Richard Haley

Richard Haley graduated from the University of Alberta with his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry in 1978. He returned to the University of Alberta and attained his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1982, as well as his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1986. His thesis, titled “A Schlieren Study of Flame Initiation”, included groundbreaking results in the field of spark initiation.

Richard worked for the University of Alberta as a Specialist Technician from 1985 to 2001. He oversaw two graduate research laboratories, and continued to work with high voltages, specializing in designing, fabricating, and operating high speed cameras utilizing sparks, streaks, and still photography. This included Polaroid ™, 35 mm film, and high-speed video photography of processes invisible to the naked eye, such as heat waves, sound waves, and turbulence. In addition to his research, Richard supervised undergraduate laboratories and lectured undergraduate engineering students.

In 2002, Richard joined Wirtanen Electric Ltd. as an electrical engineer, performing calibrations, inspections, and repairs of rental and customer equipment. He also re-acquainted himself with three phase power systems. He became involved with the Wirtanen Electric Training Foundation, which aims to give underemployed students preapprentice electrical training in order for them to attain first year apprentice electrician positions. Richard still teaches with the Wirtanen Electric Training Foundation today.

From 2003 to 2011, Richard was an independent electrical engineering consultant, working with Occupational Health and Safety, Anderson Associates Consulting Engineers, and several law and insurance companies. Some of his electrical investigations included hot tub fires, power line accidents, compressor motor failures, welding accidents, and circuit breaker failures.

In 2012, Richard joined Anderson Associates as a contract electrical engineer. He is highly knowledgeable in the behaviour of high voltage and high energy sparks, as well as damage patterns from arcing and signs of electrical problems. His expertise in electrical incidents greatly enhances the company’s ability to meet our clients’ needs.