July 10, 2015 – Prolec-GE says it is helping to improve safety at urban substations with its new power transformer that utilizes a synthetic ester liquid instead of traditional mineral oil.

Transformers represent the most significant fire safety challenge in electrical substations, according to GE. By using a less-flammable synthetic ester liquid as a coolant and dielectric insulator instead of traditional oil, the risks associated with a potential transformer fire are significantly reduced, it explained. The synthetic ester has a high flash point, which makes it “virtually impossible to sustain a fire once the transformer protections interrupt the electrical arc in the event of a fire.”

Also, the potential for soil contamination from tank rupture is reduced since the ester is biodegradable, GE added.

Designed in collaboration with Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE), Mexico’s national utility company, over 50 new power transformers will be implemented by CFE across Mexico City.