Transformer Fire Protection System
A transformer fire is a conflagration that starts inside & around a
transformer. A transformer is a unit of equipment that transfers
electric energy from one alternating current circuit (AC) to another
(or numerous others) while changing the voltage. Transformers are
an essential component of our infrastructure, having been
employed in the modern electrical grid.
Transformers are utilized for two major functions
• Step down the voltage of a typical power circuit to utilize it
in lower voltage devices.
• Increase a generator’s voltage to enable long-distance
travel.
Furthermore, two variables increase the probability and danger of
transformer fires. The initial factor is the large amount of electrical
energy that flows through a transformer, generating a significant
amount of heat. The second factor is that many transformers use
flammable mineral oil as
• Insulation and
• Cooling fluid.
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Causes of Fire in Transformers
Transformer fires are uncommon, but their damage is significant.
Even if a transformer involved in a fire is likely to be destroyed
practically instantly, the fire’s impact on surrounding equipment
and structures can be reduced and hence must be considered.
An uncontrolled fire can cause severe damage & result in a lengthy
and unannounced outage.
1. Excessive overheating, severe short circuits and oil leakage
issues can all cause transformer fires.
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2. Lightning, severe winds, & other extreme weather events
can cause damage to buildings and/or equipment,
potentially affecting interior transformers.
3. Depending on the transformer, mechanical failures may
include cable termination failure, internal arcing, tank
ruptures, (or) conductor tipping.
4. Transformer fires are also more likely when electrical
problems such as power surges, insufficient insulation, and
overvoltage exist.
Causes to Explode Transformers
There is an added risk of transformer explosion following electrical
fires, regardless of the cause of the sparks and fires in
transformers.
This is especially relevant for transformers that coolant and
insulator are made of mineral oil. Under certain conditions, the
mineral oil might burn quickly and explode.
This occurs when the mineral oil is warmed beyond the point of
continuous combustion or when a spark is present (such as in a
lightning strike or internal arcing).
Transformer Fire Protection Requirements
• Active transformer fire suppression systems should be
installed in new facilities with sizable, mineral-oil-filled
transformers close to the plant structure or other
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equipment. These systems will protect the surrounding
equipment and the structure itself, and containment
systems that are properly developed will protect the
environment.
• To lower the risk of fire and environmental damage,
extensive consideration should be given to placing
transformers containing mineral oil far from power plant,
other equipment, & waterways in new construction and, if
applicable, at existing power plants. If other factors permit,
aggressive fire suppression might not be required in these
conditions.
• To save plant structure & other equipment, existing, working
fire suppression systems should be kept in place but should
be evaluated for sufficiency and conformity with current
codes and regulations.
• After being checked for sufficiency and conformity with
current codes and standards, inactive fire suppression
systems must be put back into service.
• Where necessary, fire suppression systems need to be added
to already-existing buildings to protect other equipment or
the plant’s structure.
• Testing, maintenance, & inspection of transformers should be
performed on a routine basis, and they should also be
subjected to regular condition evaluations. Transformers that
have low condition indices ought to be scheduled for
replacement or repair.
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• In order to limit a fire and explosion and lessen collateral
damage, fire walls should be erected where practical and
appropriate between nearby transformers, across
transformers & the plant structure, across single-phase
transformers, (or) across transformers and other equipment.
• Suction system testing, maintenance, and operation must be
done correctly.
• All relevant laws, rules, and standards must be followed by
containment & oil-water separation structures.
• Transformer access will be restricted to individuals
conducting official activities in the surrounding. There will be
limits on the public’s proximity to transformers.
• Environmental legislation that apply must be taken into
consideration.
Extinguish (Stop) a Transformer Fire
In case a transformer fire breaks out, there are a number of
standard ways that can be used to manage or put out the fire. This
includes:
1). Water-Based Systems (Sprinkler System)
2). Direct Release System
3). Indirect Release Systems
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1). Water-Based Systems (Sprinkler System)
One technique is to install a sprinkler system around transformers.
Depending on the application, there are multiple types of water-
based transformer fire prevention systems, such as deluge, fixed
water spray, water mist, & pre-action water mist. Water is a
frequent suppression method, however it is inefficient, especially
in locations where water could damage other electrical systems
& equipment.
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2). Direct Release System
A direct release suppression system is an alternative to water-
based systems that employs a specific suppressant that is
compressed in a canister attached to a detecting tube. If a fire starts,
the detecting tube degrades, allowing the suppression chemical to
be released and swiftly working to extinguish the fire.
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3). Indirect Release Systems
An indirect release system operates similarly, except that when the
suppressant is released, it is distributed across a much broader
area, making indirect release systems preferred in situations when
a larger region may be affected.
Components of a Fire Protection System
1. Fire Alarm Activating Devices: These trigger fire
suppression systems in the event of a fire. They include gear
like sprinkler flow switches & manual pull stations.
2. Fire Notification Devices: Fire alarms, strobing lights
(or) horns are used to notify building inhabitants that a fire
has broken out.
3. Alarm Monitoring Systems: These automatically notify
fire departments (or) other emergency personnel in the
event of a fire.
4. Suppressive Delivery Methods: These supply fire
suppressive measures to the fire and include equipment
such as sprinkler heads and pipework.
5. Primary & Backup Power Sources: These generate the
power required for active fire suppression systems. Backup
power supplies provide functioning during power
interruptions.
6. Alarm Control Panels: These allow emergency personnel
to turn off fire alert devices once a fire has been
extinguished.
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Transformer Fire Protection System Test
The fire protection system is tested in a separate manner.
The following are some of the testing methods used to evaluate the
system.
1). Manual activation valve test
2). Push-button testing for the control room
3). A valve release system near transformer.
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Advantages of Fire Protection Systems
• When a fire catches the transformer, the fire
protection system activates, preventing the fire from
spreading to other areas.
• This design is highly adaptable and may be used for wide
open areas. It is also cost-effective when using water.
• Reduce the fumes, and further pollution enters the air.
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