Safety Tips for Working with Your Transformer

The Importance of Transformer Safety

 

When using equipment that emits a large amount of voltage, much like some transformers do, it is paramount that you take safety precautions into account.

 

When safety precautions are not met, system breakdown, emergency shutdown, and injury can result, each of which can place your operations in jeopardy.

 

Understanding your transformer’s design and proper installation will ensure successful machinery operation.

 

The transformer safety practices mentioned herein can be utilized in any piece of transformer machinery, independent from the manufacturer or system type.

 

The Top 10 Tips for Transformer Safety

 

1. Monitor your transformer before it is installed, checking for any burning smell, cracked or unsuitable power cords or plugs, and loose or misaligned parts.

 

2. Regularly inspect your transformer to minimize system failure or breakdown.

 

3. When any work is performed on the transformer, it should be done when the equipment is de-energized, tagged out, and the circuit should be shut down. There should be no electrical leakage or continuity between your system and the house current.

 

4. Remain cautious of system overloading. Multiple transformers should be used in place of having one sole transformer.

 

5. An individual working with transformers should be using protection equipment specifically rated for the transformer’s voltage output.

 

6. Do not modify the transformer’s overcurrent protection of conductors and circuits in order to increase the permissible current. The overcurrent protection should be maintained at the correct level per the equipment standards.

 

7. Always ensure that your transformer is grounded. Transformer grounding removes any static charges which would otherwise accumulate. Grounding also protects the windings from contacting the enclosure or core.

 

8. Be sure to take note that power sources for control circuits will still be on even after interlocks on equipment disconnect.

 

9. Make sure no spare nuts, tools, bolts, or foreign objects of any kind fall onto or into the transformer.

 

10. Never use your transformer in damp areas or areas where any water is present.

Additional Transformer Precautions

 

When handling transformer machinery, become familiar with the maximum use voltage requirements.

 

Each transformer has maximum voltage requirements that should not be exceeded for safety purposes.

 

1. Set up caution signage to prevent unqualified individuals from performing maintenance on your transformer.

 

2. And as always, if you ever begin to doubt your transformer or witness any irregular functionality, remove your transformer from the system and take the time to thoroughly analyze it.

 

For any questions you may have regarding our transformers or for any transformer concerns, please contact us.