kurt.brinker
Member
I've got a dry style transformer with the weathershields installed. Is there any reason this can't be installed outside? Any downside to it?
Dry Transformer Outside
- Thread starter kurt.brinker
- Start date
- Status
bphgravity
Senior Member
- Location
- Florida
Do you have the manufacturer's installation instructions...
kurt.brinker
Member
it doesn't say anything specific pertaining to outdoor installations.
In the general description it says "Weathershields may be applied for outdoor installations"
i have the weathershields installed but i wanted to get some other opinions
In the general description it says "Weathershields may be applied for outdoor installations"
i have the weathershields installed but i wanted to get some other opinions
- Location
- Massachusetts
All it normally takes is a little bit more metal to make it a 3R unit.
Be aware if you do not repaint it the factory paint will give up a long time before the windings do.
Be aware if you do not repaint it the factory paint will give up a long time before the windings do.
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
A Sd D indoor transformer can be used outdoors with the correct mfgs weathershield. As was pointed out, check the instructions.
weressl
Esteemed Member
tom baker said:
A practical note.
If you are in the Gulf Cost area - for example - you may want to take into consideration other factors. While the standard outdoor weather shields on transformers work well on the NE or midWest areas, in climates with frequent high humidity, corrosives or seawater nearby and horizontal, driving rain a NEMA 3R may not prove to be adequate. In those areas one may wish to use NEMA 4 or 4X, potted transformer.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
kurt.brinker said:
Sounds like you're confusing a dry-type transformer with one that is liquid insulated. A dry-type transformer doesn't mean that it's only for dry locations. Look at 450.22.
BAHTAH
Senior Member
- Location
- United States
Dry Trans Outside
Dry Trans Outside
Installing a Dry Type transformer outside is not a problem. You need the weather shield, which you mentioned. There are some things to take into consideration, fiirst would be, at what type of location you plan to install the transformer with respect to sprinklers. The weathershield is for rain and not directed water. Another consideration would be the use of Vent Guards which should be an option from the manufacture. The guards help to protect the openings from something being inserted into the transformer. Another consideration would be dust. If the location has a dust problem, it can build up on the windings and cause over heating. There are Totally Enclosed Transformers but they do not work well outdoors as they cannot vent and need protection from the sun and/or high ambient temps. There are also Oil-Filled transformers but from your post I cannot determine you application.
Dry Trans Outside
Installing a Dry Type transformer outside is not a problem. You need the weather shield, which you mentioned. There are some things to take into consideration, fiirst would be, at what type of location you plan to install the transformer with respect to sprinklers. The weathershield is for rain and not directed water. Another consideration would be the use of Vent Guards which should be an option from the manufacture. The guards help to protect the openings from something being inserted into the transformer. Another consideration would be dust. If the location has a dust problem, it can build up on the windings and cause over heating. There are Totally Enclosed Transformers but they do not work well outdoors as they cannot vent and need protection from the sun and/or high ambient temps. There are also Oil-Filled transformers but from your post I cannot determine you application.
shwazqrt
Member
it is depending on where you will install it .. .. and the climate type of that place..
i advice you to have a look at
IEC-60529 : DEGREES OF PROTECTION FOR ENCLOSURE (IP CODE )
OR
NEMA-250 : ENCLOSURES FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT (1000 VOLTS MAX )
MORE AT : http://www.nema.org/stds/whitepapers/upload/BriefComparison-250-60529.pdf
BUT,, ANYWAY GUYZ ... i thought that dry type XFMR is only inside, does not it ?
i advice you to have a look at
IEC-60529 : DEGREES OF PROTECTION FOR ENCLOSURE (IP CODE )
OR
NEMA-250 : ENCLOSURES FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT (1000 VOLTS MAX )
MORE AT : http://www.nema.org/stds/whitepapers/upload/BriefComparison-250-60529.pdf
BUT,, ANYWAY GUYZ ... i thought that dry type XFMR is only inside, does not it ?
Last edited:
weressl
Esteemed Member
shwazqrt said:
Nope..........
- Location
- Massachusetts
shwazqrt said:
No, 'dry type' transformers can be used outdoors providing you buy the rain shield. Normally the rain shield part number can be found on the label.
That said I do agree with Laszlo that even if it can be done it may not be the best design.
kurt.brinker
Member
its providing power for a little 18x6x10 temp. lab we setup. Located in texas so we have normal rain but no serious corrosion issues. Its been running for a week now with no problems and we ahd a pretty serious rain storm a few days ago. I'll pop the top off and make sure it looks ok but i am thinking it will be fine. It does have some rain protection from the buildings surrounding it.
weressl
Esteemed Member
iwire said:
Potted transformers are also dry type transformers and they are built specifically for outdoor, severe environments.
- Location
- Massachusetts
weressl said:
I see the standard versions of those rust out as well.
I am sure a better quality one can be ordered but the off the shelf ones just have a thin layer of paint.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Here are typical off the shelf 'encapsulated' transformers.
kurt.brinker
Member
this is the one i bought.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/1TBP6
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/1TBP6
BAHTAH
Senior Member
- Location
- United States
Trans Outside
Trans Outside
That will work fine. Be sure to use the Weathershield.
Trans Outside
kurt.brinker said:
That will work fine. Be sure to use the Weathershield.
HighWirey
Senior Member
- Location
- Cocoa, Florida, USA
It seems that every 'off-the-shelf' piece of electrical equipment intended to be exposed to the elements needs to have an additional coat of whatever corrosion control product (paint) is in vogue in your area. All steel rusts out quickly without some help.
Rhetorical question: Maybe that is an ECs 'planned obsolence'. Everyone else hazzit. I personally liked all of my installs to last forever.
Best Wishes Everyone
Rhetorical question: Maybe that is an ECs 'planned obsolence'. Everyone else hazzit. I personally liked all of my installs to last forever.
Best Wishes Everyone
weressl
Esteemed Member
HighWirey said:
Depends on the manufacturer.
If the manufacturer uses the same "outdoor" paint for transformer as he would use for a disconnect switch, then the transformer paint will deteriorate much faster and the corrosion would begin earlier as it has an internal heat source that speeds things up.
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