In the complex world of electrical systems, even the smallest error can trigger a cascade of major disruptions. This was the case at a data center, where an unexpected electrical disturbance caused a series of…
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As testers, where should we start? The standards! For grounding testing, the industry reference is IEEE Standard 81, Guide for Measuring Earth Resistivity, Ground Impedance, and Earth Surface Potentials of a Grounding System. As with…
I began my career at Patterson & Dewar in 1976, following my graduation from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Electrical Engineering. I retired from the company at the end of 2020….
In the world of facility management, timely action and effective communication are crucial. This cautionary tale highlights the consequences of delayed assessments, grounding issues, and interdepartmental conflicts that led to costly outages and operational disruptions….
Patterson & Dewar Engineers, Inc. is proud to announce that it has been recognized as one of USA Today’s Top Workplaces for 2025, marking the sixth consecutive year of receiving this honor. This award celebrates…
Soil – most think “hey, it's just dirt”, but when it comes to electricity, soil becomes more complex. Electrical resistivity (resistance to current flow) is one characteristic of soil that requires specific knowledge regarding testing...
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Forrester Research first introduced the concept of "Zero Trust" in 2010. This concept emphasizes the need for a security framework that does not automatically trust any user or device inside or outside the network. This...
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A 2019 EY Belong Barometer study found that over 40% of U.S. respondents reported feeling physically and emotionally isolated in the workplace. This feeling crossed generational, gender, and ethnic lines. Creating a caring workplace is essential...
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Cyberattacks on the electrical sector are becoming part of everyday life. The tools the attackers use are increasingly becoming more sophisticated. Industrial systems are now as much affected by cyber threats as traditional IT enterprise...
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In high-risk environments, ensuring safety isn't just a response to problems; it's about staying ahead of potential issues. Safety is a 360° effort that involves leadership, work routines, attitudes, and the unexpected. It's about taking...
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In the 21st century, large portions of the U.S. are becoming more drought-prone. An estimated 53 million people (about twice the population of Texas) are living in drought-affected areas.” This escalating drought situation necessitates that...
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Patterson & Dewar Engineers, Inc. is pleased to announce it has been selected as one of USA Today’s 2024 Top Workplaces. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered...
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Substation design typically calls for 2-6” of aggregate (crushed rock) as a top layer upon completion of construction. This layer serves several purposes, including improved vehicle access, reduced erosion, and suppression of vegetation. Another significant...
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Contact with electricity is a significant cause of workplace injuries and fatalities. While many of these incidents can be prevented by ensuring only qualified workers perform all electrical work, what education, training, and experience make...
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Many companies in the United States measure their success by benchmarks known as key performance indicators (KPIs) - most commonly revenue growth, profit margin, and labor productivity. Best practices state that KPIs must be clear,...
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