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Small kVA 3 Phase Transformers Guide



Jefferson Rugged Duty Three Phase Encapsulated Transformers

To Order Jefferson  Rugged Duty Three Phase Transformers We Recommend TEMCo
Ph: 1-800-613-2290
Or 1-510-490-2187
Link: Power Transformers

Jefferson Rugged Duty TransformerProducts
Rugged Duty: 30 KVA through 75 KVA*

Applications
For all general loads in rugged environment areas including refineries, factories, chemical plants, marine duty, ship docks, and grain mills
Specifications
Proudly made in U.S.A.
Features, Functions, Benefits
Large connection compartment for easy access
Floor mount design
Standards
Built in accordance with NEMA, ANSI and UL standards
*Options and Accessories
Other sizes and voltages available as a custom product

Installation, Operation and Maintenance Instructions for Encapsulated Transformers


INTRODUCTION
Transformers covered by this manual include single phase and three phase encapsulated units, 600 Volt Class.
This is a high quality product, however, it is possible to misapply or unknowingly abuse a transformer and thus reduce its life.
These installation, operating and maintenance instructions set out the limiting factors for satisfactory performance of the transformers. The information contained herein outlines and describes the proper inspection, installation and maintenance of the dry type transformers covered by this manual.


INSPECTION UPON RECEIVING
Transformers should be carefully inspected upon receipt to ensure that no damage has occurred during shipment. Any damage should be reported at once and a claim placed against the transportation company.


INSPECTION DURING INSTALLATION
The transformer should be carefully inspected for any damage due to handling after receipt. The nameplate rating on the unit should be checked against the job specifications to ensure installation of the correct transformer.
􀂃 The transformer should be connected only as described on its nameplate.
􀂃 Taps should be adjusted, if necessary, to match the available line voltage.
􀂃 Any bolted electrical connections, including taps, should be checked and tightened since fasteners may have loosened during shipment.


STORAGE
Transformers should be stored in a dry location of uniform temperature in their original packing. Outdoor storage is to be avoided, but if necessary, the transformer must be fully protected against moisture and foreign materials. Condensation and absorption of moisture can be reduced by use of heaters. If transformer has been subjected to moisture or condensation, it should be baked out before energizing.


TRANSFORMER MOUNTING & SPACING
Air cooled transformers depend upon the surrounding air for cooling. The free flow of air is important as is the air temperature. A transformer must be mounted so that air can freely circulate all around it. Do not place combustible materials on or near transformer or mount transformer closer than 3 inches from any adjacent wall.
Transformers must never be mounted next to or above heat generating equipment.


INSTALLATION & OPERATING SAFETY
Transformers are provided with access covers to facilitate installation and should never be operated without these access covers securely mounted in place. A safety program must be established, verified and followed.


GROUNDING
The enclosure should be grounded securely and effectively as a safety precaution. Grounding must be in accordance with NEC and local electrical codes.


TRANSFORMER SOUND
Transformers, like other electromagnetic devices, produce sound whose primary cause is the magnetic energy in the transformer core. The relative loudness of the sound depends upon the construction of the transformer, the manner of installation, the ambient sound level of the installation and the sensitivity of the individual listener. Transformers are “sound-controlled” in construction so that sound levels consistent with industry standards are achieved.


TRANSFORMER PERFORMANCE
Transformers are designed to have an average sound level below industry sound level limits when tested in accordance with NEMA ST 20 (IEEE C57.12.91 sec 13). The NEMA maximum allowable average of the readings in decibels are as follows:
Transformer             NEMA Maximum
kVA Rating                  dB* Ratings
0-9                                   40
10-50                                45
51-150                              50
151-300                            55
301-500                            60
501-700                            62
701-1000                          64
*Decibels-Unit for measuring the loudness of sound.

INSTALLATION OF THE TRANSFORMER
Proper installation of the transformer is required since a quiet transformer can develop objectionable sound levels unless certain basic rules are followed.
For a Quiet Installation:
􀂃 Consider the installation and location of the transformer before the building is built. Building modifications to correct sound can be expensive.
􀂃 Place sound dampening pads between the transformer and its mounting surface.
􀂃 Use flexible conduit coupling between the transformer and the wiring system.
􀂃 Install transformer as far away as possible from area where sound is objectionable.


TRANSFORMER DESIGN FEATURES

ENCLOSURE STYLE
A wiring compartment, located below the core and coil, provides cool operation and accessibility of connections.
Ventilation must not be blocked or restricted in any way that will reduce the flow of air around the transformer.
INSULATION SYSTEM
Encapsulated transformers are designed and manufactured with UL Recognized Class 180º C insulation systems. These systems are rated for operation in an environment with an average ambient temperature of 30°C with a maximum of 40°C. Average winding temperature rises are rated at 95º C, 115°C and 135°C above ambient temperature. The insulation rating is guaranteed for altitudes of less than 3300 feet (1005 m) above sea level.


Overloading, operating in ambient temperatures greater than 40°C and/or elevation greater than 3300 feet will result in reduction of transformer life unless derating of the unit is calculated using IEEE Loading Guide in IEEE C57.96 Fully loaded transformers may appear excessively warm to the touch, particularly on the top cover of the unit. Standards permit the top temperature to reach 80°C over ambient temperature. This represents normal heating and should not cause concern.
Overloads can be tolerated without exceeding the maximum allowable insulation temperature provided the overload is of short time duration and is preceded and followed by a period of operation at less than rated kVA. The actual conditions and characteristics of the loading cycle must be known in order to calculate the proper kVA rating of the transformer. Refer to Guide for Loading of Dry Type Transformers IEEE C.57.96.
Ambient temperatures above 30° C average with a 40° C maximum require either larger kVa ratings or special low temperature rise transformers.
Altitude correction for application of a standard transformer in altitudes above 3300 feet, can be made by reducing the load. Refer to Altitude Correction Factor in IEEE C57.96.


TRANSFORMER LIFE
Transformer life is dependent upon the thermal degradation of the insulation system which in turn is dependent upon the temperature. Factors which affect transformer life are line voltage, load current, load cycle, ambient temperature, and other environmental conditions such as moisture, corrosive atmosphere, vibration, and maintenance. Normal conditions of operation are covered in this standard operating procedure and various Industry Standards.


MAINTENANCE
Transformers contain no moving parts and require very little maintenance. Periodic inspection and care are recommended practices especially if the transformer is operating in a harsh environment.


Inspect for loose connections, condition of terminal board, condition of splices, overheating, rust, paint deterioration, and general condition of the unit. Corrective measures should be taken if necessary.
Removal of dust, dirt and debris from the external enclosure surfaces is encouraged and may be performed while the transformer is in operation. If maintenance includes removal of enclosure panels, the transformer must be de-energized. The use of lock-out/tag-out practices is required.

CAUTION:
ONLY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL SHOULD INSTALL, INSPECT, OR MAINTAIN TRANSFORMERS SINCE THE NORMAL OPERATING VOLTAGES CAN BE HAZARDOUS.

 


 Power Transformer Information:

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Power Transformer Types

Step Up and Step Down Transformers Step Up and Step Down Transformers to Power transformers to step-up ( raise) or step-down (lower) the electrical voltage.
 
Isolation Transformers Isolation Transformers allows signal or power to be taken from one device and fed into another without electrically connecting the two.
 
Toroidal Transformers Toroidal Transformers are devices that transfer electrical energy from one electric circuit to another, without changing the frequency, by electromagnetic induction.
 
Custom Transformers
 
Custom Transformers are designed to meet certain performance specifications and size requirement that you require. There is a wide range of custom transformer types.
 
Buck Boost Transformers
 
Buck Boost Transformers is a ideal solution for changing line voltage by small amounts. Often used to buck (lower), or boost (raise) the voltage from 208v to 240v for lighting applications.
 
Pole Mounted Transformers
 
Pole Mounted Transformers are mounted to poles for overhead electrical lines. Used in various applications. Are available in single phase or three phase transformers.
 
Medium Voltage Transformers
 
Medium Voltage Transformers are used with a medium range of voltages. They come in a full range from liquid-filled, convention dry type as well as cast coil.
 
Pad Mounted Transformers Pad Mounted Transformers are a excellent choice for commercial and industrial such as manufacturing facilities, refineries, office buildings, schools, hospitals, restaurants, and retail stores. They come in various sizes and can be used underground as well.
 
High Voltage Transformers High Voltage Transformers typically these voltage transformers are used in power transmission applications. High voltage transformers are also used in microwave.
 

 Power Transformer Manufacturer

  • ACME Transformers - With Acme Electric being in business over 80 years, they have always believed in offering there customers superior service, quality and technical expertise in the transformer market.
  • AMVECO Transformers - AMVECO designs and manufactures toroids transformers, current transformers, and auto transformers. Most AMVECO products are custom designed utilizing their state-of-art proprietary CAD programs.  The AMVECO engineers can quickly generate designs in a matter of hours, if needed.
  • Federal Pacific TransformersFederal Pacific is a division of Electro- Mechanical Corporation, a privately held, American owned company founded in 1958. Federal pacific offers dry-type transformers from .050 KVA through 10,000 KVA single and three phase, up to 34.5 KV, 150 KV BIL with UL approval through 15 KV.
  • Marcus Transformer - Ever since they opened their doors for business a half a century ago, they have been a leader in innovative transformer design. As a family-owned company they are proud of the reputation they have earned for making quality-built transformers that deliver exceptional performance and savings.
  • Hammond TransformersHammond Manufacturing was founded in 1917 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. In the last 3 decades it has expanded to the US and the international markets offering many types of power transformers. 
  • TEMCo Transformers - TEMCo Transformer, a family-owned business which has been manufacturing and distributing electrical products since 1968. They focus on transformers that significantly reduce power consumption over 30 percent compared to competitive makes.
  • GE Transformers - GE has been a key player in the energy industry for more than a century.  Since the installation of their first steam turbine in 1901. They have become number one provider of high-technology power generation and distribution equipment.
  • Jefferson Electric Transformers - Jefferson Electric has been a pioneer and innovator of magnetic products since 1915. Jefferson broad line of dry-type transformers are backed by quality assurance systems so stringent that each and every unit gets thoroughly tested before it goes out there door.
  • More power transformer brands - Check out more companies by clinking this link.

 Power Transformer Types

  • Distribution Transformers - Distribution transformers are generally used in electrical power distribution and transmission power. This class of transformer has the highest power, or volt-ampere ratings. and the highest continuous  voltage rating.
  • Substation Transformers - Substation Transformers are large devices which usually weigh tens of thousands of pounds.   They are filled with tens of thousands of gallons of heat transfer fluid.  Although they are typically 99.8% efficient in the transforming of electricity from one voltage to another, processing hundreds of Mega Volts-Amps of electricity force the liberation of hundreds of BTUs per second.
  • Medical Grade Isolation
     Transformer -
    Medical Grade Transformers generally refer to the transformers used in medical devices as well as hospital, biomedical and patient care equipment. There are a number of strict safety rules, guidelines and laws governing the design, construction and the test of these transformers.
  • Drive Isolation Transformer - They are used to isolate a drive from a main power line to prevent the transmission of harmonics that the drives produce back into the power line.  They stop drive harmonics from disrupting computers and other sensitive equipment.
  • Toroidal Transformers - Toroidal Transformers are more efficient than the cheaper laminated EI types of similar power level. Some of the advantages are smaller size, lower weight, less mechanical hum, (making them superior in audio amplifier), low-off-load loss.

 Power Transformer Types

  • Step-Up Transformers - A Step-Up Transformer is one whose secondary voltage is greater than its primary voltage.  This kind of transformer "steps up" the voltage applied to it. -
  • Step-Down Transformers - A Step-Down Transformer is  designed to reduce voltage from primary to secondary.  They can range from sizes from .05 KVA to 500 KVA
  • Isolation Transformers - An Isolation Transformer is a device that transfers energy from the alternating current (AC) supply to an electrical or electronic load.  It isolates the windings to prevent transmitting certain types of harmonics.
  • Buck Boost Transformers - Buck Boost Transformers make small adjustments to the incoming voltage. They are often used to change voltage from 208v to 240v for lighting applications.  Major advantages of Buck boost transformers include; low cost, compact size and light weight. 
  • High Voltage Transformer - There are many different types of voltage transformers. A High Voltage Transformer operates with high voltages. Typically, these voltage transformers are used in power transmission applications, where voltages are high enough to present a safety hazard.
  • Medium Voltage Transformers - A Medium Voltage Transformer can be connected directly to a primary distribution circuit and generally has the most load diversity. These voltage transformers have installation practices that are generally in accordance with application recommendations from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).
  • Low Voltage Transformers - A Low Voltage Transformer is an electrical device that transforms 120 volts (line voltage) into 12 volts or 24 volts (low voltage). Some uses for low voltage transformer are in landscaping lighting.
  • Single Phase Transformers - In electrical engineering, single-phase electric power refers to the distribution of electric power using a system in which all the voltages of the supply vary in unison. Single-phase distribution is used when loads are mostly lighting and heating, with few large electric motors.
  • Three Phase Transformers - Three Phase Transformers must have 3 coils or windings connected in the proper sequence in order to match the incoming power and therefore transform the power company voltage to the level of voltage needed while maintaining the proper phasing or polarity.
  • Custom Transformers - Custom Transformers are designed for a certain performance specifications and size requirements.  The company works with your engineering specification. 
  • Industrial Control Transformers - Industrial Control Transformers are used to convert the available supply voltage to the required voltage to supply industrial control circuits and motor control loads.
  • Pad Mounted Transformers - Pad Mounted Transformers are usually single phase, or three phase, and used where safety is a main concern. Typical applications; restaurant, commercial building, shopping mall, institutional. 
  • Pole Mounted Transformers - Pole Mounted Transformers are used for distribution in areas with overhead primary lines. Outside a typical house one can see one of these devices mounted on the top of an electrical pole.
  • Oil Filled Transformers - Oil Filled Transformers are transformers that use insulating oil as insulating materials.  The oil helps cool the transformer. Because it also provides part of the electrical insulation between internal live parts, transformer oil must remain stable at high temperatures over an extended period.
  • Dry Type Transformers - Dry-Type Transformers are available for voltages up through 34.5 kV (although the most common upper limit is 15) and KVA ratings up through 10,000 (with 5000 as the usual limit). Dry-type use air as a coolant, lowering health and environmentally concerns.
  • Auto Transformers - An Autotransformer is an electrical transformer with only one winding. The winding has at least three electrical connection points called taps. Autotransformers are frequently used in power applications to interconnect systems operating at different voltage classes, for example 138 kV to 66 kV for transmission. Another application is in industry to adapt machinery built for 480 V supplies to operate on the local 600 V supply.
  • More power transformer types - Read further about additional transformer types and their uses.

 Power Transformer Term Definitions

  • Electrical Transformers - Electrical Transformers are devices used to raise or lower the voltage of alternating current. For instance, power is transported over long distance in high voltage power lines and then transformers lower the voltage so that the power can be used by a business or household.
  • Isolating Transformers - An Isolating Transformer is a transformer, often with symmetrical windings, which is used to decouple two circuits.  An Isolation transformer allows an AC signal or power to be taken from one device and fed into another without electrically connecting the two circuits. Isolation transformers block transmission of DC signals from one circuit to the other, but allow AC signals to pass. 
  • Transmission Power Lines - A Transmission Line is the material medium or structure that forms all or part of a path from one place to another for directing the transmission of energy, such as electromagnetic or acoustic waves as well as electric power transmission. Components of transmission lines include wires, coaxial cables,  dielectric slabs, option fibers, electric power lines, and waveguides.
  • Transformer Voltage - The measure of the amount of force on a unit charge because of the surrounding charge.
  • Transformer Phase - Most transformer are either single phase or three phase.
  • Transformer Frequency - The transformer cannot change the frequency of the supply. If the supply is 60 hertz, the output will also be 60 hertz.
  • Transformer K Factor - Some transformers are now being offered with a k-factor rating. This measure the transformer's ability to withstand the heating effects of non-sinusoidal harmonic currents produced by much of today's electronic equipment and certain electrical equipment.
  • Primary Voltage - The coil winding that is directly connected to the input power.
  • Secondary Voltage - The coil winding  supplying the output voltage.
  • Harmonic Cancellation - Harmonic cancellation is performed with harmonic canceling transformers also known as phase-shifting transformers. A harmonic canceling transformer is a relatively new power quality product for mitigating harmonic problems in electrical distribution systems. This type of transformer has patented built-in electromagnetic technology designed to remove high neutral current and the most harmful harmonics from the 3rd through 21st.
  • Weatherproof - Enclosed transformers come with a weatherproof standard set by NEMA.
  • Epoxy Encapsulated - A process in which a transformer or one of its components is completely sealed with epoxy or a similar material. This process is normally preferred when a unit might encounter harsh environmental conditions.
  • More power transformer terms - Such as inductor, ground fault, core saturation, current transformer, faraday shield, etc.


Related Transformer Products

  • Voltage Regulators - A Voltage Regulator is an electrical regulator designed to automatically maintain a constant voltage level.  It may use an electromechanical mechanism, or passive or active electronic components. Depending on the design, it may be used to regulate one or more AC or DC voltages.
  • AC Line Reactor - AC Line Reactors is a three phase transformer used in conjunction with AC variable frequency and DC motor drive. They are a bi-directional protective filtering device.
  • Line Power Conditioners - Power or Line Conditioners regulate, filter, and suppress noise in AC power for sensitive computer and other solid state equipment.
  • DC Power Supplies - Conversion of one form of electrical power to another desired form and voltage. This typically involves converting 120 or 240 volt AC supplied by a utility company to a well-regulated lower voltage DC for electronic devices.
  • Rotary Phase Converters - Rotary Phase Converters are commonly used in home or small commercial or industrial settings. Rotary phase converters convert single-phase power into three-phase power. This is a very cost-effective way to power three-phase electric motors and other three phase equipment.
  • Frequency Converters - A Frequency Changer or Frequency Converter is an electronic device that converts alternating current (AC) of one frequency to alternating current of another frequency.
  • Voltage Converters - A Voltage Converter changes the voltage of an electrical power source and is usually combined with other components to create a power supply.
  • Magnetic Motor Starters - Magnetic Motor Starters are essentially heavy duty relays mounted in boxes, often equipped with heater/thermal overloads matched to the motor they start.
  • Motor Starting Auto Transformers - An Auto Transformer starter uses an auto transformer to reduce the voltage applied to a motor during start. The auto transformer may have a number of output taps and be set-up to provide a single stage starter, or a multistage starter.

For an additional resource the Best of Industry Web Directory : Electrical Power Transformer Directory section is quite useful.