Resources For Electrical Engineers: With A Focus On Northern Alberta Industries

GP TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
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Resources for Electrical Engineers

With a focus on Northern Alberta Industries
Daniel Lang, P.Eng.

2016
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This document outlines various resources utilized by all levels of engineers, from new grads through to
senior engineers. While the technical aspects focus on electrical engineering, many of the resources
cited can, and are, utilized by all disciplines. As stated in the subtitle, this document focuses on northern
Alberta industries, which is mainly the discipline of electrical power systems.
Having access to extensive resources enables you as an engineer to maximize the value you provide
either directly to your employer or to your clients.
The resources cited in this document are those of which I have gained person utility from. By no means
does this provide an exhaustive list of resources in any one area.
GP Technologies Ltd. Daniel Lang, P.Eng. Page 1
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Table of Contents
Career Development ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Technical Resources ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Software Programs ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Codes and Standards .................................................................................................................................. 11
Non-Technical Expertise Necessary in Practice .......................................................................................... 20
Business Resources ..................................................................................................................................... 21
Professional and Industry Associations ...................................................................................................... 23
Print / Online Publications .......................................................................................................................... 24
Regulatory Agencies.................................................................................................................................... 25
About the Author ........................................................................................................................................ 26
Revision Date
Rev 0 April 18, 2016
Rev 1 May 1, 2016
Rev 2 July 26, 2016
Rev 3 October 5, 2016
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Career Development
The resources below will help you maximize the value you can produce as an engineer. While it is very
important to be technically capable in your field of practice, it is equally (if not more) important to
maximize the efficacy of the services you are selling to your customer (whether it be employer or client).
1. Lawrence J. Kamm, “Real-World Engineering: A Guide to Achieving Career Success”, Wiley-IEEE

Press, (1991)
For any field of engineering, this book outlines all the qualitative and quantitative skills necessary to
navigate all the areas of professional practice from on the job pressure and people problems, all the
way to corporate survival and dealing with accountants.
2. Dale Carnegie, “How to Win Friends and Influence People”, Simon and Schuster, (1936)
A classic resource and one of the original best-selling self-help books to be published, Carnegie
outlines techniques for mastering your interpersonal skills.
3. Victor Antonio. (2009, Nov 29). salesinfluence [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/user/salesinfluence/featured
The above source is the youtube channel of the author, speaker, and business consultant, Victor
Antonio. Victor Antonio has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, MBA, and is the CEO of a high-tech
company. He provides very useful sales and management training.
4. Ramit Sethi. (2007, Jan 24). ramitsethi [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/user/ramitsethi/featured
The above source is the youtube channel of the author of NYT bestseller “I Will Teach You to Be
Rich”. The channel is a wealth of information on startups, salary negotiation, and money
management.
5. Anthony Fasano, et al (Producer). (Recurring series). The Engineering Career Coach Podcast
[Podcast]. Retrieved from http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-engineering-career-coach-
podcast
The Engineering Career Coach Podcast provides valuable career advice. The podcast is produced by
two professional engineers and provides content for all types of engineers from recent grads all the
way to the most senior level engineers.
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Technical Resources
The below technical resources provide a wealth of information on many areas of electrical engineering.
The resources included are textbooks, websites, video files and channels, and industry whitepapers.
Personally, my most utilized technical resource is the Eng-Tips engineering forums (found at
www.eng-tips.com) It is a work forum utilized by thousands of professional engineers of all disciplines.
There are many technical experts within all fields that can help provide solutions to any questions,
issues, or predicaments encountered in every day practice.
Tremendous amounts of technical content tailored more towards industrial applications are
manufacturer produced whitepapers (technical literature for a specific product or company). Some go-
to sources are the following:
Schweitzer Engineering https://selinc.com/literature/white-papers/

Laboratories
General Electric Industrial http://www.geindustrial.com/white-papers
ABB http://www.electricalengineeringresource.com/our-offerings/white-
papers-solution-sets
Schneider Electric http://www.schneider-electric.com/ww/en/download/1555889-
WhitePaperLanding
Eaton (Cutler-Hammer) http://www.eaton.com/ZS/Eaton/OurCompany/WhitePapers/index.htm
Siemens http://w3.usa.siemens.com/powerdistribution/us/en/consulting-
engineering/consultant-library/consultant-library-tab/pages/white-
papers-and-technical-briefs.aspx
Rockwell Automation http://www.rockwellautomation.com/global/literature-
library/overview.page?
Honeywell https://www.honeywellprocess.com/en-
US/resources/pages/whitepapers.aspx
Alstom http://www.power-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/
Following the manufacturer produced white papers and other technical literature, are the youtube
channels of the respective companies. The channels usually include content on their products first and
foremost, although there is usually very informative technical information provided.
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories https://www.youtube.com/user/selincvideo

General Electric Industrial https://www.youtube.com/user/gepowerwatervideos
ABB https://www.youtube.com/user/abb
Schneider Electric https://www.youtube.com/user/SchneiderCorporate
Eaton (Cutler-Hammer) https://www.youtube.com/user/EatonVideos
Siemens https://www.youtube.com/user/Siemens
Rockwell Automation https://www.youtube.com/user/ROKAutomation
Honeywell https://www.youtube.com/user/Honeywell
Alstom https://www.youtube.com/user/Alstom
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General
1. Brian Douglas. (2011, Nov 29). Control Lectures [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/user/ControlLectures/featured
The above source is a youtube channel which includes excellent explanations of Laplace Transforms,
Fourier Transforms, Time/Frequency Domains, and many other topics relating to control systems.
2. Stephen Welch. (2007, Jan 24). Welch Labs [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UConVfxXodg78Tzh5nNu85Ew
The above source is a youtube channel which includes, among many others, a very intuitive
explanation of imaginary/complex numbers. As electrical engineers have a heavy reliance on the
understanding of the complex number line, this youtube channel is very beneficial.
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (2005, Oct 11). MIT [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/user/ControlLectures/featured
The above source is a youtube channel for the MIT OpenCourseWare. The channel includes a very
diverse range of topics.
4. United States Department of Defense. (1961). US Army Training Film TF9-316 [Video file].
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4texz0Gn7cw
The US Department of Defense has produced many informative videos as an overview of some
general electrical engineering topics. They were produced in the late 1950s and 1960s, so they
outline the technology used at the time. The series is an excellent primer to electric machines.
Power Systems
4. L&K International Videotraining, Bill Anderson. (1990). Power System Protection [Video file].
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/user/shriefsaed/featured
The above video series includes what I consider to be the best technical resource for power systems
I have found. The videos were originally produced by L&K International Videotraining, but are no
longer available for purchase. The above youtube channel is one of a few that host the original
videos. The following is a list of the original video series:
Video 1: Elements Of System Protection: Introduction/overview of the need for System

Protection and the characteristics of sensors/interrupters used for this protection.
Video 2: Fault Characteristics: Characteristics of various faults in Power systems, a review of

Power System fault analysis, system grounding, and ferro-resonance. It also introduces dealing
with asymmetric faults by modelling them as the sum of three distinct symmetric systems.
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Video 3: Fault Investigation and Analysis: An overview of the need for continuous recording and
analysis of the performance of protection systems.
Video 4: Preliminary Verification of Installation: An overview of the need and process for
testing/commissioning protective equipment.
Video 5: Line Protection: Protection of transmission lines. Different approaches for different
classes of lines/grounding system/redundancy and zone of protection.
Video 6: Pilot Wire Differential Protection: Metallic, Power line carrier (PLC),
Microwave/Telephone
Video 7: Power Line Carrier: More detail and design/application information and digital/analog
communication techniques
Video 8: Protection For System Stability: Stability/Instability, Power flow, Dynamic instability,
Practical Considerations.
Video 9: Bus Protection: Bus configurations, a more complex protection problem
Video 10: Monitoring System Conditions: Instrumentation (CT & VT), 3-Phase Transformers, per
unit (PU) representation advantages
Video 11: Transformer Protection: Thermal failure protection, protecting various Y and Delta
configurations, Reactor protection
Video 12: Generator Protection: Prime mover/physical problems, phase to phase/ground

winding failure, 3rd harmonic currents, backup protection, flashover, frequency monitoring,
loss of excitation, ground fault detection.
Video 13: Motor Protection: Induction motor review, protection from insulation failure
overheating, under voltage and rapid restart. Synchronous motor review & protection (similar
to a generator).
Video 14: Testing Techniques: Instrument accuracy, RMS vs average meters, EMC,
source/meter impedance, clamp-on current meter, shunts and Hall effect; Frequency
measurement, decibels, terminations, timers, phase, capacitance, ground isolation, scopes, 3-
phase, safety measures.
5. Donald Beeman, “Industrial Power Systems Handbook”, 1st Edition, McGraw-Hill Book
Company, Inc., 1955
Originally developed by GE, this book is a good primer and resource for industrial plant and facilities
engineers and electricians.
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7. J.R. Dunki-Jacobs, et al, “Industrial Power Systems Grounding Design Handbook”, Publisher:
Author
Probably the most comprehensive text that has been written for power systems grounding to date.
8. J. Duncan Glover, et al, “Power System Analysis and Design”, 5th Edition, Cengage Learning,
2011.
A good textbook for learning the basics of all areas of power system design and analysis.
9. H. Wayne Beaty, et al, “Standard Handbook for Electrical Engineers”, 16th Edition, McGraw-Hill
Education, 2012
For more than a century this book has been the go-to source for pertinent information both for
students and for practicing engineers.
10. Lawrence F. Drbal, “Power Plant Engineering”, 1996 Edition, Springer, 1996
By a wide margin the most comprehensive source of information of its kind, Power Plant
Engineering was written over the course of a century by engineers at Black & Veatch. Each chapter
was compiled by a team of engineers specializing in the specific subject. This book is useful for
engineers, power plant operators, electricians, system planners, equipment manufacturers,
regulatory agencies, and many, many more.
11. “Cahier Techniques”, Produced by Schneider Electric
The Schneider Electric Cahier Techniques includes over 100 technical articles covering a myriad of
subjects.
12. Electric Power Research Institute
EPRI conducts research and development in many areas of power systems for the benefit of the
public. There are many publications and textbooks produced by EPRI (not listed in this document)
for more specialized and targeted applications such as transmission voltage stability, generator AVR
control systems, dynamic stability, etc.
13. Jim Phillips, (2011, March 8). Brainfiller Arc Flash Training [Video File]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/user/BrainfillerTV
This is the youtube channel for Jim Phillips, a professional engineer with over 30 years’ experience in
electrical power systems. Jim has developed over 20 training programs and has taught thousands of
seminars worldwide on the subjects of electrical power system design, analysis, and safety.
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Power Systems Protection and Analysis
14. Edmund O. Schweitzer III, et al, “Modern Solutions for Protection, Control, and Monitoring of
electrical power systems”, Quality Books, Inc., 2010.
Produced through Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, this text is a comprehensive look at

modern technological advancements in solid state protective relaying. Technologies such as
synchrophasors, wide-area protection, time-synchronized protection, and cybersecurity mitigation
are just an example of the topics discussed.
15. C. Russel Mason, “Art and Science of Protective Relaying”, Wiley, 1956
While quite technically involved, this book is a good primer into power systems protective relaying.
16. J. Lewis Blackburn, “Protective Relaying: Principles and Applications”, 4th Edition, CRC Press,
2014
Blackburn’s protective relaying is one of the go-to texts for protection engineers doing design and
analysis of protection systems.
17. Paul M. Anderson, “Power System Protection”, Wiley-IEEE Press, 1998
Anderson’s text is substantial in depth, covering almost any protection topic you can think of.
18. J. Lewis Blackburn, “Symmetrical Components”, CRC Press, 1993
Blackburn’s symmetrical components text provides explanations of sequence networks for all types
of faults in any type of system.
19. Paul M. Anderson, “Analysis of Faulted Power Systems”, Wiley-IEEE Press, 1995
Anderson’s text outlines procedures for analyzing short circuits, open phasing, unbalanced faults,
and many more faulted circuit conditions.
20. “Network Protection and Automation Guide”, Produced by: ALSTOM GRID, 2011
Another go-to reference for protection engineers is Alstom’s text, first produced in 1966 (formerly
Protective Relays Application Guide). This document was produced by a large group of protection
experts within Alstom over the last 5 decades.
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Transformers, Electric Machines and Drives
22. Martin J. Heathcote, “The J & P Transformer Book, Twelfth Edition”, Reed Educational and
Professional Publishing Ltd., 1998
At nearly 1000 pages, this book has been used by power system engineers for over 80 years and is
the most comprehensive text for all things relating to transformers.
23. James H. Harlow, et al, “Electric Power Transformer Engineering”, CRC Press LLC, 2004
This transformer text, compiled in part by nearly 40 contributors, is another classic reference for
power systems engineers regarding transformer theory and application.
24. Edward H. Cowern, “Cowern Papers”, Publisher: EMS Inc.
The Cowen Papers are a set of technical documents written for Baldor Motors and Drives which are
an excellent resource for an intuitive understanding of electric motors and applications.
25. Theodore Wildi, “Electric Machines, Drives, and Power Systems, Sixth Edition”, Pearson, 2005.
While this text covers many areas of electrical power systems, it provides what I consider the most
intuitive approach to electric machines.
26. Vedam Subrahmanyam, “Electric Drives Concepts and Applications”, Tata McGraw-Hill
Publishing Company, 2001.
The above text provides a very thorough explanation of electric motor drives.
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Software Programs
The number of basic electrical engineering calculators, selection guides, excel spreadsheets and open
source software packages are just shy of infinity. There are far too many to attempt to list in this paper. I
will thus focus only on the most common proprietary (with one exception) software packages utilized by
most electrical power systems engineers. As well, the individual suites and modules within each package
are too numerous to list, and can be easily found at each company’s website.
Name Developer / Owner Notes

SKM SKM Systems Analysis, Inc. www.skm.com/
ETAP ETAP/Operation http://etap.com/
Technology, Inc.
EasyPower EasyPower LLC www.easypower.com/
ASPEN Aspen Inc. http://www.aspeninc.com/web/
PSS/E Siemens AG www.siemens.com/pss-e/
EMTP Open Source Examples of EMTP programs are: EMTP-RV, MT-
EMTP, EMTP-ATP, etc.
PLS-CADD Power Line Systems Inc. www.powline.com/
CAPE Electrocon International http://www.electrocon.com/capeintro.php
Incorporated
PowerWorld PowerWorld Corporation http://www.powerworld.com/
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Codes and Standards
For any type work in any field of engineering (or any profession for that matter), there will be codes
and standards that outline the recommended practice. Below are the codes and standards
organizations (non-exhaustive) and associations which govern much of the work done by electrical
engineers:
 IEEE – The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

 NEMA – National Electrical Manufacturers Association
 ANSI – American National Standards Institute, Inc.
 AEIC – Association of Edison Illuminating Companies
 ICEA – Insulated Cable Engineers Association
 ASTM – American Society of the International Association for Testing and Materials
 ISO – International Organization for Standardization
 CSA – Canadian Standards Association
 IEC – International Electrotechnical Commission
 NFPA – National Fire Protection Association
 UL – Underwriters Laboratories
 RoHS – Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive
List of Applicable Equipment Standards
Equipment Standard
Cable Terminating Devices IEEE Std 48
Connectors for Electric Utility Applications ANSI C119.1
Definite Purpose Magnetic Contactors ARI 780
Electrical Measuring Instruments ANSI C39 SERIES
Electrical Power Insulators ANSI C29 SERIES
Electricity Metering ANSI C12 SERIES
Industrial Control Apparatus ANSI/NEMA ICS SERIES
Insulated Conductors ANSI/NFPA 70E
AEIC SERIES
ICEA SERIES
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Lamps
Bactericidal Lamps
Electric Discharge Lamps ANSI C78 SERIES
Incandescent Lamps
Lamp Ballasts
Low Voltage Fuses ANSI C82 SERIES
Low Voltage Molded-Case Circuit Breakers ANSI/NEMA FU 1
Mechanical Transport Refrigeration Units NEMA AB 1
Power Switchgear
Automatic Circuit Reclosers
Automatic Line Sectionalizers
Capacitor Switches
Distribution Current-Limiting Fuses
Distribution Cutout and Fuse Links
Distribution Enclosed Single-Pole Air Switches
Distribution Oil Cutouts and Fuse Links

ANSI C37 SERIES
Fused Disconnecting Switches
Manual and Automatic Station Control
Power Circuit Breakers
Power Fuses
Relays and Relay Systems
Secondary Fuses
Supervisory and Associated Telemetering Equipment
Switchgear Assemblies including Metal Enclosed Bus
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Rotating Electrical Machinery
AC Induction Motors
Cylindrical Rotor Synchronous Generators

ANSI C50 SERIES, NEMA MG 1
Salient Pole Synchronous Generators and Condensers
Synchronous Motors
Universal Motors
Shunt Power Capacitors IEEE Std 18
Solenoid Valves for Liquid and Gaseous Flow ARI 760
Static Power Conversion Equipment ANSI C34
Surge Arresters ANSI C62.1, IEEE C62.11
Transformers, Regulators, and Reactors
Arc Furnace Transformers
Constant-Current Transformers
Current-Limiting Reactors
Distribution Transformers
ANSI C57 SERIES, ANSI/NEMA
Dry Type - Instrument Transformers
ST 20
Dry Type - Power Transformers
Dry Type - Rectifier Transformers
Dry Type - Secondary Network Transformers
Step-Voltage and Induction-Voltage Regulators
Three Phase Load Tap Changing Transformers
Wiring Devices ANSI C73 Series
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For power systems engineers, the go-to standards are the IEEE Color Book Series. The Color Books
outline recommended practice covering all areas of power systems.
Standard Color Title

# Book
141 Red IEEE Recommended Practice for Electric Power Distribution for
Industrial Plants
142 Green IEEE Recommended Practice for Grounding of Industrial and

Commercial Power Systems
241 Gray IEEE Recommended Practice for Electric Power Systems in Commercial
Buildings
242 Buff IEEE Recommended Practice for Protection and Coordination of

Industrial and Commercial Power Systems
399 Brown IEEE Recommended Practice for Industrial and Commercial Power
Systems Analysis
446 Orange IEEE Recommended Practice for Emergency and Standby Power
Systems for Industrial and Commercial Applications
493 Gold IEEE Recommended Practice for the Design of Reliable Industrial and
551 Violet IEEE Recommended Practice for Calculating ac Short-Circuit Currents in

602 White IEEE Recommended Practice for Electric Systems in Health Care
Facilities
739 Bronze IEEE Recommended Practice for Energy Management in Industrial and
Commercial Facilities
902 Yellow IEEE Guide for Maintenance, Operation, and Safety of Industrial and
1015 Blue Recommended Practice for Applying Low-Voltage Circuit Breakers Used
in Industrial and Commercial Power Systems
1100 Emerald IEEE Recommended Practice for Powering and Grounding Electronic
Equipment
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In recent years, the IEEE has been undergoing a reorganization of the Color Book standards, moving
them into smaller, more specialized standards. They are as follows:
IEEE 3001 Standards – Power Systems Design:
3001.1 Recommended Practice for the Planning of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems
3001.2 Recommended Practice for Evaluating the Electrical Service Requirements of Industrial
and Commercial Power Systems
3001.3 Recommended Practice for the Design of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems
3001.4 Recommended Practice for Estimating the Costs of Industrial and Commercial Power
Systems
3001.5 Recommended Practice for the Application of Power Distribution Apparatus in Industrial
3001.6 Recommended Practice for the Expansion, Modernization, and Rehabilitation of

3001.7 Recommended Practice for the Application of Communication and Signaling Systems
used in Industrial and Commercial Power Systems
3001.8 Recommended Practice for the Instrumentation and Metering of Industrial and
3001.9 Recommended Practice for the Lighting of Industrial and Commercial Facilities
3001.10 Recommended Practice for Electric Space Conditioning of Industrial and Commercial
Facilities
3001.11 Recommended Practice for the Application of Controllers and Automation to Industrial
IEEE 3002 Standards – Power Systems Analysis:
3002.1 Recommended Practice for the Modeling and Simulation of Industrial and Commercial
Power Systems as a Precursor for Conducting System Studies
3002.2 Recommended Practice for Conducting a Load-Flow Study of Industrial and Commercial
Power Systems
3002.3 Recommended Practice for Conducting Short-Circuit Studies of Industrial and

3002.4 Recommended Practice for Conducting Device Duty Short-Circuit Calculations in

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3002.5 Recommended Practice for Conducting Arc-Flash Calculations in Industrial and
3002.6 Recommended Practice for Conducting Transient Stability Studies of Industrial and
3002.7 Recommended Practice for Conducting Motor-Starting Studies in Industrial and

3002.8 Recommended Practice for Conducting Harmonic-Analysis Studies of Industrial and

3002.9 Recommended Practice for Conducting Switching-Transient Studies of Industrial and

3002.10 Recommended Practice for Conducting Cable-Ampacity and Sizing Studies of Industrial
3002.11 Recommended Practice for Analyzing Voltage Sags in Industrial and Commercial Power
Systems
3002.12 Recommended Practice for Analyzing DC Auxiliary and Battery Systems for Industrial
IEEE 3003 Standards – Power System Grounding:
3003.1 Recommended Practice for the System Grounding of Industrial and Commercial Power
Systems
3003.2: Recommended Practice for Equipment Grounding and Bonding in Industrial and
3003.3 Recommended Practice for Static Discharge Protection Grounding of Industrial and
3003.4 Recommended Practice for Lightning Protection Grounding of Industrial and Commercial
Power Systems
3003.5 Recommended Practice for the Powering and Grounding of Electronic Equipment in
IEEE 3004 Standards – Protection and Coordination:
3004.1 Recommended Practice for the Application of Instrument Transformers in Industrial and
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3004.2 Recommended Practice for the Application of Protective Relays in Industrial and
3004.3 Recommended Practice for the Application of Low-Voltage Fuses in Industrial and
3004.4 Recommended Practice for the Application of High-Voltage Fuses in Industrial and
3004.5 Recommended Practice for the Application of Low-Voltage Circuit Breakers in Industrial
3004.6 Recommended Practice for Ground-Fault Protection of Industrial and Commercial Power
Systems
3004.7 Recommended Practice for Conductor Protection in Industrial and Commercial Power
Systems
3004.8 Recommended Practice for Motor Protection in Industrial and Commercial Power
Systems
3004.9 Recommended Practice for Transformer Protection in Industrial and Commercial Power
Systems
3004.10 Recommended Practice for Generator Protection in Industrial and Commercial Power
Systems
3004.11 Recommended Practice for Bus and Switchgear Protection in Industrial and Commercial
Power Systems
3004.12 Recommended Practice for Service Supply Line Protection in Industrial and Commercial
Power Systems
3004.13 Recommended Practice for Overcurrent Coordination of Industrial and Commercial

Power Systems
IEEE 3005 Standards – Emergency and Standby Power:
3005.1 Recommended Practice for Determining the Need for Emergency and Standby Power
Systems in Industrial and Commercial Facilities
3005.2 Recommended Practice for the Application of Generator Systems for use in Emergency
and Standby Power Systems
3005.3 Recommended Practice for the Application of Stored-Energy Systems for use in
Emergency and Standby Power Systems
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3005.4 Recommended Practice for Improving the Reliability of Emergency and Standby Power
Systems
3005.5 Recommended Practice for the Energy Management of Industrial and Commercial Power
Systems — An Introduction
3005.6 Recommended Practice for the Energy Management of Motors, Electrical Equipment,
and Lightning Systems in Industrial and Commercial Power Systems
3005.7 Recommended Practice for the Application of Metering for Energy Management of
3005.8 Recommended Practice for the Application of Distributed Generation to Industrial and
IEEE 3006 Standards – Power Systems Reliability:
3006.1 Recommended Practice for Reliability Planning and Design of Industrial and Commercial
Power Systems
3006.2 Recommended Practice for Evaluating the Reliability of Existing Industrial and
3006.3 Recommended Practice for Determining the Impact of Preventive Maintenance on the
Reliability of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems
3006.4 Recommended Practice for Determining the Impact of Emergency and Standby Power
Systems on the Reliability of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems
3006.5 Recommended Practice for the Use of Probability Methods for Conducting a Reliability
Analysis of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems Recommended Practice for
3006.6 Reliability Compliance Testing of Emergency and Standby Power Systems 3006.7:
Recommended Practice for Determining the
3006.7 Reliability of 24 3 7 Continuous Power Systems in Industrial and Commercial Facilities
3006.8 Recommended Practice for Analyzing Reliability Data for Equipment Used in Industrial
3006.9 Recommended Practice for Collecting Data for Use in Reliability, Availability, and
Maintainability Assessments of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems
IEEE 3006 Standards – Power Systems Maintenance, Operations and Safety:
3007.1 Recommended Practice for the Operation and Management of Industrial and
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3007.2 Recommended Practice for the Maintenance of Industrial and Commercial Power
Systems
3007.3 Recommended Practice for Electrical Safety of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems
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Non-Technical Expertise Necessary in Practice
Proficiency in the following areas is a necessity to success in practice. A lot of these skills may or may not
be provided in an undergraduate degree and are more so gained during employment.
1. MS Excel (Spreadsheets)
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is probably the most important non-technical skill to an engineer. Excel is
used in almost every task, whether it is estimating, doing calculations, data logging, document control,
project management, or almost any task you can think of, excel maintains a key role. Some key areas to
focus on would be statistical manipulation, plotting, filtering, conditional formatting, and writing
macros.
2. MS Word (Word Processor)
3. Project management software (MS Project, Primavera, etc.)
4. PDF Editors (Bluebeam, Adobe Acrobat, etc.)
5. Image Manipulation Programs (Photoshop, GIMP, etc.)
6. Optimizing Search Engines
Engineers spend a large amount of time searching out technical specifications on equipment,
physical properties of materials, environmental conditions at a specific locations, etc. In order to do
this in an expedient manner, optimizing search terms using search engine operators are useful:
Operator Purpose
+ Search for Google+ pages
@ Search for social tags
$ Search for Prices
# Search for popular Hashtags for trending topics
- Excludes results from search (ex: you want to search for electrical transformers and not
the movies, use transformers –movies, or if you want to search for cars but want to
exclude all Wikipedia articles, use cars –site:Wikipedia.org)
“ Searches for only the exact phrase of the words inside of quotations
* Add an asterisk as a placeholder for unknown words in a search term.
.. Separate numbers by two periods without spaces to get results containing numbers in a
range.
site: Searches exclusively for results from a specific domain
related: Searches for similar domains to the address in the search term
OR Searches for pages which might use one of several words
info: Searches for information on a specific domain
cache: Searches for what the page looks like last time google visited the site
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Business Resources
The below business resources focus on those can help “bridge the gap” between the technical expertise
you have as an engineer and a prospective client seeking the services you provide. In addition, there are
some sources which can help you navigate project management, construction and manufacturing
processes, and the accounting, insurance, financial and legal aspects involved.
1. LinkedIn, twitter, facebook, etc.
Social networking is a relatively simple way to connect with colleagues, clients, vendors, etc., as well
as a way to advertise or promote your business.
2. North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 2007
The NAICS is used to classify a business according to the type of economic activity and means of
production in North America.
3. Procurement Agents (Procurement Websites)
Purchasing brokers / procurement agencies are a type of exchange that matches government
agencies and private companies, who are looking to purchase goods or services (the vendor), with
the businesses and individuals (the supplier) who can provide them. The government procurement
websites are generally free to browse, while the private agencies like MERX require fee for service.
Canada Wide www.merx.com

www.buyandsell.gc.ca/tenders
Alberta http://vendor.purchasingconnection.ca/default.aspx
British Columbia www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca
Manitoba Not implemented
New Brunswick www.gnb.ca/3000/
Newfoundland & Labrador www.gpa.gov.nl.ca
Northwest Territories www.contractregistry.nt.ca/public
Nova Scotia www.gov.ns.ca/tenders/
Nunavut Not implemented
Ontario www.doingbusiness.mgs.gov.on.ca/
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Prince Edward Island www.gov.pe.ca/tenders/
Quebec www.seao.ca
Saskatchewan www.sasktenders.gov.sk.ca
Yukon www.gov.yk.ca/tenders
4. Robert J. Mintz, “Asset Protection for Physicians and High-Risk Business Owners”, Francis
O’Brien & Sons Publishing Company, Inc., 2011
Asset protection is an important aspect of business ownership. Being that the engineering
profession is inherently very high risk, the strategies put forth within the above text are critical
for risk mitigation.
5. Ronald Woods, “Contract Mechanisms and Their Review”, Self-Publication, 2003
The above document was written by an engineer, for engineers. This document is an excellent
resource to cite when reviewing contracts with respect to professional engineering services.
6. Freelancing, crowdsourcing, think tanks, etc.
Using online brokerage services such as oDesk, Upwork, Innocentive, and IdeaConnection can
link you to a worldwide marketplace to buy or sell services in any area possible.
7. "Applying the Scientific Method to the Sales Process." Engineers Can Sell RSS. Web. 11 Apr.
2016.
The above website (www.engineerscansell.com) has archives of useful blogs relating to sales
processes.
8. Brian M. Samuels, et al, “Practical Law of Architecture, Engineering, and Geoscience”, Pearson
Canada, 2007
A great legal resource for engineers, the above text was written by two engineers who also
practice law. Tailored towards the Canadian legal system, it covers almost every legal area you
will encounter in engineering practice.
9. “Project Management Body of Knowledge, Fifth Edition”, Produced by the Project Management
Institute, 2013
The de-facto standard in project management, produced by the Project Management Institute,
who offer the CAPM and PMP certifications.
GP
Professional and Industry Associations
Being a member of various professional and industry associations provide access to networking events,
educational content, employment resources, and many other services. Professional associations such as
APEGA and ASET are the regulatory authorities for professional engineers and technologists in Alberta.
1. The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA)

2. The Association of Science & Engineering Technology (ASET)
3. Consulting Engineers of Alberta
4. Alberta Construction Association
5. Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta
6. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
7. Association of Consulting Engineering Companies
8. The Canadian Society of Senior Engineers
9. Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP)
10. Canadian Centre for Energy Information
11. Alberta Chamber of Resources
12. Canadian Energy Pipeline Association
13. Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum
14. Canadian Wind Energy Association
15. Strathcona Industrial Association
16. Solar and Sustainable Energy Society of Canada
17. Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
18. Alberta Industrial Heartland Association
GP
Print / Online Publications
Print and online publications can keep you updated on industry news as well as provide a wealth of
resources and technical information.
1. Electrical Business Magazine

2. Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M)
3. Electrical Line Magazine
4. Electrical Contractor Magazine
5. Electricity Today T&D Magazine
6. Electrical Industry Canada
7. Electrical Engineering Portal
8. Electric Light & Power
9. The AESO – Powering Alberta
10. Renew Grid
11. Electrical Source Magazine
12. Transmission & Distribution World
13. Power Lineman
14. Petroleum Services News (PSAC)
15. Context Magazine (CAPP)
GP
Regulatory Agencies
The regulatory agencies listed below are public or government agencies responsible for exercising
varying levels of autonomous authority over the activities relating to the electrical power industry in
Alberta.
1. The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)

2. The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO)
3. Government of Alberta – Utilities Consumer Advocate
4. The Market Surveillance Administrator (MSA)
5. Apprenticeship and Industry Training (oversees electrical trades)
In addition to government agencies, below are the policies and regulations enacted by the Government
of Alberta ministries of Energy, Infrastructure, Transportation, and Environment:
http://www.albertacanada.com/business/industries/ec-policies-and-regulations.aspx
GP
About the Author
Daniel Lang holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

from the University of Alberta (2010). He has worked as an
engineering consultant in all areas of power systems design
and analysis, from small commercial buildings to large scale
heavy industrial and utility installations.
His work has included power system analyses and design with
an emphasis on protective relaying, selective coordination,
unbalanced fault analysis, loadflow, arc flash analysis, and
protection logic.
Daniel is a Professional Engineer registered in the Province of

Alberta, and is a member of the IEEE.
GP

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GP TECHNOLOGIES LTD.

Resources for Electrical Engineers

Daniel Lang, P.Eng.

GP Technologies Ltd. Daniel Lang, P.Eng. Page 1

GP Technologies Ltd. Daniel Lang, P.Eng. Page 2

1. Lawrence J. Kamm, “Real-World Engineering: A Guide to Achieving Career Success”, Wiley-IEEE

GP Technologies Ltd. Daniel Lang, P.Eng. Page 3

Schweitzer Engineering https://selinc.com/literature/white-papers/

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories https://www.youtube.com/user/selincvideo

GP Technologies Ltd. Daniel Lang, P.Eng. Page 4

Video 1: Elements Of System Protection: Introduction/overview of the need for System

Video 2: Fault Characteristics: Characteristics of various faults in Power systems, a review of

GP Technologies Ltd. Daniel Lang, P.Eng. Page 5

Video 9: Bus Protection: Bus configurations, a more complex protection problem

Video 12: Generator Protection: Prime mover/physical problems, phase to phase/ground

GP Technologies Ltd. Daniel Lang, P.Eng. Page 6

11. “Cahier Techniques”, Produced by Schneider Electric

12. Electric Power Research Institute

GP Technologies Ltd. Daniel Lang, P.Eng. Page 7

Produced through Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, this text is a comprehensive look at

17. Paul M. Anderson, “Power System Protection”, Wiley-IEEE Press, 1998

18. J. Lewis Blackburn, “Symmetrical Components”, CRC Press, 1993

GP Technologies Ltd. Daniel Lang, P.Eng. Page 8

24. Edward H. Cowern, “Cowern Papers”, Publisher: EMS Inc.

GP Technologies Ltd. Daniel Lang, P.Eng. Page 9

Name Developer / Owner Notes

GP Technologies Ltd. Daniel Lang, P.Eng. Page 10

 IEEE – The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

List of Applicable Equipment Standards

Cable Terminating Devices IEEE Std 48

Connectors for Electric Utility Applications ANSI C119.1

Definite Purpose Magnetic Contactors ARI 780

Electrical Measuring Instruments ANSI C39 SERIES

Electrical Power Insulators ANSI C29 SERIES

Electricity Metering ANSI C12 SERIES

Industrial Control Apparatus ANSI/NEMA ICS SERIES

Insulated Conductors ANSI/NFPA 70E

GP Technologies Ltd. Daniel Lang, P.Eng. Page 11

Electric Discharge Lamps ANSI C78 SERIES

Low Voltage Fuses ANSI C82 SERIES

Low Voltage Molded-Case Circuit Breakers ANSI/NEMA FU 1

Mechanical Transport Refrigeration Units NEMA AB 1

Automatic Circuit Reclosers

Automatic Line Sectionalizers

Distribution Current-Limiting Fuses

Distribution Cutout and Fuse Links

Distribution Enclosed Single-Pole Air Switches

Distribution Oil Cutouts and Fuse Links

Manual and Automatic Station Control

Power Circuit Breakers

Relays and Relay Systems

Supervisory and Associated Telemetering Equipment

Switchgear Assemblies including Metal Enclosed Bus

GP Technologies Ltd. Daniel Lang, P.Eng. Page 12

Cylindrical Rotor Synchronous Generators

Shunt Power Capacitors IEEE Std 18

Solenoid Valves for Liquid and Gaseous Flow ARI 760

Static Power Conversion Equipment ANSI C34

Surge Arresters ANSI C62.1, IEEE C62.11

Transformers, Regulators, and Reactors

Arc Furnace Transformers

Dry Type - Rectifier Transformers

Dry Type - Secondary Network Transformers