Pt C, Ch 2, Sec 5
SECTION 5 TRANSFORMERS
1 Constructional and operational
requirements
1.1 Construction
1.1.1 Transformers, except those for motor starting, are to
be double wound (two or more separate windings).
1.1.2 Transformers are normally to be of the dry, air-cooled
type.
1.1.3 When a forced air cooling system is used, an alarm is
to be activated in the event of its failure.
1.1.4 Liquid-cooled transformers may be used provided
that:
• the liquid is non-toxic and of a type which does not
readily support combustion
• the construction is such that the liquid is not spilled in
inclined position
• temperature and pressure relief devices with an alarm
are installed
• drip trays or other suitable arrangements for collecting
the liquid from leakages are provided
• a liquid gauge indicating the normal liquid level range
is fitted.
1.1.5 Transformers are to have enclosures with a degree of
protection in accordance with Ch 2, Sec 3, Tab 2.
1.2 Terminals
1.2.1 Suitable fixed terminal connections are to be pro-
vided in an accessible position with sufficient space for
convenient connection of the external cables.
1.2.2 Terminals are to be clearly identified.
1.3 Voltage variation, short-circuit condi-
tions and parallel operation
1.3.1 Under resistive load (cos  = 1), the voltage drop
from no load to full load is not to exceed 2,5%.
Table 1 : Temperature rise limits for transformers
N° Part of machine
1 Windings
2 Cores and other parts:
a) in contact with the windings
b) not in contact with the windings
58
For transformers with a power lower than 5 kVA per phase,
this voltage drop is not to exceed 5%.
An exception is made for special transformers, such as start-
ing and instrument transformers, for which a different volt-
age variation may be considered.
1.3.2 In determining the voltage ratio and the impedance
voltage of transformers, account is to be taken of the total
permitted voltage drop from the main switchboard’s busbars
to the consumers (see Ch 2, Sec 3, [9.11.4]).
1.3.3 Transformers are to be constructed to withstand,
without damage, the thermal and mechanical effects of a
secondary terminal short-circuit for 2 s, with rated primary
voltage and frequency.
For transformers of 1 MVA and over, this is to be justified
with appropriate tests or documentation.
1.3.4 When transformers are so arranged that their second-
ary windings may be connected in parallel, their winding
connections are to be compatible, their rated voltage ratios
are to be equal (with tolerances allowed) and their short-cir-
cuit impedance values, expressed as a percentage, are to
have a ratio within 0,9 to 1,1.
When transformers are intended for operation in parallel,
the rated power of the smallest transformer in the group is to
be not less than half of the rated power of the largest trans-
former in the group.
1.4 Electrical insulation and temperature
rise
1.4.1 Insulating materials for windings and other current
carrying parts are to comply with the requirements of Ch 2,
Sec 2.
1.4.2 All windings of air-cooled transformers are to be suit-
ably treated to resist moisture, air salt mist and oil vapours.
1.4.3 The permissible limits of temperature rise with an
ambient air temperature of 45°C for (natural or forced) air-
cooled transformers are given in Tab 1. The temperature
rises shown for windings refer to measurement by the resis-
tance method while those for the core refer to the thermom-
eter method.
Temperature rise by class of insulation, in °C
A E B F H
55 70 75 95 120
a) the same values as for the windings
b) in no case is the temperature to reach values such as to damage
either the core itself or other adjacent parts or materials
Bureau Veritas April 2009
 Pt C, Ch 2, Sec 5

1.4.4 For dry-type transformers cooled with an external liq- 2 Testing

uid cooling system, the permissible limits of temperature
rise with a sea water temperature of 32°C are 13°C higher
than those specified in Tab 1.
1.4.5 For liquid-cooled transformers, the following temper-
ature rises measured by the resistance method apply:
• 55°C where the fluid is cooled by air
• 68°C where the fluid is cooled by water.
1.5 Insulation tests
1.5.1 Transformers are to be subjected to a high voltage test
in accordance with the procedure defined in IEC publica-
tion 60076-3.
2.1 General
2.1.1 On new transformers intended for essential services
the tests specified in [2.2] are to be carried out.
2.1.2 The manufacturer is to issue a test report giving, inter
alia, information concerning the construction, type, serial
number, insulation class and all other technical data rele-
vant to the transformer, as well as the results of the tests
required.
Such test reports are to be made available to the Society.

1.5.2 The test voltage is to be applied between each wind-

ing under test and the other windings not under test, core
and enclosure all connected together.
Single-phase transformers for use in a polyphase group are
to be tested in accordance with the requirements applicable
to that group.
1.5.3 The r.m.s. value of the test voltage is to be equal to
2 U + 1000 V, with a minimum of 2500 V, where U is the
rated voltage of the winding. The full voltage is to be main-
tained for 1 minute.
1.5.4 Partially rewound windings are to be tested at 80% of
the test voltage required for new machines.
1.5.5 The insulation resistance of a new, clean and dry
transformer, measured after the temperature rise test has
been carried out (at or near operating temperature) at a volt-
age equal to 500 V d.c., is to be not less than 5 M.
1.5.6 Transformers are to be subjected to an induced volt-
age insulation test by applying to the terminals of the wind-
ing under test a voltage equal to twice the rated voltage. The
duration of the test is to be 60 s for any test frequency fp up
to and including twice the rated frequency fn.
If the test frequency exceeds twice the rated frequency, the
test time in seconds will be 120 fn / fp with a minimum of
15 s.
2.1.3 In the case of transformers which are completely
identical in rating and in all other constructional details, it
will be acceptable for the temperature rise test to be per-
formed on only one transformer.
The results of this test and the serial number of the tested
transformer are to be inserted in the test reports for the other
transformers.
2.1.4 Where the test procedure is not specified, the
requirements of IEC 60076 apply.
2.1.5 The tests and, if appropriate, manufacture of trans-
formers of 100 kVA and over (60 kVA when single phase)
intended for essential services are to be attended by a Sur-
veyor of the Society.
Transformers of 5 kVA up to the limit specified above are
approved on a case by case basis, at the discretion of the
Society, subject to the submission of adequate documenta-
tion and routine tests.
2.2 Tests on transformers
2.2.1 Tests to be carried out on transformers are specified
in Tab 2.

Table 2 : Tests to be carried out on transformers

N° Tests Type test (1) Routine test (2)

1 Examination of the technical documentation, as appropriate, and visual inspection (3) X X
2 Insulation resistance measurement X X
3 Voltage drop X X
4 High voltage test X X
5 Temperature rise measurement X
6 Induced voltage test X X
7 Voltage ratio X X
(1) Type test on prototype transformer or test on at least the first batch of transformers.
(2) The certificates of transformers routine tested are to contain the manufacturer’s serial number of the transformer which has been
type tested and the test result.
(3) A visual examination is to be made of the transformer to ensure, as far as practicable, that it complies with technical
documentation.

April 2009 Bureau Veritas 59