Considerations for pad-mounted transformer placement

Some segments of the electric utility industry have expressed concerns about the proximity of oil filled padmounted equipment to adjacent structures. The rationale behind this concern has been a desire to eliminate and/or reduce any potential fire hazards. While this paper agrees that the engineer has an obligation to mitigate such circumstances, it is the intent of this paper to present data to be used in evaluating the best possible location for distribution padmounted transformers. Various service and transformer sizes are examined to represent the fundamental criteria that must be considered when specifying the separation between equipment and structures.