storing transformers

[tempus fugit]

Hey all;

I have a bunch of xformers I've salvaged from old equipment and was going to
throw them into a box in the basement. I heard (from a not too reliable
source) that you are not supposed to store xformers together in close
proximity because they will somehow become damaged. I can't see how this
could possibly be, but thought I'd ask just in case.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks

 

[Bob Penoyer]

Hey all;

I have a bunch of xformers I've salvaged from old equipment and was going to
throw them into a box in the basement. I heard (from a not too reliable
source) that you are not supposed to store xformers together in close
proximity because they will somehow become damaged. I can't see how this
could possibly be, but thought I'd ask just in case.

This is just speculation. The laminations of a transformer are
insulated from each other to minimize eddy currents and, hence, losses
and inefficiency. By piling a bunch of transformers together in a box,
the sides of the laminations can get banged up and scarred, thus
causing them to be shorted together.

It's best to treat them with some care. Putting them in a box is okay
but try to keep them separated.