Pole Transformer

[Raymond Wand]

What is the switch on the transformer for?
Note the pulleys used to turn on and off the transformer from the ground.
Is this an service disconnect?

Thank you.

[Speedy Petey]

Yes, it is a service switch for the pot.
I have NEVER seen a rig like that to actuate the switch. Looks home-made to me.

[Jerry Peck]

I have NEVER seen a rig like that to actuate the switch. Looks home-made to me.

Agreed.

[Raymond Wand]

Thanks gentleman.

Another question if you please...

200 amp service, note the solid multiple wires between the two lugs.

What am I seeing?

Thank you.

[Raymond Wand]

Yes here it is.

[Jerry Peck]

200 amp service, note the solid multiple wires between the two lugs.

Based on the configuration shape of the bus bars ... a 3-phase fire box (FPE) with a fire starter wired into it (all those jumpers in those lugs).

[John Ritter]

Hi Jerry I understand 3 phase but " fire starter" Does that prevent voltage drop on the start leg? I don't get it.

[Raymond Wand]

The third insulated line in the middle lug went out to the pole but was not attached to the transformer. Only two wires from the transformer and the bare neutral guide wire.

[John Ritter]

I get it now. Cheaper than replacing a 3 phase breaker or disconect with a bad leg

[Raymond Wand]

Is this something that should be repaired by electrician? Is it safe as is?

[John Ritter]

If it was me have it repaired. The way i see it is three legs ,one out, one of the other legs has to carry the load for the down leg. High amperage draw on one leg and high heat. That's just me. If it don't look right,it probally isn't.

[John Ritter]

The third insulated line in the middle lug went out to the pole but was not attached to the transformer. Only two wires from the transformer and the bare neutral guide wire.


Sorry I did not see this post. Like Jerry said 3 phase box, but not service. Still one side of breaker is bad. White common is neutral. Repair

[Raymond Wand]

10-4 thanks!

Will inform client to have an electrician investigate further.

Much obliged.

[John Ritter]

Based on the configuration shape of the bus bars ... a 3-phase fire box (FPE) with a fire starter wired into it (all those jumpers in those lugs).


FIRE STARTER { FPE} Went right over the top of my head.

[Raymond Wand]

Fwiw.

Short of the misfiring, misuse of this panel FPE are not the same as state side and have never been recalled in Canada, except for a number of years ago when they had a recall on breakers.

[Lon Henderson]

Fwiw.

Short of the misfiring, misuse of this panel FPE are not the same as state side and have never been recalled in Canada, except for a number of years ago when they had a recall on breakers.
I don't think there is a formal recall stateside, either. Since, the company is basically, out of business since 1988, there isn't anyone to do a recall. If FPE was still a viable company, there would likely be a recall for the Stab-Lok panels.

[John Kogel]

The issues are improper use of multiple small gauge wires for a jumper.
Lugs not designed for multiple conductors.
Dead conductor should be removed for safety.

The center bus is hot, but one of the outers is dead, disconnected at the pole, and was jumped (by an amateur pyromaniac).

[Raymond Wand]

Thanks John, that does make sense.
I have informed my clients to seek further assessment from an electrician.

[Garry Blankenship]

Referring it out was definitely the right thing to do. Like others that rope or cable actuated pole xmfr disconnect is totally foreign to me. I sure hope is was rope and not conductive cable. The panel looks to be three phase supplied by single phase and the owner jumped two of the legs together to get more circuit breaker mounting space. The jumpers are illegal for multiple reasons. That pole has seen better days.

[Raymond Wand]

Hi Garry,

Yes they were ropes to the pulley.

Thanks,

[Jerry Peck]

Hi Jerry I understand 3 phase but " fire starter" Does that prevent voltage drop on the start leg? I don't get it.

John,

The "fire box" reference was to the FPE panel, which you got.

The "fire starter" reference was to all those multiple tapped conductors being used to jump from one phase terminal to the other phase terminal - think 'double tapping is bad?, that photo shows why I use the term "multiple tap" in stead of "double tap" ... "double" means "two", and "multiple" means "more than one" and there certainly are "more than one" in those terminals. :)

[John Ritter]

Jerry

I saw quads on a breaker once, but never 7or 8 on one terminal. I was in shock. I understand it all now. Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving.

[John Ritter]

Raymond

Just a thought, but is this transformer at the end of a service line, and is it in the country or woods area servicing only one property?

[H.G. Watson, Sr.]

Cut out switch.No doubt the property is rural, likely at least 25 km - 70 km btwn subs.Needs panel subject to higher kva ratings (25k - 150k worst case) since distribution is 3 Phase out in the sticks and for quick re-taps by POCO when they loose a phase in dist. or need to adjust during those ice storms.T to Vee.The A & C busses should have been jumped with a bar or a single rated conductor using tap lugs.

[Raymond Wand]

Yes rural property.

Pole transformer feeds three buildings.

1. House 100 amp
2. Large barn 60 amp
3. Very small studio 15'x15', no heat, just lighting and plugs, - 200 amp service

[Speedy Petey]

Needs panel subject to higher kva ratings (25k - 150k worst case) since distribution is 3 Phase out in the sticks and for quick re-taps by POCO when they loose a phase in dist. or need to adjust during those ice storms.T to Vee.The A & C busses should have been jumped with a bar or a single rated conductor using tap lugs.That is quite obviously single phase, and what about hot stick hooks like every other POCO man uses??

Personally, I think this is a setup so that the property owner can shut down power themselves to work on things. MANY farms/rural properties like this have panels ALL over the place, and there are not always disconnects.
Either a friendly utility worker set this up for them, or they went up and did it themselves. Looks very farmer to me.

[Raymond Wand]

This transformer has not been modified by the owner, it was done by the utility company/manufacture of transformer.

Each panel had a shut-off.

I found it odd that a small studio with no heat, and only light and outlet loads would have 200 amp service.

I thought that there might have been a pottery kiln at some time in the studio, but no evidence of that.