Electrical Transformer in my backyard. Is that very bad? (houses, estimate)

[tom22]

Ok the grey box says a title that reads "Electric". There is a white cylinder box thing that I know is about having something to do with the telephone. There is a grey cylinder box thing that seems to be something to deal with TV cable but I am not sure. These 3 are close together.

It is not far away from my house at all. It's not in the end of my back yard. It seems to be 10-15 feet away from my back door.

They had told us and we already knew we cannot do any landscaping like trees because wires run down in the backyard.

Can we put up a garden though? Nothing big, just flowers, vegetables, and fruit. We will put it at the opposite end the box is.Almost as far away as possible I guess.

[Johnmelissa]

SCE installed a pad mounted residential transformer that causes a "B" note HUM throughout my yard and house. SCE says it's acceptable. My family says it is too loud. It is 13 ft. from the house and resonates through the structure. The original box could not be heard after 5 or 10 ft., emitted NO HUM (only higher freq. buzz) and NO complaints were ever filed. The original was a GE and was in my backyard for 33 years; no harm, no foul. The Howard Industries transformer installed 4 months ago was SO BAD that even SCE agreed and IMMEDIATELY replaced it. The second replacement had some bogus ceramic deadeners secured to the inside of the cover and reduced the HUM only slightly. This whole episode is a nightmare. My house HUMS. One street over the same situation exists but the homeowner is afraid to complain. How could SCE buy this substandard box from Howard and NOT buy/install the 33-year proven GE transformer? Did SCE cut the budget. How can a public utility ignore customer/residents and install substandard equip.? How the HELL does technology GET WORSE over 33 years and not better. Did SCE make a conscious decision to save money buy installing noisier/cheaper transformers? How much does one cost, anyway?

[tom22]

My transformer does not make any noise. It runs like 4000 Watts unlike the big transformers that run 120k wats. We hear no noise overnight except the fridge.

[deanmcdonaldson]

Hey Melissa, I think it is your last question that I like most and is probably the key factor that influences all purchasing decisions related to transformers. Transformers are extremely expensive, but considering their life is anywhere from 20 to 30 years that does not seem so bad. There are all types of transformers, both energy efficient and not so efficient. There is a huge push recently towards energy efficient transformers, but they cost a lot and so most companies prefer to buy less energy efficient transformers that cost less. Find out more about the transformer installed near you.

Originally Posted by Johnmelissa

SCE installed a pad mounted residential transformer that causes a "B" note HUM throughout my yard and house. SCE says it's acceptable. Did SCE make a conscious decision to save money buy installing noisier/cheaper transformers? How much does one cost, anyway?

[cla]

Originally Posted by tom22

Ok the grey box says a title that reads "Electric". There is a white cylinder box thing that I know is about having something to do with the telephone. There is a grey cylinder box thing that seems to be something to deal with TV cable but I am not sure. These 3 are close together.

It is not far away from my house at all. It's not in the end of my back yard. It seems to be 10-15 feet away from my back door.

They had told us and we already knew we cannot do any landscaping like trees because wires run down in the backyard.

Can we put up a garden though? Nothing big, just flowers, vegetables, and fruit. We will put it at the opposite end the box is.Almost as far away as possible I guess.

Yes, you can put in a garden, even around the boxes, just leave room for access. I would plant something that would shield them from view.

[BHolloway]

What am I looking for with a compass? What will the needle do if the EMF is high? The public utilities company in my town has moved a transformer pole directly in my backyard without my permission and without my knowledge. What recourse do I have?

BLH

[dmarie123]

Originally Posted by BHolloway

What am I looking for with a compass? What will the needle do if the EMF is high? The public utilities company in my town has moved a transformer pole directly in my backyard without my permission and without my knowledge. What recourse do I have?

BLH

If your backyard is an easement, you have no recourse

[tstone]

Suburban Houston area = your backyard most likely has an easement.

[bhui]

Hello All,
I really need your expertise on the Electrical Transformers. There is wooden pole with three transformers (The look like those big garbage cans)hanging on it behind my backyard. The estimate distance is about 60ft from my bed room. They are grey color. The biggest one has the number "100" on it. The other two have the number "75". I can't locate anymore info on the body of the transformers. My wife is really concern about the EMF(radiations) produce from them. If my wife is pregnant, should we concern about the EMF? Your responses are greatly appreciated!!!
Thank You,
Bing

[abdulf]

They do blow out from time to time, requiring utility workers to get into your backyard.