What safety precautions should be taken when installing a power transformer?

Power transformers are key equipment in the power system, and their safe installation is essential to ensure the normal operation of the power system and personal safety. When installing a distribution transformer, the following safety precautions should be taken:

1. Site selection and preparation

** Site selection**: The transformer should be installed in a dry, well-ventilated place away from fire and flammable materials. The site should have a good drainage system to prevent water from soaking the equipment.

** Foundation preparation**: The foundation of the transformer installation site should be solid and stable, ensure sufficient bearing capacity, and keep it level. An earthquake-proof foundation should be set on the foundation to reduce the impact of earthquakes or other vibrations on the transformer.

2. Equipment inspection

After the transformer arrives at the site, a detailed inspection should be carried out. The inspection includes but is not limited to:

- Appearance inspection: Check whether the transformer casing is damaged, deformed or rusted.

- Accessory inspection: Check whether the random accessories are complete, damaged or missing.

- Insulation inspection: Use an insulation resistance tester to test the insulation resistance between the winding and the ground to ensure good insulation.

3. Safety measures during installation

**Equipment handling**: When carrying the transformer, professional lifting equipment must be used, and manual handling is strictly prohibited. During the handling process, the transformer should be kept stable to avoid collisions and severe vibrations.

**Grounding measures**: The transformer should be grounded first after installation. The grounding device should comply with relevant standards to ensure that the metal casing and other metal parts of the transformer are reliably grounded to prevent leakage accidents.

**Protective measures**: A cordon should be set up at the installation site, and non-staff members are not allowed to enter. Construction workers should wear personal protective equipment such as safety helmets, protective gloves, and insulating shoes. It is strictly prohibited to work under the influence of alcohol and work under fatigue.

4. Electrical connection

**Connection check**: Before making electrical connections, confirm that the power supply has been disconnected again. Electrical connections should be made in accordance with design drawings and standard specifications to ensure that each terminal is firmly connected and not loose.

**Insulation protection**: All connecting cables should have good insulation protection to avoid exposed conductor parts. After the connection is completed, it should be wrapped with insulating tape or insulating sleeves.

5. Trial operation and commissioning

After the transformer is installed, the following tests and commissioning should be carried out:

- **No-load test**: Start the transformer without load and check whether there is any abnormal sound, odor or heating phenomenon.

- **Load test**: Gradually increase the load, observe the operating status of the transformer, and ensure that the voltage and current are within the normal range.

- **Protection device test**: Test the overload protection, short-circuit protection and other devices of the transformer to ensure their normal function.

6. Emergency measures

During the installation and commissioning process, a detailed emergency plan should be formulated. Including emergency power outage measures, fire emergency treatment, emergency evacuation plan for personnel, etc. The construction site should be equipped with sufficient fire-fighting equipment and ensure that the passage is unobstructed.

The installation process of the electrical transformer involves multiple links, and each link needs to be operated strictly in accordance with standards and specifications. Only under the premise of ensuring equipment and personal safety can the stable operation of the power system be guaranteed. By selecting a suitable site, conducting a comprehensive equipment inspection, taking necessary safety measures and conducting strict trial operation and commissioning, safety hazards can be effectively reduced and the reliable operation of the power transformer can be ensured.