How To Install Distribution Transformer Step By Step Procedure

Hello guys, welcome back to my blog. This article will be on how to install a distribution transformer step by step procedure to install it, what factors we need to consider, and some information on distribution transformers.

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How To Install Distribution Transformer

A distribution transformer is mainly used to step down the voltage from the substation to the required voltage for the consumer. The distribution transformer plays a major role as it is directly linked to the consumer’s load and it should always supply the desired voltage needed for the transformer. Distribution transformers are the ending part of the secondary transmission and there will be more and utmost precautions considered for the installation. The transformer installation is the first step of the distribution process.

The process of installing the distribution transformer is the most difficult thing, the process of installation should be familiar to the group of persons otherwise it will lead to destructive things then the consumer desired voltage will not be acquired. The components and the factors considered for the distribution transformer are comparatively high, the location, mounting, and grounding are one of the most important and influencing factors while installing the distribution transformer.

The installation workers should consider the utmost safety precautions and they must and should wear the safety equipment as the installation deals with the high voltage factors. Actually, the distribution transformers involved the two types of transformers which will be able to give a detailed analysis for the installation for the transformer installation. The installation of the distribution transformer should be done according to the ANSI/IEEE and NEMA- approved electrical regulations. Now let us look into the process and steps considered for installing the distribution transformer on the premises around you:

Mainly the installation involves some major factors and safety measures for the distribution transformer:

01. Location

Location, where the distribution transformer should be placed, plays a major role as it is the place where the transformer should be situated without any movements. The soil in the place should be evaluated before the installation of the transformer. The land should not be in any seismic-prone areas as the movements inland should not expose to natural disasters which lead to the collapse of the transformer. The transformer load should also be taken into consideration for the structural design for the transformer as there are two structures for the transformer such as plinth and pole structures.

According to the load and size of the transformer, the structure will be designed for the respective distribution transformer at the particular evaluated location. The location should be safe and the structures should be constructed according to the respective measurements, and they should be less exposed to the threats.

02. Ventilation

The transformers are of two types such as fluid type and dry type. Those two dry-type transformers do not contain any insulating cooling agent they are just designed with the ventilating ducts, whereas the fluid type transformers consist of the insulating oil which is used for cooling purposes. The dry type transformer needs more ventilation compared to the oil type in the absence of the insulating agent. The distribution transformer needs ventilation too so that heat can be easily dissipated.

03. Grounding

Grounding is the most important step in the transformer installation as the proper grounding will safeguard us from voltage imbalances. The grounding provides safety for the components in the transformer. Grounding is used to carry the fault currents to the ground and provide safety for the transformer. The static charges collected during the fault conditions will be cleared by the grounding provided to the transformer. So the grounding should be considered according to the load of the transformer.

04. Wiring

The wiring of the distribution transformer should be done properly as the service wires are outcomes of the transformer. The wires should be placed under the wood molding or the plastic pipes as the insulation covers for the wires and they should be at a certain height for the proper supply. The guy wires should be installed as additional protection for the transformer and for further protection of the line conductors.

The service wire distribution plays a key role in the wiring of the distribution transformer as it should provide current to the different number of electrical meters at the consumer ends. After the structural design and grounding for the transformer wiring should be done and the caution and danger boards should be placed at the transformer outline as it deals with the high voltages

05. Mounting

Now the transformer will be mounted after the completion of the whole wiring and grounding. The mounting should be done on structural designs such as plinth or the pole. The rating also matters for the mounting as the measurements will differ from rating to rating. The weight of the transformer is mandatory as we can install a less-weight transformer on a single pole if we can. The mounting of the transformer depends on the size and weight. All connections will be ready and when the transformer is mounted at the exact location the connections will be given to the respective panels and poles.

06. Fluid Check & Pressure Maintenance

The dry type transformer needs the ventilation and the fluid type transformer needs the oil for insulation and cooling purposes. The fluid used in the distribution transformer should be evaluated and the lifetime of the fluid should be obtained as the fluid should be used to wash every piece of equipment. The container of the transformer should be dry as it should be filled with fluid after the evaluation.

The pressure is another factor that should be evaluated under the installation of the distribution transformer. The temperature monitoring will give the exact values of the pressure, the pressure-vacuum gauge will show the pressure variations according to the changes in the temperature. Positive pressure maintenance plays a key role so pressure monitoring is very important.

07. Final Testing

The final testing is the last step of the distribution transformer installation process. The safety requirements should be reached and all alerts should be given about the voltages which are enclosed in the transformer. Continuity is the major factor that is verified under the final inspection. The electrical connections should be carried out properly. If the accurate expectations are reached then the installation will be done

The above steps are considered under the installation of the distribution transformers.

This was about “How To Install Distribution Transformer“. I hope this article “How To Install Distribution Transformer” may help you all a lot. Thank you for reading.

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Chetan Shidling

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