Expert Consulting for All Things High Voltage

High Voltage Engineering, Testing, Inspection, and Training

ABOUT

Buzz High Voltage, LLC specializes in high voltage engineering, testing, inspection, and training. With a deep understanding of high voltage power systems and test equipment, we offer a comprehensive range of services to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance. Our expertise extends to areas such as grounding, power system modeling, and high-speed data acquisition, analysis, and visualization.

Why Buzz High Voltage

Safety

By ensuring compliance with safety standards and providing training, we help protect personnel and equipment from electrical hazards.

Reliability

Regular inspections, testing, and maintenance help prevent equipment failures and disruptions.

Compliance

Our expertise in standards interpretation and certification ensures clients adhere to regulatory requirements.

Efficiency

Our services improve the efficiency and reliability of high voltage systems, leading to cost savings and operational benefits.

Innovation

Our R&D capabilities and focus on emerging technologies help clients stay ahead of industry trends.

Clients Served

Utilities

Electric power utilities can benefit from our expertise in high voltage testing, grid modernization, and safety compliance.

Industrial Facilities

Manufacturing plants and other industrial facilities that utilize high voltage equipment can rely on us for inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Government Agencies

Regulatory bodies and government agencies can leverage our knowledge for policy development, standards interpretation, and safety regulations.

Research Institutions

Universities and research institutions can collaborate with us for research projects, laboratory design, and student training.

Equipment Manufacturers

Manufacturers of high voltage equipment can engage us for testing, certification, and quality assurance.

BIO

Jeffrey Hildreth, P.E.

Jeffrey Hildreth, P.E.

Senior IEEE Member
Licensed P.E. — GA, PA, WA

B.S. Electrical Engineering

Jeff graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA, where he built a strong foundation in electrical engineering. He began his career designing computer hardware for Intel in Hillsboro, Oregon, gaining hands-on experience with complex technical systems before returning to his roots in power engineering.

M.S. Electrical Engineering — Georgia Tech

While working as a research engineer at Georgia Tech's National Electric Energy Testing Research and Applications Center (NEETRAC), Jeff earned his master's degree in Electrical Engineering. At NEETRAC, he tested a wide range of power system apparatus — including insulators, circuit breakers, and transformers — developing deep expertise in high voltage laboratory methods and instrumentation.

2002–2022 — Bonneville Power Administration

Jeff spent nearly two decades at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) in Vancouver, Washington, assigned to the ultra-high-voltage laboratory. He applied his engineering and testing skills to support the construction, operation, and maintenance of the high voltage transmission grid across the Pacific Northwest, becoming a nationally recognized expert in high voltage test and measurement and field commissioning tests.

2022 — KEMA Laboratories

Jeff joined KEMA Laboratories in Chalfont, PA, leading their high voltage testing program and quickly advancing to the role of Lab Director. In this position he oversaw a full range of high voltage testing services, managed laboratory operations, and helped the facility grow its capabilities and client base.

Present — Buzz High Voltage, LLC

Jeff founded Buzz High Voltage, LLC to bring his decades of expertise directly to clients as an independent consultant. He is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), where he contributes leadership to the development of consensus standards, and holds professional engineering licenses in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

SERVICES

High Voltage Testing & Inspection

  • High Voltage Testing: Specify, conduct, and witness various high voltage dielectric tests, including lightning impulse (BIL), switching impulse, power frequency withstand, partial discharge, radio influence voltage (RIV), and insulation resistance.
  • Inspection: Provide inspection services for high voltage equipment and systems, ensuring compliance with relevant standards.
  • Training: Offer training programs on high voltage safety, testing procedures, and equipment operation.

High Voltage Systems & Equipment

  • Grounding: Design and implement grounding systems to protect equipment and personnel from electrical hazards.
  • Corona Discharge Measurements: Measure and analyze corona discharge using various techniques, including equivalent gradient method, visual, Corocam, Daycor, and ultrasonic.
  • High Voltage Phenomena: Photograph and analyze high voltage phenomena, such as corona, lightning, power arc, and high-speed video.
  • R&D and Technology: Provide research and development services for grid modernization and technology roadmapping.
  • Design: Design and commission high voltage laboratories.
  • Equipment Troubleshooting and Repair: Troubleshoot and repair high voltage equipment.

Standards & Compliance

  • Standards Interpretation: Interpret and apply IEEE, IEC, and UL standards for high voltage equipment and systems.
  • Factory Acceptance Testing: Witness and conduct factory acceptance tests for high voltage equipment.
  • Business Case Preparation: Prepare business cases for high voltage projects.
  • Specification Development: Develop specifications for high voltage test equipment and power system procurement standards.

Engineering & Technical Services

  • Custom Design and Fabrication: Design and fabricate custom circuit boards.
  • Test Automation and Control: Automate test processes using LabVIEW.
  • Embedded Systems: Develop projects using Arduino and Raspberry Pi.
  • 3D Printing: Utilize 3D printing for prototyping and manufacturing.
  • Python Programming: Develop custom software solutions using Python.
  • Safety Calculations: Calculate minimum approach distances and other safety parameters (IEEE 516).
  • Quality Management: Implement and maintain quality management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 17025).
  • Technical Writing: Prepare technical reports and documentation.
  • VFD Motor Drive Programming: Program and install VFD motor drives.

Specialized Services

  • Failure Analysis and Investigation: Investigate failures and accidents to determine the cause.
  • Safety Investigations: Conduct safety investigations to identify hazards and recommend corrective actions.
  • Live Line Tools and Techniques: Provide expertise in bare hand and live line tools and techniques.
  • Ground Potential Rise and Arc Flash Hazards: Assess ground potential rise and arc flash hazards.
  • Data Logging and Measurements: Use data loggers, thermocouples, and temperature sensors for measurements.
  • Fiber Optic Measurements: Utilize fiber optics for galvanic isolation.
  • High Voltage Test Equipment: Provide expertise in series resonant test sets, Marx style lightning impulse generators, HiPot testing, voltage dividers, and PPE.
  • High Speed Data Acquisition: Use high-speed data acquisition systems for precise measurements.
  • Shielding: Design and implement shielding for high voltage equipment.
  • University/College Services: Design power laboratories, provide instruction, and conduct demonstrations.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging: Provide expertise in electric vehicle charger specification and grant writing.
  • Temporary Measurements: Conduct temporary measurements of power system quantities.

Computer Modeling

  • 3D Electric and Magnetic Field Modeling: Use finite element modeling package such as COMSOL Multiphysics to predict corona performance of transmission line hardware and assess electric field stress in other high voltage equipment.
  • Power System Modeling: Use advanced software like ATP/EMTP to model and analyze power systems for transient behavior.
  • Circuit Modeling: Use tools such as PSPICE and LTSPICE to model power system, high voltage, and electronic circuits.
  • Data Analysis and Visualization: Analyze and visualize data using Excel, MATLAB, and other tools.

PROJECTS

Cable Accessory Manufacturer

Facility Design

Buzz HV guided a leading medium voltage cable accessory manufacturer in developing a state-of-the-art high voltage test area for routine and type testing. We provided expert consultation on equipment specifications, layout, grounding, and compliance with ISO 17025 standards. Our services included designing safe operating procedures, ensuring accurate power frequency withstand voltage and partial discharge measurements, and overseeing calibration and commissioning. The result was a fully operational, compliant test facility that enhanced product reliability and streamlined the client's testing processes, ensuring high-quality outcomes.

Research and Development Startup

Product Development

Buzz HV supported a power industry startup in developing innovative medium voltage products through comprehensive high voltage testing solutions. We advised on in-house and contracted test setups, including equipment specifications, layout, and safety protocols. Our team delivered training and procedures for tests such as lightning impulse, partial discharge, insulation resistance, short circuit, and heat rise. This ongoing partnership enabled the client to validate product performance, accelerate development timelines, and meet stringent industry standards with confidence.

Inspection Services Provider

Failure Analysis

Buzz HV conducted expert failure analysis of main grid power transformers at substation sites and performed pre-tanking inspections at manufacturing facilities. Our on-site assessments identified critical issues affecting transformer reliability, while factory inspections ensured compliance with design specifications. We provided actionable insights that enhanced operational efficiency and prevented costly downtime for the client, reinforcing their reputation for reliable inspection services in the power sector.

Commercial Test Laboratory

Lab Operations

Buzz HV delivered comprehensive support to a high voltage test laboratory, enhancing its testing capabilities and operational efficiency. We operated the client's high voltage laboratory, including power frequency withstand, lightning impulse, heat rise, partial discharge, and insulation resistance tests. Our team also repaired and upgraded equipment, trained personnel, developed new test procedures, and reviewed reports for accuracy. These efforts improved the lab's reliability, compliance, and service quality, enabling it to meet growing client demands effectively.

High Voltage Sensor Manufacturer

Safety Audit

Buzz HV performed a thorough safety audit of a high voltage sensor manufacturer's test areas used for routine and type testing. Our process included reviewing procedures, interviewing staff, and assessing test environments. We delivered a detailed report with actionable recommendations and conducted an in-person training session to enhance safety practices. This audit strengthened the client's safety protocols, minimized risks, and ensured compliance with industry standards, fostering a safer and more efficient testing operation.

Transmission Line Hardware Manufacturer

FEA Modeling

Buzz HV conducted finite element modeling to evaluate the corona performance of 765-kV transmission line hardware. Using SolidWorks 3D models imported into COMSOL Multiphysics, we generated electromagnetic field plots to identify potential corona inception points. Our detailed report compared maximum electric field levels to industry thresholds, enabling the client to optimize hardware design for reliability and performance. This analysis supported the development of high-quality transmission components, reducing the risk of costly field failures.

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