Hello. Went to a service call where the home owner complained that the lights would dim when the dryer was turned on. With the dryer on the voltage at the panel dropped from 120V to 114V, and 240V to 230V. The panel showed no signs of overheating or any damage. Could there be a problem at the power companies transformer? Thanks.
Lights dim
- Thread starter cartman
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charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: Lights dim
When you have that much voltage drop, it is time to call the electric utility and bet that it is their problem. I am assuming the problem is the same at the service equipment. All of the electric utilities that I know will guarantee the voltage to the meter and no further.
When you have that much voltage drop, it is time to call the electric utility and bet that it is their problem. I am assuming the problem is the same at the service equipment. All of the electric utilities that I know will guarantee the voltage to the meter and no further.
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: Lights dim
Sam, there are not a lot of failures since a transformer will usually last for 30+ years. When they do let go, it is usually catastrophic. Normally, our transformer load management program or change in load requirements will predicate the replacement of a transformer before the end of its life. Our transformer shop will check out the transformer, refurbish it, and put it back into service. If the transformer is too old, we will send it to salvage.
Sorry, but I can't answer you question directly.
Sam, there are not a lot of failures since a transformer will usually last for 30+ years. When they do let go, it is usually catastrophic. Normally, our transformer load management program or change in load requirements will predicate the replacement of a transformer before the end of its life. Our transformer shop will check out the transformer, refurbish it, and put it back into service. If the transformer is too old, we will send it to salvage.
Sorry, but I can't answer you question directly.
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: Lights dim
Sorry but hooks don't fit my legs.
Sorry but hooks don't fit my legs.
physis
Senior Member
Re: Lights dim
In '89, I think it was, when we had that good earthquake, I don't know what the shut down protocols or whatever are, but when they started powering up again I got to watch a good hand full of transformers literally explode with all the sparks and stuff. It was right around dusk too. It was pretty cool.
In '89, I think it was, when we had that good earthquake, I don't know what the shut down protocols or whatever are, but when they started powering up again I got to watch a good hand full of transformers literally explode with all the sparks and stuff. It was right around dusk too. It was pretty cool.
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: Lights dim
Different electric utilities have different practices but we will energize our lines after they have been brought down by a storm without checking the integrity of the transformers. We will walk the line out to make sure the primaries are up and the secondaries are either up or cut free and plug it in. If we have equipment failure at that point, the crew is on the site and will start replacing what has failed or make it safe.
I didn't know that there were good ones.
Different electric utilities have different practices but we will energize our lines after they have been brought down by a storm without checking the integrity of the transformers. We will walk the line out to make sure the primaries are up and the secondaries are either up or cut free and plug it in. If we have equipment failure at that point, the crew is on the site and will start replacing what has failed or make it safe.
Re: Lights dim
Posted by Charlie:
My neighborhood has underground electric service, and a 30KVA transformer sits in my neighbor's front yard. The neighborhood kids actually sit and play on top of the transformer enclosure. Hopefully, that transformer gets replaced before it goes
Steve
Posted by Charlie:
Charlie:
My neighborhood has underground electric service, and a 30KVA transformer sits in my neighbor's front yard. The neighborhood kids actually sit and play on top of the transformer enclosure. Hopefully, that transformer gets replaced before it goes
Steve
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: Lights dim
No Steve, I drive a desk and it doesn't go outside of my office. Besides, the pad mounted transformer is either a 25 or 50 kVA (I am betting on it being a 50 kVA).
No Steve, I drive a desk and it doesn't go outside of my office. Besides, the pad mounted transformer is either a 25 or 50 kVA (I am betting on it being a 50 kVA).
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: Lights dim
They may have meant that most of the 120 volt load was on one leg of the transformer. If it were not balanced, it would be overloaded even with the same amount of load that a transformer of that size would normally carry.
They may have meant that most of the 120 volt load was on one leg of the transformer. If it were not balanced, it would be overloaded even with the same amount of load that a transformer of that size would normally carry.
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