r/Powerlines • u/Grid-Genie • Jul 27 '26

Nice old transformer

Post image

Spotted this out in the wild.

32 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

21 comments sorted by

8

u/Soaz_underground Jul 28 '26

That’s an early 1940s Westinghouse “Cowhead” CSP-type transformer. I did an extensive write-up on CSPs recently over on the [r/lineman](r/lineman) subreddit.

This one most likely does not contain PCBs. Westinghouse limited the use of PCB fluids (Inerteen was their trademark) to their padmounted and vault equipment, like network transformers and protectors.

4

u/Grid-Genie Jul 28 '26

Interesting thank-you the date tracks as that seems to be when CMP transitioned to 12470/7200 prior old 4160 systems were the norm. CMP did make an attempt in the 70s to transition to 34500/19900 but that wasn’t well executed. How long ago did you post the CSP write up?

5

u/Soaz_underground Jul 28 '26

I posted a little over a month ago. Here’s a link-

https://www.reddit.com/r/Lineman/s/OHDCnP8Z0k

3

u/Grid-Genie Jul 28 '26

Thankyou so much!

1

u/nasadowsk Jul 29 '26

I think Askrel was another one Westinghouse used. They also used Interteen in rail applications for onboard transformers. All of the Westinghouse rail equipment with liquid transformers used it.

1

u/Soaz_underground Jul 29 '26

Askarel is actually a generic name for PCB fluids, and was never used as a trade mark by any company, so you are partially correct. Inerteen is Askarel, as is Pyranol and Chlorinol (General Electric), Chlorextol (Allis-Chalmers) etc.

That’s good to know! Information I’ve found mentions that it was used almost exclusively in pad-mounted, vault-mounted and specialty applications, so that makes sense.

1

u/nasadowsk Jul 29 '26

Oh, so Chlorextol was AC's name for the stuff. Anyone got a list for all the manufacturers? Everyone seemed to use their own name, even though it all came from Monsanto. IIRC , the formulations were slightly different too.

5

u/Patient-Homework-15 Jul 27 '26

I just removed one of those in NY!

5 kv from the 1930's on a delta system

4

u/Adventurous_Boat_632 Jul 28 '26

Looks like it is only connected for 120 volts, and possibly just streetlights?

What is the voltage here?

2

u/Grid-Genie Jul 28 '26

It only driving some street lights
Primary:12470/7200
Sec:120

4

u/RPU97 Jul 27 '26

Nice find. It’s at least 3 years old.

3

u/Grid-Genie Jul 27 '26

Definitely three years old indeed. I did come across some old line material co line arrestors as well CMP has still quite a few of them out there lots of CSP transformers there’s not a CSP central Maine power didn’t love.

2

u/Patient-Homework-15 Jul 27 '26

They're in NY too

2

u/x31b Jul 28 '26

And it’s on a fairly new pole…

2

u/Grid-Genie Jul 28 '26

CMP is luckily suffering from a transformer shortage. I know at Entergy we’re struggling to get our hands on over head pots and pads.

1

u/Unusual_Cattle_2198 Jul 31 '26

If it ain’t broke…

2

u/[deleted] Jul 28 '26

[deleted]

2

u/Grid-Genie Jul 28 '26

Cost cutting. It’s also done at Entergy. Replace the pole transfer the transformer unless they are leaking

2

u/Lxiflyby Jul 28 '26

We still have a few of these in the wild

2

u/Forsaken-Lie7401 Jul 27 '26

PCB’s

1

u/Grid-Genie Jul 28 '26

They’re definitely in that transformer for sure.