If you are considering purchasing a pole mounted transformer, below are some things you will need to know.
Pole-mounted transformers are also known as distribution transformers. This is because they allow power companies to service more remote areas. Rather than installing a large transformer or power station on the ground, these transformers can easily mount to the power pole to string power to a home or facility.
Pole-mounted transformers make that process much easier if you are trying to supply power to a single building or a remote area. If the building exists along an active power line, all that is needed is for an electrician to install the transformer and run lines to the premises.
The most common application of pole-mounted transformers is as a step-down transformer. This means the high voltage coming from the power plant is converted to a lower voltage that won’t overload local circuits and systems. These transformers are not limited to a step-down function but can also convert lower voltages to higher voltages.
These transformers can service many different types of industries, such as:
- Power generation.
- Utility.
- Industrial.
- Construction.
- Mining.
- Oil and gas.
- Government.
- Residential.
Using these transformers saves on labor and costs, as distribution transformers are often much more affordable and smaller than pad-mounted transformers.
How does a pole-mounted transformer work?
Transformers are an integral part of how society functions. They help in the distribution of power between power plants and consumers.
Energy is transferred in the form of waves. When power plants want to transmit the power they generate through coal, oil, natural gas, or nuclear power, they will use a converter station to increase the voltage so the energy can be pushed over long distances.
Higher voltage is needed to transport energy from the source to the consumer. High voltage energy has a stronger current, which reduces the amount of energy lost during transport.
The electricity coming from your local power grid is an alternating current (also called AC). The energy alteration is critical for power transfer as the quirky properties of AC energy only generate the electric fields that transport our energy when the flow of electricity changes direction.
The alternating magnetic field is essential to how energy is translated from higher to lower voltage. Each transformer has two coils; one coil is for the incoming power, and the other goes to the consumer. Neither coil touches the other. Instead, the alternating magnetic field of the supply coil is used to transfer energy.
But before energy can be distributed to consumers, it needs to be converted from its higher voltage to a lower voltage. Once again, transformers perform this function and convert energy waves into voltages more manageable for everyday usage.
The most commonly used transformers are rods and metal sheets submerged in dielectric fluid. The fluid is necessary to keep the internal components from overheating due to eddy currents — the energy that is transferred to the metal components of the transformer in the form of heat.
The cooling fluids are a crucial component of the transformer. Without cooling fluids, the transformer could overheat and explode. Keeping transformers in good repair is paramount to safety.
How long do pole-mounted transformers last?
If pole-mounted transformers are properly maintained, they can last anywhere from 30 to 40 years. This, of course, is in ideal conditions. Transformers may be swapped out as circumstances require.
The leading factor in transformer degradation is component wear. Liquid transformers, such as pole and pad-mounted transformers, are essentially wired containers of liquid. If that container becomes breached or contaminated or any essential parts degrade or corrode, the transformer could overheat and explode.
Under optimal conditions, it will take approximately 30 to 40 years for enough components in a transformer to become too corroded or degraded to function correctly. Otherwise, so long as the cooling fluid is maintained, the pole-mounted transformer will function as expected.
Take care to examine the pole-mounted transformer parts to ensure no advanced signs of degradation occur. If a visual inspection determines that liquids are leaking from the transformer or that certain parts are corroded beyond practical use, the entire unit may need to be replaced.
How many houses can one pole-mounted transformer supply energy to?
Pole-mounted transformers are generally best suited for as few facilities as possible. In terms of residential use, a single, small pole-mounted transformer could potentially supply enough power for five to seven homes.
This number varies for each type of distribution transformer. Additionally, multiple transformers can be connected to form a three-phase transformer, which would be able to provide even more facilities with energy.
The infrastructure to connect to the power grid already exists in developed areas. Neighborhoods, warehouses, office suites, and commercial buildings are all typically built with or near power transformers.
The places that benefit from pole-mounted transformers are areas where existing transformers are not currently available to provide energy for the area. This is most common in remote areas where developments are few and far between.
In most cases, if the consumption needs for the area do not require excessive power, only one small pole-mounted transformer is needed. Connecting multiple buildings to a single transformer is possible, but it’s not always practical.
Generally, when supplying power to remote areas where houses and buildings are spread out, just one transformer will be used per building.
UTB Transformers — Your Place for Reliable Pole-mounted Transformers
Whether you are looking to have a transformer installed for commercial or residential uses, having transformers you can count on increases your efficiency, keeping your developments safe and saving you money.
We sell quality pole-mounted transformers, pad-mounted transformers, substation transformers, mobile transformers, and more. We maintain a reputation for accommodating unique industry needs with a simple buying process.
Whatever electrical equipment you are looking for, we have a wide variety of transformers we can provide you with.
Visit our website or contact us to find the right transformers for your needs.
