4 Responses to “Why do transformers blow in an ice storm? Won’t the same happen to a standby generator?”

1. Brian R Cross on August 1st, 2009 1:21 am
   

   Generators Feedback: Transformers exlode due to a serries of events that starts with fallen power lines or lines that are stressed from the weight of the ice on them or objects that fall on the power lines and transformers to short them out.

   Often what happens is a line snaps or partially snaps near the base of the transformer causing an arc between the line end and the transformer overloading the transformer and causing it to short out and then basically blow.

   A backup generator for your home is a good idea. As long as you have the generator properly connected so that the power connections are free of clutter and away from obstructions and connected by a certified electrician this will NOT happen as a result of the ice storm. If something like that does happen as a result of the ice storm it will be because it was improperly connected, or too much power flowed through the generator.

   Most are equipt with safety equipment allowing for safe opperation.

   Home generators power at most 220 volt equipment. Many of the transformers you see exploding in tornadoes, ice storms, etc, do so where they are bringing in more than 220 volts of electricity and converting it to home or business use. Transformers are used to step UP - increase the voltage - for purposes of more efficient transportation of electricity to and from major power generators to the user along high lines, or steping DOWN the voltage so that you can use it.

   Hope that helps.

   Brian R Cross.
2. darlonyoder on August 4th, 2009 5:06 am
   

   Generators Feedback: Back up generators run independently from your power company. With the power co. you are sharing power threw thier transformers. And when they blow, everyone is screwed. With a back up generator, it is hooked into you and you alone. There are no outside transformers to ice over. If you can afford a back up power system, you will benefit. Make sure it’s big enough to handle what you need. NEVER get a construction generator and run it inside.
3. DrewD on August 5th, 2009 12:58 pm
   

   Generators Feedback: During an ice storm, ice collects on the power lines, often to the point of adding enough weight to break them. When the lines contact trees, pavement, grass, etc, this results in a short circuit to ground. This can destroy equipment, but more likely it will trip overload breakers in the system, shutting portions of the power grid down until the lines can be repaired.

   If you have a standby generator, your house or office can switch from the main power grid to the standby generator as your source of power. This isolates you from the power grid, so as long as your generator is protected from the weather (and you have fuel), you will have power.
4. shfincter S on August 5th, 2009 6:26 pm
   

   Generators Feedback: When using a backup generator, it MUST be isolated from the grid (utility power lines). Therefore, your generator is isolated from the bad things that can happen to high voltage power lines and transformers. If you buy an automatic home standby unit, it will employ an automatic transfer switch that will disconnect from the grid when the generator is being employed.

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