What is Transformer Retrofitting and When is it Needed?
Transformer retrofitting is the process of modifying an in-stock medium voltage transformer to match your exact specifications, connection points and physical dimensions. Facilities typically need this service when a transformer fails, nears the end of its lifespan or can no longer meet current capacity demands.
- Plug-and-play installation: ELSCO’s retrofits are engineered to integrate with your existing electrical setup, reducing installation complexity and getting your facility back online faster.
- Expert engineering: Our team brings decades of combined experience in medium voltage transformer engineering and manufacturing to every retrofit we build.
- Shorter lead times: ELSCO modifies in-stock units to your specifications, cutting weeks or months off the timeline compared to custom manufacturing.
ELSCO Transformers has been a trusted name in medium voltage transformers for over a century, with an industry-best five-year warranty on new indoor dry type transformers and quick-ship options that can leave our facility within 24 to 48 hours.
When a medium voltage transformer fails or needs an upgrade, waiting months for a custom-built replacement can result in significant downtime and production losses. Our transformer retrofitting services solve that problem by modifying in-stock units to match your exact specifications, connection points and physical dimensions. The solution is a plug-and-play replacement that allows quick installation into your existing electrical setup.
When is a Transformer Retrofit Needed?
A transformer retrofit is needed when you want to keep your existing electrical infrastructure in place and install a faster, more cost-effective solution than a custom-built replacement. Our transformer retrofitting services are an ideal solution for various industries, including hospitals, universities, large manufacturers and other industrial facilities.
Common triggers include:
- End of lifespan: If you have an older transformer, you may need to replace it to keep your facility up and running before it fails.
- Increased capacity needs: As your power needs grow, so should your transformer. We can retrofit your old model with a higher-capacity transformer.
- Natural disaster: Lightning, flooding and other weather events can cause premature transformer failure, requiring a quick replacement.
- Overloading: Harmonics and increased electrical loads can break down and weaken a transformer, requiring an updated design or a retrofit.
- Maintenance issues: When you experience frequent maintenance or repair issues, you likely will need to update your transformer.
Types of Transformers That We Retrofit
ELSCO experts specialize in engineering, repairing and retrofitting medium voltage transformers. The types of retrofits that we offer include:
Dry Type Transformer Retrofits
We specialize in manufacturing and retrofitting dry type transformers with long lifespans. We stock dry type sizes for 500 to 3,750 kVA with primary voltages of 2,400 to 14,400 volts. Features such as advanced insulation and 100% copper magnet wire keep your ELSCO retrofit running reliably.
Padmount Transformer Retrofits
You can also obtain a replacement for your liquid-filled padmount transformer. Our build-to-order padmount transformer retrofits can include custom items such as electrostatic shields, high short-circuit strength engineering and K-factor designs.
Our in-stock units can be changed from live front, radial feed to either dead front, radial feed or dead front with three bushing wells with loop feed inserts. Copper bus drop-downs can also be added to the LV spades for lower connection points.
In-Stock Replacement Transformers
Depending on your specifications, we can retrofit a transformer using our wide selection of preowned models. When a customer orders a preowned model, we can modify their purchase to match their existing systems.
Custom Medium Voltage Retrofits
If you need to upgrade a special, custom-built transformer that you cannot find in stock anywhere, we may be able to help you with an in-stock modification or a build-to-order.
Why Choose ELSCO Transformers for Your Next Retrofit?
Clients choose ELSCO Transformers because of the quality, speed and expertise we bring to every medium voltage retrofit. Benefits of working with us include:
- High-quality transformers built to deliver reliable service beyond 35 years.
- Quick-ship dry type and padmount transformers that can leave our facility within 24 to 48 hours, depending on required modifications.
- Custom bus work that makes your retrofit installation straightforward and code-compliant.
- An industry-best five-year warranty on new indoor dry type transformers.
- A team of experienced engineers who are ready to recommend the right retrofit solution for your operation.
Additional Transformer Services
ELSCO offers a comprehensive set of medium voltage transformer services. Those services we provide to our clients include:
Transformer Retrofit FAQs
Have questions about transformer retrofitting? Browse our FAQs below for answers to the most common questions we receive.
What Are Transformer Retrofitting Services?
Transformer retrofitting is the process of modifying an in-stock medium voltage transformer to match your facility’s exact specifications, connection points and physical dimensions. The result is a plug-and-play replacement that integrates with your existing electrical setup without requiring custom manufacturing lead times.
When Is Dry Type Transformer Retrofitting the Right Solution?
Dry type transformer retrofitting is typically the best solution when your existing electrical infrastructure stays in place and you need a replacement or upgrade. Common triggers include the end of the lifespan, increased capacity demands, overloading and damage from natural disasters.
What Information Does ELSCO Need to Complete a Retrofit?
To complete a transformer retrofit, our team will need photos of your existing unit from multiple angles and a few critical measurements and specifications. Our engineers will walk you through each phase of the process.