Did you see last night’s unique light show across the NY skyline? Sorry to disappoint but it was not an alien. So what did cause the spectacular lightshow?
Utility companies transmit electricity at high voltages across overhead or buried wires and transformers control the voltage of the electrical supply making the voltage suitable for household usage. Overcharged or worn wiring creates heat and sparks within the transformer, igniting the mineral oil inside and if the oil begins to burn, the vessel can rupture.
As you can imagine, failure of a transformer can have a spectacular effect, such as that of last night’s transformer explosion in Queens. In this case, the transformer caused a sustained electrical arc flash; lighting up the sky in a blue hue. In a statement from Con Ed, “An electrical fault on a section of 138,000-volt equipment in one of our Astoria substations caused a transmission disturbance and a sustained electrical arc flash, creating the blue light people witnessed. The equipment that malfunctioned is associated with voltage monitoring within the substation.” (Source* ABC7NY.COM)
Transformer explosions can be detrimental to property owners and business owners alike. The transformer fire and/or explosion can cause smoke to travel to neighboring homes and inconveniently affecting properties with the stench of smoke. Worst case scenario, if the transformer is close enough, properties may experience fire damage and soot damage.
Business interruption is also likely because when a transformer blows, it interrupts electrical service to any residences or businesses connected to the transformer. Additionally, in order to prevent further damage and to replace the destroyed hardware, electrical service crews have to shut down the incoming electrical line.
Have you suffered transformer damage to your property? Or has your business suffered business interruption? United Public Adjusters and Appraisers is highly skilled at handling property insurance claims for complex property damage such as transformer explosions.
Our firm has extensive experience in interpreting policies and negotiating maximum settlement and we have handled numerous property damage claims for businesses, commercial properties, high net wealth properties and estates.
While many residential and commercial property owners are not aware of what a Public Adjuster is, Education is key when negotiating and preparing a claim for damages with your respective insurance company. United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc. ONLY Represents the Policyholder, NOT the insurance company! Don’t let the insurance company intimidate you out of a fair settlement. Please call our firm to discuss your Property Damage Claim and see if we can be a resource as it’s never too late for us to get involved!
We have offices in NYC, Long Island and LA and can be reached at 718-641-5677 (LOSS) or 866-369-6033 (LOSS) or Service@UnitedPublicAdjustersNY.com
image source:
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/transformer-explosion-in-queens-turns-new-york-city-skies-an-eerie-blue-2018-12-27
