I run a business flipping houses and remodeling rental properties. I was talking to the owner of the electrical supply house in our county yesterday and he told me they sold the last 200 amp meter base they had in stock the day before. They were probably one of the last stores in Tennessee that had any in stock. You can't build a house without one.
He also told me our power company has been removing transformers that are feeding barns or workshops. They don't have any spares to fix broken transformers in residential areas so they are stealing them from places that affect the fewest people. They haven't received any new transformers in several months.
The areas affected by the tornados last week are calling utility companies everywhere trying to find transformers and poles to repair the damage but there are very many spares left. He said if that storm had hit our county, he didn't think we would have the parts to get the power turned back on any time soon.
Crazy times ahead.
Make certain steel for containers and cores are available and sufficient copper for the windings. May want to bring back the PCBs for super efficient cooling-cancer risks these days are somewhat overrated..
I’ve read a shitton on it today. Whew!
I have worked for a couple of electric motor repair/supply companies and the one in Denver had the ability to refurbish transformers but not rebuild. the containers could be repurposed...
I read a DOE document today (ugh) where there was a call to refurbish but the government claimed all-new only, no rebuilds, or something to that effect!!!
A regulation that favors China no doubt...
I’m thinkin there’s a market right there? Rebuild/refurb whichever?
Absolutely! Eliminate regulation, provide new external parts and if the old transformer was not a subject of fire, simply allow the refurb..