How to choose a pole transformer

Pole-mounted transformers are those generally used by utilities that are highly positioned at wire height on a wooden or concrete electrical service pole. This type of electricity transformer is mainly suspended on poles in an outdoor setting. These transformers are vital to the delivery of power to residential areas.

What Are The Types Of Pole Mounted Transformers?

There are two types of pole mounted transformers: single phase pole mounted and three phase pole mounted transformers.

Single Phase Pole Mounted Transformer

Technically, there are more models of single phase pole mounted transformers within a neighborhood. Each residence has its own single-phase transformer. The single phase pole mounted transformer is more common in homes, whereas the three-phase system is more common in commercial and industrial settings.

In a single-phase system, electricity travels only via one wire, while the other is then used as a neutral. Single-phase pole-mounted transformer power supplies only provide a trickle of juice to your home's equipment. The power flow in a single-phase system drops to zero as seen by the sinusoidal curve.

Three Phase Pole Mounted Transformers

Typically, three distinct parts make up a pole mounted three phase transformer. Electricity is highly produced using three-phase transformers. If needed, they produce massive amounts of power. They are simple to build and function as AC power converters. A three-phase transformer is an unconnected machine that transfers power from its main winding to its secondary winding. It changes the voltage from high to low or low to high. As opposed to single-phase motors, which need brushes and start capacitors to get going, three-phase induction motors can turn around in a second.

Pole Mounted Substation

In the case of outdoor distribution substations, pole mounted substations is a type of substation that is often constructed on poles.

This substation design is the cheapest, smallest, and easiest to install. There is no requirement for a structure to house this substation. 

This pole-mounted substation supplies most of the electricity for our home.

Moreover, pole mounted transformers are highly engineered to last, despite being primarily stationed in harsh environments. 

Their tanks are highly constructed with the prevention of rust and mildew in mind.

It can withstand extreme corrosive environments due to 3CR12 steel components.

Oftentimes, you can see models such as single phase pole mounted transformers.

Yet, a three phase pole mounted transformer can only have so many bushings due to the vector designs.

How Do Pole-Mounted Transformers Work?

Pole mounted transformers are on concrete poles so that the electricity they generate is equally transmitted perpendicular to the electrical lines.

To make the high power more manageable, these transformers step it down to 400V. 

In most cases, engineers favor these pole mounted transformers due to their lightweight and minimal aesthetics. 

Larger units require two poles, however, smaller ones that are less than 5 meters in height may be generally fixed securely on buildings that only require a single pole.

As a result, both humans and animals are generally protected from harm, and acts of damage are less likely to take place.

How Does A Pole Mounted Transformer Operate?

When a transformer is functioning correctly, current flows into the inductor coil, which is often linked to a metal. 

This coil can successfully focus the electrical current from the other coil. 

Because of this, it flows in its own direction and produces a fluctuating electric current.

Pole mounted transformer insulators are generally hardwired into the power grid at the station. To connect the devices, the go switch must be mainly switched on.

Because of potential sparking problems, certain pole mounted transformers do not have an ON button. 

Power Plant Distribution

At a power plant, voltage is generally increased to several hundred thousand volts. 

The voltage is then reduced to a few thousand volts somewhere near residential houses. These substations seem like fenced-in lots filled with enormous transformers and insulators. 

Power is then transmitted to your neighborhood through poles or conduits. There, it gets reduced to 120/240 V and is mainly wired into your home. 

Electricians usually refer to them as "pole pigs." Electricity may be generally distributed from a single pole pig to several dwellings.