All transformers contain mineral oil, which works to keep the device insulated and prevents overheating. But sometimes, the oil will leak out of the transformer, and that generally means it’s time to replace it.
In mid-October, a four-man crew from NV Energy, comprised of Foreman Paul Grunenwald, Apprentice Brian Cooper and Linemen Mike Gill and Jeff DeWeese, was called in to replace a leaky transformer on on Monte Verde St. in Sparks, NV.
After an initial discussion about the task at hand, the crew started off by making a loop and breaking the loop. Then they de-energized the old transformer and declared it out of service. The next step involved unloading and setting up the new replacement transformer, and then they switched everything back to normal and heated up the new transformer. Finally, they cleaned up the leaked oil, loaded up the old transformer and hauled it away.
Photos by John Storey
The old transformer is hauled away
NV Energy Crew, 2016
NV Energy Apprentice Brian Cooper, 2016
NV Energy linemen Jeff DeWeese, left, and Mike Gill 2016
NV Energy lineman Jeff DeWeese, left, and apprentice Brian Cooper, 2016
NV Energy Apprentice Brian Cooper, left, goes over their job with Foreman Paul Grunenwald, middle, and Jeff DeWeese, 2016
Lefty to Right: Foreman Paul Grunenwald; Apprentice Brian Cooper; Lineman Mike Gill and Jeff DeWeese.