Detection at a Glance
Detecting internal faults at low currents in pole type
distribution transformers can be difficult and dangerous for a line crew.
There now is a way for your crew to easily and quickly detect these faults.
A way that improves their safety, your service, and reduces operating costs
at the same time.
The Internal Fault Detector (IFD™) is an innovative
and reliable device that does exactly that. The IFD device tells the lineworker
at a glance if an internal fault has occurred.
How It Works
The IFD is a patented, extremely reliable safety device
for pole type transformers. When an internal fault occurs, the IFD releases
a highly visible orange signal
that crews can see from 60 feet (20 meters) away from the pole, even at night.
The signal alerts crews that the transformer should not be re-energized,
preventing a potential catastrophic failure and enhancing their safety.
Operating Principles
During an internal fault, the rate at which the pressure
rises is at least one thousand times faster than any other pressure rise that
might occur as a result of normal operating or external causes. This rapid
pressure rise then becomes a reliable means to detect internal transformer
faults.
Enhances Safety for Crew & Public
Re-energizing can be very hazardous if a transformer
contains an undetected internal fault. When the IFD has activated crews can
make more informed decisions quickly and no longer need to climb the pole
to inspect and attempt to detect internal faults, making operations safer.
Costs related to potential damage and litigation from the
public, utility, and cable/telephone workers for personal injuries can
also be greatly reduced, as well as costs for damages to surrounding equipment
and property, and lost manpower time.
Enhances Utility Performance
The IFD makes it easier to restore electrical power
for customers, especially during storms, high winds and extremes in temperatures.
Since utility personnel can quickly identify from the ground which
transformers need replacing, your customers benefit from fast restoration
of power. The IFD provides you with improved operating efficiencies, line
crew productivity, and reduces troubleshooting costs.
Cost-Savings
The IFD is a low-cost, simple addition to pole type
transformers. This investment in personnel safety and efficiency is quickly
recovered through reduced transformer life cycle costs. For example, reduced
costs from re-closing the fuse cutouts on a transformer with internal damage.
The IFD also incorporates a built-in pressure relief device (PRD) that
replaces the need for transformers to have a separate PRD.
Installing the IFD
The IFD is easy to install at the manufacturing
level, or can be easily retrofitted. Its non-intrusive design fits all
transformer tanks with ratings ranging from 10 kVA and above. It also uses
the same hole size and shape (1.34in.) as that used for installation of a
dual voltage switch in pole type transformers. For details on installation
see the IFD Installation
Information.
Reliability and Stability
The IFD is not affected by mechanical vibrations during
truck or rail transport, utility transformer installation, high winds, or
pole impacts. It also incorporates a removable shipping lock for transportation,
storage and field installation, ensuring that there are no "false positive"
operations. In addition, the IFD is non-resettable to prevent tampering once
activated. For detailed technical specifications see the IFD
Technical Specifications.
For detailed information on the IFD see the Product
Brochure, Technical
Specifications and FAQ
section.
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