2007-04-16 02:41:31 · 6 answers · asked by djdub2000 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Overheating due to overloading. The transformers create heat when they are working. If you pull to much current that creates heat and if the heat get to great, the oil will boil and the insulation will fail and you will have a short and then boom.
2007-04-16 04:32:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes it can be caused by the transformer shorting out - or more likely because of a massive power surge.
Depending on where you are at - and how good the utility company is at setting up the proper surge suppression equipment, etc. it is usually pretty rare.
Though some code restrictions (the utility company will usually let you know) will require you to build a wall or enclosure around the transformer depending on whether or not it is close to a means of egress (exit door).
2007-04-16 09:51:50 · answer #2 · answered by Joe M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Overloading can cause the transformer to explode. The electric company tries to over-rate them, but they still go bad, so when they go bad and get hit with a heavy load, they can burst. It is relatively rare.
2007-04-16 10:23:05 · answer #3 · answered by joshnya68 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A break down in the insulation would cause it to heat and explode.
It is probably a low percentage occurrence because it is very serious in several ways.
2007-04-16 09:48:21 · answer #4 · answered by Billy Butthead 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know we had one near our home explode last summer during a heat wave. I think it overloaded from the energy drain.
2007-04-16 09:49:27 · answer #5 · answered by lma0814 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Overheating obviously usually caused by a short in one of the windings.
2007-04-16 09:46:10 · answer #6 · answered by Gene 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋