Decommissioning and Rigging a Transformer

De-energising and disconnection comes first

Nothing moves until the transformer is safely de-energised, isolated and verified dead. If the unit is utility-fed, the utility or a licensed electrician performs the disconnect, and that scheduling is typically the longest lead item in the entire process. Starting it early is the single best thing a seller can do to speed things up.

We coordinate timing around your outage window, plant shutdown or landlord access hours. We do not need the unit already disconnected in order to quote it.

Assessing the pick before the truck is dispatched

A rigging plan depends on weight, access and headroom. A yard pickup off a paved lot needs a flatbed and a forklift or boom. A basement vault pull needs skates, rollers, cribbing and sometimes a temporary hoist. A rooftop or mezzanine unit needs a crane and a street permit.

This is why we ask for a wide photograph showing the surroundings, not just the unit. Tight yards, single dock doors, alley access and low clearances all change the plan, and we would rather plan for them than discover them.

Fluid handling and containment

Oil-filled units are moved with the fluid in wherever possible, which is both safer and better for resale value. Where a unit must be drained for transport, that is done under controlled conditions with proper containment and documentation appropriate to its PCB status.

If a unit has been leaking onto soil or a pad, flag it at quoting time so our crew arrives with absorbents and containment rather than improvising on site.

Cutting the unit loose without wrecking the site

Pad-mounts are typically anchored to the concrete. Where the pad has to survive, we cut the anchors and lift rather than breaking the pad up. Conduits are cut and capped. Grounding conductors are disconnected properly rather than pulled.

Inside an operating facility, work is sequenced so your operation keeps running. We have done plenty of pulls in live plants, hospitals and occupied buildings.

Who pays for all of it

We do. Rigging, cribbing, crane time where needed, permits, escorts, fluid handling and freight are our cost and are already reflected in the offer you accepted. You do not front any of it and you are not invoiced afterwards.

Payment reaches you before the transformer leaves your property, so you are never in the position of having released the asset and waiting on funds.