New transformer set for earthquake-endangered regions

Sissach, Switzerland, August 2020 – Earthquakes, whether mild or severe, pose a threat for transformers in operation. To make sure the transformers will not move or fall in case of an earthquake, and thus cause network failures or damages on the transformers such as oil leaks, R&S Rauscher & Stoecklin designed a new transformer set for earthquake-endangered regions.

The new set consists of four adjustable steel ropes for lashing down the transformer, and is thus more flexible than the current solution with steel poles. Together with the set, corner reinforcements are recommended. The ring loops on the transformers are often too weak. The steel ropes are attached to the corner reinforcements and to a wall or the floor. The assembly and installation is also available and will be conducted by highly-skilled employees from R&S.

The set is applicable for all oil-type transformers up to 2,000 kVA or higher on request. Transformers equipped with an oil retention vat are also included.

In Switzerland, earthquakes are the natural hazard with the greatest potential for damage. They can neither be reliably predicted nor prevented. Thanks to intensive research, however, much is now known about how often and how strongly the earth could quake in certain places in the future.

The abbreviations Z1, Z2, Z3a and Z3b are the official earthquake zones in Switzerland, with Z3b being the most endangered zone. Earthquakes can occur anywhere in Switzerland, but the area of Basel (Z3a) and the cantons Wallis (Z3b) and Graubünden (Z2) are particularly vulnerable to earthquakes.

The new transformer set covers all zones, and is thus also reliable for severe earthquakes. In Switzerland, the set is already in use, for example, in the Belchentunnel and the Swiss Post Package Center.

For more information on the new transformer set, please contact one of our representatives.

About R&S Rauscher & Stoecklin
R&S Rauscher & Stoecklin is part of the Swiss-based R&S Group, a leading provider of electrical infrastructure products in key markets. The company, founded in 1919, is a well-established and experienced manufacturer of transformers, switchgear, and other electrical equipment.