High Voltage Engineering, Testing, Inspection, and Training
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.
By ensuring compliance with safety standards and providing training, we help protect personnel and equipment from electrical hazards.
Regular inspections, testing, and maintenance help prevent equipment failures and disruptions.
Our expertise in standards interpretation and certification ensures clients adhere to regulatory requirements.
Our services improve the efficiency and reliability of high voltage systems, leading to cost savings and operational benefits.
Our R&D capabilities and focus on emerging technologies help clients stay ahead of industry trends.
Electric power utilities can benefit from our expertise in high voltage testing, grid modernization, and safety compliance.
Manufacturing plants and other industrial facilities that utilize high voltage equipment can rely on us for inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Regulatory bodies and government agencies can leverage our knowledge for policy development, standards interpretation, and safety regulations.
Universities and research institutions can collaborate with us for research projects, laboratory design, and student training.
Manufacturers of high voltage equipment can engage us for testing, certification, and quality assurance.
Jeffrey Hildreth, P.E.
Senior IEEE Member
Licensed P.E. — GA, PA, WA
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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