Re: PCBs

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: "J. Aaron Holmes" <jaholmes@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

This is definitely a question for the archives!  That
said, it sounds like you're probably *not* looking at
PCBs.  PCBs are heavier than water.  Ordinary mineral
oil floats.  It's no sure sign that you don't have
*some* PCB contamination, but from what I've heard,
PCB use in transformers wasn't all that common anyway.

If you really must know, get a Dexsil 50ppm PCB kit
from Forestry Suppliers, Inc. or some other place.
They're less than 30 bucks, but make sure you read the
directions *really* carefully!

aaron

--- Tesla list <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Original poster: "miles waldron"
> <mileswaldron@xxxxxxxxxxx>
>
> Dear All,
>
> My friend has recently found an old 5KVA
> distribution transformer. It says:
>
> WAGNER TRANSFORMER
> TYPE: HEB
> SPEC E370-F51G8
> FORM: 39CNX
> 60 CYCLES
> 2.3 AMPS
> NO. K6G7676
>
> We can understand the wiring diagram, and the
> transformer works. But we are
> concerned that the oil contains PCBs. The liquid
> floats on water. The oil is
> light yellow and non viscous and splashes around
> quite easily.
>
> Question:
>
> Can we replace this oil with newer oil, or just
> don't care and make sure it
> doesn't leak, or make our own Hudson River like
> General Electric?
>
> Any advice is greatly appreciated!
>
> Miles
>
>
>