When using industrial equipment that emit high voltages, any carelessness in handling electrical transformers can lead to expensive equipment failures and invite unwanted fatalities. This is why inspection of electrical transformers is essential. Regular inspections and periodic maintenance help identify impending issues at the earliest and prevent future problems. Electrical transformers must be checked for damaged connectors, worn-out power cords, burning smell, loose plugs or misaligned parts to minimize system failures and fire hazards. It is paramount that the maintenance crew pays attention to ISO 9001 requirements and UL, CUL, VDE, CE standards to maintain a safe working environment for both the equipment and the electricians.
These transformer safety tips can be followed for any model of electrical transformer, regardless of the make or manufacturer:
1. Check the electrical transformer prior to installation for any burning smell, faulty parts or abnormalities in continuity.
2. Any maintenance work must only be undertaken after the equipment is de-energized and tagged out and the circuit is shut down. This is necessary to ensure that there is no leakage of current or continuity between the horse current and the system.
3. The maintenance crew must be provided appropriate personal protective equipment that is specifically designed to ensure safety when working on an electrical transformer with a high voltage output.
4. No modifications should be made to the electrical transformers over current protection. The over current protection mechanism of circuits and conductors must be set to the manufacturer’s standards.
5. Transformer grounding should be in place at all times. It prevents the accumulation of static charges and protects the windings from coming in contact with the core or enclosures.
6. The transformer must be inspected periodically to ensure that no foreign nuts, bolts, or spare parts have fallen into it.
7. The electrical transformer and all of its components must be kept free from moisture at all times as any contact with water can prove to be hazardous.
8. A caution signage must be put up near the electrical transformer warning people to stay away from it so that workplace hazards are averted.
9. Anyone handling the electrical transformer must be familiar with the maximum use voltage requirements.
10. If any irregularity or abnormality is observed in the functioning of the electrical transformer, it must be shut off and all the cables and power cords must be unplugged before analyzing which part of the transformer is malfunctioning.
The electrical transformer is a very powerful device and an essential source of energy in any industry that runs operations using the aid of power but, there are several risks associated with this device. So, it is very important to take all important safety measures to prevent any equipment damage, electrical fire or fatal injury and to ensure that operations remain up and running at all times.
