What does a pad-mounted transformer do?

What does a pad-mounted transformer do?

Pad-mounted transformers, those big green utility boxes commonly seen around town, serve the purpose of lowering high voltage to standard household voltage used to power electronics, appliances and lighting. These transformers are not protected in the way overhead lines and substations are.

Are pad-mounted transformers liquid filled?

Pad-mount transformers are (nearly always) oil-filled units and so must be mounted outdoors only. The core and coils are enclosed in a steel oil-filled tank, with terminals for the transformer accessible in an adjacent lockable wiring cabinet. The wiring cabinet has high and low voltage wiring compartments.

What color are pad-mounted transformers?

green
Padmount transformers are green, metal utility boxes mounted on slabs of concrete near many homes and businesses. This equipment, which provides power for you and your neighbors, sits on an easement that allows OPPD to perform necessary maintenance work on it.

How long does a pad-mounted transformer last?

Transformers themselves are known to last very long due to their strong build and design from material to the main structure of the transformer. Residential pad-mounted transformers have an expected life span of more than 30 years.

How do you hide a pad on a mounted transformer?

Use gravel, wood chips, grass or low ground cover around the transformer. Flowers are okay but may get trampled if we have to work on it.

What are buried service cables from a pad-mounted transformer called?

Padmounted transformers are connected to underground utility distribution lines at what is called a “service drop”, in order to step down the primary voltage on the utility distribution line to the lower secondary voltage which is then supplied to a utility customer.

How do you hide a transformer in your backyard?

By placing decorative elements in front of or beside the transformer, you can block it from view and help distract from its appearance. Consider placing a large boulder or other decorative rock in front of the transformer box. Add other smaller boulders and gravel to create a rock garden around the transformer.

How do you hide the pads on a mounted transformer?

What are the green boxes in my yard?

Can I plant around the green box in my yard? You may have a green metal box near or in front of your home. These are called padmounted transformers and are a key part of the electrical system that delivers power to your home. They are only found in areas where electric service is buried underground.

How do you hide unsightly utility boxes?

Here are some simple ideas for how you can disguise these unsightly outdoor eyesores quickly and easily.

1. 1.) Go for a Garbage Can Shed.
2. 2.) Conceal an AC Unit.
3. 3.) Contain Clutter.
4. 4.) Corral the Garden Hose.
5. 5.) Mask Meters.
6. 6.) Cover Up Unsightly Cement.
7. 7.) Organize Garden Tools.
8. 8.) Strategically Place Garden Decor.