APTP Articles

FM Approved Transformer Solutions

FM Approved transformers that comply with IEC 60076-2, ANSI/IEEE C57.12.00 and FM Approval Standard 3990 for liquid insulated transformers offer substantial fire safety with high flash and fire points of >300°C; the increased resilience of this type of additional protection may lower your property insurance costs.

FM approvals are globally available via qualified certification bodies that assure FM Approved products and services have been objectively tested and conform to the highest international standards. FM approved transformers provide higher safety protection, cost and environmental benefits and are widely used in defence, infrastructure, industrial and mining applications.

The transformer tanks built to this standard are capable of withstanding an internal pressure of 140 kPa for cylindrical type, 105 kPa and for rectangular type, without rupture and are equipped with pressure relief devices.

KEY FEATURES

Increased fire safety

As many distribution transformers are installed near or inside buildings in urban areas or next to critical infrastructure, it is paramount to ensure that fire safety measures are taken to avoid catastrophic failures with long-lasting consequences.

FM Approved distribution transformers use approved ester dielectric fluids, both of which are classified as K-class fluids with a high fire point of >300°C. The FM Approved less flammable transformer fluids represent a low fire hazard and can prevent or significantly reduce the extent of damage in the event of a transformer failure.

X= Minimum separation distance from inside edge of containment to wall. Figure 1: Minimum horizontal separation distance between outdoor liquid-insulated transformer and exposed walls of main buildings.

Reduced clearance and installation footprint

FM Approved distribution transformers can be installed next to a building or other transformers with a significantly reduced transformer separation clearance requirement of only 0.9 metres (per AS 2067 Table 6.1 – enhanced protection). There is no requirement for fire-rated or non-combustible segregation walls. As a result, these transformer solutions substantially reduce the transformer installation footprint and civil engineering costs.

About the Author

Wilson Transformer Company