Tranformer Testing
- Thread starter dkelect
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- Lockport, IL
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- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Tranformer Testing
If you are asking about theory, then the most common formula that is related to this question is that power equals (voltage squared) divided by resistance. That means that resistance will equal (voltage squared) divided by power.
R = (480 x 480) / (150) = 1536 ohms (as seen by the primary)
R = (120 x 120) / (150) = 96 ohms (as seen by the secondary)
Please note that the actual numerical values are approximate, simply because the 150VA, 480V, and 120V are ?nominal values.? In order to determine the actual value of resistance for a specific coil, you need to use the test equipment that Bennie has described.
If you are asking about theory, then the most common formula that is related to this question is that power equals (voltage squared) divided by resistance. That means that resistance will equal (voltage squared) divided by power.
R = (480 x 480) / (150) = 1536 ohms (as seen by the primary)
R = (120 x 120) / (150) = 96 ohms (as seen by the secondary)
Please note that the actual numerical values are approximate, simply because the 150VA, 480V, and 120V are ?nominal values.? In order to determine the actual value of resistance for a specific coil, you need to use the test equipment that Bennie has described.
Re: Tranformer Testing
I measured a 150 va, 480/120 volt transformer windings. Any resistance less than 27 ohms plus or minus 3, will indicate shorted turns. There will not be a higher reading except infinity. The lower resistance should produce smoke.
[ July 08, 2003, 07:59 PM: Message edited by: bennie ]
I measured a 150 va, 480/120 volt transformer windings. Any resistance less than 27 ohms plus or minus 3, will indicate shorted turns. There will not be a higher reading except infinity. The lower resistance should produce smoke.
[ July 08, 2003, 07:59 PM: Message edited by: bennie ]
Re: Tranformer Testing
Shorted turns in a transformer are usually caused by a low side surge. The magnitude of the surge causes a layer to layer failure, involving many turns.
The surge can pass through the windings by capacity coupling and can affect the primary and secondary.
[ July 08, 2003, 07:47 PM: Message edited by: bennie ]
Shorted turns in a transformer are usually caused by a low side surge. The magnitude of the surge causes a layer to layer failure, involving many turns.
The surge can pass through the windings by capacity coupling and can affect the primary and secondary.
[ July 08, 2003, 07:47 PM: Message edited by: bennie ]
Re: Tranformer Testing
Actual Transformer Testing Results:
We service a sewage treatment plant.
After a lightning strike that went into the MCC, we had (2) identical control transformers side by side with the fuses blown.
When testing the resistance on the primary side of these transformers (480/120V 150VA)one transformer measured 13ohms the other 27 ohms. We were trying to determine what the proper reading should be.
We did go ahead and energize the transformers.
the transformer with the 27 ohm reading appears to be working ok. The transformer with the 13 ohm reading blew the control fuse. We pulled this transformer and tested it on our bench at the shop.
After a period of testing (with higher amp fuses) the transformer coil opened up. (smoked)
Actual Transformer Testing Results:
We service a sewage treatment plant.
After a lightning strike that went into the MCC, we had (2) identical control transformers side by side with the fuses blown.
When testing the resistance on the primary side of these transformers (480/120V 150VA)one transformer measured 13ohms the other 27 ohms. We were trying to determine what the proper reading should be.
We did go ahead and energize the transformers.
the transformer with the 27 ohm reading appears to be working ok. The transformer with the 13 ohm reading blew the control fuse. We pulled this transformer and tested it on our bench at the shop.
After a period of testing (with higher amp fuses) the transformer coil opened up. (smoked)
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