NewsEvaluating Flood-Damaged Electrical Equipment3.22.2019
Evaluating Flood-Damaged Electrical Equipment Flooding is devastating to communities. Whether it is caused by hurricanes, heavy rains, or melting snow, it is destructive to homes, businesses, and farms. It can also wreak havoc on infrastructure, including electrical systems. Pad mount transformers, dry type transformers, switchgear, and even substations can be submerged in water. Debris can knock down poles holding pole mount transformers. It can also damage pad mount tanks causing water damage. Transformer flooding damage is a big concern. When your
transformer has been underwater, or you suspect flood water damage. Here a
couple things you can do.
Conduct a visual
inspection The most obvious first step is to do a visual inspection. ● Is the tank damaged from debris hitting the outside? ● When you open the tank, is there water or evidence of corrosion on the inside? ● Is there debris stuck in any of the bushings that could cause arcing? ● Is there already evidence of arcing? These are all signs that your transformer probably needs to be replaced. Take an oil sample The second step is to take an oil sample. When you take an oil sample, you can send it to our lab. Our trained lab technicians can tell you if moisture has entered the transformer's dielectric fluid. If there is an increased level of water in the oil, it is only a matter of time before the transformer fails. Water breaks down the insulation in the transformer. This is what causes the failure. It can happen very quickly depending on the amount of water present. What to do when there is a problem So you have done a visual inspection, or you have taken an oil sample. You have determined you need to replace the transformer. What are your options? T&R Electric can quickly replace your existing units. We are the largest remanufacturer of transformers in the nation. We have over 40,000 transformers in our inventory. That means we can often ship a replacement unit within 1-2 days in an emergency. Oftentimes, we can even give you credit for replacing your old units. We can also recondition your water damaged electrical equipment. We offer rewound units and new units if that is required. We have over 170 years of combined sales experience. One of our experienced sales staff can answer any questions you have regarding your situation. We can help determine what to do with your potentially damaged transformer. Our full service lab is happy to send you oil sample kits too. Once received, we can provide results within 1-2 days. We can even have someone come pull samples for you. We know that in times of natural disasters there is already enough stress. Let T&R Electric take the stress out of caring for your electrical systems and contact us today. Go Back |
