Pole Mounted Terminology

 

 

Below are definitions relating to pole mounted transformers, components and accessories. Please feel free to print this page for reference. If you have any questions, please e-mail us.

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Condition

KVA

Phase

Voltage

Windings

Taps

Primary Bushings

Type

Gauges

Impedance

Cooling Fluid

Accessories

Temperature Rise

Frequency

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Condition Definitions
New All components are new
Remanufactured Transformer coils have been rewound; this may include all primary and secondary coils or primary coils only; even if secondary coils are not rewound they will carry the same warranty as the rewound primary coils; may also include new oil
Reconditioned Transformer has passed all standard tests; if needed, broken or missing parts are replaced
As is Transformer will be sold in its present condition without warranty
Rental Transformer condition can vary but all rental units will be in good, working condition

 

KVA
Kilovolt ampere; designates the output which a transformer can deliver at rated voltage and frequency without exceeding a specified temperature rise
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Phase
Classification of an alternating current circuit; most common phases are single-phase and three-phase; standard transformers do not have mixed phases; if a transformer has a three-phase input, it will have a three-phase output; the same is true of single-phase transformers; it is common to connect a single-phase transformer to a three-phase system and get a single-phase output
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 Voltage
Primary Voltage The INPUT voltage of a transformer; this should include a numeric value and a vector designation (see below)
Secondary Voltage The OUTPUT voltage of a transformer; this should include a numeric value and a vector designation (see below)
Vector

Pole mounted transformers are typically single-phase. However, vector designations determine the number of primary bushings and how the transformers can be connected in a three-phase bank.

EXAMPLES:

7620/13200Y - indicates a two-bushing primary; the transformer's primary winding is rated for 7620V; used individually, it should be connected between one phase and the neutral of a 13200Y system; can be connected with two identical transformers in a three-phase bank in two ways; (1) the most common is a 13200Y bank, (2) but can also be connected 7620 Delta

13200GY/7200 - indicates a one-bushing primary; the transformer's primary winding is rated for 7620V; should be connected between one phase and the neutral of a 13200Y system

13200 - This is the most common way voltages are designated but it does not indicate how the transformer will be connected. If the vector cannot be clarified, we will quote the transformer based on a voltage of 13200/22900Y.

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Windings
The primary and secondary windings of the transformer can either be copper or aluminum, or one can be copper and the other aluminum. The industry standard, since the early 1970's, has been aluminum. For more information on copper and alumimum, see our Copper vs. Aluminum article.
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Taps
TapCh photoTap Changer Used to adjust for low or high incoming voltage; for de-energized operation only
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Photo link = Photo Link

 

Primary Bushings
1 bushing photoSingle
Bushing
Primary
Commonly used by utilities in residential areas
2 bushing photoTwo
Bushing
Primary
Commonly used by industries and utilities in a three-phase bank (three single-phase transformers connected together to provide three-phase power); can be used individually without banking
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Photo link = Photo Link

 

Type
Conventional1 bushing photo Conventional design refers to a standard two-bushing primary configuration
2 bushing photoCSP (completely self-protected) CSP transformers are typically used by utilities in residential areas; they include a primary fuse, lightning arrester and secondary circuit breaker
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Photo link = Photo Link

 

Gauges (not typical accessories for pole mounted transformers but are available)
LLG photoLiquid Level Indicates the level of cooling fluid in the transformer
TG photo
Oil Temperature
Indicates the temperature of the cooling fluid; may include a manually-resettable maximum temperature indicator as shown in the photograph
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Photo link = Photo Link

 

Impedance
The vector sum of resistance and reactance which limits the current flow in an alternating current circuit; when banking single-phase transformers, impedance can be critical to ensure proper balanced loading of the three transformers in the bank and when transformers are used in parallel operation
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Cooling Fluid
Mineral Oil Common dielectric fluid used in transformers, circuit breakers, oil-filled switches and X-ray equipment
RTEmp® A fire-resistant dielectric coolant; non-toxic and biodegradable; typically costs about 3X to 5X more than mineral oil
Silicone A fire-resistant fluid; a good choice where potential fire hazards exist; typically costs about 3X more than RTEmp®
Envirotemp® FR3™ A unique dielectric coolant made from seed oils; exceptionally high fire point; non-toxic, non-bioaccumulating and readily biodegradable
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Accessories
PRV photoPressure Relief Valve A self-actuating, self-resetting pressure relief valve; sometimes referred to as a "pop-off" valve
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Photo link = Photo Link

 

 

Temperature Rise
The temperature increase over the ambient temperature due to loading; lower temperature rises are better because the transformer operates cooler than an equal, higher temperature rise transformer; standard temperature rises for oil filled transformers are 65°C and 55°C
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Frequency
The number of times an alternating current voltage will alternate from positive to negative and back again within a specified period of time; usually express in cycles per second and identified as Hertz (Hz); the Western Hemisphere primarily operates on 60 Hz systems; some 60 Hz systems exist in the Eastern Hemisphere but it is primarily 50 Hz systems
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