4.  The liquid level inside the tank must be checked (see 
Insulating Liquid Maintenance section of this manual). 
On transformers equipped with a liquid level gauge, 
the liquid level may be read directly from the gauge. 
On transformers that are not gauge equipped, the tank 
liquid level must be determined by removing the liquid 
level plug (see Figure 2). At 25 °C liquid temperature, 
the liquid level should be at the bottom edge of the 
liquid level plug hole.
If the tank temperature is greater than ambient air tem-
perature, the transformer tank must be vented to zero 
pressure before the liquid level plug is removed. Failure 
to do so may cause hot oil to be sprayed from the plug 
hole and may result in severe personal injury.
5.  Special procedures must be followed when 
energizing a transformer in ambient temperatures 
below -20°C. Contact your Eaton representative for 
further instructions. Failure to follow special start-
up procedures may cause premature failure of the 
transformer and its components. Also, note warning 
and caution statements in Switches and Protective 
Devices section of this manual for further precautions 
when operating under-oil loadbreak accessories in 
insulating liquid temperatures below 0°C.
Pre-service inspection (interior)
Pre-service interior inspection may not be required if 
exterior inspection reveals no evidence of damage.
If interior inspection is required, the transformer must be 
opened by removing the manhole/handhole or tank cover. 
See the Tank Cover Removal and Installation section of 
this manual.
Pre-service interior inspections should be restricted to 
noting defects or damage that may prevent proper operation 
of the transformer.
Inspect for:
1.   Moisture on underside of the tank cover or man-hole 
cover.
2.  Loose, shifted, or damaged parts (bushings, fuse 
holders, etc.).
3.  Broken or loose connections.
4.  Contaminated insulating liquid (sediment or foreign 
objects on the tank bottom, dirt or air bubbles 
suspended in the liquid).
Internal damage
If concealed internal damage is suspected, it may be 
necessary to lower the insulting liquid level to complete the 
inspection. Refer to the Insulating Liquid Maintenance 
section of this manual.
Contaminated insulating liquid
If moisture is found inside the tank, or there is evidence 
that the insulating liquid may be otherwise contaminated, a 
liquid sample should be taken for analysis. Samples should 
be drawn from the bottom of the tank. For instruction on 
sampling the insulating liquid please see the Insulating 
Liquid Maintenance section of this manual.
If moisture is present in the liquid, the transformer must 
be dried out. Contact your Eaton representative for special 
instructions on dry-out or other decontamination processes.
CAUTION 
Elevated Pressure. Can cause severe personal injury. 
Do not remove liquid level plug (see Figure 2) before 
venting transformer to zero pressure. Pull ring on 
pressure relief valve to relieve pressure.
Figure 2.  Liquid level plug.
WARNING 
Fire Hazard. Energizing transformer in ambient 
temperatures below -20 °C can result in fire and cause 
severe personal injury or death. Contact your Eaton 
representative for further instructions on energizing 
transformer in ambient temperatures below -20 °C.
CAUTION 
Before opening the transformer tank for Pre-Service 
Inspection, read the Insulating Liquid Maintenance 
section in this manual. This section explains safety 
precautions that should be taken and gives instructions 
on how to prevent insulating liquid contamination.
3Three-phase pad-mounted compartmental type installation and maintenance instructions MN202001EN   August 2015