External connections
Transformers that require no internal inspection or repair 
may be connected to the system. Transformers must be 
connected and operated as indicated by the transformer 
nameplate. Clean bushings and terminals before making 
connections. Remove dirt, grease or foreign material. 
Contamination can cause failure of the bushings.
Cables connected to the transformer terminals are to have 
sufficient flex to allow normal pad movement due to ground 
freeze/thaw and settling. Insufficient cable flex may cause 
premature failure of the bushings.
Ground connections
The transformer tank must be connected to a permanent, 
low-resistance ground. If the tank is not solidly grounded 
and the transformer is connected to the power distribution 
system, then the tank should be regarded as energized. 
An energized tank is extremely dangerous. Contact with an 
energized tank can shock, burn, or cause death.
Three-phase pad-mounted transformers are equipped with 
two grounding pads for making the ground connection. 
The pads (see Figure 3) are located on the faceplate of the 
transformer behind the terminal compartment doors. One 
pad is in the primary compartment and the other in the 
secondary compartment.
Grounded wye-grounded wye transformer 
connections
Grounded wye-grounded wye winding connection 
transformers are designed for power distribution systems 
that have a grounded neutral connector. All windings 
designed for grounded neutral operation must be 
permanently and solidly grounded to the system neutral 
without electrical resistance.
High voltage connections
Make connections as shown in the diagrams and 
information on the transformer nameplate. Transformer 
neutrals must be connected to system neutrals. Leads 
and connections that are not used must be insulated from 
ground and all other leads.
Livefront transformer connections
Externally clamped porcelain bushings are normally provided 
for high voltage connection to three-phase pad-mounted 
livefront transformers. The bushings have tin-plated 
eyebolt terminals suitable for both copper and aluminum 
conductors. The bushings are positioned to allow vertical 
takeoff of primary cables entering from below.
Deadfront transformer connections
Deadfront three-phase pad-mounted transformers are 
equipped with universal bushing wells, one-piece bushings, 
or bushing wells with factory-installed inserts. Universal 
bushing wells must be field equipped with bushing well 
inserts before loadbreak cable connections can be made. 
Bushing well inserts must be compatible with the universal 
bushing well. Use of improperly rated inserts can cause 
premature failure of the transformer or its components. 
Read the manufacturer’s instructions furnished with the 
inserts before installing to determine if they are compatible.
Low voltage connections
Spade terminals are the standard low voltage connectors 
used for three-phase pad-mounted transformers. The low 
voltage bushings are externally clamped to the transformer 
tank wall.
WARNING 
Hazardous voltage. Can cause severe injury, death, or 
damage to equipment. Ground transformer following 
industry-accepted safe grounding practices before 
making other electrical connections. De-energize 
power distribution wires that will be connected to 
transformer. Verify that wires are de-energized at the 
transformer before connecting to transformer. 
Figure 3.  Grounding pad.
4 Three-phase pad-mounted compartmental type installation and maintenance instructions   MN202001EN   August 2015