208 to 480 transformer
The following is a summary of the core information about a **transformer converting 208V to 480V**, covering **type selection,
parameter calculation, local solutions in the United States**, and **installation key points**, which will help you quickly match your needs:
I. Core Types and Prices (US Market)
Type | Capacity Range | Price Range (Brand-new) | Typical Brands and Models | Connection Method | Application Scenarios |
Three-phase Dry Type | 15~300 kVA | $1,800~$8,000 | Square D QO75T3H (75 kVA) | 208Y→480Δ | Indoor industrial equipment (motors, welding machines) |
Three-phase Oil-cooled Type | 50~2000 kVA | $5,000~$20,000 | Eaton 4468 (150 kVA) | 208Y→480Y/277 | Outdoor power distribution (factories, substations) |
Single-phase Transformer | 5~100 kVA | $2,500~$10,000 | Hammond 167H (30 kVA) | 208→480 | Single-phase high-voltage loads (such as heaters) |
### II. Quick Model Selection Guide
1. Selection by Capacity and Load
- **Small Capacity (15~30 kVA)**
- Select **Square D or Hammond dry-type transformers** ($1,800~$3,500), suitable for small motors and charging piles.
- Current calculation:
**Input current = 30,000VA ÷ (√3×208V) ≈ 83A**
**Output current = 30,000VA ÷ (√3×480V) ≈ 36A**
- **Medium and Large Capacity (75~150 kVA)**
- Select **Eaton oil-cooled type** ($6,000~$12,000), which supports outdoor installation and requires a cooling fan.
- Note: For motor-type loads, a **20% derating** is required (for example, the actual available capacity of 75 kVA is 60 kVA).
2. Selection by Voltage Connection Method
- **Common Configurations**:
- **Input**: 208Y/120V (Three-phase four-wire, with a neutral wire)
- **Output**:
- **480Δ** (Three-phase three-wire, without a neutral wire, suitable for motors)
- **480Y/277V** (Three-phase four-wire, with a neutral wire, suitable for mixed loads)
- **Error Risk**: If it is misconnected as **208Δ→480Y**, it will lead to an output voltage deviation of ±15%!
III. Key Parameters and Installation Requirements
1. **Efficiency and Temperature Rise**
- The efficiency of dry-type transformers is **95%~97%**, and the temperature rise under full load is ≤150°C (heat dissipation space needs to be reserved).
- The efficiency of oil-cooled transformers is **98%+**, but the oil needs to be replaced regularly (once every 5 to 7 years).
2. **Dimension Reference (75 kVA Three-phase)**
- Dry type: **30×20×37 inches** (Square D), weighing 544 pounds, suitable for indoor NEMA 1 environments.
- Oil-cooled type: **49×37×46 inches** (Eaton), weighing 700 pounds, requiring an outdoor NEMA 3R base.
3. **National Electrical Code (NEC) in the United States**
- The transformer needs to be grounded (**Clause 250.30**), and the neutral wire needs to be selected according to the **maximum phase current**.
- For indoor installation, the distance from combustibles should be ≥**3 feet** (dry type) or **10 feet** (oil-cooled type).
IV. Recommendations of Local Solutions in the United States
1. **Suppliers and Models**
- **WESCO** (National Chain):
- In-stock **GE 9T213BC3** (75 kVA, 208Y→480Δ, $4,200), and installation drawings are provided.
- **Second-hand on eBay**:
- Screen for second-hand transformers with **“UL Certification + 1-year Warranty”** (such as Federal Pacific T4T75-1, $1,500~$2,000).
2. **Installation Services**
- Contact a **licensed electrician** to complete the wiring, and apply for an **electrical permit** from the local government (the fee is $200~$500).
- Recommended service provider: **Wankong Electrical Services USA** (covering Washington and California).
V. Common Questions
- **Q: Can a single-phase 208V be converted to a single-phase 480V?**
A: Yes, but a single-phase transformer (such as Hammond 167H) needs to be customized. Note that **a single-phase 208V is actually two phases of 208V** (not the line voltage), and the winding design needs to be confirmed with the supplier.
- **Q: How to test whether the transformer is working properly?**
A: Use a multimeter to measure the output voltage. When it is no-load, it should be close to **480V±5%**, and the voltage drop after loading ≤**3%** is normal.
**Next Steps**:
1. Confirm the load type (motor/resistance) and connection method, and calculate the required capacity;
2. Contact **Wankong Electrical or a local electrician** to obtain a customized solution.