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A big day for EFACEC
Company gets largest shell transformer made in U.S. in 20 years ready to ship
transformer 1
EFACEC workers gather in the front of the massive 900 megavolt ampere shell transformer completed at the Rincon facility. It is the largest such transformer built in the U.S. in over two decades. - photo by Photo by Pat Donahue

EFACEC Power has completed the largest power transformer built in the U.S. in decades, a 900 MVA (megavolt ampere) unit. It is the largest not just for its rating but also for its size.


The transformer was designed in the U.S. in EFACEC’s state-of-the-art Rincon manufacturing facility.


According to EFACEC officials, the transformer’s size is beneficial to the industry and the community as it is utilizing American labor and suppliers for its construction. The transformer has the capacity to provide power to about 672,000 homes, which is twice the population of Savannah and its surrounding areas.


As the MVA increases, size creates challenges to the manufacturer. At nearly 1 million pounds, the transformer is three times the weight of the space shuttle Endeavour.


Special shipment requires a split car, which requires special engineering of the transformer’s tank. The split car directly connects to the transformer to form a one-piece transportable unit with the car. The length of the special-loaded rail car is likely to surpass 200 feet.


This train will consist of the engine, the transformer on its car and the caboose.


“From its roots in the market, Efacec has long continued to contribute to the growth and development of the businesses and communities in which it serves through providing support to the power industry with quality, robust and world-class technology in its transformers,” company officials said.