1. Introduction
For every commercial or industrial project in North and South America, the transformador de potencia is the core of the electrical distribution system.
Whether you are building a water treatment plant in Brazil, a mining operation in Peru, or a commercial complex in Texas, choosing the right transformer determines how efficiently and safely your facility runs.
At Energy Power Transformer, we’ve been supplying oil-immersed and transformadores de tipo seco to clients across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia, helping EPCs and plant owners meet both UL / CSA / IEEE / ANSI standards.
This article explains how to select the best 1000 kVA, 13.8 kV / 480 V transformer, which is one of the most common configurations across the Americas.
2. Common Voltage Levels in the Americas
| Región | Typical Primary Voltage | Tensión secundaria | Frecuencia |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States / Canada | 13.2 kV, 13.8 kV, 4.16 kV | 480 V or 208 V | 60 Hz |
| Mexico | 13.2 kV, 13.8 kV | 480 V | 60 Hz |
| Brazil | 13.8 kV, 34.5 kV | 380 V / 440 V | 60 Hz |
| Chile / Peru / Colombia | 13.2 kV, 6.6 kV | 400–440 V | 60 Hz |
So when you’re searching for a 1000 kVA transformer, most often it will be a 13.8 kV / 480 V three-phase Dyn11 unit, oil-immersed or dry-type depending on installation conditions.
3. Key Technical Features to Consider
| Parámetro | Recommended Range | Notas |
|---|---|---|
| Potencia nominal | 1000 kVA | Suitable for medium commercial & industrial loads |
| Tensión primaria | 13.8 kV (±2.5% taps) | Matches medium-voltage network |
| Tensión secundaria | 480 V / 277 V | U.S. / Latin America standard |
| Frecuencia | 60 Hz | Must match utility |
| Tipo de refrigeración | ONAN (Oil Natural Air Natural) or Dry-type AN | Oil for outdoor, dry for indoor |
| Impedancia | 5–6% typical | Reduces short-circuit current |
| Aumento de temperatura | 65°C / 75°C | Affects efficiency and lifespan |
| Grupo Vector | Din11 | Common for grounded systems |
| Standard Compliance | IEEE C57 / ANSI / NEMA / CSA / IEC 60076 | Required for U.S. and LATAM projects |
4. Oil-Immersed vs. Dry-Type for American Conditions
| Transformador sumergido en aceite | Transformador seco | |
|---|---|---|
| Medio refrigerante | Mineral or FR3 ester oil | Air or cast resin |
| Instalación | Outdoor or substation yard | Indoor (plant rooms, basements) |
| Mantenimiento | Requires periodic oil checks | Mínimo |
| Eficacia | Slightly higher | Slightly lower |
| Nivel de ruido | Baja | Más alto |
| Typical Use | Utility feeders, industrial plants | Commercial buildings, hospitals |
👉 In North & South America, transformadores sumergidos en aceite remain dominant for outdoor substations and large plants, while tipo seco is preferred for indoor or safety-sensitive applications.
5. Common Applications of 1000 kVA Transformers
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Industrial Plants & Manufacturing Lines – for compressors, motors, and process control.
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Commercial Buildings & Malls – as step-down units feeding LV switchboards.
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Water Treatment & Desalination Plants – stable, long-hour operation.
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Renewable Energy Projects – connecting solar or wind systems to grid voltage.
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Mining Operations – robust design for dusty or high-altitude environments.
6. Compliance and Testing Standards
All transformers exported to North or South America from our factory comply with:
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IEEE C57.12 – General requirements for liquid-immersed transformers
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NEMA TR 1 – Temperature rise and efficiency standards
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ANSI C57.91 – Loading guide
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CSA C88 – For Canadian projects
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UL Certification (optional) – For U.S. and Mexican market compliance
Every unit undergoes:
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Ratio and polarity test
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Induced voltage and applied voltage test
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Winding resistance measurement
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Temperature rise test
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Partial discharge test (for dry-type)
7. Case Study: 1000 kVA 13.8 kV/480 V Transformer in Chile
In 2024, Energy Power Transformer supplied a 1000 kVA 13.8 kV/480 V oil-immersed transformer to a mining contractor in northern Chile.
The transformer feeds a set of large slurry pumps, running continuously 24 hours a day in high ambient temperatures.
After one year of operation, the system reported 99.4% average efficiency and zero breakdowns.
“We needed a rugged transformer that could handle dust, vibration, and voltage fluctuations. Energy Power Transformer delivered exactly that — on time and within budget.”
- Procurement Manager, Minera del Norte, Chile
8. Why Choose Energy Power Transformer
✅ Factory-Direct Manufacturing – Complete in-house control of design, winding, core cutting, and testing.
✅ Custom Design – We can supply 13.8 kV/480 V, 13.2 kV/440 V, or 34.5 kV/480 V units.
✅ Entrega rápida – 6–8 weeks typical lead time for standard models.
✅ Full Documentation – Type test reports, GA drawings, nameplates, and FAT video.
✅ Export Experience – Projects in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, and the Caribbean.
9. Delivery & Warranty
| Artículo | Detalles |
|---|---|
| Production Time | 6–8 weeks standard |
| Garantía | 24 months after commissioning |
| Entrega | CFR / DAP main ports (Houston, Santos, Valparaíso, Veracruz) |
| Ayuda | Remote commissioning & lifetime technical assistance |
10. Conclusión
A 1000 kVA 13.8 kV / 480 V power transformer is the backbone of your facility’s power distribution.
Selecting a unit that meets IEEE / ANSI / CSA standards ensures reliable performance, high efficiency, and full regulatory compliance for your project in the Americas.
Partnering with a professional manufacturer like Energy Power Transformer gives you the confidence of world-class quality — at a factory-direct price.
11. Call to Action
🔌 Need a transformer quotation today?
Our engineers can prepare your drawing and price within 24 hours.
