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How to Troubleshoot Common Issues with Dry Type Transformers

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-11-10      Origin: Site

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You should fix problems with your dry type transformer fast. This keeps your plant safe and helps things run well.

Dry type transformers give steady power in factories. They help stop downtime and follow fire safety rules.

These transformers do not cause oil fires or explosions. Cast resin types lower harm to the environment.

High reliability means more working time and fewer problems.

Feature

Description

Safety

Resin insulated, stops flames, and does not pollute

Installation

Simple to set up, needs no upkeep, good for load centers

Operating Cost

Low energy loss and cools well for good work

GUKAO gives you ways to keep your power systems safe and working well. This guide helps plant workers, tech experts, and anyone who cares for transformers.

Key Takeaways

Find overheating signs early. Look for hot surfaces or burning smells. Watch for warning lights. Use sensors to check temperature.

Check insulation often. Look for cracks or wet spots. Clean the area and keep it dry. This helps stop insulation problems.

Listen for strange noises. Odd sounds can mean big problems. Use tools to find where the noise comes from.

Make sure connections are good. Look for loose or broken terminals. Tighten them to stop overheating. This helps the transformer work better.

Stick to a maintenance plan. Clean and check the transformer often. This helps it last longer and saves money on repairs.

Common Dry Type Transformer Issues

It is important to find problems early. Acting fast stops bigger failures. This keeps your system safe. GUKAO’s experts say most problems fit into four main groups.

Overheating Signs

Heat causes trouble for transformers. If the unit feels hot or the room gets warmer, check for overheating. Look for a burning smell or color changes on the case. Sudden shutdowns can happen. Warning lights may turn on. Overheating can come from blocked air flow, heavy loads, or bad cooling.

Tip: Use sensors to watch heat and stop damage.

Issue

Description

Thermal Management

Too much heat can break insulation and hurt parts.

Insulation Problems

Insulation helps electricity move safely inside the transformer. Problems show as cracks, wet spots, or strange smells. You might see sparks or hear popping sounds. Insulation can get worse from age, wetness, dirt, or power surges.

Note: Clean often and keep things dry to protect insulation.

Cause of Insulation Degradation

Description

Installation and operational errors

Bad setup can cause overheating and using it wrong can overload it.

Normal wear and tear

All transformers get old and wear out, even with care.

Power surges

Changes in electricity can cause damage that lasts.

Abnormal Noises

Weird sounds mean something is wrong. Listen for boiling, crackling, or loud bangs. A winding short circuit sounds like boiling water. Insulation breakdown makes loud bangs. Partial discharge makes crackling sounds. These noises can mean problems in the windings, core, or cooling system.

Tip: Use a microphone or sensor to find where the sound comes from.

Fault Type

Sound Characteristic

Severity

Winding short circuit

Boiling

Severe

Insulation breakdown

Explosive noise

Severe

Partial discharge

Crackle

Mild

Connection Faults

Loose or broken connections can stop the transformer from working well. Look for color changes, cracks, or bent windings. You may hear squeaks, cracks, or hissing. Short circuits and open circuits can cause uneven heat and bad performance.

Tip: Check all terminals and contacts when you inspect.

Common Faults

Warning Signs

Inter-turn short circuits

Bad electrical flow and uneven heat.

Open circuits

Insulation gets weaker.

Terminal contact failures

Color changes, cracks, or bent windings mean repair or rewinding is needed.

Knowing these signs helps you keep your transformer safe and avoid expensive repairs.

Installation and Operation Best Practices

Pre-Installation Checks

Check every part of your transformer before you start. GUKAO makes sure each unit is built well, but you should still look at the site.

Look at all bolts and connections. Tighten them if they are loose.

Check if the ventilation system is dusty. Make sure air moves the right way.

Test the power fans and temperature controls.

Look at terminal connections and insulation for problems.

Do a no-load test first. Then add load slowly and watch how it works.

Check voltages on the low-voltage side before turning it on.

If you see anything odd, stop and call the factory.

Safe Installation Steps

Follow the rules when you install the transformer. This keeps it safe and working well.

Make sure the design gives steady power and meets voltage needs.

Keep the temperature from getting too high.

Use insulation like epoxy resin and polyester film for heat and strength.

Ground the transformer with the right electrode and wire. This helps stop electrical problems.

Put the transformer on a base that lets air move well.

Always follow the safety rules for setup and use.

Tip: Good airflow is important. You need about 100 cubic feet of air each minute for every kilowatt of transformer loss.

Proper Operation Guidelines

You can make your transformer last longer by using it the right way.

Practice

Impact on Lifespan

Using less heat than the limit

Makes it last longer by 10–20 °C

Doing regular checks and cleaning

Stops most failures and keeps it working for many years

Having a good maintenance plan

Makes it last 10–15 more years and stops early breakdowns

Controlling heat well

Helps it work longer with good airflow and load control

Check your transformer often. Clean dust from the vents. Do not let it get too full of load. Use a plan to keep it in good shape. These steps help your transformer work for a long time.

Troubleshooting Overheating and Insulation

Causes of Overheating

It is important to know why your transformer gets hot. Too much heat can hurt the transformer and cause safety problems. Most overheating happens because of how you use or set up your dry type transformer. Check the main reasons before you try to fix anything.

Cause

Explanation

Improper load rating

If the transformer cannot handle your load, it will get too hot.

Inadequate airflow

Bad ventilation keeps heat inside and makes it hotter.

Poor insulation

Weak insulation cannot move heat away, so the unit gets hotter.

Low-quality windings

Windings that cannot take high heat will break faster.

The air around the transformer matters too. If the room is hot, the transformer cannot cool down well. Good airflow helps move heat out and stops hot spots.

Factor

Impact on Overheating

Ambient Temperature

Hot air makes it easier for the transformer to overheat.

Ventilation

Good airflow is needed to keep the transformer cool and stop hot spots.

Tip: Put your transformer in a cool, dry place with good airflow. Use fans or cooling systems if you need them.

If you see high temperatures, check the load rating. Make sure the area has enough airflow. Look at insulation and windings for damage.

Insulation Failure Solutions

Insulation keeps electricity inside the transformer. It stops electricity from leaking out. If insulation fails, you may see cracks, hear popping sounds, or smell burning. You must act quickly to stop bigger problems.

Try these steps to fix insulation problems:

Use a tester to check insulation resistance.

If resistance is low, dry the transformer with a dehumidifier or use low-voltage heat.

If insulation is very bad, replace it or get a new transformer.

Materials like epoxy resin, polyester resin, fiberglass, and silicone rubber help make insulation better. Epoxy resin works well for high-voltage windings and core parts. Polyester resin is good for smaller transformers. Fiberglass can handle heat and stress in medium and high-voltage units. Silicone rubber works in very hot or tough places.

Material

Advantages

Applications

Epoxy Resin

Strong against electricity and heat, tough and durable.

High-voltage windings and core parts.

Polyester Resin

Cheap, works well for lower voltage.

Small and medium dry type transformers.

Fiberglass

Handles heat and stress very well.

Medium and high-voltage transformers.

Silicone Rubber

Works in many temperatures, insulates electricity well.

Transformers in very hot or tough places.

Paper-Based Insulation

Used sometimes, but not as much in new designs.

Special uses that need old-style insulation.

Note: Always check the humidity in the room. Too much moisture can hurt insulation and lower resistance.

Preventive Maintenance

You can stop most problems before they start by doing regular maintenance. Cleaning and checking your transformer keeps it safe and working well. Never clean a dry type transformer with water or wet things. Dust can build up and cause overheating or insulation problems.

Maintenance Task

Frequency

Clean dust and dirt from surfaces

After turning off the unit

Inspect for dust build-up

Every 3-6 months in dusty areas

Annual maintenance checks

If the area is clean

Vacuum or blow out coils

Every three months, more often if dusty

Check coil support and bracing

Once a year

Look for marks or color changes

Once a year

Check enclosure and gaskets

Once a year

Test core and coil resistance

Once a year

Watch vibration levels

When needed

You should also do these daily checks:

Look for dust and dirt on the transformer.

Use air or a soft brush to clean windings and cooling ducts.

Watch load levels so you do not overload.

Check if the area is dry and has good airflow.

Use thermal imaging to find hot spots.

Tighten electrical connections to stop heat from loose parts.

Test insulation resistance with a megohmmeter.

Write down all checks and repairs.

Plan yearly checks by trained technicians.

Callout: Always turn off the power before cleaning or checking the transformer. Never do maintenance while the unit is on.

A good maintenance plan means cleaning, checking, and testing often. Check your transformer a lot, especially if the area is dusty or wet. Testing helps you find problems early and saves money on repairs. GUKAO’s products make maintenance easier and help keep your power system safe.

Resolving Noises and Connection Issues

Identifying Sound Sources

Listening to your transformer can help you find problems. A normal transformer makes a steady hum. Strange sounds mean something is wrong. If it sounds like boiling water, there might be a short circuit or it could be too hot. Loud noises often mean clamps or screws are loose. Crackling sounds can show insulation problems. Discharge noises may mean there is partial discharge or some parts are not grounded.

Try these ways to find where the sound comes from:

Diagnostic Method

Purpose

Visual Inspection

Look for bent casing, things inside, or loose screws.

Insulation Resistance Testing

Check resistance on both sides to the ground.

DC Resistance Test

See if winding resistance is right and if phases match.

Ratio Test

Find short circuits or faults between turns.

AC Withstand Voltage Test

Spot problems in main insulation.

No-load Test

Check the core for problems or aging.

You can also check how loud the sound is and look at the sound’s frequency. Use tools to find places that shake or vibrate. Turn off fans or pumps one by one to see if they cause noise. Always check if screws or bolts are loose or rusty.

Tip: Record the sounds and compare them to normal ones. This helps you notice changes early.

Fixing Connection Problems

Loose or bad connections can make the transformer get too hot or work badly. They can even be dangerous. Follow these steps to fix connection problems:

Check insulation for any damage.

Look for burn marks or color changes.

Use a torque wrench to check tightness.

Tighten any loose parts.

Clean dirt and dust from electrical areas.

Measure voltage to see if resistance is right.

Use an infrared camera to find hot spots.

Test if connections are complete.

Do insulation resistance tests.

Change any parts that are worn out or broken.

Note: Clean connections help stop overheating and keep your dry type transformer safe.

When to Call GUKAO Experts

Some problems need help from experts. Call GUKAO if you see:

Load is not balanced

Loose parts you cannot fix

Strange sounds or shaking

Insulation resistance is too low

Waiting to fix things can cause big damage. Studies show that ignoring warning signs can lead to explosions or long downtime. GUKAO gives support, service, and repairs. You can ask for help with tests or regular checks. Acting fast keeps your equipment safe and saves money.

Callout: If you are not sure or see big problems, call GUKAO’s expert team for help.

You can keep your dry type transformer safe by doing these steps. First, look for any damage or signs of overheating. Next, test if the insulation is strong and if the windings are even. Then, check the turns ratio and see if there is any partial discharge. After that, measure how much the temperature goes up and check for energy loss. Last, do dielectric and frequency response tests to find hidden problems.

Doing regular maintenance helps your transformer last longer. Clean it, look at it often, and use thermal scanning to find heat problems.

GUKAO gives you expert advice, planned service, and full repair help. If you have hard problems, contact GUKAO’s team for trusted support.

FAQ

What should you do if your dry type transformer overheats?

You should check the airflow and load. Clean vents and lower the load if needed. Use a temperature sensor to watch for heat. If the problem stays, call GUKAO for help.

How often should you clean your transformer?

You should clean your transformer every three to six months. If your area is dusty, clean it more often. Always turn off the power before you clean.

Why does your transformer make strange noises?

Strange noises can mean loose parts, insulation problems, or electrical faults. Listen for crackling, banging, or boiling sounds. Use a microphone or sensor to find the source.

Can you fix insulation problems yourself?

You can check for cracks or wet spots. Use a tester to measure resistance. If you find damage, call a professional like GUKAO. Do not try to fix insulation alone.

When should you contact GUKAO experts?

Contact GUKAO if you see low insulation resistance, unbalanced loads, or noises you cannot fix. You should also call if you find loose parts or signs of overheating.


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