Victoria Bold: High Voltage Meets Responsibility in the Test Field

Before a product leaves the Trench plant in Bamberg, it must prove its reliability under conditions that go far beyond normal operation. In the test fields, current and voltage transformers, combined instrument transformers and other high-voltage components are put through that acid test. Victoria Bold is responsible for them. The electrical engineer joined in June 2024 and took over management of the test fields shortly afterwards. In this interview, she talks about what fascinates her about high voltage, why no two days are alike, and what early responsibility means to her.

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What is your role at Trench?

I lead the test fields at our Bamberg site. We make sure that every component leaving our plant works flawlessly and can be used safely. That includes instrument transformers, for example, which convert high currents and voltages into values that can be measured safely and precisely. Before delivery, we test, among other things, measurement accuracy, dielectric strength, and leak tightness. The test fields are our final quality check.

A lot of threads come together in my role. I coordinate the various test fields and their processes, work closely with test field supervisors and test technicians, and handle technical documentation, customer acceptance tests and the further development of our measuring equipment.

The test fields are our final quality check: We make sure that every component leaving our plant works flawlessly and can be used safely.

What is special about working in a high-voltage test field?

I’ve been fascinated by high-voltage technology since I studied electrical engineering. In the test field, it becomes tangible. We don’t just subject devices to their normal operating voltage, we test them under extreme conditions. Our impulse test systems even recreate the electrical effects of a lightning strike. It’s seriously loud, and no matter how many times I’ve heard it, it’s still impressive.

Theory alone only gets you so far here. I have to combine technical knowledge with hands-on experience and develop a feel for how long certain tests take, what order makes sense, and what’s logistically possible with large components. Then there are changing standards, specific customer requirements and new measuring technology.

Many people see a substation or a power line, but not the technology behind it. All the more exciting to be part of it myself.

What gets you excited to start your day at Trench Group?

It’s a special feeling to build components that modern power grids couldn’t function without. We’re driving the expansion of energy infrastructure. Many people see a substation or a power line, but not the technology behind it. All the more exciting to be part of it myself.

I’m equally motivated by the trust I’ve been given from day one. One example is the new DC test system that Trench is currently procuring for Bamberg. I’m leading the project. Helping to shape it from the very beginning, and standing on the customer side at the acceptance test for once, is incredibly exciting.

That said, I wasn’t thrown in at the deep end. My manager gave me the freedom to steer topics independently and was there whenever I had questions. I can also rely on a wealth of experience within the team. The two test field supervisors I work with closely have been with the company for decades. That exchange is invaluable.

My advice to anyone considering a career as an electrical engineer at Trench: Don’t be afraid of big tasks and a lot of responsibility. Ask lots of questions and let the technology inspire you. You grow with your tasks and projects.