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CORPORATE ALLIANCE CORNER NEWSLETTER

NETA’s Corporate Alliance Partners are a group of industry-leading companies that have been invited to join forces with the Association to work together toward a common goal: Improve quality, safety, and electrical system reliability. 

NETA CORPORATE ALLIANCE PARTNERS

AVO Training Institute

A-Rent Test Equipment

Doble Engineering

ECP Solutions

Group CBS

intellirent

Megger

MVA Diagnostics

OMICRON

Protec Equipment Resources

Raytech

URC - Utility Relay Company

A-Rent Test Equipment

Load Bank Applications in Electrical Testing and Commissioning

Load banks come in a wide range of sizes and compatible either with AC or DC power. Their common functional purpose is to convert electrical energy into thermal energy in a measurable and controlled manner using resistive heating elements. Their applications include battery discharge testing, generator and UPS load testing and commissioning of data centers.

NETA technicians will most often use load banks when conducting discharge testing of the battery banks of utility substations. These battery tests require the use of a DC load bank, adequately sized to draw the required current for discharge of the full battery bank within the prescribed period. During the test, accessories can monitor the individual cell voltages to provide a complete picture on the health of each component within the larger battery bank. Robust load testing during substation maintenance will confirm that this vital backup power source remains ready to help the substation recover from a power interruption.

AC load banks are often used to test emergency power systems, emulating live facility loads to confirm the functionality and capacity of emergency systems to sustain those loads through the loss of grid power. Generator (genset) periodic testing requires an AC load bank matched to the genset capacity. Testing of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) typically also utilizes an AC load bank, drawing power downstream of the inverter, which simultaneously confirms the functionality and capacity of both the batteries and the inverter itself.

Data center commissioning projects require large quantities and capacities of AC load banks to emulate the power and heat loads of thousands of computer servers. During commissioning of data center electrical systems, load banks will be connected near the final terminations of the power busway network. By drawing peak power loads through the entire system, from grid feed through distribution, the commissioning team can confirm that the facility is ready to support intended server operations with essentially 100% uptime. Load banks are also used to provide measured heat loads to similarly confirm the functionality of the data center HVAC systems.

A-Rent stocks a wide inventory of AC and DC load banks, up to 500kW size, to satisfy any of these application cases. As with all equipment from A-Rent, our load banks are calibrated annually and undergo an extensive functional testing procedure before every use. We also have a deep inventory of cables and other accessories to support safe and productive testing. A-Rent is your ideal technical partner to identify and quickly deliver the right load bank solution for project success.

AVO Training Institute

AVO Training Institute Announces Major Q2 2025 Updates, Including New Las Vegas Location

AVO Training Institute, a NETA Corporate Alliance Partner, is proud to unveil three major initiatives for Q2 2025 that aim to elevate electrical training and safety standards across the industry.

1. Launch of the QEMW Program

AVO’s new Qualified Electrical Equipment Maintenance Worker (QEMW) program prepares technicians for certification under NETA’s Qualified Electrical Equipment Maintenance Contractor (QEMC) designation, aligned with NFPA 70B standards. The curriculum covers essential maintenance topics — such as visual inspections, lubrication, and insulation testing — and supports the advanced testing requirements found in ANSI/NETA Standards.

Designed for both current employees of QEMC-designated companies and aspiring technicians, this program positions workers for career growth and ensures compliance with evolving safety regulations.

“AVO’s courses definitely helped me pass the QEMW exam,” said Sam Brown, VP at FCPS Electric in Arkansas, one of the first NETA QEMC companies. “There are questions very specific to safety and testing that you may not be prepared for without training.”

2. New Location in Las Vegas

AVO has opened a new training facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, (6969 Speedway Blvd.), located at Tower Training Academy, which partnered with AVO earlier this year to expand further into renewable energy: the wind power generation sector. AVO provides crucial electrical safety courses for TTA's Apprenticeship Program for Battery Storage Technicians. AVO delivers key electrical safety courses for TTA’s Apprenticeship Program for Battery Storage Technicians.

AVO’s new Vegas location bridges the gap between AVO’s Western and Midwest regions, offering convenient access to electrical training courses.

Initial Vegas course offerings include:

• NFPA 70E: June 16–17, July 14–15
• NFPA 70B: June 18–19, July 16–17
• Protective Relay Maintenance, Basic: July 7–11

3. New Certification: Electrical Safety in Maintenance

Register for both the NFPA 70E and 70B courses to earn AVO’s new Electrical Safety in Maintenance Certification — one of 14 certifications AVO offers. Use promo code 15VEGASNETA for 15% off these Vegas-based courses.

Our latest certification in maintenance reflects AVO’s continued emphasis on workplace safety. By completing both the NFPA 70E and NFPA 70B courses, professionals gain critical knowledge to uphold top-tier safety standards during maintenance operations.

For over 60 years, AVO has been at the forefront of hands-on, instructor-led electrical safety and maintenance training. With adaptable course formats, experienced instructors, and a strong partnership with NETA, AVO guarantees that professionals are well-prepared for certification, compliance, and sustained success.



To learn more or register, visit AVOtraining.com, reach your AVO area account executive, or call 1-877-594-3156.

Doble Engineering

Don’t Miss Out on the Protection Seminar, June 9-12

New relays got you down? Need to know more about protection theory? Ever wonder what you’re missing in your test setup that could make your job easier or more efficient?

If any of these questions resonate with you, you’re not alone. Professionals like you who test relays for a living come to the Protection Seminar to get answers that help them overcome challenges they face in their job.

Actually, the Protection Seminar is a forum not only for education on relay testing but on many subjects in P&C. People who are new in their careers, are established but taking on new roles brought on by new technologies or attrition, or are administrating operational data management, also attend.

This year’s event will be held in Cleveland, Ohio, June 9-12.

Read this blog about the 2025 Protection Seminar click below:

Group CBS

CBS ArcSafe Remote Racking Tool Named EC&M Product of the Year Category Winner

CBS ArcSafe, a Group CBS company, is proud to provide remote racking and remote switching solutions to keep electrical technicians safe. We offer more than 800 remote operation designs for all OEMs. At CBS ArcSafe, electrical safety is our mission.

We’re pleased to announce that our RRS-3 TSA7 apparatus-specific portable remote racking tool was named the Specialty Products category winner in EC&M magazine’s 2025 Product of the Year competition.  

The RRS-3 TSA7 is designed to remotely operate the isolation racking handle on Schneider Electric/Emerson ASCO 7000 transfer switches for G, H, and J frame designs. The system allows technicians to isolate and connect switches from up to 50 feet away. Real-time video from the system’s built-in camera, torque readings, and logic are transmitted to a handheld screen, allowing operators to monitor the indicator window and stop the switch in the desired position.

The remote racking system is powered by a Milwaukee M18 REDLITHIUM battery pack for reliable performance. Designed and built with the user in mind, the compact and portable RRS-3 TSA7 easily attaches to and detaches from switchgear and comes standard with a rugged carrying case for easy transport and protection.



Voting for the overall Product of the Year winner takes place on ecmweb.com from May 15 to June 23.

Intellirent

Intellirent Now Offers Acoustic Imaging Technology

In response to the evolving landscape of electrical test equipment, Intellirent is pleased to introduce acoustic imaging solutions to its extensive rental equipment fleet.

Acoustic imaging presents a straightforward approach to pinpointing and documenting compressed air leaks within electrical assets, such as gas-insulated switchgear and substantial industrial compressors. Furthermore, acoustic imaging can assume a crucial role in detecting partial discharge, potentially mitigating the risk of catastrophic failure in electrical equipment.

Acoustic measurements introduce a significant safety element, as the imaging process can be conducted at distances exceeding 150 feet. Acoustic imaging operates as a non-contact, non-evasive method for determining and documenting leaks, ensuring the safety of technicians in close proximity.

Traditionally, leak detection in the industry has relied on technicians applying soap solutions to suspected leaks and observing the formation of bubbles. However, this method offers limited insights into the significance of the leak and lacks the necessary proof and documentation.

The equipment required for acoustic measurement is typically user-friendly, featuring graphical displays of leak intensity and associated software for generating comprehensive reports, thereby streamlining the process.

While various methods exist for detecting partial discharge, acoustic measurement of PD can be performed without disrupting equipment operation or necessitating the integration of multiple expensive test equipment. This capability to detect PD in switchgear cabinets, for instance, enhances safety considerations in energized substations.

Therefore, if you are employed in an industrial plant, healthcare facility, or high-voltage substation, where leak detection is essential, acoustic imaging presents an accessible solution. For further information, please contact any of our technical resources at 888-902-6111.

Megger

Locate LV Cable Faults Without Disconnecting Customers

Reduce outage costs and avoid penalties — even when households remain connected.

Fault location in low-voltage networks has always required disconnecting customers from the mains — until now. The ESG NT2 from Megger introduces a new 60 Hz voltage gradient method that allows cable faults to be located in live networks, without interrupting supply.

This technique detects the earth voltage funnel created by a fault current flowing to ground. Using earth spikes along the known cable route, technicians can precisely identify the fault location without disconnecting a single household.

The ESG NT2 is lightweight, portable, and ideal for fast deployment — no test van is needed.

For utilities, the benefits are clear:

• No power cut-off required – households stay connected
• No test van needed – reduced operational cost
• No penalties – faults can be addressed immediately

This approach not only minimizes disruption and improves efficiency but also enhances customer satisfaction by keeping the lights on.

Learn more below about the ESG NT2 and Fault Sniffer 2.

MVA Diagnostics

MVA is the premier transformer oil testing partner for NETA firms. Our patented XQOhm™ sampling app eliminates time-consuming paperwork by allowing technicians to log a sample to an asset in just 15 seconds using their phone. It’s fast, accurate, and eliminates manual entry errors—allowing your team to focus on billable work instead of filling out forms.

We provide reliable, high quality oil test results with rapid turnaround, backed by field service expertise that includes installation and repair of transformers up to 765 kV. Our national footprint and deep experience in oil processing, maintenance, vacuum filling, and hot oil reclamation make MVA the preferred partner for transformer lifecycle support. Whether it's scheduled maintenance or emergency service, MVA ensures your customer’s transformers stay online and protected.

And our executive team actively serves in leadership roles on the IEEE Transformers Committee and ASTM standards groups, actively shaping the industry’s best practices. When you work with MVA, you're working with the experts who help define the standards others follow.

With fast turnaround, expert insights, and a field-first approach, MVA is the smart choice for NETA companies who demand performance and precision. 

Partner with MVA—and experience the value of working with a trusted industry leader.

NETA is an association of leading electrical testing companies comprised of visionaries committed to advancing the industry standards for power system installation and maintenance to ensure the highest level of reliability and safety.



Learn more at netaworld.org