Landscaping Near Pad mounted Transformers

Pad mounted transformers perform a valuable function, however they do present a landscaping challenge. How do you create a pleasing visual effect, while still providing access for BC Hydro power line technicians to safely carry out necessary work? This article is designed to give you guidelines and some interesting ideas.

First, some facts about pad mounted transformers.

Transformers supply electrical energy to your home or business. Their function is to change high voltage electricity to the lower voltage needed for the lights and appliances you use. At present BC Hydro has about 35,000 pad mounted transformers in British Columbia, and about 2,000 more are added each year.

These transformers are usually green/yellow rectangular metal boxes/cabinets located next to sidewalks or roadways. Most units are about 0.6 metres (2 feet) high and have one door. A few units are larger and have two sets of doors.

In the past, transformers were mounted exclusively on power poles, well out of reach. Then, as more and more people became concerned about the appearance of the electrical distribution system, that practice changed.

Now power circuits are frequently placed underground, with transformers at ground level.

There's more to the pad mounted transformer than what appears on the surface. Electrical cables are buried near it. Digging in the vicinity of the transformer could damage these cables. Contact with these cables could be extremely dangerous. In addition, cable damage could cause interruptions to electrical service.

There may also be a transformer ground wire, surrounding the transformer at a distance of 0.3 m to 0.9 m (1 to 3 feet) and buried at a depth of 0.3 m. While momentary contact with this wire rope doesn't pose a safety hazard, its position should not be changed and it must not be damaged.

If you're considering any work involving digging in the vicinity of a pad mounted transformer, call BC Hydro at 604-431-9463 in the lower mainland. They can tell you where the cables are located. You should also contact other parties such as the municipality and the telephone and gas companies to make sure no other hazards are in the area.

BC Hydro workers need easy access to transformers

When there is a power outage, emergency or maintenance is required; power line technicians need to be able to access the transformer quickly and easily. In order to work safely power line technicians need a minimum of 2.5 m (8 feet) clearance in front of the transformer doors. That's why it's important that you don't put up a fence, wall or other structure that will restrict safe access to the unit.