Transformer Radiator - Paint

Really? I've seen many painted transformer radiators.

http://www.puminc.com/flow_coating_transformers.php

You CAN paint transformer radiators.

Painting Of Transformers And Circuit Breakers - Bureau of ...

I recommend mat black or black wrinkle paint for indoors.

White for outdoors.

nee yaaru da recommend pandradhuku, enaku venum na paint adika poren... adhulayum black paint recommend panraaru, enaku pudicha colour yellow dhaa,adhaa adika porean

Don't drink the paint thinner.

Says who?

Most of our (transmission and distribution class transformers) are painted and the rest are galv. electroplated (or similar).

I would ask the manufacturer of the transformer.

They might have a protective coating already in place. They might just be looking for any reason to void the warranty. Then again they may have already had a customer that put too many coats of paint on that the radiator no longer cooled sufficiently and a transformer fire developed.

The one that says its not recommended is most likely the one who has to paint it!

The OEM may paint the radiator. But they spec out a paint that will not retarded the heat dissipation. For the OEM say it's okay to paint would have the consumer placing layer upon layers of paint on the radiator until the heat transfer is poor and the unit over heats. Then they have to deal with the consumer complaints as the transformers fail. Just easier to tell you not to paint it.

1) If the cooling fans are running the painter could inadvertently be contaminated with and/or covered by paint.

2) Doing so would place the painter too close to energized overhead conductors.

3) If old paint is not correctly removed before applying new paint to the radiator(s) surfaces then after several coats are applied, the layers of paint could decrease heat transfer capacity of the radiator components.

Not keeping transformer radiator components clean and painted can result in oxidation and subsequent failure of the radiator(s).

Re: 1 and 2) No-one in his/her right mind would issue a Permit To Work document in those circumstances!

PTW?

Don't be silly, you don't need them when life is cheap.

So you are saying only a left handed person would issue such a permit?

Hey that remark is completely sinister!

EDIT:My previous post:

So you are saying only a left handed person would not issue such a permit?

I agree but you would be surprised at what I have witnessed over the years especially at remote sites.

At one remote generation station I noticed a plant fire marshal walking around in circles next to the 22KV-500KV step up transformer when I arrived on site.

I approached him and asked what was going on.

He proceeded to tell me that the transformer bushings were dirty and he was going to turn the fire water deluge system on then take a high pressure hose fed off the fire hydrant and wash the bushings down.

The transformer was energized at the time (500KV) and there would have certainly been at least one fatality had I arrived a few minutes later.

You never know what someone is thinking about doing until you ask.

I've seen atomised water used for insulator cleaning.

I take it you didn't hang around to see what happened?

Actually, you did bring up some valid safety arguments. Spray painting anywhere near a high tension output transformer will most likely cause corona discharge up to arc flash, and the painter will be dead on site.

Any time such equipment is in need of corrosion protection, the OEM should (or must be) consulted to ensure that pertinent national codes are followed, and the unit remains in compliance, otherwise failure and safety issues will arise.

The OEM may require the unit be returned to their facilities for corrosion protection rehabilitation. Also consider the environment where the equipment is sited. Too near the drift from a cooling tower is always a bad idea.

There probably is a reason. The best source of advice is the individual making the non-recommendation. How about using the telephone to talk to that individual without bothering anyone at CR4?

Please provide a source for this piece of misinformation and the reasons behind it. In general most large power transformers and their radiators are coated to both protect the underlying metal and to aid in providing the desired heat transfer characteristics based upon the operational and environmental ambient conditions.

Maybe the source is here:

I fear you may be correct and the OP has passed out due to over indulgence.

If this is anything to go by http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/90720 confusion reins supreme in his mind.

I remember now.

He shouldn't be able to do that much damage, or could he?

Probably not with paint.

Oil based spray paint near a high voltage line....

This could very well have been a general interest question where the OP was told or read one thing and was asking us as to the why, having no need or intention of following through.

Although I don't see how you could order an unpainted or coated transformer from a transformer manufacturer. Can you even buy stainless steel tank transformers?

Not to worry, the transformer manufacturers will set him straight if he tries to order them unpainted (that or the customer when the steel tank rusts before it is even installed).