Components of Overhead Distribution System

# 1: Primary Wires

The primary or main wires are located at the

top of the pole. These lines link to adjacent
substations and may carry voltages ranging
from 7,200 to 34,500 volts, with the most
typical voltage being 12,000 volts.

If the power is traveling to a house, there is just

one wire. There are three wires for companies
and offices, as these organizations need more
electricity.

The principal wires are supported by a cross-

arm framework. Insulators maintain them in
place and prevent the wires from energizing
both the cross-arm and the pole.
# 2: Lightning  Arrestors
Lightning arrestors are cylindrical devices
located beneath the main wires. These shield the electric pole and all of its components
from lightning damage.
# 3: Cut-Outs
The cut-out is roughly the same height as a lightning arrestor. In your house, a cut-out is
analogous to a fuse. It prevents too much power from reaching the pole and its
apparatus. Any anything that comes into touch with a wire, whether it a tree limb, a bird,
or a squirrel, causes the cut-out to open, visibly indicating that there is an issue with that
part of the line. Call your electricity company if you find a cut-out open.
# 4: Transformers
A transformer is a piece of equipment that looks like a can and is located beneath the
cutout. It grades down the power from the top of the pole's wires to the lower levels
required for a home or business.
# 5: Neutral Wires

The neutral wire is a copper wire that runs beneath the transformer. This does not imply
that touching it is safe! The neutral wire is a return line that returns to the substation and
assists in balancing the quantity of electricity sent throughout the system. Our
appliances may get too much or too little power without this neutral line, causing harm.
# 6: Secondary Wires
The secondary wire is located beneath the neutral wire. The power is transported
through the secondary line at a lower voltage of 120 or 240 volts after passing via the
pole-mounted transformer.
# 7: Phone and Cable Wires
The phone and cable cables are located beneath the secondary wires. They are usually
the pole's lowest wires. Phone and cable cables are still dangerous to touch since they
might get electrified if they come into contact with a fallen power line, for example.
# 8: Copper Grounds
Copper grounds are located at the bottom of the pole. These are protection devices that
divert energy into the ground.
If there were ever any issues with the pole's equipment, the electricity would be drawn
to the copper grounds, which are conductive and would conduct it to the earth.
# 9: Guy Wires
Finally, depending on the location, another bigger wire called a guy wire may extend off
at an angle into the earth on some poles. These are used to keep the poles in place.
Guy wires are generally wrapped with an insulator to protect humans and animals
wandering past them. To make the cable more visible, the lower end, where it enters
the ground, is frequently wrapped in a sheath of yellow plastic reflector.
Distribution Transformer
A distribution transformer is a transformer that performs the ultimate voltage
transformation in a distribution system. It lowers the transmission line voltage to 240
volts, which is suitable for residential and commercial applications. The transformers are
pole-mounted if the transmission lines are above ground, and they are pad-mounted if
the transmission lines are underground, as they are in many suburban areas.
Distribution Transformer Construction

A. Hand Hole – The hand hole, as the name indicates, allows a technician to reach
inside the tank to tap changers/mechanisms without having to open the cover. For
convenience, most contemporary transformers have tap changers situated outside the
tank.

B. Lifting Lugs – This is used for lifting, either with a hoist or a crane, where the
hook/rope is linked.
C. Terminal Markings (Secondary) – The markings provide identification about the
terminals of a transformer.

D. LV Bushing – The bushing is made of porcelain. It serves as the output and is the
low voltage side of the transformer, which usually supplies power on
residential/commercial establishments.

E. Ground Tap – As the name implies, this is where the grounding of the transformer is
connected.

F. Transformer Markings – Are markings which indicate the capacity (in Kilovolt-
amperes) of a transformer and its voltage output.

G. Radiator Fins – This is a transformer's cooling system. The cooling method of a

transformer is determined by its size or rating. The more cooling methods are
employed, the higher the rating. Keep in mind that maintaining the transformer's
functionality for an extended period of time necessitates maintaining a constant
temperature.

H. Casing (Tank) – It is generally made of steel. It encloses the core-coil and is the
container for the liquid coolant/insulant.

I. HV Bushing – This is the bushing for the high voltage side of the transformer. It is
usually made of solid porcelain. This is the input of the transformer.

J. Pressure Relief Device – This is a spring loaded device which releases excess
pressure.

K. Mounting Lugs – This is usually used if the transformer is mounted on poles. It is

connected on a transformer cluster which is connected on a pole.

L. Tap Changer – This sets the ratio of the HV and LV windings. Most distribution
transformers have taps ± 5%, ± 2.5% and 0.

M. Nameplate – Contains all data about the distribution transformer it is connected to.

N. Core – Part of a transformer that serves as a path for the flow of magnetic flux.
There are two types of transformer core, the Shell type and the Core type.

 Core Type – The core is in the form of a rectangular frame with coils placed on
two vertical sides. They are divided, part of each primary and secondary on each
of the two vertical legs.
  Shell Type – The core surrounds the coils, instead of the coils surrounding the
core.

O. Windings – Arrangement of conductors wound on an insulating form with each turn

insulated from all the other turns. This usually determines the rating of the transformer
as the winding is designed by the amount of current it can carry.

Types of Distribution Transformer

Based on the application or requirement, these transformers are categorized into

different types like single phase, three phases, underground, pad-mounted, pole-
mounted transformers.

Single Phase

These transformers are designed for networks that do not require a three-phase supply.
Typically, they are utilized in residential settings to fix overhead distribution loads.
These can also be used for industrial lights, light commercial loads, and electricity.

single-phase-transformer
Three Phase

A transformer of this type is used to transfer electrical energy from a main distribution
circuit to a minor distribution circuit. This transformer transfers current to a secondary
distribution circuit while also lowering the primary distribution circuit's voltage. Based on
the consumer's needs, these transformers lower the voltage supply for the primary

circuit. three-phase-transformer
This voltage is always changing and might be different for users in commercial,
residential, and light industries. These transformers operate at various voltage and
frequency levels, depending on the standards in place in different countries. These
transformers come in single-phase and three-phase configurations. In residential
applications, single-phase is utilized, whereas 3-phase with a pad is used in
subterranean primary circuits.

Pad-Mounted

A lockable steel cabinet is arranged on a concrete pad in this sort of transformer. This
transformer is used in areas where there isn't enough room for a gated enclosure. This
transformer is used with electric power distribution lines at an overhead electrical line to
lower the primary voltage so that customers may get power. A single transformer of this
sort may power a big building or numerous houses. This transformer has a power rating
of 75 kVA to 5000 kVA and contains fixed switches and fuses.
 pad-mounted
Pole Mounted

These transformers are positioned at the height of the overhead cables on an electrical
service pole. These are used to convert high distribution voltage to low voltage, such as
120/240 volts. These transformers are utilized in a wide range of rural settings, ranging
from 16 kVA to 100 kVA. These come in a compact package and are simple to install on
single-pole constructions. When utilized in distant regions, these transformers are
dependable in severe conditions.
 pole-mounted
Transformer tanks can be formed and shielded from corrosive elements and water
buildup. Tanks can be shielded against zinc showers in coastal locations, although
stainless tanks are utilized in extremely corrosive places.

Uses/Applications

The uses of the distribution transformer include the following.

• This transformer, which is used in homes and businesses, converts high voltage
electricity to low voltage energy.
• Its major function is to step down the voltage to create isolation between two windings,
such as primary and secondary.
• This transformer transfers electricity generated by power plants to faraway locations.
• In general, this transformer delivers electrical energy to businesses with lower voltages
(less than 33 kV) and 440 volts to 220 volts for household use.
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Electronic Projects for Engineering Students. https://www.elprocus.com/what-is-a-

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Distribution transformer - Energy Education. (2018). Energyeducation.ca.

https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Distribution_transformer

https://www.facebook.com/jblogarithm. (2020, July 21). Basic Parts of a Distribution

Transformer - Pinoy Electrical Engineer. Pinoy Electrical Engineer.

https://pinoyelectricalengineer.com/basic-parts-of-a-distribution-transformer/