ECN Forum Forums Photo Discussion Forums Photos for General Discussion Transformer Room

From Scameron81

Compare this:
Know when to stay away
Almost the same building by the looks of things.

Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse... open coils in a tiny room prone to flooding.

IIRC, the original transformers in the Avalon Theater on Catalina Island (See the "Avalon" threads in the Electrical Nostalgia Forum) were set up exactly like this, in a concrete room just to the rear of the main switchgear. They now have submersible rated tubs installed.

I wouldn't go near that thing unless the feeder was off and grounded out.

Wouldn't installing a transformer out of its can (if it even had one to begin with) void the warranty? Since I would presume the design of the enclosure ensures proper airflow over the coils.

It is unusual (for me, anyway). I've never seen a completely naked transformer, sitting out in the open like that.

I'm interested in the primary cutouts. Are they similar to the ones shown earlier in this thread? Also, what kind of conduit is used for the line-side conductors to the fuses? It almost looks like PVC pipe with holes drilled in it for the wires.

Mike (mamills)

"50A 4160 feed that runs in a 2" rigid conduit throughout the tunnel
network."


That's only 200kva in all. Seems a little light for a campus style school?

It is a little light. The loads aren't balanced very well either. The worst part is there is only the one set of cutouts (with the exception of the transformers) to the whole system. There is no way to isolate sections of the line. It is very difficult to troubleshoot outages.

First off, bump.

Now imagine something like THIS happening in any of these rooms!!

"I really must object to the rounded profiles that the tops of these transformers have. Where else am I supposed to set my tools, papers, and coffer mug?"

I have to agree with Reno' on this, thats the only problem I see with it all. Those blasted rounded tops!

On the other hand, those tubs make great coffee and lunch warmers!!

And on a good day, go to the school and make toast on the open coils??

I discovered a room like this in the bowels of a real old 3 story retail bldg. Doing a survey/report on conditions within the bldg, as the tenant of 50 years was packing up.

Old equipment, old branch panels, old gear. Found an open room behind the gear....no lock, a sign that faded out years back, and YES, the 60Hz hummmmmm.

4160 primary, 120/208 sec, similar to Rabbit's. Funny part was.....finding one of the "old timers" from the POCO who had a clue where the street side (UG) cutouts were. The debates as to who owns the pots lasted at least 4 weeks. Finally got the disconnect about 6 weeks later.

John