Transformers-Copper / Aluminum?
- Thread starter zooby
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rc/retired
Senior Member
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- Bellvue, Colorado
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- Master Electrician/Inspector retired
I wound transformers for welders and battery chargers for about 15 months.
The primaries were usually copper and the secondaries aluminum.
Depends on what your EE/designer specs. No problem.
Ron
The primaries were usually copper and the secondaries aluminum.
Depends on what your EE/designer specs. No problem.
Ron
MD Automation
Senior Member
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- Maryland
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- Engineer
I would not (and did not) hesitate to use aluminum windings in a transformer.
I would also expect that they'd be the norm in a transformer that size (step down 30kva).
I would also expect that they'd be the norm in a transformer that size (step down 30kva).
gadfly56
Senior Member
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- New Jersey
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- Professional Engineer, Fire & Life Safety
Is the space tight around the transformer? I'd expect it to be a little larger with aluminum windings instead of copper.
ron
Senior Member
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- New York, 40.7514,-73.9925
As long as you compare apples and apples (same characteristics), AL windings are fine.
But be sure the characteristics are the same, like temp rise.
But be sure the characteristics are the same, like temp rise.
- Location
- Wisconsin
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- PE (Retired) - Power Systems
In sizes less than 150kVA aluminum windings have been the standard warehouse construction, from manufacturers like Square D and GE for some 40 years or more
MD Automation
Senior Member
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- Maryland
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- Engineer
Totally agree. And also, just checked a Hammond catalog I have on my laptop, their case sizes for copper vs. alum transformers are identical until you get to 225 kva. So no real difference in physical size for such small transformers.
Obviously, the al is a little lighter than copper, but at small sizes like a 30 kva, it's only a ~30 lb difference.
Reading the first post, the OP sort of suggests there is a copper transformer in place right now. Are you sure?
No but it does sit on a small concrete pad. I will check the dimensions of that today. Thanks!
synchro
Senior Member
- Location
- Chicago, IL
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- EE
The CU at the end of the part number very likely indicates that it has copper windings.
If the transformer has failed, it may be more likely it was an insulation failure given the 150 deg C remperature rise. Appropriate insulation materials are used for the temperature rise of the design, but higher temperatures still will tend to increase failure rates.
If continuity testing shows that there are no open windings, then if the transformer failed its likely due to the insulation and not the conductors.
If the transformer has failed, it may be more likely it was an insulation failure given the 150 deg C remperature rise. Appropriate insulation materials are used for the temperature rise of the design, but higher temperatures still will tend to increase failure rates.
If continuity testing shows that there are no open windings, then if the transformer failed its likely due to the insulation and not the conductors.
xformer
Senior Member
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- Dallas, Tx
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- Master Electrician
Is it common for CH to show the primary on the bottom of the schematic?
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