Ghaziabad power department to install safety devices to check transformer explosions

Ghaziabad: The power department plans to install tailless units in order to keep a check on overheating and prevent transformer explosions. As the mercury rises, the risk of fires due to overheated electrical equipment rises as well.
Tailless units are specialised fuses with bolted connections that will be installed on transformers up to 630 MVA. These devices automatically disconnect the power supply when detecting overheating or excessive loads, preventing breakdowns and fires.
The work will be done on transformers across all three zones. The initial phase targets zone 1, covering over 2,000 transformers. LT fuse set boxes are also being installed on 25, 63, and 100 MVA transformers. The project is scheduled for completion by April 30.
According to power department officials, there are about 14 lakh electricity consumers in the district, hence a very high demand.
"In summer, the demand for electricity increases when coolers, fans, air conditioners, etc., operate excessively. Often during such times, transformers get overloaded and blow up, leading to power cuts. To prevent this, the power department is installing tailless fuse systems in transformers," said an official.
The move comes following UP power and urban development minister AK Sharma's directive to the power department personnel regarding frequent occurrences of faulty transformers.
"The power supply is being monitored from Lucknow with due guidelines. Along with this, orders are also given to prevent power thefts," said Anil Kumar Singh, a superintending engineer of zone 1, power department, PVVNL.