11-01-22

SECTION 26 22 00
LOW-VOLTAGE TRANSFORMERS

SPEC WRITER NOTE: Delete between //---//

if not applicable to project. Also, delete
any other item or paragraph not applicable
to the section and renumber the
paragraphs.
PART 1 – GENERAL
1.1 DESCRIPTION
A. This section specifies the furnishing, installation, connection, and
testing of low-voltage dry-type general-purpose transformers, indicated
as transformers in this section.
1.2 RELATED WORK
//A. Section 03 30 00, CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE: Requirements for concrete
equipment pads.//
//B. Section 13 05 41, SEISMIC RESTRAINT REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-STRUCTURAL
COMPONENTS: Requirements for seismic restraint of nonstructural
components.//
C. Section 26 05 11, REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS:
Requirements that apply to all sections of Division 26.
D. Section 26 05 19, LOW-VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL POWER CONDUCTORS AND CABLES:
Low-voltage conductors.
E. Section 26 05 26, GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS:
Requirements for personnel safety and to provide a low impedance path
for possible ground fault currents.
F. Section 26 05 33, RACEWAY AND BOXES FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS: Conduit.
1.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Quality Assurance shall be in accordance with Paragraph, QUALIFICATIONS
(PRODUCTS AND SERVICES) in Section 26 05 11, REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL
INSTALLATIONS.
1.4 SUBMITTALS
A. Submit in accordance with Paragraph, SUBMITTALS in Section 26 05 11,
REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS, and the following
requirements:
1. Shop Drawings:
a. Submit sufficient information to demonstrate compliance with
drawings and specifications.
b. Include electrical ratings, dimensions, mounting details,
materials, required clearances, terminations, weight, temperature

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rise, wiring and connection diagrams, plan, front, side, and rear
elevations, accessories, and device nameplate data.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Include the following
paragraph for projects in seismic areas
of moderate-high, high and very high
seismicities as listed in Table 4 of VA
Handbook H-18-8, Seismic Design
Requirements. Coordinate with the
structural engineer.

//c. Certification from the manufacturer that representative

transformers have been seismically tested to International
Building Code requirements. Certification shall be based upon
simulated seismic forces on a shake table or by analytical
methods, but not by experience data or other methods.//
2. Manuals:
a. Submit, simultaneously with the shop drawings, companion copies of
complete maintenance and operating manuals including technical
data sheets and wiring diagrams.
1) Schematic signal and control diagrams, with all terminals
identified, matching terminal identification in the
transformers.
2) Include information for testing, repair, troubleshooting,
assembly, disassembly, and factory recommended/required
periodic maintenance procedures and frequency.
b. If changes have been made to the maintenance and operating manuals
originally submitted, submit updated maintenance and operating
manuals two weeks prior to the final inspection.
3. Certifications: Two weeks prior to final inspection, submit the
following.
a. Certification by the manufacturer that the transformers conform to
the requirements of the drawings and specifications.
b. Certification by the Contractor that the transformers have been
properly installed, adjusted, and tested.
1.5 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

A. Publications listed below (including amendments, addenda, revisions,

supplements, and errata) form a part of this specification to the extent
referenced. Publications are referenced in the text by designation only.
B. International Code Council (ICC):
IBC-21..................International Building Code

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C. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

70-23...................National Electrical Code (NEC)
D. National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA):
TR 1-19.................Transformers, Step Voltage Regulators and
Reactors
ST 20-14................Dry Type Transformers for General Applications
E. Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL):
UL 506-17...............Standard for Safety - Specialty Transformers
UL 1561-11..............Standard for Safety - Dry-Type General Purpose
and Power Transformers
F. United States Department of Energy:
10 CFR Part 431.........Energy Efficiency Program for Certain Commercial
and Industrial Equipment
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Delete between // ---- /
/ if not applicable to project. Delete any
other item or paragraph not applicable to
the section and renumber the paragraphs.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.1 TRANSFORMERS
A. Unless otherwise specified, transformers shall be in accordance with
NEMA, NFPA, UL and as shown on the drawings.
B. Transformers shall have the following features:
1. Self-cooled by natural convection, isolating windings, //indoor//and
outdoor// dry-type. Autotransformers will not be accepted, except as
specifically allowed for buck-boost applications.
2. Rating and winding connections shall be as shown on the drawings.
3. Ratings shown on the drawings are for continuous duty without the use
of cooling fans.
4. Copper windings.
5. Insulation systems:
a. Transformers 30 kVA and larger: UL rated 220 °C (428 °F) system
with an average maximum rise by resistance of 150 °C (302 °F) in a
maximum ambient of 40 °C (104 °F).
b. Transformers below 30 kVA: Same as for 30 kVA and larger or UL
rated 185 °C (365 °F) system with an average maximum rise by
resistance of 115 °C (239 °F) in a maximum ambient of 40 °C (104
°F).

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6. Core and coil assemblies:

a. Rigidly braced to withstand the stresses caused by short-circuit
currents and rough handling during shipment.
b. Cores shall be grain-oriented, non-aging, and silicon steel.
c. Coils shall be continuous windings without splices except for
taps.
d. Coil loss and core loss shall be minimized for efficient
operation.
e. Primary and secondary tap connections shall be brazed or pressure
type.
f. Coil windings shall have end filters or tie-downs for maximum
strength.
7. Average audible sound levels shall comply with NEMA.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: If a specific impedance
is required to limit fault currents,
verify that the transformer impedance is
shown on the drawings.

8. If not shown on drawings, nominal impedance shall be as permitted by

NEMA.
9. Single phase transformers rated 15 kVA through 25 kVA shall have two
5% full capacity taps below normal rated primary voltage. All
transformers rated 30 kVA and larger shall have two 2.5% full
capacity taps above, and four 2.5% full capacity taps below normal
rated primary voltage.
10. Core assemblies shall be grounded to their enclosures with adequate
flexible ground straps.
11. Enclosures:
a. Comprised of not less than code gauge steel.
b. Outdoor enclosures shall be NEMA 3R.
c. Temperature rise at hottest spot shall conform to NEMA Standards,
and shall not bake and peel off the enclosure paint after the
transformer has been placed in service.
d. Ventilation openings shall prevent accidental access to live
components.
e. The enclosure at the factory shall be thoroughly cleaned and
painted with manufacturer's prime coat and standard finish.
12. Standard NEMA features and accessories, including ground pad, lifting
provisions, and nameplate with the wiring diagram and sound level
indicated.

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13. Dimensions and configurations shall conform to the spaces designated

for their installations.
14. Transformers shall meet the energy conservation standards for
transformers per the United States Department of Energy’s 10 CFR Part
431.

SPEC WRITER NOTE: Use nonlinear

transformers whenever significant
harmonic-producing loads, such as
switching power supplies, are present.

//2.2 NONLINEAR TRANSFORMERS

A. Nonlinear transformers shall be as specified in Paragraph 2.1, with
additional features as specified below.
B. Transformers shall be designed to withstand the overheating effects
caused by harmonics resulting from non-linear (non-sinusoidal) loads.
C. Neutral rating shall be 200% of rated secondary phase current.
D. Transformers with K factor of 13 shall be provided, if K factor is not
shown on contract drawings.//
//2.3 ENERGY SAVING HARMONIC CANCELLATION TRANSFORMERS
A. Shall be as specified in Paragraph 2.1, with additional features as
specified below.
B. Zero sequence currents shall be treated via flux cancellation in the
secondary windings.
C. Each winding shall be independently single-shielded with a full-width
copper electrostatic shield.
D. Neutral rating shall be 200% of rated secondary phase current.//
//2.4 BUCK-BOOST TRANSFORMERS
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Designer must assure
that all buck-boost transformers are
continuously loaded.

A. Shall be as specified in Paragraph 2.1, with additional features as

specified below.
1. Suitable for connection as auto transformers to provide the
percentages of voltage buck or boost as shown on the drawings.
2. Insulation system to be 220˚ C.
3. Sound levels shall not exceed 36 dB. //
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Delete between // ---- /
/ if not applicable to project. Also
delete any other item or paragraph not

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applicable to the section and renumber the

paragraphs.

PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.1 INSTALLATION
A. Installation of transformers shall be in accordance with the NEC, as
recommended by the equipment manufacturer and as shown on the drawings.
B. Anchor transformers with rustproof bolts, nuts, and washers, in
accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, and as shown on drawings.
//C. In seismic areas, transformers shall be adequately anchored and braced
per details on structural contract drawings to withstand the seismic
forces at the location where installed.//
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Mounting slab
connections may have to be given in detail
depending on the requirements for the
seismic zone in which the equipment is
located. Include construction
requirements for concrete slab only if
slab is not detailed in drawings.

//D. Exterior Location: Mount transformers on concrete slab. Unless

otherwise indicated, the slab shall be at least 200 mm (8 inches) thick,
reinforced with a 150 by 150 mm (6 by 6 inches) No. 6 mesh placed
uniformly 100 mm (4 inches) from the top of the slab. Slab shall be
placed on a 150 mm (6 inches) thick, well-compacted gravel base. The
top of the concrete slab shall be approximately 100 mm (4 inches) above
the finished grade. Edges above grade shall have 15 mm (1/2 inch)
chamfer. The slab shall be of adequate size to project at least 200 mm
(8 inches) beyond the equipment. Provide conduit turn-ups and cable
entrance space required by the equipment to be mounted. Seal voids
around conduit openings in slab with water- and oil-resistant caulking
or sealant. Cut off and bush conduits 75 mm (3 inches) above slab
surface. Concrete work shall be as specified in Section 03 30 00, CAST-
IN-PLACE CONCRETE.//
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Coordinate with
mechanical engineer to assure proper
ventilation of transformer spaces.
Ceiling/wall-mounted transformers shall be
mounted in accordance with manufacturer's
recommendations.

E. Install transformers with manufacturer's recommended clearance from wall

and adjacent equipment for air circulation. Minimum clearance shall be
150 mm (6 inches).

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F. Install transformers on vibration pads designed to suppress transformer

noise and vibrations.
3.2 ACCEPTANCE CHECKS AND TESTS
A. Perform tests in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. In
addition, include the following:
1. Visual Inspection and Tests:
a. Compare equipment nameplate data with specifications and approved
shop drawings.
b. Inspect physical and mechanical condition.
c. Inspect all field-installed bolted electrical connections, using
the calibrated torque-wrench method to verify tightness of
accessible bolted electrical connections.
d. Perform specific inspections and mechanical tests as recommended
by manufacturer.
e. Verify correct equipment grounding.
f. Verify proper secondary phase-to-phase and phase-to-neutral
voltage after energization and prior to connection to loads.
3.3 FOLLOW-UP VERIFICATION
A. Upon completion of acceptance checks, settings, and tests, the
contractor shall demonstrate that the transformers are in good operating
condition, and properly performing the intended function.
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