Issue 1 2026 Magazine CPOL3: A SMALL DEVICE PUTTING BIG SMILES ON FACES ACROSS THE GLOBE
DEAR READERS, OMICRON electronics GmbH, Oberes Ried 1, 6833 Klaus (AT) OMICRON electronics GmbH up! consulting, Industriering 10, 9491 Ruggell (FL) OMICRON electronics GmbH, iStock.com (p. 4, 6–7, 9, 11, 13, 20, 22, 24, 29, 32–36, 38–42), AdobeStock (p. 30–31), Energienetze Steiermark GmbH (p. 9), E.DIS Netz GmbH (p. 10), ETMS-Tec GmbH (p. 13), Shutterstock (p. 18), K D Johnson, Inc. (p. 28), Amprion GmbH (p. 47–49), Elia Asset (p. 51) magazine@omicronenergy.com Publisher Responsible for content Editorial team and implementation Picture credits E-mail for the editorial team As power system complexity increases, the opportunities to manage it with greater clarity, efficiency, and confidence are growing as well. This issue of OMICRON Magazine reveals how the right combination of advanced diagnostics, intuitive tools, and standardized approaches is helping turn today’s challenges into measurable advantages. We start with the foundations of rotating machine reliability. As industries increasingly adopt condition-based maintenance strategies, truly understanding the condition of stator winding insulation is more critical than ever. From quick integrity checks, such as insulation resistance, to advanced diagnostics, such as partial discharge testing, a structured testing approach provides early insights into aging and defects – the result: better risk assessment, optimized maintenance planning, and fewer unexpected outages. Outlining key tests and what they reveal about machine health is another approach this article explores in greater detail. Efficiency in the field is just as important as depth in diagnostics, and that’s what our next story explores on page 6. The CPOL3 shows how using powerful technology can also be simple. With clear visual feedback, high measurement accuracy, and versatile applications, it streamlines wiring tests and polarity checks – reducing effort while increasing confidence. Real-world experiences highlight how intuitive design and smart functionality can significantly speed up workflows and even make complex testing scenarios easier to manage. Turning toward the bigger picture, digitalization is reshaping substations and raising the stakes for getting things right from the start. Our next article introduces the “Rule of Ten”, illustrating how error costs increase exponentially throughout a project’s lifecycle. In IEC 61850-based environments, where communication issues can remain invisible until a failure occurs, standardized verification becomes essential. By implementing structured processes such as 2
Magazine | Issue 1 2026 «The ability to see clearly is essential for mastering the complexity of modern power systems.» system verification reports, utilities can detect issues early, reduce risk, and ensure long-term system reliability. Read more on page 20. All three of these perspectives share one message in common: greater visibility leads to better decisions. Whether identifying insulation weaknesses, simplifying field testing, or verifying digital systems, the ability to see clearly is essential for mastering the complexity of modern power systems. We’re already looking forward to returning in 2027 with fresh insights, new stories, and continued inspiration from across the industry. Enjoy reading! Yours sincerely, Lia Thum Editor in Chief, OMICRON Magazine 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS 28 On site: OMICRON in the U.S. Michael Lenth from K D Johnson, Inc. shares his insights about the power sector with us. 25 Learn more about PD measurement 26 Introducing the MBX2 for DANEO Control A high-performance network analyzer for fully digital IEC 61850 substations 20 The rule of ten The benefit of standardizing substation automation verification 6 CPOL3 unleashed A small device putting big smiles on faces across the globe 14 Rotating machine tests and monitoring basics 19 Ensuring switchgear reliability 4
Magazine | Issue 1 2026 KNOWLEDGE SUPPORT INNOVATION QUALITY 52 What’s going on 46 ISIO 200 in practice: customer voices 44 When safety and timing are no longer a trade-off How both-sides grounding and DRM enable reliable HV CB testing. 30 Entering the future with roots and wings Empowering power system stakeholders with eXplainable and causal AI 38 Keeping the lights on 36 When operational technology is under attack Why threat intelligence is essential for protection technology 5
CPOL3 UNLEASHED A small device putting big smiles on faces across the globe The CPOL3 was launched 18 months ago as a tool for performing effective wiring tests and polarity checks. Its key feature is a clear and intuitive icon system that quickly indicates test results: when the polarity is correct, a green smiley face appears on the display. The CPOL3 is being used in over 90 countries where it has been putting smiles on users’ faces and their displays. The CPOL3 is in use in all these countries around the world 6
Magazine | Issue 1 2026 A powerful combination The CPOL3 is the perfect tool for wiring tests and becomes easily portable when combined with the COMPANO 100. When used with the CMC 500 and CMC Swift software, the CPOL3 delivers highly efficient multiphase tests. It is also compatible with the new CPX 200 for testing primary infeeds. Fewer test steps Sawtooth, alternating, and direct voltage signals are reliably detected and flexibly displayed. This allows several test tasks to be performed by a single device, including polarity checks, phase assignment, and voltage measurements for load determination. Greater clarity Detailed evaluations are made possible by voltage and current indications, an oscilloscope-like mode, and an optional frequency spectrum display. These features support clear and informed assessments, particularly in complex setups or during troubleshooting. Reliable results With its high accuracy and true RMS measurement capabilities, the CPOL3 guarantees dependable results. Factory calibration makes the device extremely precise, while its measurement range of up to 1,000 V AC and DC, and its ability to detect sawtooth signals from 100 µV, enable accurate polarity checks and wiring tests. Intuitive Its compact dimensions, low weight, integrated magnet, and high-contrast OLED display facilitate use in substations. All this is complemented by a sophisticated operating concept and clear displays. Furthermore, an automatic shut-off feature protects against unintentional battery discharge. Further information Would you like to find out more about performing measurements with the CPOL3? Scan the QR code for application examples and practical tips about CPOL3 wiring tests. omicronenergy.com/cpol3 SMILEYS, VALUES, AND SO MUCH MORE 7
Horst Paar studied electrical engineering at the Graz University of Technology and he has been working for the protection and technology team at grid operator Energienetze Steiermark since 2020. His role includes planning, testing, and commissioning medium and high voltage range protection systems. He is also responsible for performing conformity tests on power generation installations that comply with relevant standards and guidelines. Horst began regularly using the CPOL3 shortly after its market launch and offered to share his experiences with us. Hello Horst, can you tell us how you have been using the CPOL3 and whether it’s improved workflow? Horst: I use the CPOL3 to test instrument transformer circuits and secondary wiring, including direction testing (polarity checks). The primary infeed allows me to test wiring all the way to the end device without interfering with the secondary transformer circuit. This makes it much easier to test difficult-to-access transformers because the terminals on the transformer’s terminal board do not need to be opened. Is there a situation you can recall where the CPOL3 was particularly helpful? The CPOL3 has been especially helpful when I am testing gas-insulated switchgear because they are difficult to access and the wiring is almost impossible to trace by sight. The device quickly determines the correct grounding and supports reliable directional testing. How do wiring tests with the CPOL3 differ from conventional methods? I would estimate it is about a 40% efficiency increase. When I recently tested several medium-voltage branches, I was able to process them much faster, including running a complete check on all transformer circuits. The device also has many other potential uses, thanks to the voltage display during current transformer testing. Are you able to rely on the CPOL3’s polarity indicator and phase display? Absolutely, ever since I used conventional measurements to verify the first installation results, I have had complete faith in the CPOL3’s polarity and phase indications. I use the red/ green indicator for polarity and the dot display for phase identification in my daily tests. Are you also using the CPOL3’s signal shape function? I am not using it in the field yet, but the sawtooth signal displayed significantly increases understanding and confidence in the polarity indicator, which makes it very helpful for training. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about the CPOL3? In practice, we often rely on familiar and proven test methods, but it is definitely advantageous to be open to new approaches. The CPOL3 allows us to perform wiring tests much more efficiently, freeing up time for other tasks. UNDERSTANDING BUILDS TRUST! 8
Magazine | Issue 1 2026 ENERGIENETZE STEIERMARK › Head office: Graz (Austria) › Supplies almost the entire province of Styria with electricity and gas › Power grid covers over 32,000 km › Grid throughput of 7,652 GWh › Around 480,000 customers CMC SWIFT CMC Swift is the mobile testing software for CMC test sets. It enables convenient three-phase testing and remote control via a mobile device, allowing wiring tests to be carried out flexibly and efficiently when combined with the CPOL3. Scan the QR code now to find out more. Horst Paar, Protection and Control Technology, Energienetze Steiermark GmbH «The CPOL3 has been especially helpful when I am testing gas-insulated switchgear because they are difficult to access and the wiring is almost impossible to trace by sight.» omicronenergy.com/cmcswift 9
Jörg Dörner has been working at E.DIS Netz GmbH for many years and has extensive knowledge of protection and testing technology for energy installations. His daily routine includes testing current and voltage transformers and protective relays, which he often performs with the CPOL3 test set. During the following interview, he discussed his practical experience and shared insights about how he uses the device in his everyday work. Hello Jörg, we are curious to know what your experience with the CPOL3 test set has been like and what advantages it has offered you. Jörg: I mainly use it for polarity checks because the CPOL3 instantly determines whether current and voltage transformers are properly connected from the primary transformer to the protection relay. This information is extremely helpful, especially for both existing and external installations. In the past, voltage drops could only be measured at many individual points. The CPOL3 allows me to feed a signal directly into the transformer and immediately assess the results in the protection relay. This significantly reduces my testing workload, making the process more efficient. Can you give me an example from your daily working routine? When we encountered repeated anomalies in the differential protection of a substation fed by wind energy, we used the CPOL3, and quickly determined that a current transformer in a medium-voltage cell was wired incorrectly. This wiring error had previously gone undetected and impaired the installation’s protective behavior. In your opinion, how has the CPOL3 improved compared with previous versions? The CPOL3 is significantly more sensitive than the CPOL and CPOL2. This is mainly due to having the ability to combine the CPOL3 with a current clamp during testing, which wasn’t possible with CPOL. With the increased sensitivity it gives us, we can reliably detect the smallest signals. In my opinion, the CPOL3 is the most powerful device on the market right now for this type of testing. Which display do you usually use when you are working with the CPOL3? When I am training someone, I first explain the polarity check using a sawtooth signal and show them the signal WITH EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD! Jörg Dörner, Senior Secondary Technology Specialist, E.DIS Netz GmbH «The CPOL3 is always in my tool bag, and I also use it regularly as a multimeter. Its interchangeable measuring tips, flexible test leads, and integrated magnet also make the device well-suited for use in control cabinets.» 10
Magazine | Issue 1 2026 curve on the display that clearly demonstrates the principle behind this function. However, in practice, a quick glance at an evaluated result will usually suffice, because the green smiley face instantly lets you know that the polarity is correct. It is very simple and efficient. Do you use the CPOL3’s voltage indicator in addition to the polarity check? The CPOL3 is always in my tool bag, and I also use it regularly as a multimeter. Its interchangeable measuring tips, flexible test leads, and integrated magnet also make the device well-suited for use in control cabinets. So, I do not need to carry around any additional measurement instruments. In your opinion, how can the CPOL3 be improved in the future? I think integrated resistance or continuity test features would be useful additions to the device. They would add to an already extensive range of functions, allowing it to completely replace separate multimeters in many applications. E.DIS NETZ GMBH › Head office: Fürstenwalde/Spree (Germany) › One of the largest regional distribution network operators in Germany › Over 2,000 employees and around 200 apprentices › Power grid (low, medium, and high voltage): 83,000 kilometers › Network customers: 1.5 million COMPANO 100 Combining the COMPANO 100 and CPOL3 results in a powerful solution for single-phase wiring tests. Thanks to their low weight and mains-independent operation, testing equipment can be set up quickly and flexibly. Both devices are equipped with an integrated display that allows for easy operation directly on site. Scan the QR code now to find out more. omicronenergy.com/compano100 11
Michael Stobinski is an experienced electrical engineer and managing director at ETMS-TEC GmbH. He has a deep passion for the testing technology he uses daily across a wide range of energy supply installations. As the world’s first owner of a CPOL3 he has been using the test set longer than anyone, which is why his practical insights are particularly valuable. He was kind enough to share some of his everyday testing experiences with us in the discussion below. Hello Michael, what is your main area of expertise? Michael: I am a service provider who primarily commissions and tests medium-voltage, secondary, and primary technology assets. Medium-voltage stations for EV charging infrastructure are one of my main fields. My responsibilities include commissioning complete stations, performing wiring tests and protection testing, assigning current and voltage transformers and conducting fault analyses. Does your role as service provider require any specialized testing equipment? Yes, my test equipment needs to be reliable, precise, and easy to use. Efficiency is crucial, and equipment needs to be capable of a quick set up that delivers clear results. Flexibility and portability are also vital because I work with a wide variety of installations. Detecting faults is crucial but being able to fully document them is as well. That is why having a clear display and the ability to evaluate signal shapes is extremely helpful. What role does the CPOL3 play in your daily work? I take the CPOL3 and COMPANO 100 with me on almost every assignment. I use the COMPANO 100 because it’s battery-powered, and the CPOL3 for its versatile measurement options. This combination allows me to perform tests with minimal effort, especially when I am in installations that are not in operation and lack a mains connection. These situations require me to focus on wiring and instrument transformer testing, and I use the CPOL3 to check polarity and the transformation ratio. The signal waveform display is very helpful for targeted troubleshooting. Is there a practical example involving the CPOL3 that stands out in your mind? Yes, when I was commissioning a medium-voltage substation in Gera, I noticed a clear anomaly in a voltage transformer’s signal curve in the CPOL3’s signal display. Instead of seeing the sawtooth signal I expected to, it showed me a significantly different signal shape, instantly making it clear that something was not normal. Following discussions with the manufacturer, they decided to conduct an on-site inspection, which led to their decision to replace the voltage transformer. This is just one example of the signal display clearly proving its worth during troubleshooting. If that potentially defective transformer had gone undetected, it could have led to considerable damage and downtime. So, in summary, has the CPOL3 proven to be a worthy investment? Yes, without a doubt. I use the CPOL3 for almost every job, and it replaces a classic multimeter for many tasks. I would like to be able to send measurement results directly to test sets like the COMPANO 100, which would significantly simplify documentation. All in all, I am extremely satisfied, and I have even ordered another CPOL3. We want to thank our interviewees for their time and valuable feedback. We are delighted that the CPOL3 has been so well received, and we hope it will continue to bring smiles to satisfied users around the world. WHAT IS THE STATUS OF THE FIRST CPOL3? 12
Magazine | Issue 1 2026 «I take the CPOL3 and COMPANO 100 with me on almost every assignment. I use the COMPANO 100 because it’s battery-powered, and the CPOL3 for its versatile measurement options.» ETMS-TEC GMBH › Location: Halle (Germany) › Provides services in the electrical power industry throughout Germany › Specializes in medium voltage and primary technology › Key areas include medium-voltage stations for EV charging infrastructure Smiles all round during the handover of the first CPOL3 Michael Stobinski, Electrical Engineer, ETMS-Tec GmbH 13
Electrical rotating machines range from high-voltage power generators that produce electrical power to mediumvoltage motors that drive critical systems and processes for infrastructure, industry and manufacturing. Because these machines are so critical to our daily operations, a single failure can cause huge financial losses, stemming not only from physical damage to the machine but also from the high cost resulting from long periods of inactivity in power and industrial production. Moving to condition-based maintenance Driven by the shift from reactive to condition-based maintenance strategies, maintenance engineers have become increasingly involved in rotating machine tests over the past few decades. The latest solutions for rotating machine testing and monitoring help these engineers assess machine failure risks, so they can prioritize condition-based maintenance as early as possible. Perhaps you are one of them? What causes rotating machine failure? Several investigative international studies have proven that electrical insulation issues are one of the root causes of rotating machine failures. Periodic and continuous exposure to thermal, electrical, ambient and mechanical stress factors causes the stator winding insulation in rotating machines to degrade, age, and eventually fail. ROTATING MACHINE TESTS AND MONITORING BASICS «Several investigative international studies have proven that electrical insulation issues are one of the root causes of rotating machine failures.» 14
Magazine | Issue 1 2026 Stator windings and stator core of a power generator. The rotor has been removed during routine maintenance. 15
FOUR RECOMMENDED ELECTRICAL TESTS We recommend the following four offline electrical tests that focus on stator winding insulation. They provide you with a complete assessment of the stator winding insulation’s integrity, aging, and contamination levels in a machine, which is why we consider them to be the most vital testing procedures. DC insulation resistance (IR) and polarization index (PI) These combined tests provide you with a quick stator winding integrity check. › Why it’s important: It detects general problems immediately. It is sensitive to surface moisture and contamination, which affect insulation integrity. › What it tells you: If the IR value is low, the insulation is likely damp and/or dirty. The PI is the ratio of insulation resistance over 10 minutes vs. 1 minute. Based on international standards, the PI value should be 2 or higher in modern insulation systems. › The bottom line: It’s the first line of defense for deciding if it’s even safe to energize the machine for further testing. › Frequency: Annually or before startup after a long shutdown period. › Applicable standards: IEC 60034-27-4 and IEEE 43 Dissipation factor (tan delta) / power factor This AC test assesses overall insulation quality and health. › Why it’s important: In a perfect world, insulation acts like a pure capacitor. As it ages, it can become more resistive. Detecting increased insulation losses early supports condition-based maintenance decisions. › What it tells you: The dissipation/power factor test measures the ratio of resistive current to capacitive current (IR/IC). By assessing these dielectric losses in the insulation system, its overall condition and aging or contamination levels can be derived. A phase-to-phase comparison immediately shows you if the winding’s parts have problems. › The bottom line: Dissipation/power factor measurements provide a quantitative indicator of insulation health, enabling early deterioration detection and preventing costly rotating electrical machine failures. › Frequency: Every 1 to 3 years › Applicable standards: IEEE 286 and IEC 60034-27-3 1 2 16
Magazine | Issue 1 2026 A standard offline PD test provides a timely snapshot of PD activity in rotating machines, but this activity can be highly volatile and change with temperature, load, and humidity over time. So rather than just providing a snapshot, online PD monitoring continuously trends PD activity during a machine’s lifecycle. Applicable international standards for online PD monitoring are IEC 60034-27-2 and IEEE 1434. The benefits of implementing it include: › Correlation with operational stress: PD usually occurs when the machine is operating at a specific temperature and load condition. PD monitoring allows you to measure the effects of different operating conditions on PD activity continuously over time. › Trend analysis (“Rate of rise”): In PD analysis, the absolute value is often less important than the trend. A machine with high but stable PD can run for years; a machine with low but rapidly increasing PD indicates a developing problem that can lead to insulation failure. › Early failure warning: PD monitoring runs continuously online while the machine is operating. When predefined alert thresholds are exceeded, alarms are generated to notify the operator so that they can assess the risk and plan condition-based maintenance to prevent failures and unexpected outages. Overvoltage or HiPot test This is a more aggressive assessment of the insulation’s dielectric strength. Normally, the winding is stressed with a specific overvoltage for 1 minute. It can be done in AC or DC, but since the voltage distribution within the insulation is the same during operation, performing the test with AC is recommended. › Why it’s important: The test applies voltages higher than the rated one to see how the insulation behaves under stress. › What it tells you: It looks for cracks, punctures, or localized weaknesses in the groundwall insulation. It verifies that the insulation can survive voltage stresses beyond normal operating levels without breaking down. › The bottom line: It confirms that the insulation can withstand its rated operating voltage with a safety margin. › Frequency: Every 1 to 3 years, combined with dissipation / power factor measurements. › Applicable standards: IEC 60034-1 and IEEE 95 Partial discharge (PD) The PD measurement is the most advanced and predictive of the four tests. It detects tiny electrical sparks that occur inside the insulation and on its surface, which can damage it over time. › Why it’s important: Most high-voltage failures don’t happen instantly; they begin as microscopic voids or bubbles in the resin. PD measurements detect them at an early stage. › What it tells you: It identifies many different potential problems with the insulation system, including voids, delamination, and loose coils. Although PD degrades the insulation over time, this test can detect internal erosion before it appears in other measurements. › The bottom line: It’s the ultimate early warning system for high-voltage machines (typically 6 kV and above). › Frequency: Every 1 to 3 years combined with dissipation / power factor measurements and HiPot tests. › Applicable standard: IEC 60034-27-1 (offline testing) 3 4 WHEN TO CONSIDER PD MONITORING 17
ADDITIONAL TESTING CONSIDERATIONS The standard electrical tests and PD monitoring procedures we’ve recommended assess the stator winding’s insulation condition. However, tests like the electromagnetic core imperfection detection (EL CID) test and sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA) are also vital because they inspect the mechanical and magnetic integrity of a machine’s stator core and rotor. Stator core low energy (EL CID) test The stator core is made of thousands of thin steel laminations coated in varnish to prevent eddy currents. Stator core failure is just as detrimental to a machine as insulation failure. › What it does: It uses a low-level magnetic flux to scan the surface of the stator core. › Why it’s important: If the varnish between laminations fails, due to vibration, overheating, or physical damage, local hot spots are formed. These hot spots can intensify during operation and result in significant machine damage. › What it tells you: It is a specialized maintenance test performed during major overhauls for detecting hot spots and assessing any related rotor damage. › Frequency: Typically, every 5 to 7 years, or whenever the rotor is removed for maintenance. Sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA) SFRA allows you to catch “hidden” structural damage during a major overhaul or after production. › What it does: It injects a sinusoidal voltage into the winding across a range of frequencies from Hz to MHz and measures the response. Any changes in the electrical network are detected. › What it tells you: It is a sensitive measurement mainly used for rotors and random wound stators that detects short circuits between winding turns. › Why it’s important: Interturn short circuits are critical because they create localized circulating currents that generate excessive heat, leading to insulation breakdown and progressive winding damage. If left undetected, they can escalate, resulting in severe machine failure and costly downtime. › Frequency: Performed as a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for smaller machines, such as motors, and every 1 to 3 years on the rotors of larger machines during their service life. Contact us for more information – We have a matching testing and monitoring solution for all the diagnostic practices mentioned in this article. Our solutions help you manage risk, ensure safety, and maintain long-term reliability of rotating machines. INTERESTED IN THIS TOPIC? Scan the QR code to learn more in our new eBook, The Basics of Rotating Machine Testing & Monitoring. It offers you practical tips for getting started, including helpful videos that show you how to perform tests and interpret the measurement data. omicron.energy/basics-rotating-machines-testing 18
Magazine | Issue 1 2026 Proactive testing of medium-voltage (MV) and highvoltage (HV) switchgear is the cornerstone of a safe, reliable, and long-lasting power system. The benefits of regular testing Routine inspections do more than satisfy industry standards – they provide peace of mind. By detecting vulnerabilities early, regular testing prevents catastrophic failures, minimizes equipment damage, and eliminates costly unplanned downtime. The result is a safer environment and a more resilient electrical infrastructure. Practical insights for beginners and experts Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned specialist, our two free testing guides will help streamline your workflow: “Diagnostic testing on medium-voltage switchgear” and “Diagnostic testing and monitoring on high-voltage switchgear”. These comprehensive resources provide you with a practical overview, including: › Recommended tests: Detailed descriptions of essential procedures. › Execution: Step-by-step insights into how tests are performed. › Solutions: Recommended testing tools you can use to get the job done. ENSURING SWITCHGEAR RELIABILITY GET YOUR FREE SWITCHGEAR TESTING GUIDES Simply scan the QR code: omicron.energy/switchgear-testing-brochures 19
The benefit of standardizing substation automation verification THE RULE OF TEN 20
Magazine | Issue 1 2026 Design and specification Defect cost Engineering and FAT Commissioning and SAT Operation 1 2 3 4 In the old days, a wiring error was something you could see or measure with a simple multimeter. Today, our wiring consists of Ethernet packets – GOOSE, Sampled Values (SV), and MMS – traveling through fiber-optic networks. When these invisible wires fail, the consequences can be catastrophic. The question facing utilities today isn’t just how to build these systems, but how to verify them effectively throughout their entire lifespan. Lifecycle phases of a virtual PAC system The power industry is currently undergoing a silent revolution. As we move away from the familiar world of hardwired logic and toward decentralized, digital architectures, the very DNA of our substations is changing. Driven by the IEC 61850 standard, modern substation automation systems (SAS) offer us unprecedented flexibility and data transparency. But as any engineer who has spent a long night in a control room can tell you, this shift has also introduced a new layer of complexity. «The core premise of the Rule of Ten is simple but harsh: The cost of fixing a mistake increases by a factor of ten at each major hand-off point in the project lifecycle.» Solving this requires us to examine a management concept called Total Quality Management (TQM), which is becoming the golden rule for modern power systems: The Rule of Ten. How much does a mistake cost? The Rule of Ten is a stark metric for the external costs and logistical consequences of errors in an engineering project. The core premise is simple but harsh: The cost of fixing a mistake increases by a factor of ten at each major hand-off point in the project lifecycle. If we apply this to substation automation, we can see a clear trajectory of escalating risk. 1 The one-dollar fix: specification and design At its earliest stage, a substation only exists as a digital twin or a collection of substation configuration language (SCL) files. If an engineer sitting in an office identifies a duplicate IP address or a VLAN mismatch during a virtual consistency check, the cost to fix it is essentially zero. It’s merely a matter of correcting a field in a software tool before a single piece of hardware is even ordered. 2 The ten-dollar fix: factory acceptance testing (FAT) Once we move to the FAT stage, physical intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) are being energized in a laboratory. If that same IP conflict is discovered there, the fix is ten times more expensive. Witness testing must be halted, physical devices re-configured, files re-loaded, and hours of functional testing may be re-run while clients and contractors are watching the clock. 21
3 The hundred-dollar fix: site acceptance testing (SAT) Now, imagine the error goes unnoticed until the equipment is at the substation site. This is the hundred-dollar fix. Finding a communication conflict during commissioning involves highcost field labor, specialized equipment rentals, and the immense pressure of a limited outage window. If a configuration error delays the primary equipment from being energized, utilities may face liquidated damages – heavy fines for project delays – and the standby costs of an entire technical team. 4 The thousand-dollar (and beyond) catastrophe: operations This is the scenario everyone wants to avoid. If a logic error – like an inverted trip signal or a failure in time synchronization – persists throughout a substation’s lifecycle, the cost is no longer measured in working hours. «We’re proposing a shift in how we think about documentation to combat the Rule of Ten. Instead of producing a static PDF at the end of a project, we need a standardized system verification report (SVR).» 22
Magazine | Issue 1 2026 It’s measured by unplanned grid outages, catastrophic damage to multi-million-dollar assets like power transformers, and potential safety risks to personnel. In this phase, the fix can easily cost thousands, if not millions. Hunting for invisible errors Why are these errors so difficult to spot? In an IEC 61850 environment, communication errors are often logical and invisible until they cause a system failure. Since IEC 61850 prioritizes the speed of critical protection messages, it bypasses the network (IP) and transport (TCP) layers of the open systems interconnection (OSI) model to deliver GOOSE messages directly to a MAC address in milliseconds. The downside is that if a Layer 2 error occurs, such as a VLAN mismatch, the message simply disappears. Therefore, an error message isn’t sent back to the sender, and it becomes a black hole for critical data. Common technical pitfalls include: › Duplicate IP and MAC addresses: These cause sporadic failures in MMS reporting or SNTP time synchronization. If two streams share a Multicast MAC address, IEDs may suffer from a buffer overflow or high CPU load as they try to process irrelevant data. › VLAN tagging mismatches: VLANs segregate traffic to keep Sampled Values from overwhelming the station bus. A single incorrect switch port configuration can prevent a breaker from tripping during a fault by blocking critical protection messages. › SCL inconsistencies: The substation configuration description (SCD) file is the master plan. If the version in the IED doesn’t match the master file, communication will be blocked because the data set signatures don’t match. › Time synchronization drifts: In modern systems using precision time protocol (PTP), accuracy is measured in sub-microseconds. PTP is essential for process bus applications; a deviation of just a few microseconds can lead to incorrect differential protection calculations and catastrophic false trips. A living system verification report (SVR) We’re proposing a shift in how we think about documentation to combat the Rule of Ten. Instead of producing a static PDF at the end of a project, we need a standardized system verification report (SVR). This is a digital thread that tracks a substation’s integrity from conception to decommission. Open systems interconnection (OSI) model Physical Layer Datalink Layer Defines the format of data on the network Network Layer Decides which physical path the data will take Transport Layer Session Layer Presentation Layer Application Layer Transmits raw bit stream over the physical medium Transmits data using transmission protocols including TCP and UDP Ensures that data is in a usable format and is where data encryption occurs Maintains connections and is responsible for controlling ports and sessions Human-computer interaction layer, where applications can access the network services 23
Office engineering (ROI phase) The goal here is to ensure the SCD file’s architectural stability before hardware is even involved. Standardized metrics should include SCL schema validation (ensuring syntax correctness) and an automated virtual address audit that scans the entire station for duplicate IP and MAC addresses. Engineering FAT (performance phase) In the lab, the SVR expands to include the communication network’s performance. We must measure the transfer time for GOOSE messages to ensure they meet strict requirements (often < 3 ms for trip signals) and document the recovery time for redundancy protocols like PRP and HSR. Doing this ensures that multivendor integration functions properly during simulated loads. Commissioning SAT (physical phase) The SVR can validate the physical layer once it’s on-site. This includes standardized logging of fiber-optic signal integrity (optical power levels in dBm) and confirming that the PTP grandmaster clock is synchronized to UTC within 1µs. We also perform digital wire-checks – ensuring GOOSE messages and breaker operations function properly after a physical current injection. Maintenance (golden baseline) The SVR created during commissioning serves as the golden baseline for the next 20 to 30 years. Periodically comparing the live IED configuration with this baseline (fingerprinting), allows utilities to detect configuration drift. This comparison also becomes vital after security patches or firmware updates to ensure that a software fix didn’t accidentally break the protection logic. By standardizing SVR creation across four critical phases, we can identify errors while they’re still one-dollar fixes. A call to action for utilities Transitioning to digital substations is inevitable, but their economic sustainability depends on how we manage complexity. To fully realize the benefits of a smarter grid, we recommend three key steps: 1. Adopt a standardized template: Establish a uniform SVR format to use for all project phases (design, FAT, SAT, and maintenance). 2. Integrate automation tools: Move away from manual documentation and toward tools capable of automated SCL parsing, live verification, and network traffic analysis to reduce human error. 3. Enforce early verification: Mandate a preliminary verification report at the end of the design phase to pinpoint logical errors before hardware procurement. Applying the principles of the Rule of Ten ensures that the invisible wiring of our modern grid is robust, resilient, and – most importantly – verified. Standardizing our reporting isn’t just a clerical task; it’s vital for the future of power reliability. Phase 1: Phase 2: Phase 3: Phase 4: «Wouldn’t you rather discover those one-dollar errors today instead of facing a milliondollar catastrophe tomorrow?» 24
Magazine | Issue 1 2026 LEARN MORE ABOUT PD MEASUREMENT GET THE EBOOKS Simply scan the QR code: omicron.energy/get-pd-ebooks Did you know? Partial discharge (PD) measurement provides you with the data necessary to transition from reactive to predictive or condition-based maintenance. Beyond mere detection, regular PD testing tracks the progression of insulation defects, allowing for maintenance intervention before degradation leads to catastrophic equipment failure. Want to learn more? Get free unlimited access to our four-part eBook series. This comprehensive collection guides you through the fundamentals of PD measurement, best practices for testing various electrical assets, and techniques for interpreting PD measurement results to assess insulation health accurately. You can read them on your preferred device – computer, tablet, or smartphone. Each eBook also features integrated videos offering practical, handson tips for PD measurement. 25
With the release of DANEO Control 6.00, we have reached an important milestone in the development of our DANEO solution. Alongside continued support for the DANEO 400, we are introducing a new device: the MBX2. This addition is our response to the ongoing transformation toward fully digital substations and the need for testing solutions capable of delivering a significantly higher level of performance. The rapid evolution of substation automation systems, increasing system complexity, and growing data volume demand measurement and testing platforms that deliver uncompromising performance and reliability. Software and test set must evolve together to meet these requirements. DANEO Control provides insight into electrical power system measurements and IEC 61850 network communication – in a single integrated software platform. Why the MBX2? The MBX2 device serves as a network analyzer optimized for fully digital substations. It offers sufficient performance and enables network interfaces to meet the requirements of modern communication infrastructures. INTRODUCING THE MBX2 FOR DANEO CONTROL A high-performance network analyzer for fully digital IEC 61850 substations 26
Magazine | Issue 1 2026 Unlike the hybrid DANEO 400 device, the MBX2 focuses exclusively on substation network communication. It provides a streamlined, purpose-built approach for measuring and recording signals and network traffic. Combined with DANEO Control, the MBX2 forms a powerful solution that delivers deep insights into substation communication networks, which are essential during testing and troubleshooting. Designed for large digital substations, the MBX2 features a high-performance platform and optimized network interfaces. These ensure fast, reliable access to IEC 61850 Sampled Values, GOOSE, and other substation network communication. Seamless integration with DANEO Control 6.00 enables efficient configuration, flexible live observation, triggered recording, and intuitive analysis. This helps engineers gain clarity and confidence, even in complex digital environments. Key benefits of DANEO Control combined with MBX2 include: › Greater insight into the power system utilizing high- performance measurement with more phasor, RMS, frequency, and harmonic signals. › Reliable operation in large-scale digital substations, supporting a higher number of Sampled Value streams for measurement, recording and publishing. › Flexible network integration with additional ports and SFP transceiver options for copper and fiber connections. › A small, portable device that is also suitable for installation with DIN-rail mounting and DC power supply options. The MBX2 expands the DANEO portfolio with a hardware platform optimized for fully digital substations. It delivers focused performance, efficiency, and confidence for today’s and tomorrow’s power systems. «The MBX2 delivers the performance necessary for reliably measuring and analyzing network traffic – even in largescale, fully digital IEC 61850 substations.» Matthias Wehinger, Product Manager, OMICRON 27
K D Johnson, Inc. (KDJ) is a 100% employee-owned electrical manufacturer’s rep agency serving Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Louisiana. Founded by Dave Johnson, KDJ represents 15+ manufacturers with 30+ employee owners, providing sales and support for commercial, industrial, and utility customers. How is the energy grid structured? Michael Lenth: The U.S. electric grid delivers electricity through three layers: generation, transmission, and distribution. Power plants generate electricity, which is stepped up and moved long distances across high-voltage transmission lines (115–765 kV). Substations then reduce the voltage and send power through local distribution systems to homes and businesses, coordinated by regional operators and reliability standards. What resources are being used to generate power? Renewables such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal dominate global power generation. Coal still plays a key role but is declining due to renewable expansion and shifts to gas. Natural gas offers flexibility and reliability, while nuclear is seeing renewed interest through restarts and new projects, with oil contributing minimally. Storage and diverse sources support rising demands from data centers and electrification. What are the current hot topics in the energy supply market? Electricity use continues to grow annually, fueled by data centers, EVs, and manufacturing, alongside nuclear energy resurgence and grid modernization aimed at improving reliability amid rapid load growth. Tariffs have proven to be an ongoing and fluid challenge, so remaining flexible Michael Lenth, Senior Sales Engineer, K D Johnson, Inc. kdjinc.com and adapting quickly is essential for customer-timeline assistance. Lastly, wildfire mitigation has also been a hot topic, with many utilities allocating significant budgets and resources towards it. What kinds of challenges are your customers facing? One of the major challenges both customers and manufacturers face is the upcoming deployment of 765 kV across various regions. Customers must source materials to build this infrastructure at voltage levels uncommon in the United States, while manufacturers are required to develop innovative product designs. Having to build out a utility’s infrastructure at a lower voltage level to support 765 kV is an additional burden to their standard work plan. When looking towards the future, where do you see the biggest challenges in the power sector, and in general? I think resources will be the biggest challenge for the foreseeable future. In addition to material needs, manpower is also a concern. Supporting utility growth projection requires qualified contractors and the frontline utility-workforce to constantly expand. Thank you for the interview. ON SITE: OMICRON IN THE U.S. Michael Lenth from K D Johnson, Inc. shares his insights about the power sector with us. 28
Magazine | Issue 1 2026 North America Latin America Capitol Building, Washington, D.C. › Be punctual. › Shake hands. › Use polite language. › Follow laws and rules. › Make eye contact. › Respect personal space and don’t overstep personal boundaries. › Don’t assume everyone celebrates the same holidays. › Don’t discuss sensitive topics casually. › Don’t ignore tipping norms and tip appropriately. › Don’t be overly loud in public spaces. Capital: Washington, D.C. Inhabitants: ~334 million people Currency: United States Dollar (USD) Language: English National dish: Hamburger National drink: Coffee National sport: Baseball DOS AND DON’TS IN THE U.S. FACTS 29
Rehana Mubarak-Aberer: Bertram, when I look at your research in human motion analysis for health care applications, I recognize a common core challenge in applying AI to health care and power systems. A model’s usefulness not only hinges on the accuracy of its reasoning, but also on its eligibility in both safety-critical scenarios. However, most high-performance AI systems are opaque and function as “black boxes”. Given the “black box” nature of most highperformance AI systems and the demand for “trustworthy AI” in policy frameworks such as the EU AI Act, the OECD AI Principles, and the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, how can we bridge theoretical or normative trust expectations with actual practical implementation methods? What does parenting have in common with building AI systems? At first glance, they may seem unrelated – yet both require roots for trust, and wings for empowerment. In the following conversation, Bertram Taetz and Rehana Mubarak-Aberer – co-authors of a PACWorld Conference 2025 contribution and parents themselves – explore how these shared principles can shape the design of more transparent and trustworthy AI, particularly for informed decision-making in safety-critical systems. ENTERING THE FUTURE WITH ROOTS AND WINGS Empowering power system stakeholders with eXplainable and causal AI 30
Magazine | Issue 1 2026 Bertram: Perhaps it is more pragmatic to distinguish between functional trust in a system’s reliability versus trust in the organization behind the system. But even functional trust is difficult to establish: While deterministic systems can be certified and tested under clearly defined conditions, probabilistic and “black box” AI system behavior can change due to retraining, data drift, or updates. As a result, ensuring true empowerment through AI systems requires new, additional methods – such as explainability. You conducted a PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses)-based review of 178 peer-reviewed papers published between 2014 and 2024. You focused on publications that apply methods for increasing the explainability of time series-based AI models in power systems. Can you summarize your main research challenges? Rehana: As a parent, I could not agree more … and as we get older, trust is regularly established, extended, and negotiated. Various definitions note that when we trust someone, we acknowledge our vulnerability and expect them to act in our best interest. If we explore notions of trust in professional scenarios, such as consulting a doctor … what is it that makes us trust them, their diagnoses and their recommendations? If we call AI “trustworthy”, do we risk violating users’ trust with misleading anthropomorphic expectations? Bertram Taetz: This question is not trivial at all, but before asking whether we can trust AI systems, we need to define what “trust” means to humans. From a psychosocial perspective, for instance, the concept of Urvertrauen (basic trust) coined by Erik Erikson refers to the early developmental experience of trust that children form when caregivers consistently meet their needs. Children benefit from basic trust to grow, develop, and build resilience that helps them cope with an unpredictable world. «While deterministic systems can be certified and tested under clearly defined conditions, probabilistic and ‹black box› AI system behavior can change due to retraining, data drift, or updates.» Bertram Taetz (Prof. Dr. rer. nat.), Professor of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, IU International University of Applied Sciences, Erfurt, Germany 31
Rehana: The concept of “explainability” itself is a fundamental issue. While evaluation metrics can be used to assess the performance of AI systems by comparing predictions against ground truth, explainability still lacks a universal definition. This is the basis of the XAI research field. Diverse methodological approaches are another key challenge. Data range from field measurements to simulations and public benchmarks, with varying time series resolution and volume. Pre-processing steps are inconsistently reported, and different base models are paired with different explainability methods. Additionally, XAI research faces a critical gap: a lack of user-centric evaluation. Few studies assess explanatory power based on stakeholder feedback from grid operators, engineers, or regulators. These combined factors make it difficult to compare XAI methods and assess their real-world value. EXPLAINABLE AI (XAI) FOR TIME SERIES IN POWER SYSTEMS Bertram: Which major trends have you found? Rehana: The review revealed that since 2020, there has been a sharp rise in research on XAI for time series in the energy sector. A substantial body of research aims to identify and interpret important features, using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and attention mechanisms. Let us look at how the SHAP algorithm works. Imagine we have a neural network that forecasts day‑ahead load for a large urban area using time series data from temperature, humidity, calendar information, and photovoltaic (PV) generation. The model gives us a high load forecast for 6 PM tomorrow. With SHAP, we can decompose this singular prediction into contributions: how much of that predicted peak is explained by the following variables: › Unusually high temperatures › A weekday rather than a Sunday › Low PV output during that hour › Unique events like a holiday We can visualize this as a bar chart or a time‑ aligned plot, like we do when we inspect different components in a load decomposition. SHAP is rooted in game theory and offers insights into feature importance and variable interactions. However, the key takeaway for practitioners is that it tells you “how much each input moved the forecast up or down” at a given time step. The downside is that SHAP often needs to run the model in the background multiple times, which can be computationally expensive, especially for a long time series or a very large model. 32
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTkxNzY=