Jimmy H Beard, MSEE, PE, CFEI Expert Witness
Curriculum Vitae

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Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

General Specialties:

Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications

Keywords/Search Terms:

Forensic Engineering, Garage Doors, UL 325, transformers, HVAC systems, origin and cause, fire investigations, cellular and television towers, fiber optic cables, National Electrical Code, NEC, NESC, National Electrical Safety Code, lightning damage, electrocution, personal injury, code compliance

Education:

Master of Science, Mississippi State University; Bachelor of Science, Mississippi State University; Associate of Arts, Southwest Mississippi Junior College

Years in Practice:

25

Additional Information

I have served as a consultant on damage claims related to a wide variety of electrical systems, including transformers, switchgear, busway and cable systems, diesel generators, electric and gas-fired furnaces, uninterruptible power supplies, HVAC equipment, chillers, vehicle systems, recreational vehicles, smart-home systems and many others. I have extensive experience evaluating damage in commercial and residential settings, and am equipped to perform insulation testing when required. I have consulted on a number of cases involving industrial and commercial machinery, residential electrical systems, and various personal injury cases. I am regularly engaged to consult in the areas of electrical engineering for residential, commercial, and industrial systems, electrical system failures, code compliance review, technical investigation of incidents involving industrial electrical power distribution systems and industrial control systems, scope of damage, and analysis of costs to repair or replace electrical equipment and systems. I also consult on incidents involving garage door and gate systems. As a member of the ANSI/Underwriters Laboratories Standards Technical Panel 325 (UL-325) Standard for Safety for Door, Drapery, Gate, Louver, and Window Operators and Systems, I have significant experience in reviewing and interpreting the standard. The UL-325 standard specifies the safety requirements for garage doors, gates, and the electronic control systems for doors and gates. As an STP-325 member, I make and review recommendations for revisions and vote to approve (or reject) revisions to the UL-325 standard.