How Old (Reliable) is Your Transformer?
Your transformer may seem like an inert apparatus tucked away in a cabinet, but when energized it is a vibrant, living thing, transforming and feeding electrical power at 60 Hertz to your facility. In addition to metal windings and core it contains organic materials in the form of insulation, and like all living things, it […]
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Your ELSCO Transformer is an Investment in Quality
Replacing a failed transformer comes as an unwelcome surprise with an unanticipated and unavoidable cash outlay. Facilities managers are immediately faced with two urgent questions: “How soon can we get power back?” and “How much is this going to cost?” The answers will depend on some key decisions made in replacing the transformer, but the […]
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The Cost of Transformer Failure in Manufacturing
Recent surveys have reported the cost of a single hour of manufacturing downtime to be anywhere between $500,000 and $5 million, The survey participants were very large, high-volume manufacturers in automated industries such as automotive, steel, chemical and pharmaceuticals. The estimates of hourly downtime costs were reported by respondents to the surveys without definitions, supporting […]
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Save Time and Money with ELSCO Custom Bus Work
When you purchase a replacement or retrofit transformer, most likely its high-voltage and low-voltage connections will not line up perfectly with your existing infrastructure due to differences in transformer models, ratings or designs. Low-voltage bus bar connections have to line up perfectly parallel, with matching bolt holes, and be bolted together without distorting forces to […]
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“Crime Scene Investigator” Identifies Usual Suspects of Premature Transformer Failure
Evidence reveals how to avoid transformers that wind up dying well before their time. Spoiler alert: There’s no substitute for quality. When it comes to big ticket items, power transformers come near the top of the list. So, when they fail prematurely, it is a painful experience with damages that can far exceed the cost […]
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Round Coil vs. Rectangular Coil for Transformers
Substation transformers feature either a round or rectangular core and coil assembly. A transformer’s iron core and windings are designed to carry magnetic flux through the transformer, and the core is typically constructed in a round, rectangular or oblong shape — although oblong cores are much less common in dry tape transformers. Round and rectangular […]
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Disc Wound vs. Layer Wound Transformer
One of the most common questions when selecting a medium voltage transformer is whether to choose a disc wound or a layer wound option. Understanding the difference between layer and disc wound transformers is crucial for optimizing your medium voltage applications, as each type features unique benefits and drawbacks. Call Us Today Differences of Disc […]
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Copper vs. Aluminum Dry Type Transformer Windings
Dry type transformers typically feature either copper or aluminum windings, also known as coils. Transformer windings refer to the coils within the transformer that draw and distribute power inside the unit. There are typically two windings in a dry type transformer — one that draws power from the source and another that transfers that power […]
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Guide to Oil-Filled Transformer Maintenance
Jump To: Routine Maintenance for Oil-Filled Transformers Daily Maintenance Weekly & Monthly Maintenance Yearly Maintenance Oil-Filled Transformer Maintenance Checklist Potential Problems with Oil-Filled Transformers The Benefits of Preventive Maintenance for Oil-Filled Transformers Transformer Inspections Regular maintenance is a major part of keeping your oil-filled transformers in good working condition. Without scheduled upkeep, your transformers will […]
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Guide to Transformer kVA Ratings — How to Determine What Size Transformer You Need
Jump To: How to Determine kVA Size Calculating kVA Size Start Factor Specialty Considerations Standard Transformer Sizes How to Determine Load Voltage How to Determine Secondary Voltage How to Determine Primary Voltage Single-Phase kVA Ratings Three-Phase kVA Ratings In many industries, including health care, manufacturing, electrical contracting, higher education and corrections, reliable, high-quality transformers are […]
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