Detection of internal arcing faults in distribution transformers

Utilities are continually looking for ways to increase safety, reliability, and line crew productivity in the distribution system. One area that is now capable of meeting these goals is the rapid detection of internal faults in pole top and pad mounted distribution transformers. This paper will cover a technical overview of internal faults in distribution transformers, and current industry practices used to troubleshoot and identify faulted transformers. It will also describe recent advances in internal fault detection technology for distribution transformers, as well as the bottom line economic impact of using rapid fault detection to provide a smarter distribution system in terms of safety, reliability, and productivity.