Transformer Protection

[Isbtanwir]

Hi,
I would like to know is there any specific section in NFPA 15 or 850 or IBC that specifically says that all transformers shall be protected by water spray system for outdoor or indoor installation and where transformer has oil capacity 500 U.S gallor less or more. I know NFPA 15 mentions water spray but it does not mentions whether it is required or not and if required (is it for big transformers or small in terms of their oil capacity).
Thank you for help.

 

[chicopee]

If I remember correctly, insurance safety inpectors wanted no sprinkler protection in transormer rooms.

 

[stookeyfpe]

No such provision exists in the International Building Code. Your code analysis should include a review of the NFPA 70 requirements for oil-filled transformers.

 

[Isbtanwir]

Hi stookeyfpe, I thought transformer protection was addressed in NFPA 15 / 850. I never thought about NFPA 70 but I should look into it. Can you advise me a specific section of NFPA 70 related to transformer protection. In terms of building code, the project i am involved in is regulated by Alberta Building Code, it does mention water suppression system for electrical equipment but not much detail. But in certain situations, it does refer to NFPA codes for reference that is why I am looking to find specific guidelines in NFPA water spray protection for transformers. I have one transformer with 1310 gallons of oil and one transformer with 475 gallons of oil, and both are outdoor. But crazy thing is that Alberta local electrical code allows "no fire wall" between the transformer and mentions fire separation of only 3 Meters from adjacent transformers and 6 Meter from the building. I am tempted to have a spray system to transformers in this situation but have to justify my position to project engineering team from Alberta building code (ABC) or NFPA. Thanks for giving me specific references to NFPA or ABC code for transformer protection.

 

[stookeyfpe]

Generally speaking, the decision for when water spray protection of oil-filled transformers is required is between the electric utility and their insurance company. I'm unaware of any specific requirements in the model fire codes. Provisions for these systems may exist in other NFPA standards, but I'm relatively sure that NFPA 70 doesn't require it.

I have very limited experience with Canadian construction codes so good look in your analysis.

 

[chicopee]

NFPA 70 is the electrical code, so I would be very surprised if it included sprinkler protection for transformer rooms.

 

[chicopee]

I think that providing sprinkler protection for outdoor transformers either oil ( synthetic type) filled or dry type is preposterous. These units are enclosed in steel shells and unlikely to catch fire.

 

[LCREP]

Transformers Never burn ..... REALLY??

Link

Make sure you have the sound on so you can hear the explosion. The liquid you see coming out before the explosion is oil.

****************************************
Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[stookeyfpe]

Transformers never burn?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/erewhon/521562324/

 

[chicopee]

I did not say "never burn"; I said "unlikely to burn" a big difference in the English language.

 

[DavidCR]

Transformer protection with NFPA 15 spray is addressed as a recommendation on NFPA 850, IEEE979. Industrial standards defines if it is mandatory or not. For example check criteria from Reclamation (just google "reclamation transformer protection" or

http://www.usbr.gov/power/data/fist/fist3_32/fist3-32.pdf.

It is an insurance stuff issue, or a company directive.

Insurance inspectors give a lot of importance on oil spill containment (check IEEE980) and fire walls in general.

The risk of fire/explosion is related to the inspection and maintenance of the transformer. In my country Costa Rica the inspection and maintenance is very good since there is a big very good lab that do most of the maintenance of mostly all of the transformers here, and mostly all use the same naphtenic modern oil, even it is not a fire safe oil, it is very safe from the operation point of view, we have never had a big transformer fire. Only small incidents you can count with the hand in the last 60 years.

I work for an electric facility and in general we use spray protection, due to the amount of oil stored where the transformer is critical for business, where fire walls or containment installations of existing facilities does not go with the code.