What can cause an oil-filled transformer explosion?

An oil-filled transformer explosion can be caused by several factors, including electrical failures such as short circuits or overloads that generate excessive heat, leading to the breakdown of insulation materials; the accumulation of flammable gases from oil degradation or overheating; external impacts such as lightning strikes or vandalism; and inadequate maintenance that fails to monitor oil levels and prevent moisture ingress, which compromises the transformer’s functionality. Additionally, poor ventilation can exacerbate heat build-up, increasing the risk of ignition. Proper understanding of the oil filled transformer diagram can aid in identifying critical components that should be regularly inspected to prevent these failures.