Standard changes for measuring distribution transformer loss

Staff -- Control Engineering, 12/1/2005

Rosslyn, VA—After considerable input from the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Electrical Manufacturing Association (NEMA) has revised its standard for measuring distribution transformer loss. TP 2-2005, "Standard test method for measuring the energy consumption of distribution transformers," provides a unified means to measure distribution transformer loss to achieve energy efficiency levels outlined in Nema Publication TP 1: "Guide for determining energy efficiency for distribution transformers."

The standard was revised to address concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) about the previous edition. Under the "Energy Policy and Conservation Act," DOE was charged with developing rules to adopt test procedures for measuring energy efficiency of distribution transformers. The revisions are intended to make TP 2 acceptable to DOE so that the department can adopt it as a DOE test procedure. In response to DOE's concerns, the Nema Transformer Section revised and published the standard in 12 months.

Kyle Pitsor, NEMA's vice president of government relations, says TP 2 "is specifically required for new federal energy efficiency standards based on NEMA TP 1 for low-voltage distribution transformers, and is also used and referenced by state governments and agencies," incorporating input from public regulatory discussions.

To view or download the standard visit www.nema.org/stds/tp2.cfm