What Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) Reveals About Transformer Health
Oil-filled power transformers are among the most critical and expensive assets in the electrical grid. When they fail unexpectedly, the costs go far beyond equipment replacement: extended outages, safety risks, and disrupted operations. Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) is one of the most effective tools available for catching problems before they escalate into failures. What Is […]
What Role Does Oil Play in a Transformer?
Transformer oil, also called insulating oil or dielectric fluid, is specially formulated for use inside electrical transformers. It surrounds the windings, core and other internal components, where it helps manage heat and withstand electrical stress. Mineral oil is commonly used, although some transformers contain silicone fluids, natural esters or other insulating liquids. Regardless of fluid […]
Moisture in Transformer Oil: What the Results Reveal
Moisture is one of the most important factors affecting transformer oil and solid insulation condition. Water can enter a transformer through leaks, worn seals, exposure during maintenance or normal aging. It can also be produced as cellulose insulation deteriorates. Because moisture may be present in both the oil and paper insulation, testing the oil provides […]
What Can Transformer Oil Reveal?
Transformer oil does more than insulate and cool electrical equipment. It also carries valuable information about what may be happening inside a transformer. Through laboratory testing and expert analysis, transformer oil samples can help identify developing faults, evaluate insulation condition and uncover changes that may affect long-term reliability. Routine transformer oil testing gives asset owners […]
Transformer Expertise for Municipal Electric Utilities
Municipal electric utilities have a direct responsibility to the people and businesses in their communities. Transformer decisions must balance reliability, public accountability, available funding, staffing capacity, and the long-term needs of the local power system. MVA helps public power providers make those decisions with greater confidence. By bringing together transformer oil diagnostics, equipment expertise, and […]
Transformer Support Built for Electric Cooperatives
Electric cooperatives play an essential role in delivering reliable power to the communities they serve. With geographically dispersed systems, aging equipment, limited internal resources, and increasing reliability expectations, co-ops need service partners who understand their operational and budgetary challenges. MVA provides comprehensive transformer diagnostic testing and field services to help electric cooperatives make informed maintenance […]
MVA’s Patented Innovation Is Transforming Oil Sampling
Innovation in transformer diagnostics isn’t just about new technology, it’s about solving real challenges for customers. Our CEO, Scott Reed, is the driving force behind multiple patents supporting XQOhm®, MVA’s oil sampling application. His firsthand understanding of transformer diagnostics helped shape a better way to collect sample information, eliminate paperwork, improve data accuracy, and connect […]
Why Trending DGA Results Is More Important Than a Single Test
Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools available for assessing the condition of oil-filled power transformers. By measuring gases dissolved in transformer oil, DGA can provide indications of conditions such as overheating, partial discharge, arcing, and insulation degradation. However, while a single DGA test provides valuable information, the real diagnostic […]
PCBs in Transformer Bushings: What Happens After a Bushing Leaks or Fails?
When evaluating the PCB status of a transformer, the oil in the main transformer tank is typically the primary fluid tested. However, older oil-filled transformer bushings can contain insulating fluid with PCB concentrations that differ from the oil in the main tank. Under normal operating conditions, routinely sampling the oil inside a sealed bushing is […]
Transformer DGA Testing: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools available for evaluating the condition of oil-filled transformers. By measuring gases dissolved in the insulating fluid, DGA can help identify developing thermal and electrical conditions before they lead to more serious equipment problems. However, collecting DGA data is only part of the process. […]