Transformer Nameplate

Transformer nameplates contain several standard items of information and other optional information.
Transformer nameplate must specify the following parameters:

• Name of manufacturer
• Serial number
• year of manufacture
• Number of phases
• kVA or MVA rating
• Frequency
• Voltage ratings.
• Tap voltages.
• Connection diagram.
• Cooling class
• Rated temperature in °C
• Polarity (for Single Phase Transformers)
• Phasor or vector diagram (For Polyphase or Three Phase Transformers)
• % impedance.
• Approximate mass or weight of the transformer
• Type of insulating liquid.
• Conductor material of each winding.
• Oil volume (of each transformer Container/Compartment)
• Instruction for Installation and Operation

Transformer kVA Rating

The nameplate always indicates the size of the transformer in terms of how much apparent power
(rated kVA) it is designed to deliver to the load on a continuous basis. By its very nature, the
transformer will have more than one rated voltage, depending on which side we are looking at and
how many windings there are on that side.
Voltage Rating
No-load values are voltage rating, high side and low side etc. Full-load values depend on the
connected load’s power factor, so this data are not given on nameplates only No-load data are
given. Voltage rating in No-load include a winding designator such as a Long dash (─), Slant (/),
Cross (×), or Wye (Y) to indicate

Dash (─): Indicates voltages are from different windings.

Slant (/): Indicates voltages are from same winding.
Cross (×): Indicates voltages that may be obtained by reconnecting a two part winding in series
or parallel. This type of winding is suitable for single wire operation.
Wye (Y): Indicates voltages in a wye connected winding.
Examples for Voltage Rating:
Single Phase:
240 / 120: 240V winding with a centre tap.
240 × 120:Two-part winding that may be connected in series for 240V, or connected in parallel
for 120V.
240 ─ 120: A 240V winding and a separate 120V winding.

Three Phase:
4160 ─ 440Y / 260: A 4160V delta connected winding, and a separate 440V wye connected
winding an available neutral connection. The voltage of the delta winding is always given first.

Frequency: Transformers rated frequency.

Percent Impedance: At the indicated temperature, the percent impedance of the transformer
measured.

Temperature Rise: Based on an ambient temperature of

30˚C, the maximum allowable temperature rise of the transformer.

Class: The insulating medium and the cooling method.

BIL: The Basic Impulse Level or BIL of a transformer is a method of expressing the transient
voltage stress that the insulation of transformer will tolerate without damage.