Transformer explosion cuts power to about 6,000 customers in Reno

What happened

At about 10 a.m. on Sunday 4 December 2022, a transformer exploded in a neighbourhood at Plumas Street and St. Lawrence in Midtown, Reno, Nevada. Reno Fire responded to the incident. According to Reno Fire officials, a bird sat on a power line and caused it to spark. High and low power lines fell, and a line with a transformer blew up, sending power lines down onto cars and the street.

The explosion also caused some residents' electrical boxes to blow up. NV Energy said up to 6,000 customers were affected, and some outlets reported more than 6,000. No restoration time had been given at the time of reporting, although most power had been restored.

Contributing factors

Reno Fire officials said a bird sitting on a power line caused it to spark, which led to high and low power lines falling and a transformer failing. The cause had not been confirmed by the utility or a formal investigation at the time of reporting.

Lessons learned

1. Fit insulating covers, spacing or perch deterrents on overhead lines and transformer connections where birds are known to roost, since avian contact can cause flashover.
2. Treat a transformer failure on a street as a public hazard, with cordons, rapid isolation and clearance of fallen conductors from vehicles and roads.
3. Check that residential service equipment and meters near a failed transformer are inspected after an explosion, because the blast can damage nearby customer boxes.

More lessons on spacing, layout and fire spread, electrical protection and isolation, maintenance, inspection and ageing assets, from every incident on the register.

Source

2news.com