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Rethinking X/R as Time Constants
X/R is critical for short circuit analysis, but we can understand so much more when we think in terms of time constants.
Sep 14, 20243 min read


Differential Protection (87)
Differential Protection picks up the slack where traditional Overcurrent Protection can't get the job done
Aug 21, 20244 min read


Cable Termination Temperatures
Introduction - Cable ampacity (how many amps a particular cable type can carry) is one of the most important design calculations....
Jan 30, 20244 min read


Time Overcurrent (51) Protection Considerations
Time overcurrent protection is the backbone of relaying. Learn about proper settings here.
Jun 30, 20234 min read


Transformer Voltage Drop
Intro - In a perfect world, transformers convert from one voltage level to another without any impact on the system. Unfortunately, this...
May 9, 20234 min read


Substation Design Considerations
Intro - Substations are electrical power systems that convert from one voltage to another and distribute power out. The term substation...
Mar 21, 20235 min read


Three-Winding Transformers
Intro - When power systems engineers refer to "transformers", we're almost always talking about a particular subset: 2-winding...
Mar 9, 20233 min read


Common Questions for Other Disciplines
Working as an electrical power systems engineer is rarely an independent task. On almost all real-world projects there are other...
Feb 27, 20233 min read


Career Advice
Everybody has their 2 cents on how to navigate the professional world. This article shares a few pieces of advice that I've received that...
Jan 18, 20232 min read


Powering Santa's Workshop
On the evening of December 24th every year, Santa Claus takes flight to deliver toys to the children of the world. Of course, a lot of...
Dec 1, 20224 min read


Line to Line Faults
Introduction - Line to line faults are a common type of short circuit event on a power system. During line to line faults, one phase...
Nov 15, 20224 min read


Relaying Schemes and ANSI Device Numbers
Relaying and protection can be confusing-REALLY CONFUSING. Elaborate new ways to protect power systems are being invented every day. And,...
Nov 3, 20224 min read


Single Line to Ground Faults
Introduction - Single line to ground faults are the most common type of fault in a power system. On overhead transmission and...
Nov 3, 20224 min read


Project Timeline and Key Deliverables
When designing and building an electrical power system, getting the steps in the right order is one of the most important parts. Working...
Oct 3, 20223 min read


Harmonics and Fourier Series
Overview - AC power systems operate at a nominal frequency. In the United States, this is 60 Hertz. In other parts of the world 50 Hertz...
Sep 28, 20224 min read


Electrical Commissioning
Your project is almost built! Raceways are installed and cables are pulled. What now? Do we terminate the cables and walk away? Not...
Sep 8, 20222 min read


The CEC vs. the NEC
In North America, there are three main electrical codes: The National Electrical Code (NEC), used in the United States Norma Oficial...
Aug 29, 20223 min read


Breaker Failure Protection
Introduction - Suppose you've got a power distribution system with some loads fed from a source. But then, OH NO!! A fault takes place on...
Aug 29, 20222 min read


Technical and Professional Writing Tips
The most important skill for an engineer isn't math or computer programming. It's not even technical. More important than anything else...
Aug 1, 20222 min read


Generators (NEC 445)
Basics - Generators have been the backbone of the electrical grid for as long as the grid has been around. Other than solar energy, all...
Jul 25, 20224 min read
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