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How to choose a transformer: the complete method

Choosing a transformer means answering about ten questions in the right order. Here is the full path to frame your project, with the detail behind each step.

1 · Power rating (kVA)

The starting point and the first price driver. Work it out from the current or the active power, add a margin (around +25 %), and take the next standard rating up. The full walkthrough, with calculators, is in the sizing guide.

2 · Oil-immersed or dry-type?

The insulation technology: oil-immersed (liquid) for outdoor sites, higher ratings and the best cost; cast resin dry-type for indoor installation and fire safety.

3 · The dielectric (if oil-immersed)

Mineral oil (economical, outdoor) or ester fluid (high fire point, biodegradable, indoor or sensitive areas). We configure either, depending on your site.

4 · Voltages and frequency

Primary voltage on the MV side (15 or 20 kV are common in France), LV secondary (400 / 230 V), all at 50 Hz, not 60 Hz. This is where a unit is either built for the European grid or it is not; the IEC 60076 framework governs the design.

5 · Vector group

Dyn11 suits standard distribution (LV neutral available). Other groups answer specific needs such as parallel operation or unbalanced loads; we align it with your single-line diagram.

6 · Cooling

ONAN (natural, silent) or ONAF (fan-assisted, peak reserve). The mode follows the load profile and the environment; fans can also unlock a second-phase rating later.

7 · Voltage regulation

DETC (off-circuit taps, stable network voltage) or OLTC (on-load, no interruption), depending on how much the supply voltage moves and how much continuity you need.

8 · Non-linear loads?

Plenty of IT, UPS or variable-speed drives? Plan for harmonics with a K-factor or a controlled derating; see K-factor & harmonics, decisive for data centers.

9 · Environment and protections

Ingress protection (IP), environmental classes for dry-type (E2 / C2 / F1), and protections such as a DGPT2 relay or a Buchholz relay on oil-immersed units, according to the installation and how the site operates.

10 · Compliance

Non-negotiable in Europe: CE marking, Ecodesign Tier 2, IEC / EN 60076 and WEEE. As the brand placing the unit on the market, that responsibility is ours; the full picture is on EU compliance.

11 · Transformer alone, or a complete substation?

Need the MV switchgear and the LV board as well? A prefabricated MV substation integrates the whole chain, turnkey.

Good news: the configurator walks this path for you. It takes these steps one by one, with defaults tuned to the European market (IEC, 50 Hz, Dyn11) and an "Other / let me specify" exit everywhere. In a few minutes you get a specification summary ready to price.

What if I cannot fill everything in?

No problem: enter what you know, leave the defaults elsewhere, or simply send your specification document. We frame the missing points with you, then come back with a firm quotation.

General decision-support method; the final choice depends on your installation and is validated against your specification.

Frequently asked

Where should I start?

With the power rating in kVA: it is the starting point and the first price driver. Then come the technology (oil-immersed or dry-type), the voltages, the vector group and the options. Our configurator follows exactly that order.

Which parameter is most often overlooked?

Non-linear loads (K-factor) and the power margin. Underestimating harmonics, or sizing too tight, produces a transformer that runs hot and ages fast.

Should I decide oil-immersed vs dry-type first?

That choice follows mostly from the environment: indoor installation and fire safety point to dry-type; outdoor, high power and cost point to oil-immersed. The target power rating helps settle it too.

Can I delegate the whole choice?

Yes. Send your specification, or simply describe the project; we frame every parameter with you and come back with a compliant, firmly priced proposal.

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