What does an electric pole transformer do?

Electric pole transformers are the standard breadbox transformers. They are used for converting distribution voltage to 120/240-volt power. Homes and low-volume commercial installations commonly use it.

What does a transformer actually do?

A transformer is an electrical apparatus designed to convert alternating current from one voltage to another. It can be designed to “step up” or “step down” voltages and works on the magnetic induction principle.

Why do power lines need transformers?

A transformer is an electrical apparatus that manipulates the level of voltage flowing through any point in a power grid. In a distribution system, the transformer decreases the voltage traveling through power lines to a level more suitable for residential and commercial use.

How long does a telephone pole last?

Most power poles are much older than their useful life expectancy, which is likely somewhere around 50 to 60 years. But some of them are much older. Metal and concrete poles can last much longer than wood, but eventually all utility poles need to be replaced.

How does power get to your house?

The electrical charge goes through high-voltage transmission lines that stretch across the country. It reaches a substation, where the voltage is lowered so it can be sent on smaller power lines. … The electricity travels through wires inside the walls to the outlets and switches all over your house.

What does it sound like when a transformer blows?

When a transformer fails, it will usually result in a loud boom, a power outage, and a fireball that creates a large plume of smoke.

What happens if a transformer blows?

When a transformer blows, it interrupts electrical service to any residences or businesses connected to the transformer. Electric service crews must replace the destroyed hardware, first shutting down the incoming electrical line to prevent damage and injury.

Do transformers draw power when not in use?

It turns out that these transformers consume power whenever they are plugged into the wall, whether they are connected to a device or not. They also waste power when powering a device. … The power consumption is not large — on the order of 1 to 5 watts per transformer.

How often do transformers explode?

Mineral oil, in turn, combusts explosively and rockets transformer scything into the air. Manhattan houses 35,000 underground and 47,000 overhead transformers for its 10 million residents, and of those 82,000, about 35 fail every year, McGee says.

Does a transformer sound like a gunshot?

A transformer is the “Optimus Prime” suspect behind the gunshot-like sounds heard Tuesday morning near Longfellow Middle School. … After a short inspection, police determined the popping sound came from transformers in the alley near the school — not the sound of a firearm going off.

Who do you call if a transformer blows?

When a transformer near you blows, call your utility company immediately. It’s likely that they are already aware of the failed transformer, but call them anyway and provide as much detail as possible. Technicians may take a few hours to a few days to fix the transformer depending on the weather and cause of failure.

How much does a transformer cost?

Power pole transformers cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 each, depending on how much electricity they’re designed to handle. The money comes from utility customers.

Why do transformers catch on fire?

The most common reason why transformers explode and burn is accidents caused by lightning strikes. … The first is an overload in the supply of electricity flowing into the transformer. And the second is the overheating of insulation fluid (mineral oil) past its flash point or fire point.

How long does it take to get power back after a transformer blows?

About 6 months to get back to normal.

What are my transformers worth?

Real-Time Online Price Guide Values for Transformers Toys
Figure (G1 Transformers) Sales Price
(1) Optimus Prime Sealed: $1800 Opened: $222 Loose: $117
(2) Megatron Sealed: No Data Opened: $225 Loose: $124
(3) Soundwave Sealed: $2300 Opened: $249 Loose: $54
(4) Starscream Sealed: $750 Opened: $194 Loose: $78

How long do pole mounted transformers last?

In the U.S. alone, analysts say the average age of a transformer on the grid is 35 years old, near the end of its typical lifecycle. Under ideal conditions, transformers are expected to operate for 30 to 40 years, while industrial transformers have a life expectancy of just 20 to 25 years.

Why would a transformer stop working?

Usually, a transformer fails only after another part in the electrical circuit shorts to ground or draws an unusually high amperage. In these cases, replacing the transformer without first finding and correcting the fault will only cause the transformer to fail again.

Are Transformers a good investment?

Although G1 Transformers have a high return margin, it is still a relatively little amount of money. You won’t be able to retire off of income generated by selling your Transformers. For that, you’re far better off investing in coastal real estate.

Are transformers worth collecting?

Kids who played with Transformers in the ’80s are now adults with money, and nostalgia can do wonders for the collectible toy market. Transformers toys that are still in good condition and have the box are now extremely valuable, and some of them can fetch 10 to 100 times their original price tag at auction.

How much is jetfire worth?

Transformers G1 Jetfire Price Guide
Type Average Price Qty Sold
Opened, Complete USD 278.01 107
No Package, Complete USD 140.31 244
Figure Only/Incomplete USD 34.52 106