website masthead

Causes of Transformer Failure

Old black vintage electrical transformers in a factory

Causes of Transformer Failure

May 8, 2025

Most of the time, your transformer may seem like an inert apparatus tucked away in a cabinet. However, when energized, it is a vibrant, living thing, transforming and feeding electrical power at 60 Hertz to your facility. In addition to the metal windings and core, it contains organic materials in the form of insulation. However, like all living things, transformers age over time […]

Read More
Dry Type Transformer failure.

The Cost of Transformer Failure in Manufacturing

May 1, 2025

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 details […]

Read More

Department of Energy Testing Procedures for Transformers

April 17, 2025

Transformers are critical pieces of equipment for supplying energy to public and private buildings, from manufacturing facilities to universities and hospitals. These systems must work correctly to transform and feed electrical energy into buildings to power daily operations. Besides working correctly and safely, transformers must also use energy efficiently. Since its founding in 1977, the U.S. […]

Read More
ELSCO Transformer Logo

Average Lead Times of Padmount Transformers in 2025

February 20, 2025

Supply chain challenges have resulted in widespread disruptions since mission-critical processes rely on delayed materials sourcing and manufacturing procedures. Padmount transformers are among these critical systems that often face long lead times for new units. When your existing system stops functioning, these lead times can set your operation back. Understanding lead times for 2025 can […]

Read More
ELSCO Transformer Logo

Quantifying Downtime Costs and The Hidden Impact of Transformer Failures

November 6, 2024

For fast-paced commercial and industrial operations, a transformer failure can be more than just an inconvenience — it can lead to a significant loss of revenue. As production halts and employees stand idle, the actual cost of downtime begins to unfold, revealing hidden expenses that can significantly impact operations. Understanding and quantifying downtime costs associated […]

Read More
Guide to Transformer Failures

Guide to Transformer Failures

September 9, 2024

Transformers serve a crucial purpose as part of the power system for many facilities. Therefore, when signs of failure appear, you must quickly replace or repair the transformer to restore full operation. Knowing how to tell if your dry type will stop working or how to detect failures in an oil filled transformer will help […]

Read More
Dissolved Gas Analysis Limits

Dissolved Gas Analysis Limits

May 16, 2024

Awareness of dissolved gas analysis limits lets you detect minor faults and conditions that can lead to transformer failure. DGAs reduce risk to the unit, system and the personnel who monitor the transformer. You must do a DGA for transformers after high voltage and temperature rise tests, during a commissioning period, before a lapsed warranty […]

Read More
How to Select the Ideal Transformer for Your Company

How to Select the Ideal Transformer for Your Company

April 5, 2024

Many businesses only function efficiently because of transformers. This critical equipment performs a fundamental function in many industries, transferring power and controlling voltages to ensure safe and productive workflows. If your business relies on electricity, you know how damaging a blown transformer can be to your operations. Choosing a transformer can be tricky, but with […]

Read More
DOE Efficiency Stands for Transformers.

DOE Efficiency Standards for Transformers

March 27, 2024

Jump To: What Are the DOE Efficiency Standards? Benefits of Efficiency Standards to the Customer and the Industry How to Comply With Efficiency Standards Impacts of DOE Regulations and Compliant Transformers Transformers Exempt From DOE Efficiency Standards The Future of DOE Efficiency Standards More than 40% of the energy used in the United States is consumed by […]

Read More
Guide to Transformer kVA Ratings — How to Determine What Size Transformer You Need

Guide to Transformer kVA Ratings — How to Determine What Size Transformer You Need

March 14, 2024

In many industries, including health care, manufacturing, electrical contracting, higher education and corrections, reliable, high-quality transformers are essential for keeping operations running efficiently. Large facilities and industrial processes require substantial amounts of power, and they need dependable transformers to convert the energy coming from the power plant into a form they can use for their […]

Read More