Oil-Immersed Transformer Operation and Maintenance Precautions: Key Guidelines for Ensuring Safe and Long-Term Operation

Nov 25, 2025 Leave a message

As a core device in the power system responsible for voltage transformation and power transmission, the operation and maintenance quality of oil-immersed transformers directly affects the safety and stability of the power grid. Due to the high voltage, insulating oil, and complex structure involved, strict adherence to relevant precautions is essential during operation, monitoring, and maintenance to prevent accidents and extend service life.

 

Firstly, regarding the operating environment, ensure good ventilation and heat dissipation around the transformer, avoiding direct sunlight or proximity to heat sources to prevent excessively high ambient temperatures that could lead to oil temperature exceeding limits. For indoor installations, pay attention to moisture and dust prevention, and regularly check the ventilation openings and louvers of the building for blockages. For outdoor installations, focus on rain, salt spray, and wind and sand protection measures; if necessary, install protective canopies or apply protective coatings to reduce the corrosive effects of external media.

 

Secondly, the management of insulating oil is crucial. Insulating oil serves as both an insulating medium and a heat dissipation medium; oil deterioration significantly affects equipment performance. Regular sampling should be performed for breakdown voltage, moisture content, acid value, and dissolved gas analysis. If abnormal indicators are found, the oil should be filtered or replaced promptly. When adding oil, use only the same type and qualified product, and use vacuum oiling to avoid introducing air bubbles and moisture. Simultaneously, pay attention to the oil level gauge reading to prevent leakage or temperature changes from causing the oil level to drop too low, affecting insulation and cooling performance.

 

During operation monitoring, focus on load rate and temperature rise changes to avoid prolonged overload operation. Abnormal oil temperature increases may indicate poor internal contact, partial discharge, or cooling system failure; the cause should be identified and addressed immediately. Regularly monitor and observe sound and vibration; sudden abnormal noises or irregular vibrations are often precursors to mechanical or electrical faults.

 

Operation and maintenance must strictly adhere to safety procedures. Any work involving opening covers, removing cores, or touching live parts must be performed only after complete power outage, voltage testing, and proper grounding protection. During maintenance, prevent foreign objects from falling into the oil tank. When replacing sealing surfaces, use appropriate materials and tighten bolts evenly to prevent leakage.

 

Furthermore, pay close attention to the equipment's lightning protection and grounding system checks, ensuring the grounding resistance meets requirements and the surge arrester functions properly to withstand lightning strikes or operational overvoltage surges.

 

In general, the precautions for oil-immersed transformers cover environmental management, oil quality maintenance, operational monitoring, standardized operation, and safety protection. Only by fully implementing these measures can risks be effectively prevented, ensuring the safe, stable, and efficient operation of the equipment and providing reliable support for the power system.