settings optimization, motor starting impacts, power factor and mitigation options, and measuring losses.

• Presented by Michael Antonishen, P.E., Product Marketing Manager at EasyPower
• GoToMeeting info - Register Now
• Webinar starts at 8:00am PST

Description - Data gathering and data entry can be a time consuming and manual activity, sometimes accounting for more than half of your system study budget.  With the release of EasyPower 10.6, we introduce new data gathering and camera integration features into EasyPower to help streamline these processes and make your study experience more efficient and seamless. This webinar, given by Michael Antonishen, P.E., Product Marketing Manager at EasyPower, provides an introduction to the new EasyPower camera integration features with practical examples for data gathering and data entry.

• Presented by Ivan Grobbelaar, PE, Senior Engineer at DEHN Africa
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - Various factors in the design of photovoltaic projects can lead to possible damage of equipment due to lightning if not executed correctly. These factors could be directly related to the design of the PV facility, such as cable routing, the type of inverter, ground fuses etc., but could also be due to the surrounding environment with external influence such as overhead lines or railways near the facility. In this webinar, Ivan Grobbelaar at DEHN Africa looks at real world data from previous experiences and how it correlates to simulated results using XGSLab. Simulation results are shown for lightning frequency and time domain analysis to showcase possible expected damages for various parts of the generation facility and why this happens if the correct mitigation techniques are not applied. From these simulations, the mitigation recommendations from various standards will be tested to present the reduction in losses if lightning protection is applied correctly.

• Presented by Abdur Rehman, PE at AllumiaX Engineering
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - In this webinar, presented by Abdur Rehman, PE at AllumiaX Engineering, we learn how most North American electric utilities and energy providers protect their overhead and underground systems using HV circuit breakers, reclosers, pad-mount interrupting switches, single phase overhead interrupting devices, and old-fashioned fuses. We also discuss the nuisances surrounding Short Circuit current requests for customer Arc Flash Studies. The technical topic covers short circuit and coordination fundamentals with distribution protective devices and end with a conversation about “Distribution Automation” and “Fault Locating, Interrupting, Service Restoration” (FLISR) schemes.  
 
Abdur Rehman is a registered professional engineer in most Western states. Abdur began his career at Puget Sound Energy where he worked in the system protection engineering department, supported wireman and technicians with testing and commissioning protective relays in substations as well as distribution/transmission lines, and led the relay operations team within the company.

• Presented by Lee Marchessault, President of Workplace Safety Solutions, Inc.
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - Electrical Safety programs can get complex and confusing very quickly. For example, OSHA 1910.303(b) requires that a short circuit and coordination study is done. This is just one of the reasons Lee Marchessault, President of Workplace Safety Solutions, Inc. discusses the need for doing an engineering analysis versus using tables. As facility electrical infrastructures get older, equipment is often no longer rated for the fault current available so risks of injuries or long-time outages become much higher. There is a legal obligation for all employers to provide a safe workplace. Completing an engineering study is a due diligence process critical to any organization.

• Presented by Mark Pollock, P.Eng., the Standards & Application Engineering Manager at Littelfuse
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) have been a significant contributor to significantly reducing electrical fatalities in homes and commercial buildings over the last 5 decades. GFCI technology is now available for industrial and manufacturing facilities, and code updates and requirements are beginning to emerge for these devices. These new classes of GFCI include additional requirements such as ground monitoring and oversized equipment grounding conductors, which are included to ensure safe utilization of power in these applications. This webinar, given by Mark Pollock, P.Eng., the Standards & Application Engineering Manager at Littelfuse, explains what Special-Purpose GFCIs are, the protection they can provide, and what factors you may need to consider when applying them in your facility.

• Presented by Ian Higginson, P.E., Engineering Services Manager at EasyPower
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - The power industry is participating in the largest growth of solar photovoltaics (PV) in recent years, and several factors indicate continued growth of solar generation. Ongoing adoption of solar PV facilities requires engineering teams to understand, scope, and/or perform several types of electrical studies to ensure adequate facility operation during normal and abnormal conditions. This webinar, given by Ian Higginson P.E., Engineering Services Manager at EasyPower, explains different electrical studies which are typically required when designing new solar PV facilities. Discussing topics surrounding protective device coordination, short circuit equipment duty, arc flash, interconnection, grounding, and other electrical studies, attendees will be able to explain analysis processes and goals related to solar PV facility design. This webinar benefits developers, utilities, and consultants approaching these engineering challenges, with solutions EasyPower’s software and services team can provide!

• Presented by Terry Becker, P.E., Electrical Safety Specialist
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - All energized electrical work tasks performed require an Energized Electrical Work Permit (EEWP) to be issued, unless exempted as outlined in the CSA Z462 Workplace Electrical Safety Standard or NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. There is confusion in the industry interpretation and application of an Energized Electrical Work Permit and Qualified Persons may also have a false perception that it is against the law to perform energized electrical work tasks.
 
In this webinar, given by Terry Becker, P.E., Electrical Safety Specialist, explores the topic of ensuring your company’s Electrical Safety Program clearly documents the EEWP policy and that exemptions ensure clarity and value added in eliminating exposure to arc flash and shock hazards and doesn’t result in unnecessary bureaucracy that doesn’t add value. Following these steps ensures that Qualified Persons will have certainty and confidence when they perform energized electrical work tasks.

• Presented by Ian Griffiths of GreyMatters Global
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - The Rolling Sphere Method (RSM) is a methodology that is used to calculate lightning protection of exposed structures. RSM calculates the amount of exposed structure, its distance from the point at which lightning strikes and the probability that it will be struck. It may be a very in-depth and time-consuming process using generic CAD tools to calculate RSM. In this webinar, presented by Ian Griffiths of GreyMatters Global, you will learn the basics of the RSM and how you can save time while improving designs with XGSLab SHIELD.

• Presented by Yacine Mallem, ABB Business Development Manager
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - Substation and electrical grid digitalization is one of the major changes in turning distribution network data into information. Such changes are made possible by upgrading to digital devices, upgrading horizontal communication protocols to IEC 61850, implementing remote access communications to run remote power management/HMI and Scada systems to cloud applications. Digitalization is seen in several applications and segments such as power utilities, industries, renewables and infrastructure. This webinar, given by Yacine Mallem, ABB Business Development Manager with 20+ Years’ Experience in Power Systems, explores implementing digitalization in electrical grids and system networks.

• Presented by Andrew Legro, PE. Field Application Engineer at ABB
• GoToMeeting info - Register Now
• Webinar starts at 10:00am PST

Description - The protective relay is a fundamental element in all medium voltage systems. Devices used in medium voltage protection can be very different from their counterparts in the low voltage world, but the fundamentals are the same. This presentation, given by Andrew Legro, PE. Field Application Engineer at ABB, is the final session of a 2-part series on protective relays. Andrew discusses relay coordination with other protective devices including relay to relay, relay to fuse, and relay to LV breaker. Digital multifunction relays, which provide multiple solutions in a single package, are also discussed.

• Presented by Marco Carminati, Ph.D., a DC Application Specialist at ABB
• GoToMeeting info - Register Now
• Webinar starts at 10:00am PST

Description - The spreading of electric vehicles requires the development of suitable electric infrastructures for the vehicle recharging. Hence, transient and steady-state fault analysis (short circuit and ground fault) is needed for these infrastructures, taking into consideration the fault contributions coming not only from the Utility, but also (thinking about a LVDC infrastructure for fast charging) from capacitors and electric vehicle batteries themselves, depending on converter typology. This webinar, given by Marco Carminati, Ph.D., a Direct Current Application Specialist at ABB, provides qualitative fault analysis in LVDC electric vehicle charging infrastructures and considerations on the choice of suitable and innovative switching and protective devices.