A padmount or pad-mounted transformer is a ground-mounted electric power distribution transformer in a locked steel cabinet mounted on a concrete pad. Since all energized connection points are securely enclosed in a grounded metal housing, a padmount transformer can be installed in places that do not have room for a fenced enclosure. Padmount transformers are used with underground electric power distribution lines at service drops to step down the primary voltage on the line to the lower secondary voltage supplied to utility customers. A single transformer may serve one large building or many homes.
Large pad-mount transformers supplying power to a computer data center. No live wires are exposed.
Padmounted transformers in Caguas, Puerto Rico.
A distribution transformer or service transformer is a transformer that provides a final voltage transformation in the electric power distribution system, stepping down the voltage used in the distribution lines to the level used by the customer.
The invention of a practical efficient transformer made AC power distribution feasible; a system using distribution transformers was demonstrated as early as 1882.
Single-phase distribution transformer in Canada
Two three-phase transformers in Hungary
Phase-to-phase transformer in Britain
Primary line on the right toward the front and secondary lines in the back of this single-phase transformer
