ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area 240v/120v transformer

Today, we had a transformer on one of the punch presses explode. The press was not running but we had the panel disconnect switch on only. No other controls were on.
Is this normal for the transformers to explode with time on their own? or do we have an underlaying problem that may cause the same again. The press control panel was wired three years ago.

Thanks for the reply
Moe

Moe:
Since the disconnect was "on" apparently the transformer was energized. Are you refering to a "Control transformer"?? Was the transformer primary protected by the correct fuses?? Was the secondary protected by the correctfuses??? Was there any evidence of overloading, overheating prior to the exp??
The usual "destruction" I have encountered is the primary or secondary windings either "short" or "open". The "short" scenario can be rather destructive without primary and/or secondary protection.
John

Double check your input voltage, I have had them let go, though not that violently, after a few years, found out that the input voltage was wrong. The guy before me tapped it one side off of the high leg of a 3 phase panel.

somethin' to check

Hi John:

It is a control transformer. the primary and the secondary are properly fused. The press was not on for the past five days at least. The only thing we had on today is the disconnect. The transformer was the only control energized. All other relays, solenoid valves were off.

??
Moe