Like many of our Huntertown and Southwest Fort Wayne members, if you live in a subdivision, you’ve probably seen big green boxes in between some houses. But what are they?
Those boxes are pad-mount transformers, and they’re a vital part of bringing electricity to every home. These are the same as the transformers on utility poles, but they’re mounted on the ground instead of a pole because the wires are underground. They’re designed to be safer, with a locked metal case around the transformer and conduit around the wires, but they still contain 7,200 volts of electricity.
The purpose of a transformer, no matter high in the air on a pole or in one of the green boxes on the ground, is to convert high voltage from distribution lines to 120/240 volts which is what houses use to power electronics, lights and appliances. Underground, the system is the same with the encased distribution lines buried usually along the street or sidewalk and the service lines usually wired off from the pad-mount transformer to two homes.
Everyone should always use caution and keep a safe distance from ground transformers — which is why they are plainly marked with warnings. Kids may not understand why they shouldn’t be on or near them, but we hope parents will show them the warning stickers and tell them about the dangers of electricity.
Below are some safety tips if you’re around any ground-mounted electrical equipment.
- Do not let children play on or near pad-mounted transformers.
- Never stick anything through cracks into the transformer box.
- Show kids the warning sticker on the box and teach them what it means. This way, they will know the importance of the sticker when they see it.
- Never paint or decorate transformers. The metal covers are assigned a specific color (usually green) so utility workers can easily identify them. Also, tampering with the box by painting it could impair the lock, the equipment itself, or cover the warning signs.
- If you see an unlocked transformer or one needing repair, contact your electric cooperative immediately. Often, contact information will be on the transformer box itself.
- Underground power lines can extend in any direction from a pad-mount transformer. Never dig without calling 811 at least several days in advance of your planned digging. At no cost, all of your underground equipment and lines will be marked.
- Your electric utility needs at least 10 feet of clearance on the opening side to safely access the transformer. Allowing five feet of space on the other sides allows them space to maneuver away if a dangerous situation arises.
Ground-mounted transformers may just seem like a green box in your yard, but they are necessary infrastructure for buried power lines and shouldn’t be played on or tampered with. Thank you for helping us keep our neighbors and community safe and aware of potential dangers.
