Oil type transformer maintenance checklist

DGA acts as your transformer’s “blood test,” revealing internal problems before they cause failure. It detects gases like hydrogen, methane, and acetylene that form during electrical faults, overheating, or partial discharges. These gases indicate specific issues—from minor overheating to dangerous arcing—allowing you to address problems before they escalate to catastrophic failure.

First, assess the leak’s severity and location. For minor seepage, monitor closely while scheduling maintenance. For active leaks, contain the spill using appropriate materials, document with photos, and arrange immediate repair. Check oil levels to ensure adequate transformer protection, and follow environmental regulations for cleanup. Never operate a transformer with significant oil loss.

Look for discolored or bubbled paint on the transformer tank, burnt odors, unusual noise (particularly crackling), excessive top oil temperature readings, or thermal imaging hotspots. Check for sooty deposits around gaskets or vents, and inspect bushings for discoloration. Overheating often indicates cooling problems, overloading, or internal electrical issues that require prompt investigation to prevent insulation breakdown.