Transformer Maintenance

Transformer Maintenance

Large distribution transformers are used for receiving

energy from higher voltage levels and to transform and
distribute this energy to lower voltage .
Transformers in this range are three-phase and can be
manufactured with off-circuit tap changer or on-load
tap changer. Transformers provided with on-load tap
changer usually have a separate tap winding.
The core is constructed of grain-oriented steel
laminations. The windings are made of either copper or
aluminum conductor and wound in a foil or multi-layer
configuration. The tank construction can be a
corrugated fin wall type or of a rigid construction type
with radiators typically used for larger transformer.
Fans can also be mounted on the radiators to provide
additional cooling capacity.

Transformer Maintenance
TRANSFORMER MAINTENANCE/ INSPECTION ACTIVITY
Standard
Sr.No.
Activity
limits
1

Check transformer oil level

Check transformer oil leakage

Check winding temperature

< 90 degree

Check oil temperature

< 90 degree

Check colour of silica gel breather

Must be Blue

10

For outdoor connections use HT Tapes

Seal all the cable entries & joints to avoide moisture
entry.
Transformer oil filtration to be done & BDV values to
be check
Transformer earthings to be check regularly for
proper earthing
Painting to the transformer to be done regularly

11

Inspect the insulators for any cracks & leakages.

12

Change all the necessary gaskets.

7
8
9

1/2 or 3/4th
No leak

HT Tape
By sealent
Yearly
Every Month
Yearly
Regularly

Transformer Maintenance
OIL

Oil level checking. Leakages to be attended.

Oil BDV & acidity checking at regular intervals. If
acidity is between 0.5 to 1mg KOH, oil should be
kept under observation.
BDV, Color and smell of oil are indicative.

Transformer Maintenance

Sludge, dust, dirt ,moisture can be removed by

filtration.
Oil when topped up shall be of the same make. It
may lead to sludge formation and acidic contents.
Insulation resistance of the transformer should be
checked once in 6 months.
Megger values along with oil values indicate the
condition of transformer.
Periodic Dissolved Gas Analysis can be carried out.

Transformer Maintenance
BUSHINGS

Bushings should be cleaned and inspected for any

cracks.
Dust & dirt deposition, Salt or chemical deposition,
cement or acid fumes depositions should be
carefully noted and rectified.

Transformer Maintenance

Periodic checking of any loose connections of the

terminations of HV & LV side.
Breather examination. Dehydration of Silica gel if
necessary.
Explosion vent diaphragm examination.
Conservator to be cleaned from inside after every
three years.
Regular inspection of OIL & WINDING
TEMPERATURE METER readings.
Cleanliness in the Substation yard with all nets,
vines, shrubs removed.

PROTECTION OF TRANSFORMERS

The best way of protecting a transformer is to have

good preventive maintenance schedule.
Oil Temperature Indicators.
Winding Temperature indicators.
Buchholz Relay.
Magnetic Oil level Gauge.
Explosion Vent.

PROTECTION OF TRANSFORMERS

HT fuse & D.O. fuse.

LT circuit breaker.
HT Circuit breaker with Over load, Earth Fault relay
tripping.
Oil Surge Relay for OLTC.
PRV for OLTC.
HORN GAPS & Lightening Arrestor.
Breather.

FAILURES & CAUSES

Insufficient Oil level.

Seepage of water in oil.
Prolonged Over loading.
Single Phase loading.
Unbalanced loading.
Faulty Termination (Improper sized lugs etc)
Power Theft.
Prolonged Short Circuit.
Faulty operation of tap changer switch.
Lack of installation checks.

Thank you
Keep your transformer Healthy