the Nuclear Electrical Engineer
An educational resource for electrical engineers in the nuclear power industry
IEEE 323 is the standard used to qualify electrical equipment for safety-related use in nuclear power plants. Here, we explore that standard and its requirements. Continue reading “IEEE 323 – Qualifying electrical equipment to the harsh environments of nuclear power plants”
It is typical when calculating short circuit currents to incorporate the full cable length into the fault analysis. However, you must be careful when analyzing short-circuits during design basis events. Continue reading “Fault analysis in non-safety-related circuits during design basis events”
The NRC requires nuclear plants to have both onsite and offsite power systems available to supply safety-related equipment. It also requires that this equipment be periodically inspected and tested so that their condition can be assessed. These requirements are established in General Design Criteria 17 and 18. Continue reading “Complying with GDC 17 and 18 – a survey of IEEE Std. 308”
Class 1E circuits must be independent from circuits of other categories. Understanding IEEE 384-1992 is vital to understanding the NRC’s circuit separation and isolation requirements. . . . Continue reading “Class 1E circuit independence – a summary of IEEE 384-1992”
Doing this should really add a punch to your writing style. It also helps you eliminate needless words . . . . Continue reading “Improve your technical writing. Avoid the passive voice.”
Cables can be purchased that are rated for different temperatures. The three most common conductor temperature ratings are 60ºC, 75ºC, and 90ºC . . . . Continue reading “Cable temperature ratings – it’s all about the insulation”
Cable insulation is often known to nuclear electrical engineers by an industry shorthand. The different shortcodes describe different materials and properties. Here you can learn where to find the decoding cipher . . . .
Continue reading “Introduction to cable insulation designations”
“Diversity” means using a different kind of technology, equipment, or methodology to perform the same function. Put another way, it’s taking different approaches to solving the same problem . . . .