480 Volt Transformer

[LadyFish]

Hi, do we have any electricians here?

I just found out that there are two 480 volt transformers under my office. I know originally they were used for X Ray equipment. All I need to run this building is 220 so I am assuming there is some sort of step down system.

My question is, is there someone I can call to test and see if there is asbestos or anythig else that can cause ill affects on humans?

All I know is that I would never want my house under power lines and these transformers are less than 5' beneath the floor of my office and training room.

Anything you can add here would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Connie

 

[Adjuster]

Re: 480 Volt Transformer

Do you own this building or rent? Any environmental company can check for the asbestos particles in the air. My understanding is if the asbestos is not deteriorated and flaking/dusting then it is best to leave it alone. It is only when asbestos is disturbed that it becomes a problem.

 

[LadyFish]

Re: 480 Volt Transformer

Thanks for responding.

Actually, we are a non profit and the building was donated.

I'm sure the transformers were disturbed two years ago during hurricane Ike and the clean up.

The building is a concrete building. The transformers are located in a crawl space under the floor.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: 480 Volt Transformer

The 480 V. is likely less than the line voltage into a commercial building....which is probably 600V.
IOW, the 480 V transformer IS a step down transformer and will be in a different loop from other circuits in the building as it was feeding specialised equipment.

Depending on the age and type of transformer there could be a small asbestos component or even PCBs....or... no material of note.

If you are concerned about this, you would be best to get a professional to come in for a look and offer some options on remediation.
Any advice that you get on this from a distance may not be accurate enough.

But if you could get make and model numbers of the transformers, we could check them out a bit further.

 

[LadyFish]

Re: 480 Volt Transformer

Thank you Tim. I am not going down there in the crawl space. Ewwwwwww no way.

The building is at least 75-100 years old. Initially it served as a Navy Hospital and had similar uses throughout the years until about 10 years ago. I have no idea how old the units are or if they have ever been checked.

What type of expert do I contact? I am clueless about this stuff.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 480 Volt Transformer

What type of expert do I contact?

Ayuh,... I'd start with the local Power company/ utility....

It's a Non-profit,..?? Maybe they'll come yank 'em out for free,...

Just for the PR,... disposin' of obsolete equipment 'n all...

As noted, if they're Dead/ obsolete there's No danger in leavin' em be...

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 480 Volt Transformer

Connie you have options.

There may be a recycle market for the transformer's and I would ask a commercial electrician to take a peek. If the electrician is a commercial vendor he/she will be aware of the current (no pun intended ) hazards and issues.

Since you are a non profit organization...... you can provide them with a tax receipt for their donation of time so it becomes a 100% tax write off.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: 480 Volt Transformer

I would suggest an electrician have a look and tell you what the basic system is in that building.

From a distance, I shouldn't be guessing.

You need to know if those transformers are part of the main service to that building....they could be, but it sounded like they were on a side loop.

If they are, you just need to know that they are in good shape.
If they aren't, they can be removed if they have any material that is a problem. Otherwise, just disconnect them and leave them alone.

480V is considered low voltage and not like being under high tension lines.

 

[LadyFish]

Re: 480 Volt Transformer

Thanks Bondo aka "Ayuh" and Bob, good suggestions. I would just a soon have them ripped out of here but I did go outside and notice that there is a PVC looking pipe thingy going from the power pole where the meter is going underground and under my building. I am thinking those transformers are still active no?

I guess I just need to find an electrician or ask a power company worker next time I see one in the neighborhood.

 

[LadyFish]

Re: 480 Volt Transformer

I would suggest an electrician have a look and tell you what the basic system is in that building.

From a distance, I shouldn't be guessing.

You need to know if those transformers are part of the main service to that building....they could be, but it sounded like they were on a side loop.

If they are, you just need to know that they are in good shape.
If they aren't, they can be removed if they have any material that is a problem. Otherwise, just disconnect them and leave them alone.

480V is considered low voltage and not like being under high tension lines.

Good to know Tim, I've been a little concerned about it.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: 480 Volt Transformer

Worth a call to the utility first, as was suggested.
They may have enough info in their records to suggest the best path to follow.