Weekly Informational and Training Webinars

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

Description - Most projects benefit by comparing arc flash results using EasyPower’s Scenario Manager.  In this Refresher webinar,  Jim Chastain focuses on the added benefits received when you apply Scenario Manager in arc flash as well as short circuit and power flow studies.

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

Description - We kick off the first part of a 4-week series on how to meet NFPA compliance and control costs with a discussion of safety related to arc flash hazards and the evolution of regulatory standards in the 15 years since their introduction. This is similar to the prior instances of this presentation, but is updated to include changes to the NFPA 70E-2021 standard.

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

Description - Of the overall time involved in an Arc Flash study, data collection can be the most costly if not properly planned. This presentation focuses on eliminating the need for repeated trips to the site and avoiding excessive delays and costs. Second in the Arc Flash Risk Assessment series, this presentation emphasizes the benefits that can be recognized both in cost reduction and employee education when facilities maintenance teams are part of the process. As we demonstrate drawing a new model, we discuss the many changes to data collection due to new calculation parameters in the IEEE 1584-2018 standard.  

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

Description - The third installment of this series focuses on the use of the EasyPower ArcFlash™ Pro Suite, from detecting missing data to developing device coordination to highlight the steps required to calculate arc flash incident energies. We describe the application of the IEEE-1584 industry standard in a model with detailed examples. This is similar to the prior instances of this presentation, but is updated to include techniques in EasyPower for comparing your electrical system using the IEEE 1584-2002 versus the 1584-2018 standard.

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

Description - This last installment in the Arc Flash Risk Assessment series highlights the EasyPower features that facilitate compliance with the requirements of NFPA-70E. We discuss the ability to print and export reports, customize the report layout, customize label content, and print labels. In addition, we describe how the EasyPower label editor permits the use of QR codes to extend the information available to personnel.

• 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
• GoToMeeting info - Register Now
• Webinar starts at 8:00am PST

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 link for any contractor providing maintenance support as well. This will be an updated version of a popular webinar from 4 years ago.

• Presented by Simon Giard-Leroux, P. Eng. at CIMA+
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - For electrical industry workers around the world, multiple standards exist to define safe work practices in electrical installations. In Canada, the “CSA Z462 : Workplace Electrical Safety” standard defines all the terms that apply to working on live equipment and outlines the details related to arc flash protective equipment and methods of live work. This webinar, given by Simon Giard-Leroux, P. Eng. at CIMA+, discusses the changes in the 2021 update of this standard, including the new PPE Category 5 (for up to 75 cal/cm²) and the official adoption of the IEEE 1584-2018 standard for arc flash studies in Canada.

• Presented by Jim Pollard at Oberon
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - In this webinar, given by Jim Pollard at Unlimited PPE Inc, he discusses how arc flash PPE can effectively reduce the severity of harm caused by an arc flash exposure. Advances in arc flash PPE technology have resulted in the availability of better designs that when used by a Qualified Electrical Worker can reduce the probability of an arc flash by minimizing human error and improving human performance.

NOTE - The original webinar topic scheduled for this time could not be given at this time. This is a replay of a popular webinar regarding PPE, originally given a few years ago. Watch in the new year for a webinar by Enespro PPE.

• Presented by Duke Dunsford, at Square D by Schneider Electric
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - In this webinar, Duke Dunsford, Customer Experience Manager at Square D by Schneider Electric, walks you through a visit to Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Power Innovation Lab and so you can  visually learn about the latest connected power system solutions. See first-hand how connected circuit breakers, meters, sensors, and application software can be leveraged for intelligent power systems. In the presentation you learn ways that continuous thermal monitoring maximizes uptime and reliability. You also learn how to design power systems to enable energy efficiency through connected technologies, as well as be able to list ways microgrid technologies can enhance efficiency and maximize uptime.

• Presented by Andrew Legro, PE. Field Application Engineer at ABB Manager at Enespro PPE
• Completed - Watch Video Now

Description - This presentation, given by Andrew Legro, PE. Field Application Engineer at ABB, first discusses the difference between a low voltage circuit breaker and a protective relay and associated components (breaker, CT, relay). With an understanding of the functionality, using an electromechnical 50/51 as a foundation, attendees learn where to apply various inverse time current curves and overcurrent relay elements (50,50D,51, definite time curve). The presentation then discusses the importance for matching the relay to the breaker and how withstand, trip/clearing time relate to the time current curve. Digital, multifunctional relays, provide multiple solutions in a single package and coordinate from relay to relay, relay to fuse, and relay to LV breaker.

• 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
• GoToMeeting info - Register Now
• Webinar starts at 10:00am PST

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.
• GoToMeeting info - Register Now
• Webinar starts at 10:00am PST

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 vs. 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 Ian Higginson, P.E., Engineering Services Manager at EasyPower
• GoToMeeting info - Register Now
• Webinar starts at 10:00am PST

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 Yacine Mallem, ABB Business Development Manager
• GoToMeeting info - Register Now
• Webinar starts at 10:00am PST

Description - Substation and electrical grid digitalization is one of the major changes in a distribution networks turning 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 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.