Keeping Current

In this episode of Keeping Current , Nick Palko sits down with HVM's Dallas Kaylor to explore the engineering career paths that exist beyond the traditional design role. Dallas shares lessons from his transition from engineering into a customer-facing position, along with advice for students and early professionals entering the industry. From mentorship and career growth to the skills that matter...

In Season 3, Episode 4 of Keeping Current , our new co-host Nick Palko is joined by Brian Campbell to discuss how the relationship between general contractors and electrical contractors has evolved over the years. From design-build and preconstruction to safety, accountability, and the lasting impact of COVID on project timelines, labor, and supply chains, this episode explores how collaboration i...

As facilities head into the most demanding time of year, this episode of Keeping Current explores how heat, increased electrical load, and severe weather can push electrical systems to their limits. Joe O’Dwyer and Warren Garber share real-world insights on preparing for summer conditions, identifying early warning signs of system stress, and preventing costly failures. From the importance of cool...

Ever wonder what it really takes to get that compliance label on your equipment? In this episode, Charles Meeker and Nick Durazo at eti Conformity Services, takes listeners behind the scenes to reveal the hidden work that ensures equipment is safe, reliable, and compliant with regulatory standards. From field evaluations to identifying risks in modified or unlisted equipment, they share real stori...

In the Season 3 premiere, Jeff discusses how proactive planning and disciplined electrical maintenance help facilities avoid unexpected outages and safety issues. The episode covers common causes of surprise failures, the risks of deferred maintenance, and how a risk-based approach supports long-term reliability. Listeners will gain practical insights to start the year with fewer disruptions and m...

As facilities prepare for a new year of evolving electrical demands, acceptance testing plays a critical role in setting the foundation for long-term reliability. In this episode of Keeping Current, host Joe O’Dwyer is joined by Jeff Brittain, Director of Regional Sales at HVM, to explore why acceptance testing is more than a commissioning checkbox, it’s a risk-reduction strategy. Together, they d...

In this episode, we dive into the critical role of electrical safety training and NETA certification in ensuring compliant, reliable, and safe electrical systems. Discover how mastering these standards not only protects your workforce but also enhances operational efficiency and reduces downtime. We’ll explore key certification requirements, best practices for training programs, and practical tips...

In this episode of Keeping Current, host Joe O’Dwyer plugs into one of the fastest-growing frontiers in electrical power—EV charging infrastructure. As electric vehicles move from trend to expectation, the reliability of every link in the electrical system from the charger to the circuit has never been more critical. Joining Joe is Penny Juleff, Business Development Manager, who shares a customer-...

When critical systems fail, operations leaders are the first line of defense. In this episode of Keeping Current, host Joe O’Dwyer sits down with Dennis Salzmann, Senior Director of ERS Operations, to explore how outages unfold—and what it really takes to bring systems back online. From early warning signs to the chain of events during a disruption, Dennis shares practical insights on leadership u...

In this episode, we dive into the moments no facility wants to face—unexpected outages and near-disaster situations. Host Joe O’Dwyer sits down with Nick Palko, a Business Development Manager/engineer who works hands-on with electrical systems, and Matt Saunders, a customer who’s experienced firsthand how close calls and outages test resilience. Recorded live from the field, you may hear a little...

Season 2 continues with an in-depth look at OSHA’s latest regulatory updates and what they mean for workplace safety, compliance, and risk management. Host Joe O’Dwyer is joined by Steve Park to unpack changes like proper PPE fit, multilingual hazard communication, and stepped-up enforcement—plus practical steps to prep for inspections, strengthen training, and adapt your safety program. You’ll he...

Season 2 continues with a deep dive into the rapid growth of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and their transformative impact on today’s power infrastructure. Host Fred Toepfer is joined by Brandon Schuler and Mike Janelle to explore the market trends, technological advancements, and real-world applications driving BESS adoption. From grid modernization and renewable integration to energy rel...

Season 2 kicks off with host Joe O’Dwyer and guest Warren Garber, a NETA Level II Sales Engineer at ERS with over 30 years of field experience. In this episode they dive into the rising importance of electrical maintenance and NFPA 70B compliance. As the updated standard shifts from recommendation to regulation, facilities are facing new challenges in safety, documentation, and testing expectation...

In this episode of Keeping Current, new co-host Fred Toepfer discuss the evolution of electrical safety and arc flash standards with industry experts, Mark Owens, and Dennis Salzmann. Hear their insights on how the latest NFPA 70B/70E updates continue to shape safety in our industry and why regular updates and collaboration are key to safer systems. From historical shifts to practical applications...

In this special Veterans Day episode of Keeping Current , host and military veteran Joe O'Dwyer sits down with ERS Sales Engineer Mike Do, currently in the reserves, to explore two important dynamics in engineering. Together, they discuss the collaboration between young professionals entering the field and veteran engineers with years of experience, highlighting how these diverse perspectives driv...

Joe Odwyer sits down with Nick Durazo for a brief discussion about the critical importance of safety in electrical power systems. Nick shares how tragic incidents can be caused by non-compliance and highlights the severe consequences of neglecting safety protocols. Tune in to learn how regular equipment evaluations can prevent your business from becoming the next safety nightmare.

This October, we’re featuring a two-part series, to discuss the birth of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). In part one, “Origins of Fear: The Birth of OSHA Safety Standards,” host Joe O’Dwyer and Charles Meeker, a Senior Compliance Engineer with over 50 years of experience explore the events that led to OSHA’s creation and why compliance is not just a legal necessity, but a vit...

In this episode of Keeping Current, host Joe O'Dwyer sits down with Greg Smith, ERS's VP of Sales Services, to explore the fascinating journey of the electrical industry. From the birth of electrical safety standards in the 1970's to the challenges the industry faces today, they dive deep into how safety has become the cornerstone of the industry’s growth.