When you’re in the market for a transformer, you’re going to need to choose between a dry-type transformer and an oil-filled transformer. Both of these options have benefits and drawbacks, and which one is right for you will depend on where you’ll be putting the transformer and your voltage needs.
In many cases, it’s better to go with a dry-type transformer, and here’s why.
1. Dry-type transformers are quiet
Transformers can be loud, making it hard to install one indoors or near places where people regularly gather. However, the highest quality units made by industry leaders, like the dry-type transformers made by ELSCO, run cool and quiet, which makes them ideal for indoor installation.
2. Oil-filled transformers are a fire hazard
When an oil transformer experiences a short circuit caused by insulation failure, that short circuit can reach up to 1,200 degrees Celsius and will vaporize the oil in the tank. This can cause the oil to catch on fire and can even cause an explosion. Installing one of these units indoors is extremely risky.
When you see articles in the news about transformer fires and explosions, it’s usually an oil-filled unit that exploded or caught on fire. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire, but the most common is a lightning strike. If your oil-filled transformer is hit by lightning, that oil is highly likely to catch fire and/or cause an explosion from the excessive amount of energy.
3. Dry-type transformers are less likely to cause a fire
Oil-filled transformers use oil for insulation and can catch fire easily. Dry-type transformers use dry materials for insulation, which makes them less likely to catch fire or explode. Because of this, you never want to use an oil transformer inside because the fire risk is too great. If you need to install a transformer indoors, having a dry-type is a must.
4. Oil-filled transformers require more maintenance
All transformers will require maintenance periodically, but oil-types tend to need maintenance more frequently. This can sometimes kill the cost savings you get from buying the unit in the first place.
If you don’t mind getting your transformer serviced more often, then an oil-type might be the right choice for you. However, if you’d rather avoid excessive maintenance, buying a high-quality dry-type transformer from a reputable name in the industry is ideal.
5. If you don’t need high voltage, dry-types are an option
Dry-type transformers are ideal for low and medium voltage, which makes them suitable for a wide variety of industries. They can be used in the oil and gas industries, machine shops, steel and paper mills, chemical plants, food processing plants, data centers, schools, performance halls, concert centers, environmentally-sensitive areas, and renewable generation areas. They’re also ideal for areas that have a high fire risk.
As long as your situation meets the following criteria, you’ll realize the benefits of a dry-type transformer:
- Indoor installation
- Clean air filtered by a quality HVAC system
- Moderate temperature and humidity year-round
- Overhead or side electrical connections
- You can install the unit in a separate room with restricted access
If you can choose between oil or a dry-type, and you can afford to spend a little more to get a dry-type, it’s worth the investment to avoid the potential hazards.
When should you choose an oil-filled transformer?
There are a select number of circumstances in which an oil-filled transformer is the better option. For example, oil transformers are usually cheaper, so if you need a large high-voltage transformer for an outdoor application and you’re on a budget, oil might be more affordable.
Oil transformers are generally more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan, but that’s not always the case. When you get a hand-wound dry-type transformer made with high-quality insulation, they can be just as energy-efficient and last for decades. It’s the cheap, poor-quality dry-types that have low efficiency and a shorter lifespan. So, if you’re in the market for a transformer and considering oil because you want it to last longer, consider getting a higher-quality dry-type because it will make a difference.
Read also Understanding and Comparing Electricity Rates in Texas.
Ultimately, choosing a transformer takes a little research and patience, so don’t just buy the first one you find that seems like a good deal. Look into the manufacturer’s reputation and ensure they produce quality units that come with a warranty and tend to last a long time.
