XFMR DGA

Status
Not open for further replies.
aelectricalman

aelectricalman

Senior Member
Location
KY
From our DGA analysis and long term trending data, we have found that an XFMR is on a collision course with failure. I am looking for something to cite that would state a safe distance for employees and general public for barricade in the event the XFMR explodes. We recommended the XFMR come out of service but in the event that is not a reasonable solution I want to arm them with safety data. Can anyone suggest any citations other than the General Duty clause of the OSHA standards? thanks for your help!
 
I don't know if you will find such a thing. I have seen some spectacular failures along with resulting fires, mainly on large substation transformers. Although pole mounted transformers have been known to blow their tops also.
You don't mention if this is an indoor or outdoor transformer.
I would be taken means to get it out of service ASAP.
What gases are you seeing?
 
aelectricalman said:
From our DGA analysis and long term trending data, we have found that an XFMR is on a collision course with failure. I am looking for something to cite that would state a safe distance for employees and general public for barricade in the event the XFMR explodes. We recommended the XFMR come out of service but in the event that is not a reasonable solution I want to arm them with safety data. Can anyone suggest any citations other than the General Duty clause of the OSHA standards? thanks for your help!
Click to expand...

It seems to me that putting barricade up would only increase the civil liability.

Basicly you are saying We think this transformer is dangerous but instead of taking it out of service we chose to add a barricade.

That sounds like a willful violation.

Types of Violations

WILLFUL: A willful violation is defined as a violation in which the employer either knowingly failed to comply with a legal requirement (purposeful disregard) or acted with plain indifference to employee safety.
Click to expand...

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/fedrites.html
 
Would love to see the DGA numbers and what you think are the preludes to a xfmer failure?

Having witness several large transformers 765KV substation.. I now know why they have a fence around the substation.. if there were no fence... I would still be running.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top