Transformer Explosion: Reasons Behind Occasional Explosions

In a power grid the voltage that flows through any point is controlled by an electrical apparatus known as transformer. For residential and commercial use these transformers control the level of voltage flowing through power lines and brings it to a level that is suitable. Now sometimes what happens is that these transformers explode or start burning all of a sudden. There could be multiple reasons of why this happens but we will focus on a few key reasons why transformers explode. There are also ways by which you can reduce the risk of these transformers burning or exploding. Any electronic components or parts required can be purchased from an electronic components store which you can easily look up online.

Causes of a Transformer Explosion

There are many reasons why a transformer can explode. Here are the three main reasons.

  • If the failure is electrically induced then this can be caused by insulation failure, excess voltage, charging partially or electrification that is static.
  • The failure can also be mechanically induced which can be caused by conductor tipping.
  • The explosion can also be thermally induced due to reasons like when the cooling system fails, excess voltage, or over frequency.

Transformers may fail due to various reasons, including lightning strikes, overloading, wear, corrosion, power surges, and moisture.Despite the reason, the outcome can be amazing. In order to keep the transformer cool they consist of mineral oil. At the point when it becomes cheated, the wiring can make heat and a sparkle. This gigantic overpressure may ultimately make the transformer crack with a boisterous blast, streak and perhaps a fireball that can make an enormous tuft of smoke that can be seen from a significant distance. If any components are damaged you can purchase them from an electronic components store online.

Lack of Regulations and Standards

The pressure tolerance of transformers is not high and they can only withstand upto a certain limit as declared by the ASME codes and controls. These apparatuses have proven to be highly dangerous over the course of usage. The main reason of this is the lack of international transformer standards and regulations. These transformer standards to some extent describe the electrical requirements of the transformers but they do not define how they should be mechanically designed so that these risks of explosion and power surges can be reduced to some extent or eliminated.

What to do when Transformer Explodes?

As previously described there are many reasons why transformers explode therefore there are many methods by which you can reduce the probability of explosion. If the insulating fluid has a high flash point that is used in transformers the risk of explosion is reduced. The internal temperatures can be limited by the use of breakers or fuses that clear faults. In building when network class transformers are used that have thick steel, then they can withstand high pressure. Reduce the risk of explosions by limiting oxygen access with a nitrogen blanket over the oil. Seek expert assistance and purchase components online.