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Choosing NETA Certified Companies for Electrical Testing & Maintenance
December 19, 2024
NETA, or the International Electrical Testing Association, serves the electrical power services industry by developing and publishing accepted standards for electrical testing. NETA is accredited by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and provides certifications for technicians and companies who demonstrate the proper competencies.
Choosing NETA-certified companies for your electrical testing and maintenance means that you have the highest-trained technicians in the industry. To receive their accreditation, the technicians are required to pass multiple rigorous tests. You can expect the highest levels of accuracy and unbiased reporting from technicians servicing your equipment.
What Is a NETA Certified Company?
A NETA Accredited Company is an independent electrical power system testing provider. To become certified, companies must demonstrate that they are not associated with competing service or manufacturing interests. These third-party auditors must deliver unbiased testing results that are never influenced by external factors involving budgets, installation, or product manufacturing.
NETA-certified companies recognize that safety is always the priority, and upholding the highest industry standards is part of ensuring all other operational goals are met. In addition to standards published by ANSI, companies must also adhere to standards and recommendations from OSHA, ASTM, NFPA, IEEE, CSA, the National Safety Council, and any local agencies.
With a roster of NETA Certified Technicians, NETA-certified companies provide ongoing education and support for all personnel performing electrical power system testing and maintenance.
What Are the 4 Levels of NETA Certification for Technicians?
NETA Certified Technicians must be employed by a NETA Accredited Company. Certification is achieved by completing examinations and meeting the requirements for education, training, and years of experience.
There are four levels of certification a technician can move through:
- Level 1: Trainee Technician. This entry-level position requires a high school diploma or GED to get started. Typical duties include assisting higher-level technicians, taking measurements, setting up test equipment, and cleaning.
- Level 2: Certified Assistant Technician. Candidates for Level 2 must have two years of experience or at least two years of technical education plus one year of related experience. They must also complete 40 hours of safety training and 160 hours of electrical training before completing the Level 2 exam.
- Level 3: Certified Technician. Candidates for Level 3 must have five years of experience and complete 24 hours of safety training and 240 hours of electrical training in addition to the hours required for Level 2 before completing the exam. Once certified, a Level 3 Technician can supervise Level 1 and 2 techs.
- Level 4: Certified Senior Technician. With a total of 104 hours of safety training, 600 hours of electrical training, and ten years of experience, a technician can complete the exam to achieve this elite level of certification.
NETA Certification and Industry Compliance Standards
NETA certification ensures that equipment is safe to operate and that technicians have the training and experience necessary to perform testing and maintenance. NETA-certified testing companies can perform:
- NETA Accredited Acceptance Testing. Acceptance testing is performed before commissioning and is required for all installations. The purpose is to ensure that systems are installed according to the engineering design, and technicians will look for equipment defects, installation errors, and potential damage from shipping.
- NETA Accredited Maintenance Testing. NETA-certified power system testing mandates maintenance testing of existing infrastructure every three years. Standards for maintenance testing determine the correct field tests and inspections to assess distribution equipment, emergency energy sources, and other power systems and components. The purpose is to ensure safe operation and to maximize the life expectancy of critical equipment.
Key Benefits of NETA Certification for Electrical Testing
The primary benefit of NETA Accredited Companies and NETA Certified Technicians is the peace of mind of knowing that the people performing tests and maintenance on critical equipment can conduct the work safely. You’ll also rest easy knowing that each technician has the knowledge and experience to evaluate test data, make sound recommendations, and perform expert repairs and maintenance.
NETA-certified companies are not only dedicated to achieving accreditation, but they are also committed to the ongoing training and education of their crew. NETA certification comes with access to ongoing development opportunities and a community of like-minded professionals to ensure that all current standards and recommendations are recognized.
Why You Should Choose NETA-Certified Companies for Electrical Maintenance
The standards NETA-certified companies follow are designed to ensure that electrical equipment will operate safely and without creating hazards for workers and other equipment. New equipment must undergo a series of tests before initial operation, but years of operation will take a toll. Regular inspections will ensure that all safety measures are as functional as they were on day one.
Regular inspections also identify opportunities for preventive maintenance. Addressing worn, broken, or outdated components will help prevent unexpected downtime and disruptions to production due to emergency maintenance needs. Regular preventive maintenance also helps ensure a long working life for expensive critical manufacturing and industrial electrical equipment.
Long-Term Benefits of NETA Electrical Testing and Maintenance
When it comes to critical power systems in your industrial and manufacturing operations, you need more than just a one-time visit for inspections, testing, and maintenance. You need a partner who is as committed to the company’s goals as you are.
Quad Plus is a full-service power systems service provider with decades of experience in every industry. Our team of NETA-certified technicians adheres to the highest standards for safety, integrity, and efficiency.
We’re ready to perform NETA Accredited Acceptance Testing, NETA Accredited Maintenance Testing, and complete assessments of your electrical systems. We’ll work with your schedule to develop a preventive maintenance program to minimize downtime and ensure a long working life for your equipment.
Contact a NETA Certified Technician Now!
Frequently Asked Questions
NETA-certified companies have demonstrated their commitment to the industry’s highest safety and quality standards. You can be sure they have the knowledge and experience to identify and correct problems with your electrical systems to ensure a safe, long operational life for critical equipment.
NETA-certified companies offer two primary services: acceptance testing of new electrical equipment and maintenance testing of existing electrical systems. NETA-certified technicians also perform testing and maintenance for protective relays, grounding systems, transformers, switchgear, and other components.
Yes. NETA-certified companies employ certified technicians who have years of experience and education. They must demonstrate competency in inspecting and servicing both new and aging electrical power systems and their components.
