What must be considered when determining the load of a transformer?

When determining the load of a transformer, it is crucial to consider the overload percentage. This is significant because it indicates how much additional load can be safely applied to the transformer beyond its rated capacity before risking overheating and potential damage. Understanding the overload percentage helps in planning for short-term increases in load demand, ensuring that the transformer operates within a safe thermal limit while maintaining reliability and longevity.

In practical applications, knowing the overload percentage allows linemen and engineers to make informed decisions about the operational limits of the transformer and to coordinate with other system components to handle peak demand scenarios efficiently. By accounting for potential overload, one can prevent premature failure and downtime, making it an essential factor in transformer load determination.