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The 100kVA Transformer: A Complete Guide

2026-02-10

 

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

Renewable Energy

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

100kVA Pad Mounted Transformer

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.

 

100kVA 35kV Oil Immersed Transformer

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.

 

100kVA Dry Type Transformer

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

Step Down Transformer

MV → LV

Utility distribution

Step Up Transformer

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

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

 
NPC Electric 100kVA Transformer

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

Wind energy systems

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
  • 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.

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