Engineered Substations
When specs are most important.
In today's market of options where one size does not fit all, JCL understands custom solutions are in high demand. Our “Made to Order” (MTO) process is tailored to be thorough (on specs) and simplistic (on buying + terms).
We take meeting utility or developer requirements seriously, and we understand the pressure of getting it right! If the answer to any of the questions below are yes, then JCL Engineered Substations are for you!
- Waiting 12-18 months for custom substations?
- Experiencing poor service / engineering support?
- Struggling to get specs correct?
- Specs are correct, but quality is jeopardized?
- Days or weeks in-between responses?
We still believe the customer should get exactly what they paid for. We're here to be a true partner on your engineered needs, relying on quality product and service while operating with a sense of urgency.
LV Bushing
Typically made of porcelain, epoxy resin, or silicone rubber - low voltage bushings provide electrical insulation and a connection point for low voltage conductors as they enter or exit a transformer tank, maintaining electrical integrity and preventing arcing or short circuits.
Pressure Relief ValvePressure Relief Device
Protects the transformer and surrounding equipment from damage or catastrophic failure due to internal pressure buildup, by helping prevent excessive pressure from building up inside the transformer tank during abnormal conditions like internal faults, overloads, or thermal runaway.
LV Arrester MountLV Arrester Mount
Commonly made of durable materials able to withstand environmental conditions and / or mechanical stress, they are designed to provide a stable and safe attachment point to securely hold low voltage arresters on a transformer.
RadiatorRadiators
Often visible as the finned structures on the sides of top of a Substation tank, radiators are designed to dissipate heat generated by a transformer during operation. As substation fluid / oil heats as part of normal operation, heat is transferred to the radiator's surface and air blown by fans, or natural convection, carries away the heat.
FanCooling Fan
Represented by either an axial fan or centrifugal fan, typically near or directly on the radiator of a transformer, they are meant to enhance the cooling efficiency of a transformer's radiator system. Their main purpose is to increase the airflow over the radiator fins during periods of high load or elevated temperatures.
Control PanelLocal Control Panel
A centralized interface for operators to monitor, control, and protect a substation transformer - housing various control, monitoring, and protection devices used to manage operation and withstand environmental conditions and mechanical stress.
Junction Box MidJunction Box
Enclosure, or housing, serving as a secure, centralized point for connecting and organizing electrical cables, wires, and components related to a transformer's operation, control, and monitoring systems - while also protecting against moisture, dust, corrosion, and environmental hazards.
Vacuum GaugePressure Vacuum Gauge
Measures, and displays, both positive pressure - pressure above atmospheric pressure - and negative pressure - vacuum conditions - within the transformer tank. Often integrated into a units control and monitoring systems, allowing for remote monitoring, data logging, and alarm notifications.
Winding GaugeWinding Temp Gauge
Used to monitor the temperature of the transformer's windings, which are responsible for electrical insulation and power transfer. It provides essential information about the thermal conditions inside the unit and helps prevent overheating, insulation degradation, and potential transformer failures.
Fluid Temp GaugeFluid Temp Gauge
Continuously monitors the temperature of the insulating fluid - typically oil - inside a transformer tank to provide real-time feedback to operators. Usually installed on the tank itself and / or connected to temperature sensors immersed in the fluid within the unit.
Sudden Pressure RelaySudden Pressure Relay
Protective device typically installed on, or connected to pressure sensing devices inside the tank, meant to monitor internal pressure and detect sudden increases or decreases that could indicate abnormalities such as internal faults, gas accumulation, or mechanical issues.
Liquid GaugeLiquid Level Gauge
Utilizing a float mechanism that moves up and down with changes in oil level, the liquid level gauge provides accurate and continuous monitoring of the oil level in the transformer tank - which is crucial for insulation, heat dissipation, and overall performance.
N2 GasN2 Gas Equipment
Refers to the use of nitrogen (N2) gas that can be used for various purposes - including providing inert atmospheres, cooling capabilities, moisture control, and leak detection functionality in a substation transformer.
Gas Fill ValveGas Fill Valve
Used to allow controlled filling of a transformer tank with insulating gas - such as nitrogen (N2), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), or a combination of gases - to create a controlled atmosphere inside the tank, which helps maintain insulation properties, prevent oxidation, and enhance dielectric strength.
Tap ChangerTap Changers
Commonly, there are two types of tap changers than can either / or be utilized on a substation transformer.
De-Energized
Mechanism that operates by switching between different tap positions while the transformer is de-energized or not under load, and designed for switching taps during maintenance, shutdowns, or when the unit is offline.
On-Load
Enables the adjustment of a units turns ratio while it is still energized and in operation, typically controlled using microprocessor-based controllers, or relay-based systems to provide dynamic voltage regulation and flexibility.
HV Bushing
Typically made of porcelain, polymer (e.g., epoxy resin), or composite materials - high voltage bushings serve as a conduit for high-voltage conductors, such as cables or busbars, to enter or exit the transformer tank. They provide electrical insulation and a sealed passage for the conductors, while maintaining dielectric integrity and preventing electrical leakage.
HV Arrester MountArrester Mount
Commonly made of durable materials able to withstand environmental conditions and / or mechanical stress, they are designed to provide a stable and safe attachment point to securely hold surge arresters on a transformer, ensuring proper positioning and alignment for effective surge protection.
Side Hand HoleSide Hand Hole
Access opening / panel located on the side of a transformer tank, providing safe and convenient access to visually inspect, perform maintenance, and access internal components of a unit without the need for complete disassembly or exposing the entire tank to the environment.
Drain ValveDrain Valve
Typically located at the bottom of the transformer tank, to allow gravity-assisted drainage, drain valves provide a means for draining or removing accumulated moisture or oil from a unit. Typically constructed from materials to allow for reliable operation even in challenging environmental conditions.
PROUDLY COMPLIANT WITH
Example Timeline
JCL understands that on-time delivery is critical to a successful energization. We are committed to doing exactly what we say we’ll do; however, purchasing engineered products is a team effort. We rely on complete specifications and expeditious review / approval of drawings. These are crucial to maintaining on time delivery dates. Below is the normal cadence of an order.
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1
Request for Quote (RFQ)
1 week
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2
Quote Review / Q&A
1 week
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3
PO / Order Entry
1-2 Days
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4
Approval
Drawings2-3 weeks
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5
Production
30-34 weeks
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6
Delivery
2-5 days
Markets We Proudly
JCL Substations span all emerging and traditional markets. We’ll build to your custom specifications for step-up or step-down requirements.
In-Stock Substations
When lead time is most important.
We are investing in the modernization and energization of American industry. JCL offers the largest inventory of substations in the entire country - with new in-stock units, ready to be put on trucks and satisfy any sense of urgency, or deadline, you have.
We commonly stock anything in the following ranges:
kVA Range 300 - 5000 kVA
Primary Voltage 5kV - 35kV
Secondary Voltage 208 - 15kV
Our Inventory
Our availability of Substations often amazes our customers. Our unwavering commitment is to meet our customer’s needs – that means investing in new inventory. We understand that waiting weeks, months, or even years for products is just not feasible for many jobs. For the the projects with energization deadlines, the ones just waiting on a transformer, the ones where another vendor has failed you, JCL Energy is here to make you a hero.
Reconditioned Substations
When price is most important.
The JCL team takes great pride in offering an environmentally sustainable option to sourcing Substations. We know that transformers that have come out of service or had having issues while energized don't need to be discarded.
Our stringent procurement and reconditioning process ensures each recondition transformer is reliable and ready for action before they are suitable for sale in the market. When completed, reconditioned transformers are a fantastic alterative for the more price sensitive application that needs a prompt delivery.
Reconditioning Timeline
All JCL reconditioned units go through a scrutinous acquisition and reconditioning process - highlighted below - before they deliver to our customers. When operated and cared for properly, transformers can operate for numerous decades. Reconditioned transformers are environmentally sustainable, and cost / time effective options.
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1
Inspection
Thorough overview of work to be completed.
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2
Replace / Modify
Gauges, fuses, valves, etc to ensure safe and long lasting operation..
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3
Powerwash / Paint
Methodically sand, clean, and apply coat of water based paint.
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4
Testing
TTR, Megger, Resistance (and Power Factor if applicable.
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5
QC / Final Review
Meticulously inspect and photograph before shipment.
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6
Shipment
Off to you and its brand new home!
Before & After
Like restoring a vintage truck or house – Substations can go the distance when reconditioned. With new fluid, new bushings / components, new paint, and all cosmetic defects removed we go the extra mile to ensure you’ll be proud to have a reconditioned JCL transformer on your property.
Or contact a Transformer Specialist at 866-983-1300. We offer quick quote returns, fair pricing and speedy lead-times!
Homebase
54 S Sharpsville Ave
Sharon, PA 16146
But also serving you from
Texas, South Carolina & Alabama!
P 724.983.1300
F 724.346.2452
TF 866.983.1300
