What is Pad-Mounted Transformer? | Buyer’s Guide 2025 | CHBEB

Introduction

Power outages and broken equipment can lead to expensive downtime. A lot of people don’t understand what pad-mounted transformers¹ are or how they are different from other methods of distribution. This guide tells worldwide customers what a pad-mounted transformer is, how it works, its benefits, its uses, and the average prices they can expect to pay in 2025.

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What is a Pad-Mounted Transformer?

A pad-mounted transformer is a kind of distribution transformer that is put outside on a concrete platform and kept safe in a sealed, tamper-proof steel cabinet. It connects to wires that run underground and lowers the medium voltage (up to 35 kV) to a level that users may use.

Pad-mounted transformers are safe to put in public places like neighborhoods, malls, and data centers because all of the live parts are enclosed inside the cabinet. They don’t need a gated enclosure.

👉 A pad-mounted transformer is a distribution transformer that is fixed on the ground, loaded with oil, and kept in a secure cabinet. It is commonly used for subterranean electricity distribution.

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Structure & Working Principle

Pad-mounted transformers are usually oil-immersed units designed for outdoor environments.

Key components include:

• Core & Windings – Step voltage up or down.
• Insulating Oil² – Provides cooling and electrical insulation.
• Sealed Tank – Protects the core and windings.
• Lockable Cabinet – Houses high- and low-voltage terminals.
• Fuses & Switches – Provide overload and fault protection.
• Concrete Pad – Provides stable installation on the ground.

How it works:
Incoming medium-voltage cables enter the high-voltage compartment → power is stepped down through the transformer core and windings → low-voltage output is distributed to buildings, homes, or facilities.

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Advantages of Pad-Mounted Transformers

✅ Public Safety – No exposed live parts, secure steel cabinet.
✅ Compact Installation – No need for fencing, suitable for urban and residential areas.
✅ Versatility – Available in both single-phase and three-phase, covering 15–5000 kVA.
✅ Reliability – Designed for underground distribution with built-in fuses and switches.
✅ Aesthetics – Blends into public spaces, avoiding large substations.

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Disadvantages to Consider

⚠️ Oil-Filled Design – Requires fire protection and environmental precautions.
⚠️ Maintenance – Regular oil testing and inspection are needed.
⚠️ Higher Cost – More expensive than pole-mounted transformers.

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Applications of Pad-Mounted Transformers

• Residential Neighborhoods – Safe distribution in housing developments.
• Commercial Complexes & Malls – Compact power supply near buildings.
• Hospitals & Data Centers – Reliable, secure, low-noise operation.
• Industrial Sites – Step-down power for medium-sized factories.
• Infrastructure Projects – Airports, schools, metro stations.

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Pad-Mounted Transformer vs. Other Types

Feature	Pad-Mounted Transformer	Pole-Mounted Transformer	Dry-Type Transformer
Installation	Ground-mounted on concrete pad	Mounted on utility poles	Indoor (resin/air cooling)
Safety	High – cabinet enclosed	Medium – exposed on pole	Very High – no oil
Typical Rating	15–5000 kVA	10–500 kVA	50–3150 kVA
Location	Outdoor, urban/public	Outdoor, rural	Indoor, sensitive areas

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Pad-Mounted Transformer Price 2025

Typical pad-mounted transformer prices in 2025 range from USD 25–70/kVA FOB China, depending on rating, copper/aluminum windings, and standards.

• Small units (100–500 kVA): USD 30–50/kVA
• Medium units (1000–2500 kVA): USD 35–60/kVA
• Large units (3000–5000 kVA): USD 40–70/kVA

👉 Example: A 1000 kVA 13.8/0.48 kV pad-mounted transformer typically costs USD 40,000–55,000 FOB China.

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Buyer’s Quick Takeaway

• Choose pad-mounted if you need outdoor, public-area distribution with safe underground cabling.
• Consider oil testing and fire protection when planning maintenance.
• Compare suppliers in China—a reliable pad-mounted transformer supplier can save costs and ensure IEC/ANSI compliance.

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FAQ – Pad-Mounted Transformers 2025

Q1: What is a pad-mounted transformer?
A ground-mounted, oil-filled distribution transformer enclosed in a steel cabinet, connected to underground cables.

Q2: What are the advantages?
Safety, compact installation, reliability, and suitability for public areas.

Q3: Where are they used?
In neighborhoods, malls, hospitals, schools, airports, and industrial facilities.

Q4: What is the price of pad-mounted transformers in 2025?
Typically USD 25–70/kVA FOB China. Example: 1000 kVA unit costs USD 40,000–55,000.

Q5: Pad-mounted vs. pole-mounted—what’s the difference?
Pole-mounted are cheaper but less safe; pad-mounted are safer, enclosed, and used in public spaces.

Q6: How to buy a reliable pad-mounted transformer from China?
Check IEC/ANSI certifications, compare quotes from multiple suppliers, and request type-test reports before purchase.

Conclusion

Pad-mounted transformers are compact, secure, and reliable distribution solutions for public and commercial power systems. They combine safety, versatility, and modern aesthetics, making them essential for underground distribution networks worldwide.

📞 Contact us today if you want to buy pad-mounted transformer from China. Get a 2025 price list, lead time, and technical specifications tailored to your project.

1. Pad-Mounted Transformer Overview ↩︎
2. Transformer Insulating Oil Properties ↩︎

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