Transformer Humming Noise Explained

3/7/2018 Transformer Humming Noise Explained
Home / Technical Articles / Transformer Humming Noise Explained
Transformer Humming Noise

Explained
By testguy December 30, 2016 0 Comments
All transformers have an

inherent sound level that
varies with the size and
style of the core/coil
assembly. Depending
upon the transformer
operating conditions, Photo: epcc / shutterstock.
sound level
measurements at the installation site can be drastically
different than those taken at the factory.
While transformer cores are generally recognized as the

main source of transformer sound, electromagnetic
forces in the windings known as load noise can also be a
significant influence in low sound level transformers
among other electrical and mechanical factors.
Therefore, the sound producing mechanisms of

transformers can be characterized as follows:
Core Sound
https://testguy.net/content/259-Transformer-Humming-Noise-Explained 1/16
When a strip of iron is magnetized, a phenomenon known

as magnetostriction occurs, causing the iron to change its
physical dimensions. When the magnetization is taken
away, the iron strip returns to its original condition and
shape. This change in physical dimension is usually only a
few parts in a million.
Transformer cores are

constructed by stacking
layers of thin
laminations, separated
from its neighbors by a
thin non-conducting layer
of insulation. When the A transformer is magnetically excited by
an alternating voltage and current so
core becomes that it becomes extended and contracted
magnetized, the twice during a full cycle of
magnetization. Photo: Wikimedia.
magnetic field acts
between the adjacent
plates, stretching and squeezing the adhesive and
insulation between them.
A transformer is magnetically excited by an alternating

voltage and current so that it becomes extended and
contracted twice during a full cycle of magnetization. This
change in dimension is independent of the direction of
magnetic flux, occurring at twice the line frequency.
Why do transformers get louder as they age?
Over time, the transformer core adhesive starts to break

apart and the laminated layers separate from each other
slightly. The vibration of these layers is the humming
noise you can hear and once the adhesive starts to break,
the sound gets louder.
Magnetostriction causes acoustic noise in a power tran
Flux density, core material, core geometry, and the wave

form of excitation voltage are the factors that influence the
magnitude and frequency components of the transformer
core sound levels. Because the magnetostriction curve is
nonlinear, higher even harmonics also appear in the
resulting core vibration at higher induction levels.
The low frequency, tonal nature of transformer core

noise makes it harder to eliminate than the higher
frequency noise that comes from the other sources. This is
because low frequencies travel farther with less
attenuation.
Load Sound
In transformers, the load noise is predominantly produced
by axial and radial vibration of the windings. Load noise
can also be caused by vibrations in the transformer tank
walls and magnetic shields due to the electromagnetic

forces produced by the load currents. These
electromagnetic forces are proportional to the square of
the load currents.
The frequency of load noise is usually twice the power

frequency. In some cases, the natural mechanical
frequency of winding clamping systems may tend to
resonate with electromagnetic forces thereby severely
intensifying the load noise.
The presence of harmonics in load current and voltage

(e.g. in rectifier transformers ) can produce vibrations at
twice the harmonic frequencies and thus a sizeable
increase in the overall sound level of a transformer.
Harmonics in load current and voltage can produce vibrations at twice the
harmonic frequencies in transformers. Photo: Wikimedia.
The magnitude and the phase angle of the load currents

also change the internal voltage drop in the transformer
windings. The transformer loading conditions therefore can
change the core induction level and significantly
influence the core sound levels.
Harmonic content in the load current has a larger impact

on the sound level than might be expected from the
amplitude of the harmonic currents since they interact with
the power frequency load current.
Current harmonics are a major source of increase in

sound levels in HVDC and rectifier transformers. Non
linear loads cause harmonics in the excitation voltage
resulting in an increase in core sound levels.
Fan and Pump Sound

The main source of heat
generation in power
transformers are caused
by copper loss in the
windings and core (I²R
losses). This heat is
Transformer heat is often removed by
often removed by cooling fans which blow air over
cooling fans which blow radiators. Photo: Wikimedia.
air over radiators or

coolers. Noise produced by cooling fans usually contribute
more to the total noise for transformers of smaller rating

and for low-induction transformers.
Factors that affect the total fan noise output include:
tip speed
blade design
number of fans
the arrangement of the radiators
Cooling equipment noise typically dominates the very low

and very high frequency ends of the sound spectrum,
whereas the core noise dominates in the intermediate
range of frequencies between 100 Hz and 600 Hz.
Mechanical and Structural

Sound
The mechanical resonance in the transformer mounting
structure, core and tank walls can have a significant
influence on the magnitude of transformer vibrations and
consequently on the acoustic noise generated. Marginally
designed magnetic shielding can also be a significant
source of sound in transformers.
Sound caused by DC
Magnetization
Even a moderate DC magnetization of a transformer core
will result in a significant increase in the transformer
audible sound level. In addition to increasing the power

level of the normal harmonics in the transformer vibrations
( i.e. even harmonics of the power frequencies), DC
magnetization will add odd harmonic tones to the overall
sound level of the transformer.
Modern cores have high remnant flux density. Upon

energization, the core sound levels may be as much as
20dB higher than the factory test value. It is therefore
recommended that a transformer should be energized for
approximately six hours before evaluating its sound
levels.
Traditionally, circuits like DC feeders to the transportation

systems have been a source of DC fields in transformers.
However, with the increased use of power electronic
equipment in power transmission systems and in the
industry, the number of possible sources for DC
magnetization is increasing. Geomagnetic storms may
also cause severe DC magnetization in transformers
connected to long transmission lines.
Acoustical Resonance
Sound propagation is affected by many factors such as
atmospheric absorption, interceding barriers, and reflective
surfaces. Sound waves may be amplified by means of
reflected waves and/or radiated waves via walls, floors,
ceilings, mechanical vibrations of air ducts, conduits, and
mounting bases. For average expected sound levels of
dry-type transformers, refer to NEMA ST-20.
Dry type transformers are most frequently applied inside

buildings. In a room with walls of low sound absorption
coefficient, the sound from the transformer will reflect back
and forth between walls resulting in a build-up of sound
level in the room.
Methods for reducing excessive

noise in transformers
When transformers must
be located in noise
sensitive areas,
precautions should be
taken to avoid
amplification of the
transformer sound:
Average sound level of transformers per
ANSI C89.2. Photo: General Electric.
Loosen anchor
bolts between the
transformer and
enclosure and let the
unit rest on the
vibration pads only.
(Except on certified
seismic units.)
Use flexible
conduit and bus
connections.
Avoid mounting transformers on walls, balconies,

and floors with low masses.
Avoid uneven mounting surfaces.
To meet NEMA listed average sound levels, a transformer

should be installed in a location where there is a 10-foot
clearance on all sides except floor or ground. Units
located in close proximity to hard surfaces may produce
higher than average sound levels.
Install transformers in an area where the noise will be

least objectionable. Avoid rooms where hard surfaces
are in close proximity to the transformer. Use acoustic
absorbing materials on walls, floors, and ceilings. Avoid
installation of units in corners, hallways, and stairways,
and near heating and air conditioning ducts.
References
Power Dry II Dry Type Transformers – Square D
Understanding Transformer Noise - Federal Pacific
Causes and Effects of Transformer Sound Levels
Share this page
Tags
ansi, codes and standards, nema, reference guides,
substations, transformers
Comments
Be the first to comment.

Login or Register to comment.
Also on TestGuy
High-voltage bushing maintenance techniques
10 Critical Tests for New Power Circuit Breakers
Transfer Switch Testing and Maintenance Guide
Electrical Substation Bus Schemes Explained
The 3 Main Methods of Electrical Testing
5 Often Overlooked Tests for Power Circuit Breakers
Types and Construction of Power and Distribution

Transformers
Transformer Polarity Test Procedures
Low Voltage Cable Testing and Inspection Techniques
3 Basic Electrical Tests for Medium-Voltage Circuit Breakers
3 Simple, Yet E ective Tests for Battery Systems
10 Electrical Distribution System Arrangements Explained
See All Technical Articles...
Explore TestGuy NETA Certification Help and Support

Training
Sign Up Now Terms of Service
Follow us Level 2 Study Guide
Log in Privacy Statement
Level 3 Study Guide
Tag Cloud Advertising
Level 4 Study Guide
Electrical Testing Contact Us
Practice Exams
Forum
Level 2 Forum
Safety & Arc-Flash
Level 3 Forum
Forum
Level 4 Forum
Tech Quizzes
Start Your Career
Technical Articles
Electrical Testing
References
Electrical Videos
Industry Links
Back to Top
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:03 PM.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.2

Copyright © 2018 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.
This website is not affiliated with, maintained, authorized, endorsed or sponsored by the International Electrical Testing Association (NETA) or any of its
affiliates. The information presented on this website should not be used to replace any kind of classroom or group study led by a certified instructor.
TestGuy.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to
earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Copyright © 2018 TestGuy.net. All rights reserved.

Transformer Humming Noise Explained

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Transformer Humming Noise Explained

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

3/7/2018 Transformer Humming Noise Explained

Home / Technical Articles / Transformer Humming Noise Explained

Transformer Humming Noise

All transformers have an

While transformer cores are generally recognized as the

Therefore, the sound producing mechanisms of

When a strip of iron is magnetized, a phenomenon known

Transformer cores are

A transformer is magnetically excited by an alternating

Why do transformers get louder as they age?

Over time, the transformer core adhesive starts to break

Magnetostriction causes acoustic noise in a power tran

Flux density, core material, core geometry, and the wave

The low frequency, tonal nature of transformer core

walls and magnetic shields due to the electromagnetic

The frequency of load noise is usually twice the power

The presence of harmonics in load current and voltage

The magnitude and the phase angle of the load currents

Harmonic content in the load current has a larger impact

Current harmonics are a major source of increase in

Fan and Pump Sound

cooling fans which blow radiators. Photo: Wikimedia.

air over radiators or

more to the total noise for transformers of smaller rating

Factors that affect the total fan noise output include:

the arrangement of the radiators

Cooling equipment noise typically dominates the very low

Mechanical and Structural

audible sound level. In addition to increasing the power

Modern cores have high remnant flux density. Upon

Traditionally, circuits like DC feeders to the transportation

Dry type transformers are most frequently applied inside

Methods for reducing excessive

Avoid mounting transformers on walls, balconies,

Avoid uneven mounting surfaces.

To meet NEMA listed average sound levels, a transformer

Install transformers in an area where the noise will be

Power Dry II Dry Type Transformers – Square D

Understanding Transformer Noise - Federal Pacific

Causes and Effects of Transformer Sound Levels

Share this page

Be the first to comment.

High-voltage bushing maintenance techniques

10 Critical Tests for New Power Circuit Breakers

Transfer Switch Testing and Maintenance Guide

Electrical Substation Bus Schemes Explained

The 3 Main Methods of Electrical Testing

5 Often Overlooked Tests for Power Circuit Breakers

Types and Construction of Power and Distribution

Transformer Polarity Test Procedures

Low Voltage Cable Testing and Inspection Techniques

3 Basic Electrical Tests for Medium-Voltage Circuit Breakers

3 Simple, Yet E ective Tests for Battery Systems

10 Electrical Distribution System Arrangements Explained

See All Technical Articles...

Explore TestGuy NETA Certification Help and Support

Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.2

You might also like