Bushings are the connection between the transformer and the grid – they conduct electricity, protect against short circuits, and must withstand mechanical and external environmental influences. In short, bushings are crucial for safe grid operation and are therefore a critical component of the transformer. A CIGRE survey found that 17 percent of serious transformer failures are due to damaged bushings. This is partly because older transformers often still use porcelain bushings. Although porcelain offers high dielectric strength and ages very slowly, it is also heavy and easily breakable. In addition to a wide range of new porcelain bushings, Reinhausen therefore also has silicone bushings in its portfolio that can be used as an alternative and improve the safety and resilience of older transformers.

With the British company BTRAC, a member of the Reinhausen Group, MR has a proven specialist for bushings and other transformer accessories on board. The experts from Telford near Birmingham can also adapt silicone bushings to specific customer requirements by changing the rod design and fitting other connection types. BTRAC also helps when certain types of fittings are no longer available on the market—either because the manufacturer no longer exists or because it has discontinued the product. Managing Director Craig Carrington explains: “We can redevelop accessories that are no longer manufactured using reverse engineering.” With the appropriate software and a CNC machine, BTRAC can solve such customer-specific problems flexibly and without long lead times. This means that retrofits are possible even when standard products are no longer available, given supposedly obsolete transformers a new lease of life.

Oil level indicators on power transformers are important but often underestimated components. Their function is extremely essential for safety and also for the early detection of problems: if the oil level drops too low, this can lead to overheating of the windings, electrical breakdowns and, as a consequence, even fires. In addition, the gauge provides important information about whether seals are leaking or cracks in the tank are causing unusual oil losses. In summary: Without a correct oil level indicator, there is an increased risk of costly breakdowns, reduced service life, and safety issues. In practice, however, the inspection window of the indicator often becomes dirty over time or becomes opaque due to UV radiation, rendering it unusable. As these components are essential for operational safety, replacement is urgently required. In addition to simple oil level gauges (OLG), MR also offers magnetic oil level gauges (MOLG) and can install them as part of maintenance work.