Where are Buchholz relays typically installed?

Buchholz relays are typically installed between the main tank and the conservator of oil-filled transformers. This placement allows the relay to monitor the oil flow and detect any faults that may occur within the transformer. The primary function of the Buchholz relay is to identify issues such as gas accumulation caused by internal faults or oil movement due to an increase in temperature and pressure. When a fault occurs, the resulting gases, or changes in oil flow, are detected by the relay, which can then initiate an alarm or circuit interruption to protect the transformer.

In contrast, the main tank of a transformer primarily houses the transformer oil and windings, but it is not the optimal location for a Buchholz relay, as it requires the oil flow between the tank and conservator to function effectively. Installing the relay on the primary circuit or within the switchgear pertains to other types of protective devices and does not serve the specific monitoring and fault detection functions provided by the Buchholz relay. Thus, the correct installation point is crucial for the effective functioning of this safety device.