PEARLSAFE Newsletter

August Giveaway Drawing

PEARL Technician Certification Program

Class C is the correct answer. 

Class C fire extinguishers are specifically designed for fires involving electrical equipment or energized electrical systems. Here’s why you should use a Class C fire extinguisher on an electrical fire:

  1. Non-Conductive Agent: Class C fire extinguishers contain non-conductive extinguishing agents, such as dry chemical powders or clean agents like carbon dioxide (CO2). These agents are non-conductive, which means they do not conduct electricity. When used on electrical fires, they won’t create a path for electrical current to flow through, reducing the risk of electrical shock to the person operating the extinguisher.
  2. Effective on Electrical Fires: Class C extinguishing agents are effective at extinguishing fires involving electrical equipment because they smother the fire by removing the heat and interrupting the chemical reaction of combustion. Dry chemical powders, for example, work by creating a barrier between the fuel and oxygen, effectively cutting off the fire’s fuel source.
  3. Versatility: Class C fire extinguishers are versatile and can also be used on Class A (ordinary combustibles) and Class B (flammable liquid) fires. This versatility can be helpful in situations where multiple types of fire hazards are present.

Congratulations, you’re email address as now been automatically entered into our July drawing. The winner will be announced in the August PEARLSAFE newsletter.

PEARL Technician Certification Level 1
PEARL Technician Certification Level 2
PEARL Technician Certification Level 3

The Technician Certification Program is available to PEARL Accredited Companies. Through a combination of years of practical, hands-on experience, training, and successful completion of an online training and certification exam, individuals obtaining certification through PEARL will have demonstrated their ability to perform specific reconditioning tasks by virtue of their technical knowledge and experience.

Registration is now open for Levels 1-3.

PEARLSAFE Newsletter

July Giveaway Drawing

PEARL Technician Certification Program

3 feet is the correct answer. 

The 4 to 1 rule is to enhance ladder stability and prevent accidents caused by ladders sliding or falling over while in use. When a ladder is set at the correct angle, it reduces the risk of the ladder tipping backward or away from the support structure, providing a safe and secure platform for the person using the ladder.”

Congratulations, you’re email address as now been automatically entered into our July drawing. The winner will be announced in the August PEARLSAFE newsletter.

PEARL Technician Certification Level 1
PEARL Technician Certification Level 2
PEARL Technician Certification Level 3

The Technician Certification Program is available to PEARL Accredited Companies. Through a combination of years of practical, hands-on experience, training, and successful completion of an online training and certification exam, individuals obtaining certification through PEARL will have demonstrated their ability to perform specific reconditioning tasks by virtue of their technical knowledge and experience.

Registration is now open for Levels 1-3.

News, PEARLSAFE September 2022

National Circuit Breaker Earns PEARL Accredited Company Status

National Circuit Breaker completed the rigorous process becoming a PEARL Accredited Company. As an industry leader in power distribution equipment and services, they offer a broad line of new, used and remanufactured electrical equipment dating back to 1940’s from our wide range of inventory and network suppliers.

They also provide shop, engineering and on-site services for all your electrical needs, including remanufacturing circuit breakers, switchgear and related components, maintenance and disaster emergency services. National Circuit Breaker’s number one goal is to give quality and on time service to every customer.

According to Donny Rye, President, National Circuit Breaker, “With over 130 years of combined experience in the sector dating back to 1970, National Circuit Breaker has been in operation since 1990. We have knowledge of circuit breakers from every manufacturer. Our number one goal is to give quality and on time service to every customer.” He went on to say, “To provide our customers safe and high-quality services in reconditioning and remanufacturing, we are always learning and developing. We’re thrilled to finally be a part of the PEARL organization and be recognized as some of the best in our field.”

For more information, go to NationalCircuitBreaker.com or call 1-800-945-0065.

News, PEARLSAFE July 2022

BBS Canada Ltd., a Magna IV Company, Becomes a PEARL Accredited Company

BBS Canada Ltd., a Magna IV Company, recently earned full-service member status becoming a PEARL Accredited Company (PAC). Companies that qualify for PAC undergo a comprehensive evaluation demonstrating adherence to the PEARL Reconditioning Standards and pass an on-site inspection for quality and safety.

BBS Canada Ltd. specializes in switching device restoration, offering cost effective solutions for circuit breakers, disconnect switches and contactors. They offer:

  • Class 1 Reconditioning: Returns switching devices to like-new condition, extending useful life at design capacity. Allows you to balance the mitigation of equipment failure, arc flash and/or obsolescence risks within a relatively modest budget (class 1 reconditioning).
  • Class 2 Reconditioning: Restores and revitalizes minimal corrosion and lubrication degradation.
  • Field Services: Support Magna IV Engineering with a variety of field services work and offer our expertise and knowledge when and where needed

“At BBS Canada we have always prided ourselves on our dedication to an outstanding product and superior client experience. Being a PEARL member allows us to strengthen our ongoing commitment to proper reconditioning at the highest level. We are excited to be welcomed into this group of service providers and dealers who share this commitment. We look forward to continuing to be on the leading edge of this industry and expanding the PEARL brand in Canada,” said the BBS Team.

For more information about BBS Canada Ltd., visit Magnaiv.com/bbs or call 1-800-462-3147.

News, PEARLSAFE July 2022

Welcome New PEARL Partner AVO Training Institute

AVO Training Institute signed on as a new PEARL Partner. For nearly 60 years, AVO Training Institute remains a global leader in Electrical Safety and Maintenance Training courses and certifications. AVO empowers electrical professionals to do their work safely and effectively, allowing them to go home to their families at the end of their workday.

With 55-plus electrical courses, they offer a wide variety of training for EVERY experience level, covering numerous fields:

  • Substation
  • Protective Relays & Testing
  • Circuit Breaker Maintenance
  • Cable & Fiber Optic
  • Infrared Thermography
  • Utilities, Renewables & Industrial Safety
  • And Fundamentals & Safety Standards (NEC, NFPA 70E®, OSHA).

Their talented and experienced instructors deliver an engaging, hands-on experience for our students, in a professional, real-world environment.

Their courses are offered at training locations throughout the United States, with headquarters in Dallas, Texas. They also provide convenient on-site training at your facility to save you money: AVO can train YOUR entire staff; at YOUR facility; and on YOUR equipment: ALL OVER THE WORLD.

They have also developed Virtual Training, which is LIVE and Instructor-led. Additionally, AVO offers Custom Course Design and Online Training courses that students can take at their own pace. Most recently, they created Virtual Reality electrical safety training.

You can view their SCHEDULED COURSES HERE or DOWNLOAD a COURSE FLIER.

For more information about AVO, please call 1-877-637-0305 or visit www.AVOtraining.com.

News, PEARLSAFE May 2022

Saber Power Field Services Earns Full Service Member Status

Saber Power Field Services LLC, a subsidiary of Saber Power Services LLC, recently became a full-service member of The Professional Electrical Apparatus Reconditioning League (PEARL), demonstrating adherence to the PEARL Reconditioning Standards and passing the on-site inspection for quality and safety.

Saber Power Field Services is a NETA Accredited Company offering expertise in electrical circuit breaker upgrades, circuit breaker replacements, and retrofitting for electric utility, petrochemical, municipal, industrial/commercial, renewable, and oil and gas companies in the Gulf, U.S. and abroad.

Their dedicated Breaker Shops are state-of-the-art facilities in Houston and Alvarado, Texas, with expert electrical technicians who have years of industry-leading experience with equipment from all major manufacturers and their service requirements.

In addition to product inventory available for purchase, Saber services circuit breakers on-site with its Mobile Circuit Breaker Repair Shop. Ideal for staging at turnarounds and outages, the 53-foot mobile unit reduces downtime and eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming transportation of company-owned equipment to third-party locations. With multiple full-service workstations fully equipped to provide maintenance, repairs, and upgrades on-site, the Saber Power Field Services Mobile Circuit Breaker Repair Shop offers services on low to medium voltage circuit breakers, medium voltage contactors, starters, and motor centers, regardless of the manufacturer.

“Saber Power Field Services recognizes PEARL’s outstanding efforts to promote safe reconditioning and remanufacturing practices and is excited to join the ranks of other leading companies to further the goodwill of PEARL and its mission,” said Brad Bodine, Saber Power Field Services Director.

Download flyer >

For more information about Saber Power Field Services, visit saberpowerfieldservices.com or contact [email protected].

News, PEARLSAFE May 2022

Denver Breaker and Supply Earns Full Dealer Member Status

Denver Breaker and Supply has completed the steps necessary to advance their membership status from a provisional member to a full dealer member of PEARL. As a full dealer member, Denver Breaker and Supply has demonstrated that they adhere to the PEARL Reconditioning Standards and has passed the onsite inspection verifying inventory, quality and safety.

“Denver Breaker and Supply is continually striving to be your source for quality products. Our knowledgable staff, having over 150 years of combined understanding and expertise in the industry, pledges to provide a smooth customer experience. We value and align with the standards of PEARL, which allow our customers the peace of mind knowing they can rely on quality and service guaranteed,” said Tyler Bagley, Manager, Denver Breaker and Supply.

Denver Breaker and Supply, located in Denver, Colorado, has a large inventory of new, obsolete, inspected and tested circuit breakers, motor controls, and switchgear.

Their range of products include:

  • Circuit Breakers
  • Contactors and Starters
  • Safety Switches
  • MCC
  • Panel Mount Power Switches
  • Transformers
  • Bus Plugs
  • Fuses
  • Panel Boards and Switches

To learn more about Denver Breaker and Supply, go to denverbreaker.com

News, PEARLSAFE December 2021

Premier Power Earns Full Service Member Status

Premier Power Maintenance has completed the steps necessary to advance their membership status from a provisional member to a full service member of PEARL. As a full service member, Premier Power has demonstrated that they adhere to the PEARL Reconditioning Standards and has passed the onsite inspection for quality and safety.

Premier Power Maintenance is a family owned company headquartered in Indianapolis, IN with offices in Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, and Arkansas. They have highly qualified electrical engineers and technicians leading the way with over 300 combined years of experience working with electrical power distribution systems, electrical design, testing and maintenance.

They provide services in the following areas:

  • Safety Training
  • Engineering
  • Installation
  • Commissioning
  • Preventive Maintenance
  • Repair

When asked about PEARL membership, Bob Sheppard, Director of Sales and Marketing said, “Great achievements and expectations come from careful planning, training, education and experience; all with the goal of exceeding expectations.  Premier Power Maintenance is excited to be a part of the PEARL organization and we’re looking forward to seeing both organizations continue to be the leaders in our industry”

To learn more about Premier Power Maintenance, go to PremierPower.us.

News, PEARLSAFE November 2021

2019 & 2020 Member of Year Announcement

2019

Bill Schofield

Bill Schofield

2020

Casey Blevins

Casey LinkedIn

PEARL Board President, Dan Hook, announces the 2019 and 2020 Member of the Year Awards. Each year the Board President selects a member(s) to receive this prestigious award that recognizes the awardees outstanding efforts to promote and further the goodwill of PEARL and its mission. 

Dan commented on each of the awardees saying:

“Bill Schofield spent countless hours on the task group formed by NFPA on the topic of reconditioned electrical equipment and associated requirements in the National Electrical Code.  His dedication to the task group, and methodical logical approach resulted in solid recommendations to NFPA for updates to the code with clarifying language reflecting the reality in the industry.”

“Casey Blevins stepped up in a remarkable way on the board of directors during the trying times we experienced in 2020.  His leadership and motivation helped me tremendously to continue forward on the business of the association, all while being physically disconnected due to the pandemic.  His dedication to effective marketing is outstanding and has championed setting PEARL on a path for success moving into the future.  PEARL is in great hands with Casey as the incoming President.”

The 2019 and 2020 awards were delayed due to the pandemic. The 2021 award announcement will take place at the PEARL Annual Conference and Exhibition on April 22-23, 2022. 

Dan Hook looks on as Bill Schofield accepts the Member of the Year Award.
Casey Blevins accepts the Member of the Year Award from Dan Hook.
PEARLSAFE November 2021

BOD & Member Meeting

The first in-person Board and Member meeting was held on November 2 at the National Training Center at National Field Services in Lewisville, Texas. The Board of Directors meeting kicked off with the changeover of PEARL leadership from Dan Hook to Casey Blevins.

When asked, Dan Hook stated, “It has been my honor to serve as the PEARL Board President for the past two years. Helping to lead PEARL during the pandemic was certainly a unique and rewarding opportunity. I pass the baton to a leadership team that I know will do great things in the coming years.”

In-coming Board President, Casey Blevins, has participated with PEARL for the last 7 years including his Vice Presidency for the past two years. He let the members know that his key objectives are to:

  • ensure PEARL is a transparent and resilient organization
  • that PEARL industry standards are relevant and up-to-date
  • and to continue workforce development efforts

Each of the Committee Chairs brought the group up-to-date on what their committee had been working on.

  • Marketing Committee: Winston Krauss spoke about the important updates taking place on the website and announced the exciting marketing opportunities this work has created for members both on the website and the PEARL$AFE newsletter.
  • Technician Certification Committee: Don West let the group know that Level 1 and Level 2 test prep and exams will be available at the 2022 Conference.
  • Standards Committee: Dan Hook discussed the work they have been doing around the ANSI standards developer 5-year audit and the reaffirm/revisions for the EERS Standard by NLT 2023.
  • Conference Committee: Casey Blevins spoke about the exciting member focused workshops on Friday and the four facility tours that will take place on Saturday, April 23. He also spoke about some of the new and expanded sponsorship opportunities available this year at the conference.

It was a common theme amongst the Committee Chairs that they are excited to get back to business “as usual.” They would like to extend an invitation to all members to get involved and participate on one of the four committees.

The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at 1:00 pm CDT.

News, PEARLSAFE November 2021

Electric Power Systems Acquires H.A.R.T. High Voltage Apparatus Repair and Testing Co.

YUBA CITY, Calif., Oct. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Electric Power Systems (EPS), one of the largest and fastest growing companies in the independent power system testing and engineering industry, has acquired H.A.R.T. High Voltage Apparatus Repair and Testing Co (HART). The official announcement was made today at the EPS St. Louis headquarters. This acquisition continues EPS’s year-long rapid expansion across the US which has included joining with North American Substation Services (NASS) in Orlando, FL, Energis High Voltage Resources in Green Bay, WI, and Krause Power Engineering in Chippewa Falls, WI.

Steve Reed, CEO of EPS shared during a recent briefing, “Partnering with Jim Wolfgram and his great team at HART provides EPS with an even stronger foothold throughout the West to enable us to grow with our customers as they invest in modernizing the electric grid. We are excited to welcome the HART team as we join together and continue to provide the safe, quality, and experienced service that customers have come to expect from both of our companies.”

The acquisition of HART fits into the EPS strategy of becoming the premier high-voltage electrical partner in guiding clients through the complex modernization of the electrical infrastructure, through vision, strategy, service, and support and delivering unwavering safety and reliability, now and into the future.

“EPS shares the HART values of exceptional service, innovative solutions, and client-first relationships. By joining forces with EPS we can now access more tools and resources to expand our expertise and available staff to support our clients. At HART we have always focused on understanding our customers’ needs and working diligently to fulfill those needs. Our team is excited for the opportunity to partner with EPS and NASS to continue to grow with our customers,” said Jim Wolfgram, General Manager of HART.

About HART High Voltage Apparatus Repair and Testing Co.

HART was started in Yuba City CA in December of 1991. Today, they provide services to customers throughout Californiaand Nevada including preventive maintenance, acceptance testing, transformer services, service contracts, and emergency maintenance with the mission to provide the ‘Next Generation of Service’ today.

About Electric Power Systems

EPS offers over 40 year’s industry experience, service throughout the US, 24-hour customer service, and technical expertise in field testing, engineering, electrical system troubleshooting, and maintenance of equipment up to 765kV for utility, industrial, and commercial clients. They are committed to providing a culture of safety and technical expertise as a way of ‘Setting the Standard of Excellence in the Power Industry.’ Their subsidiary Electric Power Systems International Inc (EPSII) is a full member of the International Electrical Testing Association (NETA).

SOURCE Electric Power Systems