The 100kVA Transformer: A Complete Guide
The 100kVA transformer is one of the most widely deployed ratings in modern power distribution systems. It strikes a practical balance between capacity, efficiency, footprint, and cost, making it ideal for residential communities, commercial buildings, agricultural facilities, small industrial plants, and renewable energy projects.
What Is a 100kVA Transformer?
A 100kVA transformer is an electrical device designed to transfer electrical power with an apparent power rating of 100 kilovolt-amperes (kVA) between circuits using electromagnetic induction.
- kVA (kilovolt-ampere) represents apparent power
- Suitable for continuous and intermittent loads
- Commonly used as a step-down transformer in distribution networks
- Can also function as a step-up transformer in renewable or industrial systems
Typical Applications of a 100kVA Transformer
|
Application Area |
Typical Use Case |
|
Residential |
Small housing estates, apartment blocks |
|
Commercial |
Retail stores, offices, schools |
|
Industrial |
Workshops, light manufacturing |
|
Agriculture |
Irrigation pumps, grain dryers |
|
Solar inverters, battery systems |
|
|
Utilities |
LV distribution feeders |
Common Types of 100kVA Transformers
The 100kVA transformer is available in multiple structural and insulation designs to suit different electrical systems, installation environments, and load profiles. Selecting the correct type ensures long-term reliability, safety, and cost efficiency.
1. 100kVA Pole Mounted Transformer
Basic Parameters
|
Parameter |
Typical Value |
|
Rated Power |
100 kVA |
|
Phase |
Single phase / Three phase |
|
Primary Voltage |
6.6kV / 10kV / 11kV / 13.8kV |
|
Secondary Voltage |
240V / 415V / 480V |
|
Cooling Method |
ONAN (Oil Natural Air Natural) |
|
Insulation Medium |
Mineral oil / Eco oil |
|
Installation |
Overhead utility pole |
|
Standard |
ANSI C57 / IEC 60076 |
Typical Uses
- Rural power distribution
- Suburban residential feeders
- Agricultural electrification
- Temporary construction power
Design Scenarios
Pole-mounted transformers are compact and lightweight, designed to be suspended on utility poles. They minimize ground footprint and are ideal where land availability is limited or underground infrastructure is not economical.
Their oil-immersed design offers excellent thermal performance, making them suitable for fluctuating daily loads.
2. 100kVA Pad Mounted Transformer
Basic Parameters
|
Parameter |
Typical Value |
|
Rated Power |
100 kVA |
|
Phase |
Single phase / 3 phase |
|
Primary Voltage |
Up to 35kV |
|
Secondary Voltage |
400V / 415V / 480V |
|
Enclosure |
Steel, tamper-proof |
|
Cooling |
ONAN |
|
Protection |
Bay-onet fuse / Load break switch |
|
Installation |
Ground (pad mount) |
Typical Uses
- Residential housing developments
- Commercial complexes
- Schools and hospitals
- Underground distribution networks

Design Scenarios
A 100kVA pad mounted transformer is engineered for public safety and aesthetics. Fully enclosed cabinets protect live components while enabling front-access maintenance.
This design is commonly used where underground cables replace overhead lines, especially in modern urban planning and renewable-ready communities.
3. 100kVA Oil Immersed Transformer
Basic Parameters
|
Parameter |
Typical Value |
|
Rated Power |
100 kVA |
|
Insulation |
Mineral oil / Silicone / Natural ester |
|
Cooling |
ONAN / ONAF (optional) |
|
Temperature Rise |
55K / 65K |
|
Efficiency |
≥ 98% |
|
Installation |
Outdoor / Indoor (ventilated) |
Typical Uses
- Utility substations
- Industrial plants
- Renewable energy interconnections
- Harsh climate environments
Design Scenarios
The 100kVA oil immersed transformer provides high dielectric strength and superior cooling, making it ideal for continuous operation and higher ambient temperatures.
Eco-friendly ester oil options support fire safety and environmental compliance, especially in solar and wind projects.

4. 100kVA Dry Type Transformer
Basic Parameters
|
Parameter |
Typical Value |
|
Rated Power |
100 kVA |
|
Insulation Class |
F / H |
|
Cooling |
AN (Air Natural) |
|
Enclosure |
IP00 / IP23 |
|
Fire Risk |
Very low |
|
Noise Level |
≤ 50 dB |
|
Installation |
Indoor |
Typical Uses
- Data centers
- Commercial buildings
- Hospitals and airports
- High-rise electrical rooms
Design Scenarios
A 100kVA dry type transformer is designed for indoor environments where fire safety and low maintenance are critical. Without oil, there is no leakage risk, making it suitable for densely populated buildings.
Dry type units are preferred in HVAC systems, UPS power rooms, and clean energy facilities.

5. 100kVA Single Phase Transformer
Basic Parameters
|
Parameter |
Typical Value |
|
Rated Power |
100 kVA |
|
Phase |
Single phase |
|
Voltage Ratio |
Customizable |
|
Efficiency |
High at partial load |
|
Structure |
Pole mounted / Pad mounted |
Typical Uses
- Residential neighborhoods
- Street lighting systems
- Rural distribution
Design Scenarios
Single phase 100kVA distribution transformers are optimized for uneven or low-density loads, offering cost savings where three-phase power is unnecessary.
6. 100kVA 3 Phase Transformer
Basic Parameters
|
Parameter |
Typical Value |
|
Rated Power |
100 kVA |
|
Phase |
Three phase |
|
Connection |
Dyn11 / Yyn0 / ΔY |
|
Load Capability |
Balanced / Heavy loads |
|
Efficiency |
Higher than single phase |
Typical Uses
- Small factories
- Commercial centers
- EV charging stations
- Solar inverter systems
Design Scenarios
A 100kVA 3 phase transformer is designed for balanced, higher-density electrical loads. It ensures stable voltage, reduced losses, and compatibility with modern industrial and renewable energy systems.
7. Step Up vs Step Down 100kVA Transformers
|
Type |
Voltage Function |
Typical Scenario |
|
MV → LV |
Utility distribution |
|
|
LV → MV |
Solar / Wind generation |
Step-up configurations are increasingly used in solar power plants, where inverter output voltage must be raised before grid connection.
Engineering Selection Summary
|
Scenario |
Recommended 100kVA Type |
|
Rural distribution |
Pole-mounted, oil-immersed |
|
Urban residential |
Pad mounted |
|
Indoor commercial |
Dry type |
|
Renewable energy |
Oil-immersed, step up |
|
Industrial loads |
Single Phase vs 100kVA 3 Phase Transformer
|
Parameter |
Single Phase |
100kVA 3 Phase Transformer |
|
Voltage Supply |
1Φ |
3Φ |
|
Load Capacity |
Lower |
Higher |
|
Efficiency |
Moderate |
Higher |
|
Applications |
Residential |
Commercial / Industrial |
|
Cost |
Lower |
Higher |
Standard Voltage Ratings
Typical voltage configurations for a transformer 100kVA include:
|
Primary Voltage |
Secondary Voltage |
|
11kV |
400V |
|
13.8kV |
415V |
|
22kV |
400V |
|
33kV |
690V |
|
480V |
208V / 120V |
Voltage design can be customized based on regional grid standards (IEC, ANSI, IEEE).
100kVA Transformer Technical Specifications
|
Parameter |
Typical Value |
|
Rated Power |
100 kVA |
|
Frequency |
50Hz / 60Hz |
|
Cooling |
ONAN / AN / AF |
|
Insulation Class |
A / F / H |
|
Temperature Rise |
55K / 65K |
|
Efficiency |
≥ 98% |
|
Impedance |
4% – 6% |
|
Noise Level |
< 55 dB |
100kVA Transformer Selection Decision Matrix
Selecting the correct 100kVA transformer requires balancing electrical load characteristics, installation environment, safety requirements, efficiency targets, and lifecycle cost. The decision matrix below provides a practical, field-oriented framework.
1. Primary Selection Criteria
Before choosing a transformer type, engineers should evaluate the following core parameters:
- Installation location (indoor/outdoor / overhead/underground)
- Load profile (residential, commercial, industrial, renewable)
- Phase requirement (single phase vs three phase)
- Fire and environmental risk
- Maintenance access
- Initial cost vs lifecycle cost
- Applicable standards (IEC, ANSI, IEEE)
2. 100kVA Transformer Selection Decision Matrix
|
Application Scenario |
Recommended Transformer Type |
Phase |
Cooling |
Key Reasons |
|
Rural power distribution |
Pole-Mounted Oil-Immersed |
Single / 3-phase transformer |
ONAN |
Low cost, minimal footprint, proven utility design |
|
Urban residential housing |
Pad-Mounted Transformer |
Single / 3-phase transformer |
ONAN |
Public safety, underground cable compatibility |
|
Commercial buildings |
Dry Type Transformer |
3-phase transformer |
AN |
Fire safety, low noise, indoor installation |
|
Industrial plants |
Oil Immersed Transformer |
3-phase transformer |
ONAN / ONAF |
High thermal margin, continuous duty |
|
Solar power plants |
Step-Up Oil Immersed Transformer |
3-phase transformer |
ONAN |
Grid interconnection, inverter voltage boosting |
|
Oil Immersed Transformer |
3-phase transformer |
ONAN |
High reliability under fluctuating load |
|
|
Data centers/hospitals |
Dry Type Transformer |
3-phase transformer |
AN |
Zero oil risk, high safety compliance |
|
Temporary construction sites |
Pole-Mounted Transformer |
Single-phase transformer |
ONAN |
Fast installation, mobility |
3. Selection Matrix by Installation Environment
|
Environment |
Preferred Type |
Reason |
|
Outdoor, open area |
Oil Immersed |
Superior cooling, weather tolerance |
|
Indoor electrical room |
Dry Type |
No oil leakage, reduced fire risk |
|
Public-access area |
Pad Mounted |
Tamper-proof enclosure |
|
Limited ground space |
Pole Mounted |
Vertical installation |
4. Phase Selection Matrix (Single Phase vs 3 Phase)
|
Load Condition |
Recommended Phase |
|
Residential streets |
Single phase |
|
Commercial complexes |
3 phase |
|
Industrial machinery |
3 phase |
|
Solar inverter systems |
3 phase |
|
Agricultural loads |
Single or 3-phase |
5. Voltage & Function Selection Matrix
|
System Requirement |
Transformer Configuration |
|
MV to LV distribution |
Step Down 100kVA Transformer |
|
LV to MV renewable output |
Step Up 100kVA Transformer |
|
Utility grid supply |
Standard distribution transformer |
|
Off-grid energy system |
Custom voltage ratio |
6. Cost vs Performance Decision Matrix
|
Priority |
Recommended Type |
|
Lowest initial cost |
Pole-Mounted Oil-Immersed |
|
Lowest maintenance |
Dry Type Transformer |
|
Highest efficiency |
Oil Immersed Transformer |
|
Longest service life |
Oil Immersed with ester oil |
|
Best fire safety |
Dry Type Transformer |
7. Engineering Recommendation Summary
For export-oriented projects, the optimal 100kVA transformer selection should prioritize:
- Compliance with IEC 60076 / ANSI C57
- High efficiency at partial and rated loads
- Suitability for local climate conditions
- Availability of technical support and spare parts
- Proven manufacturer quality systems (ISO, routine tests)
Leading transformer manufacturers increasingly offer customized 100kVA solutions, including eco-friendly oil options, smart monitoring, and renewable-ready designs, ensuring compatibility with modern power systems.
Efficiency & Energy Loss Considerations
A 100kVA distribution transformer is designed to minimize:
- No-load (core) losses
- Load (copper) losses
- Harmonic losses from modern electronics
High-efficiency designs reduce:
- Operating costs
- Carbon footprint
- Heat generation
Many transformer manufacturers now offer eco-design compliant models to meet international energy efficiency regulations.
Oil Immersed vs Dry Type: Quick Comparison
|
Feature |
Oil Immersed |
Dry Type |
|
Cooling |
Oil |
Air |
|
Fire Risk |
Medium |
Low |
|
Installation |
Outdoor |
Indoor |
|
Maintenance |
Periodic oil checks |
Minimal |
|
Cost |
Lower |
Higher |
Sizing & Load Calculation for a 100kVA Transformer
A simplified load estimation formula:
Load (kW) ≈ kVA × Power Factor
Example:
- 100 kVA × 0.8 PF = 80 kW usable load
Design margin recommendation:
- Operate at 70–85% loading for long-term reliability
Installation Considerations
Key factors when installing a 100kVA pad-mounted transformer or pole-mounted transformer:
- Adequate ventilation
- Grounding and earthing system
- Short-circuit withstand capability
- Clearance and safety zoning
- Protection coordination (fuses, breakers)
Compliance & Standards
A quality 100kVA transformer manufacturer typically complies with:
- IEC 60076
- IEEE C57
- ANSI
- GB / EN standards
Certification ensures safety, interoperability, and long service life.
100kVA Transformer Selection Checklist
|
Selection Factor |
Recommendation |
|
Load Type |
Continuous / Variable |
|
Installation |
Indoor or Outdoor |
|
Cooling |
Oil or Dry |
|
Phase |
Single or Three |
|
Voltage Level |
Grid compliant |
|
Future Expansion |
+20% margin |
Typical Service Life & Maintenance
- Expected lifespan: 25–30 years
- Oil-immersed units require periodic oil testing
- Dry-type transformers need dust and thermal inspection
- Proper loading significantly extends service life
Future Trends in 100kVA Transformers
- Smart monitoring (temperature, load, oil quality)
- Low-loss amorphous cores
- Biodegradable insulating fluids
- Integration with renewable energy systems
- Compact designs for urban distribution
The 100kVA transformer remains a cornerstone of modern electrical infrastructure. Whether deployed as a 100kVA pole-mounted transformer, 100kVA pad-mounted transformer, oil-immersed transformer, or dry type transformer, it offers flexibility, reliability, and cost efficiency across diverse applications.
Selecting the right configuration—single or 100kVA 3 phase transformer, step up or step down—ensures optimal performance, safety, and long-term value in today’s evolving power systems.
For utilities, EPC contractors, and industrial users alike, a properly specified 100kVA distribution transformer is a smart and future-ready investment in electrical reliability.