By Jason Dennison and Bob Rasor

A well-maintained transformer can last more than 50 years. If you catch a fault condition early, there are corrective actions you can take to prevent further damage to the transformer and avoid costly downtime from catastrophic failure.

Most of the time the transformer "just sits there and hums like it always does," behind a fence, out of sight, out of mind, which can give a false sense of security of just how much risk resides in the transformer should things goes awry and in terms of business expense and production loss.

Sampling and Inspection

Liquid sampling and visual inspections are crucial parts of any effective transformer maintenance program. It's most efficient to schedule inspections at the same time as liquid sampling because the person pulling the sample is already on site. After taking a fluid sample, the technician can inspect and record the vital pieces of information about the transformer, such as:

• Gauge Readings - Record temperature and liquid levels.
• Preservation System - Check gas pressure, desiccant condition, and pressure relief devices.
• Radiators - Check for corrosion, fan operation, and pumps.
• Surfaces - Check for corrosion, assess the condition of the paint, and check the seals.
• Bushings - Check for corrosion and issues with connections and coatings.
• General Area Condition - Observe and record vegetation control, check for pests, and assess the condition of the substation fence.

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This article was originally published in the October 2019 issue of the Best Practices: Transformer Testing, Maintenance and Monitoring magazine.

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