Transforming Technical Knowledge: How Power Industry Learning Reached Global Scale

In this episode of The Power Grid podcast, host Brian Branigan sits down with Mark Cowart of Power Protection Products to explore how digital transformation has revolutionized power quality education.

From traditional classroom settings to global digital platforms, the industry has undergone a remarkable evolution.

What started as local technical seminars has blossomed into a worldwide knowledge-sharing phenomenon, reaching hundreds of thousands of professionals across continents.

Power Protection Products’ journey from conducting 72 in-person seminars annually to creating over 204 digital educational videos represents more than just a change in delivery method, it showcases the industry’s adaptability and commitment to accessibility.

This shift has opened doors for a new generation of engineers, technicians, and industry professionals seeking practical knowledge about power quality solutions.

The impact of this educational revolution is evident in the numbers, with technical content reaching viewers from Los Angeles to Sydney, and engaging professionals across every time zone.

As Branigan notes, “The manufacturers we represent love the fact that we can get a lot of new technical information out pretty quick to the audience.”

From Classroom to Digital: The Journey of Power Quality Training

Power Protection Products began their educational mission by visiting manufacturers to learn the latest industry developments firsthand. This direct approach to learning inspired them to create their own controlled learning environment where they could better serve their customers’ educational needs.

The transformation accelerated when COVID-19 forced them to rethink their training methods.

Moving from in-person seminars to online sessions, they conducted over 40 virtual seminars in their first year of remote learning, proving that quality education could thrive in a digital space.

Power Quality University: Building the Foundation for Industry Education

The creation of Power Quality University marked a significant milestone in hands-on power education.

The team built specialized labs in all their offices, equipped with real working equipment, allowing engineers and technicians to see and experience what they had previously only read about in technical manuals.

These educational labs regularly reached maximum capacity, with industry professionals eager to gain practical knowledge.

Podcast guest Mark Cowart reflects on their approach: “We thought we could do the best show and give the best performance for our audience if we had the lab to actually show it.”

Inside the Laboratory: When Hands-On Learning Led the Way

Power Protection Products’ laboratory sessions brought textbook concepts to life, allowing participants to witness real-world power quality events and their solutions. These hands-on demonstrations helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, making complex concepts easier to understand for everyone from seasoned engineers to maintenance teams.

The labs featured custom-built demonstration units that could safely simulate power issues like voltage sags, harmonics, and ground faults.

Adapting to Change: How COVID Reshaped Technical Education

When the pandemic hit in 2020, Power Protection Products faced a critical decision: pause their educational programs or find a new way forward. Within weeks, they transformed their laboratory into a broadcast studio, complete with professional lighting and multiple camera angles to capture detailed equipment demonstrations.

The shift to virtual training revealed unexpected benefits; more people could attend sessions without travel constraints, and recordings became valuable resources for future reference.

What started as a temporary solution evolved into a permanent enhancement of their educational toolkit, reaching five times more participants than their in-person sessions.

The YouTube Effect: Unexpected Success in Digital Learning

When Power Protection Products launched their YouTube channel, they expected a modest following of local customers and partners. Instead, their clear, practical demonstrations and straightforward explanations attracted viewers from across the globe, with some videos reaching over 100,000 views within months.

The success of their digital content proved that complex power quality topics could be explained in an engaging, accessible way.

“We never dreamed our basic generator testing video would get so many views,” shares Branigan, “but it showed us that people everywhere are hungry for practical knowledge they can trust.”

Global Reach: Breaking Geographic Boundaries in Technical Training

The transition to digital platforms eliminated the geographic limitations that once restricted Power Protection Products’ educational reach.

Engineers from Singapore could now learn alongside technicians from Seattle, creating an unexpected global community of power quality professionals sharing experiences and solutions.

Time zones became the only real barrier as live webinars and training sessions attracted participants from 27 countries. This international audience brought diverse perspectives and challenges to the discussions, enriching the learning experience for everyone involved and creating a truly global knowledge exchange.

Demographics Shift: The New Face of Power Quality Learning

The digital transformation revealed a surprising change in Power Protection Products’ audience demographics.

While traditional in-person seminars primarily attracted senior engineers and facility managers, online content began reaching younger technicians, maintenance teams, and engineering students eager to build their practical knowledge.

Data analysis showed that 40% of their digital content viewers were under 35, marking a significant shift in industry education. This younger audience brought fresh perspectives and different learning preferences, pushing the team to create more dynamic, interactive content that resonated with both seasoned professionals and newcomers.

Content Evolution: What Industry Professionals Want to Learn

The analytics from digital platforms provided clear insights into what topics resonated most with viewers. Basic troubleshooting videos consistently ranked among the most-watched content, while step-by-step maintenance guides and real-world problem-solving demonstrations generated the most engagement.

This data-driven approach helped Power Protection Products refine their content strategy to meet actual industry needs.

As Cowart notes, “We learned that people weren’t just looking for theory – they wanted practical solutions they could apply immediately in their daily work.”

Building a Digital Resource Library: Beyond Traditional Training

Power Protection Products transformed their years of field experience into a searchable digital library, organizing hundreds of videos, guides, and case studies by topic and difficulty level. This resource became a go-to reference for professionals facing real-time challenges on the job.

The library grew beyond just training videos to include downloadable checklists, troubleshooting guides, and equipment comparison tools. This comprehensive resource allows technicians to access specific solution videos right when they need them, even during overnight emergency calls.

The digital format means crucial technical information is available 24/7, supporting professionals whenever and wherever they encounter power quality challenges.

The Impact of Accessible Education on Power Quality Solutions

The widespread availability of quality training materials has dramatically improved how facilities handle power quality issues. Data shows that facilities whose teams completed the online training programs reported 40% fewer emergency service calls and better first-time fix rates.

This improved knowledge base has led to more proactive maintenance approaches across the industry.

As Branigan observes, “We’re seeing fewer crisis calls and more planned upgrades. When people understand their systems better, they make smarter decisions about maintaining them.”

The result is more reliable power systems and better-protected facilities across all industries.

Shaping Tomorrow’s Power Industry Leaders

The evolution of Power Protection Products’ educational program from classroom-only to a comprehensive digital platform marks more than just a change in delivery methods – it represents a fundamental shift in how technical knowledge is shared and applied in the power quality industry.

Looking ahead, the combination of hands-on labs, digital resources, and global reach is creating a new generation of power quality professionals who are better equipped to handle tomorrow’s challenges.

As facilities become more complex and power quality becomes increasingly critical, this accessible, practical education approach ensures that knowledge isn’t just preserved – it’s actively growing and evolving.

Cowart reflects on this transformation: “When we started, we were teaching people how to fix problems. Now we’re helping them prevent problems before they happen. That’s real progress, and it’s happening because knowledge is no longer locked away in textbooks or limited to in-person training sessions.”

The future of power quality education lies in this blend of practical experience and digital accessibility, ensuring that as technology advances, the professionals managing it advance right alongside it.

Your Next Step in Power System Excellence

Don’t let power quality issues threaten your facility’s operations. Power Protection Products combines decades of hands-on experience with cutting-edge educational resources to deliver solutions that work.

Ready to protect your critical systems? Our team will help you:

• Assess your current power protection needs
• Access our comprehensive digital training library
• Develop a customized protection strategy
• Join our global community of power quality professionals

Contact Power Protection Products to start building a more reliable future for your facility.

 

The Power Grid podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

Power Quality Education: Your Questions Answered

How has power quality training evolved in recent years?

Traditional in-person seminars have transformed into comprehensive digital platforms. Power Protection Products has expanded from 72 annual seminars to over 204 educational videos reaching a global audience.

What types of resources are available in the digital library?

The library includes technical videos, downloadable checklists, troubleshooting guides, and equipment comparison tools. All resources are organized by topic and difficulty level for easy access.

Can technicians access training materials during emergency situations?

Yes, the entire digital library is available 24/7 through mobile devices. Technicians can instantly access specific solution videos and guides while working on equipment, regardless of time or location.

How does digital training benefit manufacturers?

Digital platforms allow for rapid distribution of new technical information and updates. Manufacturers can ensure their latest innovations and best practices reach professionals quickly and efficiently.

What makes online power quality education more accessible?

Digital resources eliminate geographical barriers and time zone constraints. Professionals from Los Angeles to Sydney can access the same high-quality training materials at their convenience.

How is content organized in the digital library?

Content is systematically categorized by topic, equipment type, and technical difficulty. This organization allows users to quickly find relevant information for their specific needs.

What advantages does digital training offer over traditional seminars?

Digital training provides unlimited access to resources and allows professionals to learn at their own pace. It also enables immediate application of knowledge through readily available reference materials.

Who can benefit from these educational resources?

The digital library serves engineers, technicians, facility managers, and industry professionals at all experience levels. Content is structured to support both newcomers and seasoned experts in the field.

How often is the digital content updated?

New content is regularly added to address emerging technologies and industry developments. The digital format allows for continuous updates to keep pace with evolving power quality solutions.

What role does community learning play in digital education?

The digital platform facilitates knowledge sharing among professionals across different regions and time zones. This creates a global community of power quality experts who can learn from each other’s experiences.