Electrical Distribution Safety

January 23-24, 2025 | Online :: Central Time

0125-distribution-safety

“EUCI does a great job of bringing real-world examples and references into the classroom.” Sales Director, Landis & Gyr

“EUCI conferences provide relevant and real-time information. The speakers are very knowledgeable and experienced in multiple areas of the industry which provides a great learning experience for the beginner or advanced professional.” Project Administrator, Tampa Electric  

This comprehensive one and a half day course on Electric Distribution Safety will provide participants with foundational knowledge of electricity and the associated safety risks, including stray voltage, arc flash, and electrocution hazards.

Attendees will learn about safe electric distribution design, the importance of fault mitigation, and the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) for improved system reliability. The program will also focus on operational safety for construction crews, covering personal protective equipment, safety protocols, and the unique challenges posed by extreme weather and storm restoration efforts.

On Day 2, participants will explore advanced topics, including the integration of smart grid technologies and cybersecurity considerations. The course will conclude with interactive case studies, group discussions, and a Q&A session to reinforce learning and practical application.

Special discounts apply for groups of five or more so register your whole team today!

Learning Outcomes

• Review basic electricity concepts, including Ohm’s Law, power types, and associated hazards like stray voltage and arc flash.
• Evaluate system faults, fault current levels, and mitigation techniques, including overcurrent protection and distributed energy resources.
• Discuss safe electric distribution design principles for overhead and underground lines, focusing on resiliency and reliability.
• Apply safety practices for operation and construction crews, including the use of PPE, training, and hazard management in extreme weather and emergency situations.
• Explore advanced topics in distribution safety, including smart grid technology integration and cybersecurity challenges.

Thursday, January 23, 2025 : Central Time

9:00 – 9:30 a.m. :: Introductions

9:30 – 11:00 a.m. :: Electricity Basics & The Safe Power System

• Ohm’s Law
  • Voltage
  • Current
  • Resistance/Impedance
• Power
  • Real Power (kW)
  • Reactive Power
  • Apparent Power (kVA)
• Hazards associated with electric power
  • Stray Voltage
  • Contact Voltage
    • Lethal Limit – Electrocution
  • Arc Flash

11:00 – 11:15 a.m. :: Morning Break

11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. :: System Faults and Associated Safety Hazards

• Impedance
  • Conductor (Line)
  • Fault Impedance
• Fault Current Levels
• System Fault Mitigation
  • Overcurrent Protective Devices
    • Phase to Phase
    • Phase to Ground
    • Reach
  • Automated Restoration Schemes
• Hazards Associated with Distributed Energy Resources

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. :: Break for Lunch

1:30 – 3:00 p.m. :: Safe Electric Distribution Design

• Vegetation Management
  • Importance of Maintaining Clearance Around Power Lines
  • Preventative Measures to Reduce Outages and Fires
  • Compliance with Regulatory Standards (e.g., NERC)
• Asset Management    
  • Monitoring and Maintaining Distribution System Assets
  • Risk Assessment and Lifecycle Management
  • Leveraging Technology for Predictive Maintenance
• Aging Infrastructure
  • Identifying Vulnerable Components
  • Strategies for Upgrading or Replacing Aging Equipment
  • Impact on System Reliability and Safety
• Overhead Line Construction
  • Structural Strength per NESC
  • Clearances per NESC
    • Vertical
    • Horizontal
• Underground Line Construction
• • Clearances per NESC
• Designing for Resiliency and Reliability
  • Weather-Resistant Designs
  • Reducing Vulnerability to Faults
  • Integrating Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) Safely

3:00 – 3:15 p.m. :: Afternoon Break

3:15 – 4:15 p.m. :: Operation/Construction Crew Safety

• Personal Protective Equipment
• Regiment of Safety Practices
  • Constant training
    • Equipment
    • Controls
    • Procedures
      • Hot Line Tag
      • Applying Grounds
    • Tools
    • Instruments
  • Procedures
    • Overhead vs. Underground
• Storm Restoration Hazards
  • Extended working hours
  • Extreme Weather
• Emergency Response and Coordination with First Responders

4:15 – 4:30 p.m. :: Q&A

 

Friday, January 24, 2025 : Central Time

 

9:00 – 9:45 a.m. :: Interactive Session: Case Studies in Electrical Distribution Safety

• Analyzing Real-World Incidents
• Lessons Learned
• Group Discussion

9:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. :: Advanced Topics in Distribution Safety

• Integration of New Technologies (e.g., Smart Grids, IoT)
• Cybersecurity Considerations in Distribution Systems

12:15 – 12:30 p.m. :: Afternoon Break

12:30 – 1:00 p.m. :: Q&A and Wrap-up

• Addressing Participant Questions
• Summary of Key Takeaways
• Next Steps and Resources

1:00 – 1:30 p.m. :: Optional Networking Session

Richard Forgensi, Former Director, National Grid

Richard Forgensi is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the design, operation, and management of electric utility systems. He recently retired as Director of Distribution Design at National Grid USA, where he led statewide efforts in New York, overseeing system design, safety, and customer satisfaction. His career includes roles managing both overhead and underground distribution and sub-transmission line construction, with a focus on fostering high-performing safety environments and meeting financial goals. In addition to his industry work, Richard has taught electrical courses at Erie Community College, contributing to the development of future utility professionals. He holds a Master of Engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Clarkson University.

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Bryan Glenn, Engineering Manager, Southern California Edison

Bryan Glenn brings over 26 years of electrical experience across utility, government, commercial, and industrial sectors. With 18 years focused on electrical utility distribution and transmission systems, he has a deep knowledge of construction, troubleshooting, compliance, and management. Bryan has spent 16 years teaching electrical courses with the IBEW and Chaffey College, where he developed curriculum and instructed on topics like Power Quality, Grounding, Introduction to Electricity, Introduction to Controls, National Electrical Code, and Blueprint Reading. His management expertise includes leading technical engineering teams, strategic planning, and change management. Bryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and an Associate of Science in Electrical Technology, making him a well-rounded leader in both technical and operational aspects of the field.

We will be using Microsoft Teams to facilitate your participation in the upcoming event. You do not need to have an existing Teams account in order to participate in the broadcast – the course will play in your browser and you will have the option of using a microphone to speak with the room and ask questions, or type any questions in via the chat window and our on-site representative will relay your question to the instructor.

• Microsoft recommends downloading and installing the Teams app if possible. You may also use the Edge browser or Chrome.
• You will receive a separate email with a unique link to a personalized landing page which will include links to join all sessions of this event.
• If you are using a microphone, please ensure that it is muted until such time as you need to ask a question.
• The remote meeting connection will be open approximately 30 minutes before the start of the course. We encourage you to connect as early as possible in case you experience any unforeseen problems.

Please Note: This event is being conducted entirely online. All attendees will connect and attend from their computer, one connection per purchase. For details please see our FAQ

If you are unable to attend at the scheduled date and time, we make recordings available to all attendees for 7 days after the event

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Electrical Distribution Safety

January 23-24, 2025 | Online

Your registration may be transferred to a member of your organization up to 24 hours in advance of the event. Cancellations must be received on or before December 20, 2024 in order to be refunded and will be subject to a US $195.00 processing fee per registrant. No refunds will be made after this date. Cancellations received after this date will create a credit of the tuition (less processing fee) good toward any other EUCI event. This credit will be good for six months from the cancellation date. In the event of non-attendance, all registration fees will be forfeited. In case of conference cancellation, EUCIs liability is limited to refund of the event registration fee only. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as complaints and refunds, please contact our offices at 303-770-8800

Credits

EUCI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

EUCI is authorized by IACET to offer 1.0 CEUs for this event

Verify our IACET accreditation

Who recognizes IACET Credits?

Requirements for Successful Completion of Program

Participants must log in and be in attendance for the entirety of the course to be eligible for continuing education credit.

Instructional Methods

PowerPoint presentations, video, and Q&A will be used in the program.

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Upon successful completion of this event, program participants interested in receiving CPE credits will receive a certificate of completion.

Course CPE Credits: 12.0
There is no prerequisite for this Course.
Program field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Advanced Preparation: None

EUCI is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its web site: www.nasbaregistry.org

 

Who Should Attend?

• Utility Safety Managers and Supervisors
• EPC Safety Managers and Supervisors
• Utility Project Managers and Supervisors
• EPC Project Managers and Supervisors
• Construction Safety Managers and Supervisors
• Utility Contractors
• EHS Supervisors and Consultants
• Construction Workers Employed Around Medium-Voltage Systems