What Are the Transformer Enclosure / Housing Types?
Quick answer — Transformers are made for indoor and outdoor service: an outdoor unit is weatherproof with IP-rated bushings and a sealed tank; an indoor unit may be in a metal or enclosed housing, or a pad-mounted/unit-substation enclosure. The enclosure (IP rating, material, ventilation, fire rating, access) is chosen for the site and the environment, and for indoor fire-safety and noise.
What are the different transformer enclosure types?
Outdoor vs indoor
Outdoor units have weatherproof bushings, a sealed tank and a high IP rating; indoor units may be in a ventilated enclosure or a room, with extra attention to fire and ventilation.
Enclosure types
Pad-mounted, unit-substation, or a simple metal housing; the enclosure provides the IP rating, fire rating, ventilation and access for the site.
Choosing
Match the IP rating, the material (steel, GRP), the cooling and the fire and noise requirements to the location, indoor or outdoor.
References & standards
- IEC 60076-1
- IEEE C57.12.00
Related
Related manufacturers
Prolec GE (GE Vernova) · Prolec GE Waukesha · Hitachi Energy USA · Siemens Energy · Eaton · Virginia Transformer Corp
Related components
Technical content is prepared from engineering references, standards frameworks, manufacturer documentation and industry sources. Contractual or compliance decisions should refer to current official standards. TransformerPath Technical Editorial.
Source transformers for this application
Submit an RFQ or browse manufacturers and components.
Submit an RFQ Get Verified