What should we know before a transformer catches fire?
As we all know, fire always make great losses.So, it's important for us to reduce the losses, especially for the electircal transformer manufacturer, power transformer manufacturer, ect. But when a transformer catches fire, we can't treat the fire with the same fire-fighting method.
First of all, different transformer capacities require different power fire extinguishers. For example, 5000kva transformer, 500kva transformer and 1kav transformer, there is no doubt that their fire-fighting methods are definitely different.The larger the capacity of the transformer, the greater the fire will be, so when it encounters fire, and the more powerful the fire extinguisher will be needed.
Secondly, when a transformer encounters a fire, we must distinguish the types of transformers. Because the cooling media of dry transformers and oil transformers are different, the development of the fire is also very different.
Here are the differences between the oil transformer and dry transformer:
1. Causes of Fire
Dry Transformer Fire:
It's typically caused by overload, short circuits, insulation aging, or external factors (for example mechanical damage, man-made destruction and so on).
Oil Transformer Fire:
It's often due to oil leakage, insulation breakdown, or external ignition sources. And in most cases, oil transformers are prone to evaporation and combustion at high temperatures.
2. Nature of the Fire
Dry Transformer:
It mainly involves the combustion of solid materials, and the fire results in smaller flames and less smoke.
Oil Transformer:
It often involves flammable liquids, leading to larger flames, significant fire intensity, and the toxic smoke.
3. Fire Extinguishing Methods
Dry Transformer:
It is moresuitable to be extinguished by using dry powder or carbon dioxide extinguishers.
Oil Transformer:
For effective firefighting, it requires specialized extinguishers (such as foam extinguishers) .
4. Consequences of Fire
Dry Transformer:
It may cause equipment damage but generally does not lead to large-scale fires.
Oil Transformer:
It once ignited, it can result in severe property damage and environmental pollution.
5. Fire Detection
Dry Transformer:
It may use temperature monitoring and condition monitoring devices.
Oil Transformer:
It typically equipped with oil temperature and level monitoring devices to detect leaks and overheating promptly.
Understanding these differences helps in taking effective measures during a fire incident to ensure safety.
After understanding these differences, we can better follow the process to extinguish the fire after the transformer catches fire.
