Transformers

[Lady Engineer]

I have been out in the field surveying a huge electrical service for a Hospital in North Jersey.

I have been in many rooms with regular sized transformers i.e. 30, 75, 150, 500KVA, and also larger ones. For some reason, maybe the buzzing sound is finally getting to me, but being in the room for about 3 hours at a time with 150KVA and 500KVA transformer makes me dizzy. Could it be the EMF or is it just the buzzing that is driving me crazy.

The kicker, I have to survery medium voltage transformers (13.2 KV) because they have medium voltage switch gear that transforms down to 480. Their chillers and cooling towners are medium voltage because they are several tons, and they have a 480V transformer to steps it down for low voltage loads.

So answer this, is there a reason why long exposure to transformers makes me feel uneasy, or is it my paranoia?

Thanks,

Lady

 

[charlie b]

I suspect the buzzing is just annoying, and that adds up after a while. Perhaps a set of earplugs (or a different set, one that works for you, if you are already using something)?

 

[cpal]

is there ample fresh air in the locations. ????

 

[Lady Engineer]

Very limited ventilation, it's rather hot in there.

I don't know...they've always made me feel dizzy....standing near a switchboard for hours is not big deal. A transformer I begin to feel woozy...


Lady

 

[cpal]

Very limited ventilation, it's rather hot in there.

I don't know...they've always made me feel dizzy....standing near a switchboard for hours is not big deal. A transformer I begin to feel woozy...


Lady

I would be more suspect of air quality than EMF but someone may be aware of a close proximity study.

 

[RayS]

I'd guess the combination of buzz, vibration, and industrial flourescent lighting is the issue.

Some people are very sensitive to mag. fields than others, but I think you would notice this other places, like home, as well.

 

[mxslick]

The kimited ventilation..

The kimited ventilation..

The limited ventilation would be a big part of it, IMHO. Most transformers, especially when new, (I'm referring to dry-types here) give off a distinctive odor of "hot varnish" as the insulation system finishes curing. It always gives me a big headache.

Even older transformers, when heated, will give off an odor or fumes if you prefer, especially if heavily loaded or if they have suffered from an overload in the past.

I'm usually at ease around energized transformers, until the noise abruptly changes pitch. Be especially wary of any that "grunt" or develop a raspy buzz, that in my experience usually happens right before a failure!!

 

[ramsy]

For some reason, ..being in the room for about 3 hours at a time with 150KVA and 500KVA transformer makes me dizzy. ..is there a reason why long exposure to transformers makes me feel uneasy, or is it my paranoia?

The wikpedia on Ozone shows artificial production is likely in this environment.

Artificial production
Ozone may be formed from O2 by electrical discharges and by action of high energy electromagnetic radiation. Certain electrical equipment generate significant levels of ozone. This is especially true of devices using high voltages, such as laser printers, photocopiers, and arc welders. Electric motors using brushes can generate ozone from repeated sparking inside the unit. Large motors, such as those used by elevators or hydraulic pumps, will generate more ozone than smaller motors.

Health effects
There is a great deal of evidence to show that high concentrations (ppm) of ozone ..can harm lung function and irritate the respiratory system [11][16]. ..and hospital admissions of asthma sufferers [17]. Ozone has been found to convert cholesterol in the blood stream to plaque (which causes hardening and narrowing of arteries). ..Air quality guidelines such as those from the World Health Organization are based on detailed studies of what levels can cause measurable health effects.

..it is believed that the powerful oxidizing properties of ozone may be a contributing factor of inflammation.[citation needed]

Ozone has also been proven to form specific, cholesterol-derived metabolites that are thought to facilitate the build-up and pathogenesis of atherosclerotic plaques (A form of heart disease). [18]

 

[ramsy]

Corona damage and surface tracking are two primary root causes of insulation deterioration in MV electrical systems. Coronas produce lots of ozone. See the Ozone MSDS.