We buy liquid-filled transformers in every form, from single-phase units starting at 10 kVA and three-phase units starting at 15 kVA through MVA-class equipment. Pad-mounted distribution units, overhead units, unit substations and large power transformers all belong in this category. Our transformer buying categories cover equipment by configuration as well as insulation type.
For an oil-filled transformers buyer, the tank and its contents matter alongside kVA and voltage. Fluid type, gallons, cooling arrangement, leaks and available oil records help explain what you have. We buy used, surplus, new-surplus and decommissioned equipment across every Virginia region, with failed or damaged units reviewed case by case.
01Mineral oil, natural ester and silicone units
“Oil-filled” often serves as a broad description for liquid-filled equipment, but the actual insulating liquid needs to be identified. Mineral oil, natural ester such as FR3, and silicone fluids have different properties and handling requirements. We buy transformers using these fluids; tell us what the nameplate specifies and whether records show a later fluid change.
Do not identify the liquid by color alone. A fluid label, original specification or service record is more useful, especially when a transformer has been retrofilled. If the plate identifies one liquid but maintenance records identify another, send both. Natural ester and silicone labels do not replace PCB documentation, and fluid type alone does not establish the condition of the windings or solid insulation.
- Photograph the liquid designation and any separate fluid label.
- Include retrofill dates and replacement-fluid records when available.
- Identify missing, unreadable or conflicting fluid information rather than guessing.
02Nameplate gallons, electrical ratings and cooling
Send a readable photograph of the entire nameplate, including manufacturer, serial number, year, kVA or MVA, primary and secondary voltages, impedance and weight. Ratings such as 12470GrdY/7200 and 480Y/277 distinguish the electrical configuration. Fluid quantity may appear in gallons or liters; it is separate from total transformer weight and should not be treated as a current measured inventory.
We pay attention to cooling ratings such as ONAN and ONAF, along with the capacity assigned to each rating. Photograph radiators, fans and any detached cooling components. On larger units, note whether bushings, conservators or radiators are removed and stored separately. For unused equipment, include storage history and accessory lists; see our page on new-surplus transformers for other details worth documenting.
03Sealed tanks and conservator systems
A sealed-tank transformer accommodates changes in liquid volume without a conventional open conservator arrangement. Depending on the design, it may use a gas space or flexible tank construction. Photograph pressure or vacuum gauges, liquid-level indicators and pressure-relief devices if fitted. Record visible readings without opening the tank, operating valves or attempting to change pressure.
A conservator system uses an expansion reservoir connected to the main tank. Designs may include a bladder or diaphragm, a breather and connecting pipework. Show the reservoir, its level indicator and any missing or damaged components. Tank arrangement matters on substation and power units, but smaller pole-mounted transformers also need clear photos of their tanks, bushings and mounting hardware. We want to see the equipment as it stands.
04Leaks, weeping gaskets and known failures
Tell us where fluid appears: cover gasket, bushing flange, radiator connection, drain valve, weld or another location. A stained surface does not establish whether a leak is active. Note whether the area is damp, dripping or associated with a visible change in liquid level, and photograph it without disturbing the equipment. Include any existing maintenance report describing the source.
We review failed or damaged oil-filled transformers case by case. Disclose trips, overheating, fire exposure, tank deformation, cracked bushings and known internal faults rather than describing the unit simply as “used.” A weeping gasket and a ruptured tank are different conditions. Do not energize equipment, tighten fittings or open the tank just to prepare a sale listing; use your own qualified professionals for operational and safety decisions.
05Oil sampling, DGA and PCB documentation
Existing oil reports can add useful context to an oil-filled transformer review. Dissolved gas analysis, or DGA, measures gases dissolved in the insulating liquid that can indicate electrical or thermal activity. Moisture and dielectric breakdown results provide different information. Send complete reports with sampling dates, equipment identification and the fluid tested; a detached result without a serial number may be difficult to match to the unit.
PCB status must be disclosed and documented. Photograph PCB-related labels and provide available analytical results or supporting records. Manufacturing date, brand and the words “mineral oil” are not substitutes for documentation. Tell us if the status is unknown. We may ask questions about testing, but do not take a sample solely for a sale inquiry without appropriate qualified help; we do not provide engineering or environmental advice.
- Keep report dates and sample identification visible.
- Include historical results when available, not just the latest page.
- Disclose fluid additions or changes that affect the records.
06Keep the fluid in place and clarify handling terms
We never ask sellers to drain transformer fluid. Draining can introduce contamination, expose insulation and create separate fluid storage and handling obligations. Leave the equipment in its existing condition for review. Sellers use their own qualified electricians to de-energize and disconnect; we do not perform electrical disconnect work. Environmental handling responsibilities must be addressed explicitly rather than assumed to transfer with a sale.
Send clear nameplate and overall photos, location, quantity and condition notes through the offer form. We review the information and may ask about PCB status, test data or site access. If the equipment fits, our written offer spells out price, freight, loading and payment terms; pickup is scheduled with you, and payment follows those terms. See how the buying process works for details.
Frequently asked questions
Will you buy a transformer filled with FR3 instead of mineral oil?
Yes, we buy natural-ester liquid-filled transformers, including units labeled for FR3. Send the fluid label and nameplate, and disclose any retrofill history. We also buy solar and wind transformers using liquid insulation. Fluid identification helps describe the unit, but PCB status still must be disclosed and documented.
Can I sell an oil-filled transformer with unknown PCB status?
You can submit the equipment for review, but tell us that PCB status is unknown. PCB status must be disclosed and documented; we do not assume an unlabeled transformer is PCB-free. Send readable labels and available records so the review starts with the actual information rather than an unsupported classification.
Do you need a new DGA report before making an offer?
A new DGA report is not an automatic requirement for submitting equipment. Send existing reports if available, with dates and serial-number references. We may ask about test data during review. DGA is useful condition information, but it is not a substitute for electrical ratings, fault history or PCB documentation.
Does a small gasket leak make my transformer unsellable?
A small gasket leak does not automatically rule out a sale inquiry. Disclose its location, whether it appears active and any known loss of fluid. Include photographs and maintenance records. Failed or damaged units receive case-by-case review, and a sale review is not an authorization to operate leaking equipment.
Should I drain the oil to reduce shipping weight?
No, we never ask sellers to drain fluid to reduce shipping weight. Report the nameplate fluid quantity and total weight, plus any known discrepancy in current condition. Draining creates handling issues and changes the equipment being offered. Freight and loading responsibilities belong in the written terms, not in an assumed preparation step.
Do you buy oil-filled transformers made by Virginia Transformer Corp?
Yes, we buy all brands, including equipment made by Virginia Transformer Corp. Virginia Transformer Buyers is an independent buyer and is not affiliated with that manufacturer in Roanoke or any other manufacturer. Brand names identify equipment only; send the actual unit’s nameplate, fluid information and condition details for review.