Our utility offers residential developers an option of (for a fee) having subsurface single-phase transformers installed instead of pad mount ones. I’ve been tasked with evaluating the cost differential. I know there is the most obvious incremental cost difference of the sub vs pad, but I was wondering if anyone has any historical data on loss of life, due to corrosion, increased exposure to moisture, etc. Some of the items I’m also taking into account are: increased labor and materials for subs, we can feed more homes from a pad with the same kVA vs a sub, we use LB Elbows for pads vs switches on subsurface trans, we seal the conduit in every other vault to help with maint., increased inspection times for subs vs pad per GO 165 requirements, etc. Can anyone direct me to a published study or have any words of advise??
Thanks
Cliff
Thanks
Cliff