[blackdog]

Utility pole transformers have a 50 year life expectancy. 92% of those in service are 70 years old. The dielectric breakdown of a transformer is never slow or boring.

A lack of scheduled maintenance should not be a conspiracy theorists playground. This is entirely predictable. Mitsubishi has opened a plant to make them as fast as possible.

[Pontiac]

The dielectric breakdown of a transformer is never slow or boring.

Usually it is, if you are looking for it.

If you are doing regular sampling of the transformer’s oil you can detect the gases given off from the dielectric break down caused failing winding insulation and internal arching.

If you find it early you can take the failing transformer off and replace it before failure happen.

I work for an electric utility and we sample our big transformers on a regular bases.

Most transformer failures are caused by wild life. Four legged but occasionally two legged as well.