ELSCO Transformers is a top-rated supplier of medium voltage transformers for electrical utilities in North America, offering high-quality dry type and padmount units that deliver decades of continuous service.
- Extensive catalog: ELSCO features an extensive catalog of ready-to-ship dry type and padmount stock transformers, including units in a wide range of ratings and voltages.
- Custom solutions: Our team can custom-design a dry type or padmount transformer to match your application’s kVA, voltage and dimensional requirements.
- Emergency support: We provide emergency replacement services for urgent situations, including retrofitting and repairs to minimize disruption to your operations.
With over 100 years of experience and no operational failures on new dry type units since 1988, ELSCO has built a reputation for quality and reliability that electrical utilities and other demanding industries trust.]
ELSCO Transformers designs and manufactures medium voltage dry type and padmount transformers for electrical utilities, building every unit in-house at our Cincinnati facility. Our engineering team brings decades of hands-on experience to every project, supporting utility providers through planned system upgrades, custom builds, retrofits and repairs.
Why Is the Reliability of a Transformer Crucial for Electrical Utilities?
The reliability of a transformer is crucial for electrical utilities because one minor outage can disrupt service across an entire distribution network, cutting off power to homes, businesses and infrastructure. While downtime costs vary widely by the severity of the shutdown, the financial and operational consequences of even a brief interruption can be significant.
The most practical strategy for solving these challenges is to work with a reputable supplier that offers a complete lineup of high-quality solutions, including options that can get you up and running quickly in an emergency.
Medium Voltage Distribution Transformers for Electrical Utility Applications
At ELSCO, our engineers can review your application and recommend the most practical and effective transformer solutions for your operational needs. We offer two options for electrical utilities:
- Dry type units: ELSCO dry type transformers use air circulation to cool the coils and windings, converting higher primary voltages to the levels your distribution network requires. Built with Nomex insulation and available in various ratings and voltages, these systems are ideal for indoor utility installations where long-term, low-maintenance performance is the priority. The mitered core operates at lower flux densities than most standard designs, helping improve efficiency while reducing transmission losses.
- Padmount systems: Our padmount transformers use oil for cooling and step down high primary voltages for outdoor distribution applications, connecting to underground power lines at ground level. Each unit features lockable, tamper-proof doors and can be ordered to your exact voltage and kVA specifications. Natural ester instead of oil is another fluid option for operations looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Transformer Services for Electrical Utilities
ELSCO backs every transformer solution with personalized service from engineers who understand the highly technical demands of utility operations. Our team is committed to keeping your systems running smoothly and efficiently by offering a complete range of services, including:
Reasons to Choose ELSCO for Electrical Utility Transformers
We build every ELSCO transformer by hand in our facility, where decades of experience and rigorous quality standards go into every unit. Benefits you’ll enjoy when partnering with us include:
- Comprehensive warranties: New dry type models for indoor use include industry-leading five-year warranties, showcasing our commitment to quality in every product we build.
- Quick shipping capabilities: Depending on the modifications needed, we have dry type and padmount units in stock that can often leave our Cincinnati facility quickly to minimize your downtime.
- Long lifespan: ELSCO dry type transformers feature mitered core construction, DuPont Nomex insulation and premium-grade materials that often deliver reliable service beyond 35 years.
- Proven engineering expertise: Our engineers have decades of combined experience, providing utility providers access to experts who understand the demands of medium-voltage distribution.
Transformer FAQs
Browse our FAQs below for answers to the most common questions we receive about utility-grade dry type transformers:
What Is the Difference Between Dry Type and Padmount Transformers for Utilities?
The difference between dry type and padmount transformers for utilities comes down to where they are installed and how they manage heat. Dry type transformers are air-cooled systems recommended for indoor utility installations that convert high primary voltages to the levels required by your distribution network. Padmount transformers have tamper-proof lockable doors, use oil for cooling and are designed primarily for use outdoors.
How Quickly Can ELSCO Deliver a Transformer for a Utility Emergency Replacement?
ELSCO can deliver a transformer for a utility emergency replacement with in-stock dry type and padmount units that can often be modified to your system requirements. We can complete custom bus work on the replacement unit before it ships, allowing for faster installation and reducing the time your system is offline. Retrofits offer significantly shorter lead times than fully custom builds, making them a practical option when delivery speed matters most.
How Does ELSCO’s Transformer Retrofit Process Work?
Our transformer retrofit process works by first gathering information about your current system, including photos, specific physical dimensions and critical electrical specifications. ELSCO engineers use those details to evaluate your requirements and recommend the best in-stock design to modify. Retrofits are ideal when you want to keep your current system setup intact and install a faster, more cost-effective unit than a custom build.
What Custom Utility Transformer Solutions Does ELSCO Offer?
ELSCO offers a wide range of custom utility transformer solutions, including dry type and padmount transformers that match your exact voltage, kVA and dimensional specifications. Our transformers feature nine tap positions compared to the industry standard of five, giving utility engineers greater precision in achieving the exact voltage ratio their system requires. We also offer custom bus work tailored to your connection points and existing setup.
Contact Our Team Today for More Information
With zero product failures on new dry type transformers since 1988 due to workmanship, quality, design or materials and industry-best warranties, ELSCO sets a standard that few other transformer suppliers can match. Our engineers are ready to review your specifications and recommend the most practical option for your electrical utility application. Contact us online for a quote or call 800-232-9002 today to learn more about how our products can benefit your business.