Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Neca 409-2009 - Installing and Maintaining Dry Type Transformers
Neca 409-2009 - Installing and Maintaining Dry Type Transformers
NECA 409-2009
Standard for
Published by
National Electrical Contractors Association
An American National Standard
NECA 409–2009
Standard for
Installing and Maintaining
Dry-Type Transformers
Published by
TM
National Electrical
Contractors Association
National
Electrical
Installation
Standards
™
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v
1. Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.1 Products and Applications Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.2 Products and Applications Excluded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.3 Regulatory and Other Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
2. Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
3. Safety Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
3.2 Safe Work Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
3.3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
3.4 De-energizing Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
5. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
5.1 Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
5.2 Coordination with Other Trades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
5.3 Supporting Transformers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
5.4 General Installation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5.5 Electrical Circuit Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
5.6 Grounding and Bonding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
5.7 Transformer Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
iii ■
7.3 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
7.4 Spare Parts and Special Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
■ iv
(This foreword is not a part of the standard)
Foreword
National Electrical Installation Standards™ are Suggestions for revisions and improvements to this
designed to improve communication among speci- standard are welcome. They should be addressed to:
fiers, purchasers, and suppliers of electrical construc-
tion services. They define a minimum baseline of NECA Standards & Safety
quality and workmanship for installing electrical 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 1100
products and systems. NEIS™ are intended to be ref- Bethesda, MD 20814
erenced in contract documents for electrical con- (301) 657-3110
struction projects. The following language is recom- (301) 215-4500 Fax
mended: www.neca-neis.org
neis@necanet.org
Dry-type transformers should be installed and
maintained in accordance with NECA 409-2009,
Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry- To purchase National Electrical Installation Standards,
Type Transformers (ANSI). contact the NECA Order Desk at (301) 215-4504 tel,
Use of NEIS is voluntary, and the National Electrical (301) 215-4500 fax or orderdesk@necanet.org. NEIS
Contractors Association assumes no obligation or lia- can also be purchased in .pdf download format at
bility to users of this publication. Existence of a www.neca-neis.org/standards.
standard shall not preclude any member or non- Copyright© 2009, National Electrical Contractors
member of NECA from specifying or using alternate Association. All rights reserved. Unauthorized
construction methods permitted by applicable regu- reproduction prohibited.
lations.
National Electrical Installation Standards, NEIS, and the
This publication is intended to comply with the edi- NEIS logo are trademarks of the National Electrical
tion of the National Electrical Code® (NEC®) in Contractors Association. National Electrical Code and
effect at the time of publication. Because they are NEC are registered trademarks of the National Fire
quality standards, NEIS may in some instances go Protection Association, Quincy, Massachusetts.
beyond the minimum safety requirements of the
NEC. It is the responsibility of users of this publica-
tion to comply with applicable federal, state, and
local electrical codes when installing electrical prod-
ucts and systems. Installers should also follow all
manufacturer’s installation instructions and ensure
conformity to electrical ratings marked on such
equipment.
v ■
<This page intentionally left blank>
1. Scope
1.1 Products and Applications Included 1.3 Regulatory and Other Requirements
This standard describes the installation and mainte- All information in this publication is intended to
nance procedures for single- and three-phase general conform to the National Electrical Code®
purpose dry-type distribution and power transform- (ANSI/NFPA Standard 70). Installers should always
ers and associated accessories rated 600 Volts AC or follow the NEC®, applicable state and local codes,
less, and 0.25 kVA or more. and manufacturer's instructions when installing and
maintaining dry-type transformers.
This publication applies to indoor and outdoor, ven-
tilated and non-ventilated, single-phase and three- Only qualified persons familiar with the construction
phase transformers used for supplying power, heat- and operation of dry-type transformers should per-
ing, and lighting loads for commercial, institutional, form the work described in this publication. The
and industrial use in nonhazardous locations both term “qualified person” is defined in Article 100 of
indoors and outdoors. the NEC. Administrative functions and tasks such as
receiving, handling and storing, required in Section 4
It also covers periodic routine maintenance and trou- and other tasks can be performed under the supervi-
bleshooting procedures for transformers, and special sion of a qualified person.
procedures used after adverse operating conditions
such as a short-circuit, ground-fault, or immersion in Other National Electrical Installation Standards pro-
water. vide additional guidance for installing particular
types of electrical products and systems. A complete
list of NEIS is provided in Annex B.
1.2 Products and Applications Excluded
This publication does not cover single- and three-
phase general purpose dry-type distribution and
power transformers and associated accessories rated
above 600 Volts AC, or any liquid-filled transformers
(see NECA 410).
1 ■
2. Definitions
■ 2
3. Safety Procedures
Before performing cleaning, inspections, testing, e. Do not enter equipment enclosures when com-
maintenance, or repairs, electrically isolate all con- ponents are energized. Do not remove access covers,
ductors and equipment in accordance with estab- doors, panels, etc., when equipment is energized. Do
lished written procedures. All work and actions must not expose conductors, connections, or terminations
conform to the requirements of NFPA 70E, Standard when components are energized. Using established
for Electrical Safety in the Workplace in addition to all safety procedures guard energized conductors and
applicable Federal and State OSHA regulations. equipment in close proximity to work.
The process of de-energizing is considered “live” work f. Expect hazardous voltages in all interconnecting
and can result in an arc flash due to equipment fail- components and conductors. Electrical equipment
ure. When de-energizing conductors and equipment, may have multiple sources of power, capacitors with
follow safety procedures for working on/near live cir- stored electric charge, and control circuits from sepa-
cuits. Failure to observe these precautions may result rate sources.
in severe personal injury or death. See the applicable
warnings and information in Section 3.1 a. through f.
3.2 Safe Work Practices
a. Perform preliminary inspections and tests prior
3.1 General
to beginning work to determine existing conditions.
a. For electrical equipment to work properly, it Check existing conditions against available docu-
must be handled carefully and installed, operated, mented records.
and maintained correctly. Neglecting fundamental
installation and maintenance requirements may lead b. Visually verify all cable connections to equipment.
to personal injury or death, and damage to conduc- Confirm that supply and load cables are connected
tors, electrical equipment, and other property. properly. Keep in mind that transposed cables may be
connected to different terminals than expected.
b. Consider all circuits, ungrounded and grounded
metal parts of equipment and devices to be energized c. Resolve discrepancies between installed conditions
at the highest voltage to which they are exposed and electrical drawings. Have drawings corrected, if
unless they are de-energized, tested, locked out of required. Provide warning labels on equipment,
operation, and red tagged in accordance with OSHA cables, etc., where necessary to indicate unexpected
requirements. and potentially hazardous conditions.
c. Do not work on energized conductors or equip- d. Maintain as much distance as practical from
ment. Electrically isolate all conductors and equip- equipment and devices that may arc during opera-
ment in accordance with established procedures and tion or handling, but not less than the arc flash pro-
manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations. tection boundary specified in NFPA 70E.
d. Use care in opening and closing doors to ener- e. Use insulated hand tools when working on or
gized equipment. Conductors and terminations may around energized equipment. Use only properly
be exposed and within the reach of openings. rated tools for the energy present. Maintain tool
3 ■
NECA 409 Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers
inventories to ensure that all tools are accounted for Use electrical testing equipment rated for the operat-
prior to energizing equipment. ing voltage of the system. Test the voltage sensing
equipment on a known, energized source immediate-
f. Ensure that egress from the work area is unob- ly before and after testing the equipment to be tested
structed, and that fire extinguishers approved for use to ensure that the voltage sensing equipment is oper-
in electrical fires are readily available. ating properly.
g. Do not make any modifications to the equip- d. Apply lockout/tagout devices in accordance with
ment or operate the system with interlocks or safety a formal, written policy and in accordance with
barriers removed. Engage lock-bars for compart- NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the
ment doors so equipped to prevent the door from Workplace. Padlock and red tag all source switching
accidentally closing. devices in the open position. Remove locks and tags
only after work is complete and tested, and all per-
3.3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) sonnel are clear of the area. Protect against acciden-
tal energization of automatic or remotely controlled
a. Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment equipment by identifying, opening, locking, and tag-
(PPE) and established safety procedures when work- ging starting devices. Open and lock or tag all load
ing on or near energized electrical equipment or isolation devices to ensure that there are no loads
equipment that has not been de-energized, tested, connected to the equipment.
grounded, locked out of operation, and red tagged in
accordance with NFPA 70E. Follow all applicable e. Use listed personal protective grounds that are
Federal and State OSHA regulations. sufficient for the available short circuit current of the
system. Connect personal protective grounds to the
b. Wear appropriate PPE in accordance with the line terminals of the main circuit breaker or main
incident energy levels of the equipment. lugs, to the neutral terminal bus bar, if so equipped,
and to the grounding terminals of the equipment.
c. Wear 100 percent natural fiber clothing or flame
Provide warning signs at all primary disconnects
resistant apparel. Do not wear conductive articles
indicating that the terminals are grounded. Do not
such as watches, rings, etc.
remove the personal protective grounds until ready
to test or energize conductors and equipment.
3.4 De-energizing Electrical Equipment Ground all possible sources of induced voltage and
stored electric energy, such as, conductors in close
a. Follow all manufacturer’s instructions and rec- proximity to energized parts and capacitors. Short-
ommendations for electrically isolating equipment circuit and ground each transformer winding for a
and components. Render equipment electrically safe. minimum of one minute to drain any static voltage.
Follow lock-out/tag-out procedures. Disconnect all
sources of power before opening any enclosures or f. Carefully inspect the work area and remove any
compartments. Verify that source circuit breakers tools and objects left inside before energizing con-
and switches are open. ductors and equipment. Install all devices, panels,
doors, covers, etc., before energizing.
b. Identify all sources of power to the conductors
and equipment. Interrupt the load current before
opening the disconnecting means for each power
source. Where possible, visually verify that blades of
disconnecting means are fully open and that dra-
wout-type circuit breakers are fully withdrawn.
■ 4
4. Receiving, Handling, and Storage
d. Unload carefully, observing all packing label d. Ensure that transformers are transported in the
warnings. Unpack transformers and accessories suf- upright position. Avoid tilting or tipping transform-
ficiently to inspect for concealed damage resulting ers. Contact the manufacturer for acceptable tilt
from shipping and handling. Remove accessible cov- angles where a transformer is required to be tilted for
ers or panels as necessary to inspect internal compo- movement through restricted passages.
nents for damage or displacement of parts, loose or
broken connections, cracked or chipped insulators, e. Use nylon straps to balance and distribute weight
dirt or foreign material, and for the presence of water when handling transformers with a crane.
or moisture. If damage has occurred, notify the ship- f. Use spreaders to protect the enclosure when han-
per in writing immediately. Repair or replace dam- dling transformers with cables or chains to avoid
aged components in accordance with manufacturer damage to the finish or parts. Lifting cable pull
recommendations. angles should not be greater than 30 degrees from
e. If transformers are to be stored prior to installa- vertical.
tion, restore original packing materials or cover venti- g. Protect ventilated indoor transformers against
lation openings with heavy plastic or canvas to protect the entrance of dust, rain, and snow when handling
against exposure to moisture, dust, and contaminants. outdoors during inclement weather.
When conditions permit, leave the packing materials
intact until transformers are ready for installation.
(See 4.3 for more information on storage.)
5 ■
NECA 409 Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers
4.3 Storage c. Measure the turns ratio of all tap positions (see
11.5).
a. Store transformers in accordance with manufac-
turer recommendations. Protect transformers from d. Measure the transformer core resistance to
dirt, water, moisture contamination, and physical ground (see 11.8).
damage during storage.
■ 6
5. Installation
7 ■
NECA 409 Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers
b. Use brackets, hangers, supports, anchors, etc., in tions. Adjust transformer core and coil mounting
accordance with manufacturer recommendations. bolts, and ensure that all other transformer bolts,
nuts, fasteners, etc., are tight. Securely fasten remov-
c. Evaluate transformer support structures prior to able panels and access covers.
installation. Verify that structures are suitable for the
weight of transformers, supports, mounting brackets, d. Install bollards, shields, fences, barriers, etc., as
accessories, etc. required to protect transformers and transformer
accessories where exposed to physical damage.
d. Provide support channels or concrete house-
keeping pads for indoor floor-mounted transformers. e. Arrange rooms and spaces in which transformers
Provide level concrete pads for outdoor transformers. are installed with railings, fences, screens, partitions,
Use suitable anchors to attach floor-mounted and walls, or other means or barriers to prevent entrance
pad-mounted transformers to the mounting surface by unauthorized persons.
where required. Verify that anchors and bolts are
suitable for the conditions of installation. f. Display warning signs prominently at all
entrances to rooms and spaces containing transform-
5.3.1 Independent supports ers. Use OSHA standard warning signs.
5.3.2 Vibration and Sound Isolation c. Install factory baffles, grills, or barriers to protect
all transformer ventilation openings from vandalism
a. Install vibration isolators between the trans- and rodents.
former enclosure and supports in accordance with
manufacturer recommendations. d. Install bollards, fences, barriers, etc., as required
to protect transformers and transformer accessories
b. Provide supplemental seismic supports, from vehicular traffic.
restraints, and anchors where required by building
code, approved plans, or project specifications.
5.5 Electrical Circuit Connections
a. Connect raceways and conductors to transform-
5.4 General Installation Requirements ers at locations designated by the manufacturer.
a. Install transformers in accordance with manu-
b. Use flexible raceways, conduits, and connectors
facturer recommendations, specific transformer
for attachment to transformer enclosures.
markings, and installation instructions.
c. Observe NEC minimum wire bending space
b. Install transformers level and plumb. Install
requirements within the transformer terminal enclo-
shims under frames or bases to level transformers, if
sure. Bundle associated phase, neutral, and equip-
necessary.
ment grounding conductors together within the
c. After the transformer is anchored in its perma- transformer enclosure.
nent position, remove shipping braces, wedges, ties,
d. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for
and blocks, and loosen or remove shipping bolts, if
installing connecting lugs on transformer terminal
present, in accordance with manufacturer instruc-
pads.
■ 8
Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers NECA 409
9 ■
6. Cleaning, Testing, and
Commissioning
■ 10
Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers NECA 409
a. Contact resistance (see 11.2) former primary disconnect that indicates that the
transformer terminals are grounded.
b. Insulation resistance (see 11.3)
b. Ensure that enclosure covers, baffles, weather-
c. Polarization index (see 11.4) shields, etc., are installed and tightened.
d. Turns ratio test for all tap settings (see 11.5) c. Ensure that ventilation openings are clear.
6.3.1 Additional Tests for Large Transformers d. Verify that all required transformer safety labels
In addition, perform the following tests on single- are installed.
phase transformers rated 167 kVA and above, and e. Ensure that all affected persons are notified that
three-phase transformers rated 500 kVA and above: equipment will be energized.
a. Excitation current (see 11.6) f. Ensure that all load isolation devices are open,
b. Winding resistance (see 11.7) padlocked, and tagged.
c. Core insulation resistance (see 11.8) g. Remove the tag and padlock from the transformer
primary disconnect. Energize the transformer.
11 ■
NECA 409 Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers
d. Energize the transformer in accordance with specifications to ensure that readings are within
Section 6.4 and recheck no-load voltages and phase acceptable limits.
rotation.
g. Perform an infrared scan (see 11.10 for testing
6.4.2 Energize equipment supplied from the procedure).
transformer
a. Energize equipment supplied from the trans-
former starting at the source end of the transformer
and working toward the load. Close main devices,
feeder devices, and branch circuit devices in
sequence.
■ 12
7. Site Cleanup
b. Deliver transformer manufacturer's standard 7.4 Spare Parts and Special Tools
installation, operation, and maintenance manuals to Deliver spare parts and special tools to the Owner or
the Owner or General Contractor in accordance with General Contractor in accordance with contract doc-
contract documents. In the absence of contractual uments. In the absence of contractual requirements,
requirements, deliver a minimum of one set of the deliver the transformer manufacturer’s supplied
transformer manufacturer’s standard installation, spare parts and special tools.
operation, and maintenance manuals.
13 ■
8. Inspections and Maintenance
This section describes recommended procedures for ing in transformer windings during extended out-
the inspection, maintenance, and testing of trans- ages.
formers. The installer is only responsible for these
tasks if required or referenced by contract docu-
ments. Otherwise, these inspection and maintenance 8.2 Routine Inspections
recommendations are provided as guidance for the Perform external visual observations and record
owner. transformer operational data with transformers ener-
gized and in service.
Cleaning, inspection, maintenance, and testing
should only be performed by qualified personnel on a. Remove any materials or obstructions preventing
transformers to which power has been turned-off, free air circulation and access around transformers.
disconnected, and electrically isolated, unless
required for testing, so that no accidental contact can b. Inspect transformer enclosures for evidence of
be made with energized parts. Follow the safety pro- localized thermal damage to the paint. Eliminate
cedures in Section 3. Follow all manufacturer’s external sources of heat to transformers. Investigate
warnings and instructions. internal sources of thermal damage to transformer
enclosures in accordance with Section 8.5.
d. Clean transformers before performing internal e. Measure and record transformer primary and
inspections, maintenance, and testing. secondary operating voltages. Investigate and imme-
diately correct causes of overvoltage or undervoltage
e. Plan cleaning, inspections, maintenance, and conditions. If required, adjust transformer taps in
testing to minimize transformer outages. Provide accordance with Section 6.4.1.
strip heaters to maintain transformer temperature
above ambient to prevent condensation from form- f. Measure and record transformer load currents
noting the date and time of day. Consult the manu-
■ 14
Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers NECA 409
facturer for acceptable loading and imbalances. If accumulation of dust, dirt, or other foreign matter.
required, reconfigure feeder and branch circuits sup-
plied by transformers to closely balance loads in c. Remove trash, combustible material, and other
accordance with procedures outlined in NECA 407, debris from areas around transformers.
Standard for Installing and Maintaining Panelboards. d. Inspect ventilation openings for blockages.
g. Measure and record load levels noting the date e. Visually inspect the transformer enclosure for
and time of day. Provide comments regarding physical damage. Repair physical damage, if practi-
known causes of variations in loading, such as load cal, and provide suitable protective barriers to pre-
additions or equipment maintenance outages, to vent future damage.
track transformer loading over time.
f. Inspect the transformer enclosure for signs of
h. On transformers equipped with winding temper- overheating, rust, corrosion, or deteriorating paint.
ature indicators, record the values indicated and Repair painted surfaces.
record the ambient temperature near the transformer
enclosure noting the date and time of day. g. Check for any equipment installed near the
transformer that might cause damage from external
8.2.1 Transformer vaults or rooms heating. Eliminate external sources of heat to trans-
a. Measure and record the temperature of the vault formers.
or room where indoor transformers are installed. h. Inspect vibration isolators for deterioration.
b. Verify proper vault or room ventilation. Verify I. Check all accessible exterior hardware for tight-
proper operation of power-driven ventilating fans, ness
HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning)
units, and controls. 8.3.1 Exposure to Liquids
c. Inspect the vault or room for evidence of water Visually check indoor transformer enclosures for evi-
or moisture. Eliminate sources of water or moisture, dence of exposure to liquids. Look for any recent
or provide suitable protection for transformers from changes in sprinklers or other plumbing that might
sources of water. now expose indoor transformers to a source of liq-
uids. Eliminate sources or provide necessary protec-
d. Inspect the vault or room for any accumulation tion for indoor transformers exposed to liquids:
of dirt or dust. Remove any accumulation of dirt or
dust. Use the rate of accumulation of dust and dirt ■ Install weathershields on indoor transformers
on visible surfaces as a guide for scheduling inspec- exposed to liquids.
tions, maintenance, and testing.
■ Protect indoor transformers from condensate
where pipes pass directly above transformers.
8.3 External Cleaning, Inspection, and Insulate the piping or install transformer weath-
Maintenance ershields.
a. De-energize transformer in accordance with ■ Protect indoor transformers from leaking pipes
established safety procedures and Section 3. or roofs by installing temporary sheet metal
Consider the transformer enclosure energized until shields or other protective covers to prevent
the case-ground connection is inspected and found water from falling onto transformers until the
to be adequate. pipes are repaired.
b. Clean the transformer enclosure with a brush, Repair or replace transformers exposed to water in
vacuum cleaner, or clean, lint-free rags to remove any accordance with Section 9.
15 ■
NECA 409 Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers
8.4 Internal Cleaning, Inspection, and j. Use a calibrated torque wrench to check all bolts,
Maintenance nuts, washers, and pins for tightness. Tighten or
replace parts as required.
Maintain adequate ventilation during cleaning.
k. Check insulators, clamps, and coil spacers for
a. Perform internal cleaning, inspection, and main- looseness. Tighten or replace parts as required.
tenance upon completion of external cleaning,
inspection and maintenance. 8.4.1 Electrical, grounding, and bonding con-
nections
b. De-energize the transformer in accordance with
Section 3. a. Visually check transformer, cables, and raceways
for proper bonding and grounding. Verify that the
c. Remove access covers, plates, weathershields, etc. ground lead on each SPD, if installed, is individually
Protect transformers from moisture and contami- attached to the ground bus or ground electrode.
nants when removing access covers, plates, weather- Correct improper bonding and grounding.
shields, etc.
b. Inspect all conductors and connections, includ-
d. Vacuum away as much dust from transformer ing grounding connections, for tightness, erosion,
windings as possible. Vacuum clean screens, louvers, corrosion, physical damage, etc. Use a calibrated
or baffles covering ventilation openings. torque wrench to check all wire connections accord-
e. Clean supports, terminals, and other major insu- ing to manufacturer's instructions. Re-terminate
lating surfaces with lint-free rags or soft-bristled loose or damaged conductors and connections,
brush. Do not use liquids, solvents or detergents removing damaged portions of conductors and
when cleaning internal transformer components. replacing damaged terminals, lugs, etc..
f. Remove any remaining dust accumulations by c. Inspect the interior of transformers for arc spat-
blowing with clean, dry compressed air or nitrogen ter, sooty deposits, and tracking. Inspect core lami-
with a dew point of -45°C (-50°F) or less and with a nations for signs of arcing or overheating. Investigate
pressure at or below 25 psi. sources of arcing or overheating. Consult the trans-
former manufacturer for recommendations.
g. Inspect winding air ducts for the accumulation of
dust and foreign substances. Blow out accumulation, d. Inspect insulators, terminals, and terminal
if necessary. Replace dirty air filters. If not equipped boards for signs of discoloration, thermal damage,
with air filters, consult the transformer manufacturer deterioration, carbonization, burns, cracks, chips,
for recommendations for installing air filter materials breaks, or partial discharge. Investigate sources of
over the ventilation openings of transformer enclo- insulator damage. Consult the transformer manufac-
sures where dust or dirt has significantly accumulated turer for recommendations.
within the enclosure or on the windings. e. Inspect transformer insulating materials for any
h. Clean forced-air cooling fans, heaters, or other indication that insulating material or sealing com-
auxiliary devices, if equipped, and check for proper pound is deteriorated or melted. Consult the trans-
operation. Verify proper operation of temperature former manufacturer for recommendations.
control and alarm settings. Consult the transformer f. Inspect terminals for alignment, tightness, pres-
manufacturer for recommendations. sure, burns, or corrosion. Investigate and correct
i. Inspect interior of transformer for moisture. cause of damage. Replace pitted or badly burned ter-
Eliminate sources of moisture (see 8.4.1 and 9). minals. Minor pitting or burning may be repaired,
provided the terminal plating is not damaged, using
■ 16
Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers NECA 409
17 ■
9. Inspection and Re-energization
After Adverse Operating Conditions
■ 18
10. Drying Transformers
Provide supplemental barriers and safety precautions b. Short-circuit one winding with an adequately
while drying transformers to protect personnel from sized conductor and apply sufficient voltage at nor-
dangerous voltages and energized parts and compo- mal frequency to the other winding to circulate
nents. Follow the safety procedures in Section 3. between 50 and 100% of nameplate current through
the winding. Adjust the tap setting as necessary to
Dry-type transformers that have been splashed or connect the voltage source across the full winding.
sprayed with clean water or have become wet from
condensation may be dried in preparation for con- c. Control the rate of temperature rise and limit
tinued service. Follow the manufacturer’s recom- the maximum winding temperature. Do not exceed
mendations. Transformers that have been fully sub- the average winding temperature rise or 100°C
merged in water or have been contaminated with (212°F), whichever is greater, as measured by resis-
flood water must be replaced. tance or by thermometers.
19 ■
NECA 409 Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers
■ 20
11. Transformer Testing
c. Perform an infrared scan of transformer (see g. If insulation resistance testing results indicate the
11.10). presence of moisture, dry the transformer in accor-
dance with Section 10.
21 ■
NECA 409 Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers
11.5 Turns Ratio Test b. Measure and record the resistance of each trans-
former winding at each tap connection. Allow read-
a. Perform turns ratio testing in accordance with
ings to stabilize for a minimum of 30 seconds before
transformer and test instrument manufacturer rec-
recording results.
ommendations.
c. Because winding resistance varies with tempera-
b. For acceptance testing, measure the turns ratio
ture, record the winding temperature at the time of
for each tap and for the full winding of all phases.
the test.
For maintenance testing, measure the turns ratio of
all phases with the transformer tap connections as d. Compare results with prior test results, factory
found prior to testing. test results, and results from identical transformers.
c. The measured turns ratios should not deviate e. Test results, after adjusting for temperature dif-
more than 0.5% from the adjacent coils or from the ferences using manufacturer recommended correc-
transformer nameplate ratio. Investigate measured tion factors, should compare within 1% of factory-
turns ratios outside of this limit. Consult the trans- obtained results and should be comparable between
former manufacturer for recommendations. phases of multiphase transformers.
d. Verify that tap connections are reconnected as f. Investigate variations of more than 1% between
initially found. After the transformer is re-energized, phases or from historical data for the transformer.
measure the transformer primary and secondary Consult the transformer manufacturer for recom-
voltages. Adjust tap connections as required to close- mendations.
ly match transformer primary operating voltage in
accordance with Section 6.4.1.
11.8 Core Insulation Resistance Test
■ 22
Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers NECA 409
a. Complete all insulation resistance testing prior to firm that it is de-energized. Remove accessible cov-
high potential testing. Review insulation resistance ers, plates, weathershields, etc. Re-energize trans-
test results to determine suitability of the transformer former and loads in accordance with Section 6.4, and
for high potential testing. perform an infrared scan of all transformer electrical
connections and terminals while the transformer is
b. Perform high potential testing in accordance energized and operating under maximum load con-
with transformer and test instrument manufacturer ditions.
recommendations.
e. Use an infrared scanning device designed to
c. Connect all terminals of each individual winding measure actual operating temperatures, or designed
together and apply a voltage between the windings to detect significant deviations from surrounding
and from each winding to ground in separate tests. conditions. Provide documentation of the device
d. Ground untested windings during each applica- calibration.
tion of voltage. Ground each winding to drain any f. Prepare a certified report identifying the trans-
static voltage after each test for a minimum of one former tested and describing the results of the
minute. infrared scan. Include notation of deficiencies
e. Limit AC acceptance high potential tests to 75% detected, remedial action taken, and results from
of the factory AC test value. Limit AC maintenance retesting after remedial action.
high potential tests to 65% of the factory AC test g. Maintain a permanent record of all infrared scan
value. Limit DC high potential tests to 100% of the results to track electrical characteristics of transform-
factory AC test value. Apply the test voltage for one ers over time.
minute.
h. Consult the transformer manufacturer for repair
f. The transformer insulation should withstand the or replacement recommendations if infrared scan
high potential test voltage applied. Consult the results indicate overheating of components.
transformer manufacturer for recommendations.
i. De-energize the transformer. Observe the safety
procedures in Section 3. Test the transformer to con-
11.10 Infrared Scan firm that it is de-energized. Install all accessible cov-
Provide supplemental barriers and safety precautions ers, plates, weathershields, etc. Re-energize trans-
during infrared scan to prevent accidental contact former and loads in accordance with Section 6.4.
with exposed energized components.
23 ■
Annex A: Transformer
Troubleshooting Guide
Use Table 1, Transformer Troubleshooting Chart, as a guide in conjunction with the inspection, maintenance,
and testing procedures outlined in this publication.
■ 24
Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers NECA 409
25 ■
NECA 409 Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers
■ 26
Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers NECA 409
27 ■
NECA 409 Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers
■ 28
Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers NECA 409
29 ■
NECA 409 Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers
■ 29
(This annex is not part of the standard)
This publication, when used in conjunction with the National Electrical Code and dry-type transformer man-
ufacturers’ literature and installation instructions provides sufficient information to install and maintain dry-
type transformers. The following publications may also provide useful information:
NETA ATS-2009, Acceptance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Distribution Equipment and Systems
NETA MTS-2007, Maintenance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Distribution Equipment and Systems
30 ■
NECA 409 Recommended Practice for Installing Exterior Lighting Systems
NECA 200-2008, Recommended Practice for Installing and Maintaining Temporary Electric Power at
Construction Sites (ANSI)
NECA 202-2006, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Industrial Heat Tracing Systems (ANSI)
NECA 230-2003, Standard for Selecting, Installing, and Maintaining Electric Motors and Motor Controllers (ANSI)
NECA/FOA 301-2004, Standard for Installing and Testing Fiber Optic Cables (ANSI)
NECA 303-2005, Standard for Installing Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Systems (ANSI)
NECA 305-2001, Standard for Fire Alarm System Job Practices (ANSI)
NECA 331-2004, Standard for Building and Service Entrance Grounding and Bonding
NECA 400-2007, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Switchboards (ANSI)
NECA 402-2007, Recommended Practice for Installing and Maintaining Motor Control Centers (ANSI)
NECA/EGSA 404-2007, Standard for Installing Generator Sets (ANSI)
NECA 406-2003, Standard for Installing Residential Generator Sets (ANSI)
NECA 407-2002, Recommended Practice for Installing and Maintaining Panelboards (ANSI)
NECA 408-2009, Recommended Practice for Installing and Maintaining Busways (ANSI)
■ 31
Standard for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers NECA 409
NECA 409-2009, Recommended Practice for Installing and Maintaining Dry-Type Transformers (ANSI)
NECA 410-2005, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Liquid-Filled Transformers (ANSI)
NECA 411-2006, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) (ANSI)
NECA 420-2007, Standard for Fuse Applications (ANSI)
NECA 430-2006, Standard for Installing Medium-Voltage Metal-Clad Switchgear (ANSI)
NECA/IESNA 500-2006, Standard for Installing Indoor Commercial Lighting Systems (ANSI)
NECA/IESNA 501-2006, Standard for Installing Exterior Lighting Systems (ANSI)
NECA/IESNA 502-2006, Standard for Installing Industrial Lighting Systems (ANSI)
NECA 503-2005, Standard for Installing Fiber Optic Lighting Systems
NECA/BICSI 568-2006, Standard for Installing Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling (ANSI)
NECA/MACSCB 600-2003, Recommended Practice for Installing and Maintaining Medium-Voltage Cable (ANSI)
NECA/NEMA 605-2005, Recommended Practice for Installing Underground Nonmetallic Utility Duct (ANSI)
32 ■
<This page intentionally left blank>
National Electrical Contractors Association
3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 1100
Bethesda, Maryland 20785
301-657-3110 • 301-214-4500 fax
www.necanet.org
Index # NECA 409 (R-09) | 5C-3/10