Temperature class

The temperature class of a transformer is made up of the ambient temperature and the respective insulation class. For example, the temperature class for a standard transformer can be defined as follows: 40°C (ta 40°C/B)

The ambient temperature is described in DIN EN 60204-1. It describes the temperature in the electronics that guarantees optimum operation of electronic components or systems. If the ambient temperature is not maintained, components and systems may become less efficient and the service life of the products may be reduced. In addition, if the ambient temperature for electronic devices is not maintained, there is a risk of destruction, i.e. complete failure of the respective components or machine. A standard transformer runs at an ambient temperature of 40°C. Exceptions are possible.

Insulation material classes are defined in DIN EN 60085. An insulating material class defines insulating materials (such as enameled copper wire) in terms of their maximum operating temperature. The classes refer to both electrical insulating materials (EIM) and electrical insulating systems (EIS). In electrical engineering, electronic components can reach very high temperatures, which can impair or destroy insulation. The insulating material classes are therefore intended to prevent thermal decomposition from destroying the insulating materials during use or rendering them inoperable. The insulating materials are divided into heat classes with different limit temperatures according to their heat resistance. These temperatures must not be permanently exceeded during operation in order to guarantee a longer service life.