Why Do Transformers Hum? Understanding Transformer Noise
Loud equipment is often a nuisance, but it can also be a safety issue if it contributes to excessive noise levels. Transformers often hum or buzz, but it usually doesn’t mean anything is wrong with them. Humming can be a sign of normal operations and magnetic forces at work. Still, too much transformer noise can […]
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The Critical Role of Transformer Maintenance in Industrial Operations
Many businesses and organizations take transformers for granted until a performance issue arises or they break down unexpectedly. Some maintenance teams only take action when a visible problem occurs, overlooking the day-to-day inspections that help identify minor issues before they worsen. These oversights create long-term vulnerabilities that a proper maintenance strategy can help eliminate. The […]
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The Evolution of Transformer Technology — Driving Efficiency and Sustainability in Modern Grids
The electrical grid is the backbone of modern civilization, quietly powering everything from hospitals and manufacturing plants to educational campuses and correctional facilities. At the heart of the grid are transformers — electromagnetic workhorses that have been converting power for over a century. Although the fundamental principle of these devices remains unchanged, transformer technology has […]
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DOE Efficiency Standards for Transformers
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 […]
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Cost-Benefit Analysis of Dry Type vs. Oil-Filled Transformers
Understanding the true cost differences between dry type and oil-filled transformers involves more than just comparing the initial price tag. Some of the most significant costs revolve around what you will pay over the transformer’s service life. In the end, it’s a cost-of-ownership decision that considers installation requirements, energy efficiency, maintenance needs, safety and the […]
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Understanding Transformer Sizing and Selection for Industrial Applications
Choosing the wrong size transformer can cause premature equipment failure, hours of unplanned downtime and thousands of dollars in wasted energy. Despite these risks, some managers and maintenance supervisors do not take the necessary steps when purchasing a new or replacement unit for their facility. Selecting the right transformer goes far beyond finding a size […]
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Causes of Transformer Failure
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 […]
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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 details […]
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Department of Energy Testing Procedures for Transformers
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. […]
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Average Lead Times of Padmount Transformers in 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 […]
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