So how long does a transformer replacement take?

Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
38,107
433
136
Some idiot in an S2000 managed to knock out power for my half of the apartment complex. Made a most impressive bang and flash but now the only tech I have left is a half charged Mogul. I can't even sleep properly without power. :(

How the hell a single car manages to lose it on a straight road is beyond me. Here's to people who drive like idiots in the rain.

Viper GTS
 

Alone

Diamond Member
Nov 19, 2006
7,490
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Should be done in less than 24 hours, depending on how competent the linemen are. Could easily be done in 1/4 that time.
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
65,599
13,979
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Topic Title: So how long does a transformer replacement take?

Until they get done?

I worked for one of the local electrical utilities for several years, and watched many transformer swaps. There's no one right answer except the one I gave above.
There are way too many variables.

Was the pole damaged to the point where it needs to be replaced? IF so, add at least a couple of hours...maybe 8, depending on the number and voltage of the lines attached to it.

Just a "simple" transformer replacement? SHOULD be only a couple of hours, but again, too many variables.
Location of said transformer, availablility of a replacement, distance from the location of the transformer and the yard where they store replacements, etc.
Some crews carry a couple of the more common pole transformers with them to save the time of running to get a replacement, but it never fails, one that's out in the boonies with crappy access, will be an uncommon model, that they MIGHT have 1 of in their storage yard...

Here's to the guys (and gals) who work in all kinds of shitty weather to keep our electricty turned on...:thumbsup:
 

Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
38,107
433
136
Shit that is a long time. Guess it's time to go find a book and some candles.

Viper GTS
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
65,599
13,979
146
It's also possible that the crash just caused the transformer to blow a fuse...that's about a 15-30 minute fix.

If the pole has to be replaced...you probably won't get power back until sometime tomorrow...or Monday...
 

Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
38,107
433
136
Would a fuse cause the flash/bang and funky burning smell? My first thought was lightning it was that loud and bright.

Viper GTS
 

Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
38,107
433
136
And we're back. Mostly. Still have a dead outlet that I can't explain but I'm assuming I can fix that with a flip of the appropriate breaker. So I guess to answer my own question, about two hours. :beer: for the line crew.

As for my sleeping I use a CPAP. Sleeping without it is almost worse than no sleep - Think hangover headache when you wake up.

Viper GTS
 

flxnimprtmscl

Diamond Member
Jan 30, 2003
7,962
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Originally posted by: Viper GTS

As for my sleeping I use a CPAP. Sleeping without it is almost worse than no sleep - Think hangover headache when you wake up.

Viper GTS

WTF are you talking about?
 

xSauronx

Lifer
Jul 14, 2000
19,582
4
81
Originally posted by: flxnimprtmscl
Originally posted by: Viper GTS

As for my sleeping I use a CPAP. Sleeping without it is almost worse than no sleep - Think hangover headache when you wake up.

Viper GTS

WTF are you talking about?

link goes to GIS

it helps you breathe. my dad wears one so he can sleep, cant sleep without it. when we had a hurricane blow through earlier this year he brought a battery in from his boat and hooked it up so he could sleep with his CPAP when the power went out.
 

meltdown75

Lifer
Nov 17, 2004
37,548
7
81
my wife did the CPAP thing for a year or so and then she just quit. :confused:

i used to tease her and call it her "sleep gear" :p