Lightning strikes on a home or building are never a good situation. Unfortunately, they can cause a series of problems with a transformer that make it more difficult to operate; one of the more common of these issues is dielectric interruptions or failures. Understanding this problem is necessary if you own a transformer and want it to stay in great shape.

Sudden Surges Of Power Can Cause Dielectric Interruptions

A sudden surge of electricity, which is common with lightning strikes, can cause a variety of problems with a transformer. One of these is dielectric failure. The dielectric grease in a transformer helps it run smoothly and prevents many types of serious issues; when it fails, a variety of issues will impact its operation.

Typically, a direct strike on a transformer will cause more issues than an indirect one. However, a house or a building getting struck can bleed excess electricity over to a transformer. Even worse, this situation can occur even if you have taken steps to protect the house or building from lightning.

Lightning Rods May Only Partially Help

People often put lightning rods on building or homes to protect them from serious damage; however, these rods may not offer complete protection. While they will likely be the source of a lightning strike if one occurs near a building, that doesn't mean that lightning may not strike elsewhere and send millions of volts of electricity through a building.

When this happens, the voltage will travel on every possible path. Unfortunately, this means it is likely to travel along the wires toward a transformer. Once it hits, it is likely to fry dielectric oil and cause an interruption or even a failure. Repairs must be done immediately in this situation to avoid turning a bad situation even worse.

Repair Must Be Done To Avoid Further Issue

If a lightning strike on a home or a building has caused transformer damage, you need to take steps to get it repaired as soon as possible. For example, it is necessary to replace the dielectric grease in the transformer after it has failed. Often, this kind of failure causes the grease to become damaged, or even fried, and makes it difficult for your transformer to work properly.

Even worse, surges like these could cause severe damage throughout a transformer that makes it harder to operate. For example, it will trip all of its surge protectors and may even fry some. Just as problematically, it may subtly damage other areas that can get more and more worn down over a period of weeks, months, and years.

Don't hesitate to contact a professional transformer repair service if a lightning strike has caused a dielectric failure. This step can ensure that your transformer runs properly and that your electrical system is in great shape for years to come.