Do you need your own Private Transformer?
|
|
Rating: 0 user(s) have rated this article
Posted by: westo,
on 2/7/2010,
in category "Layman Builder"
Views: this article has been read 378 times
Abstract: One of the common complaints of Nigerians especially those living in urban areas is that one is compelled to provide many services that are typically provided by Government.
One of the common complaints of Nigerians especially those living in urban areas is that one is compelled to provide many services that are typically provided by Government. Private Independent Power Production Plants (PIPP) in the form of inverters and generators; private waterworks in the shape of boreholes are some of the common examples. Lately, we have noticed that a number of homes, especially mansions, blocks of flats etc also have their own private transformers as opposed to the communal one provided by PHCN. The question is, do you need one as well for your home?
The role of electrical transformers is to either reduce or increase voltages to serve particular functions. Transformers consist of two sets of coils or windings that are connected to a ferromagnetic core. Electrical transformers can be single-phase or three-phase; the most commonly used transformers being the 3 phase power transformers and distribution transformers.
The power transformers have several configurations based on segments and links. The distribution transformer decreases the primary voltage of the electric distribution system so that it can be used by customer.
Many homes and businesses now have private transformers to be able to achieve a stable and useable voltage. The larger the load of a property the more likely it is that you will require a private transformer. This is because if the building is to rely on the public mains not only will the voltage produce be bad for the community it will most time overload the transformer thereby causing what is usually referred to as 'low voltage'.
Depending on the total load in the home, there are 100KVA, 200KVA, 300KVA, 400KVA, 500KVA and 750KVA transformers. A duplex fully fitted with electrical appliances like Deep Freezers, Television Sets, Air Conditioners etc for example would require a 100KVA transformer, the capacity of transformer to be used, however depends on the loadings of the home. If a home already uses appliances that consumes above 60KVA power it is advisable that such a home should go for a private transformer.
In terms of pricing, the cost of transformers can only be ascertained by the district offices of PHCN. It must nonetheless be said that the cost of transformers vary based on its capacity. In Nigeria, when a home has a private transformer, there is what is called Maximum Demand Billings. Such a house will be billed higher than other houses.
It is also important to note that the cost of installation of a transformer involves a lot more than buying the transformer, there are PHCN charges to be paid which is dependent on the size of the transformer, there are accessories to be bought such as Lighting Arrestors, D Fuses, Poles, Gear-Switches, Earthing Accessories, etc to get a proper and complete installation done.
Having a private transformer has numerous advantages especially if it is a high power consuming home as it has been ealier mentioned. Problems of voltage fluctuations will be properly taken care of and there will be a relatively stable supply. When using the public transformer in a house that consumes high power voltage, frequently you could lose some phases due to overloading on those phases but when you are have a private transformer, you do not lose any phase because the capacity of the transformers matches the loadings of your home. However, the only identifiable disadvantage with owning a private transformer is that if the transformer develops a fault, it affects your home alone because the transformer is connected only to your home.
In terms of installation, private transformers can be processed and installed by a registered electrical contractor. After getting the registered electrical contractor, the contractor makes an application to PHCN for permission and then PHCN will make some feasibility studies and survey on the vicinity around the home and choose a suitable site and position for the installation of the transformer.
After the transformer has been successfully installed, inspected and certified, PHCN will then commission it for use. Maintenance of the transformer can be done by a registered electrical contractor who installed the transformer or an application could be written to PHCN for maintenance of the transformer.
PHCN after receiving the application would want to know when the transformer is manufactured and the time it was installed; this will enable them know when the transformer is due for maintenance.