"Harold & Susan Vordos" wrote in message
...

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...

snip-------

Question 3: The oil in older, larger transformers was there for either
cooling or insulation - I don't recall, and it doesn't matter, since it's
just a point of interest. But, the PCBs were there as a byproduct, not
because they had a purpose.

They were intentionally used. As I understand it, PCB revolutionized the
transformer and capacitor industry when they were introduced. I seem to
recall that they were an excellent dielectric and had a very high flash
point, so fire hazards were reduced. They were a purpose made
substance
sold under various trade names.

What's YOUR point? That, knowing what we do about these chemicals, we
should
be stupid, pretend the knowledge doesn't exist, and be careless?

All you have to do is end up with a PCB filled transformer as I did for
this
to come directly in to focus. Years ago I was given a "free" induction
furnace power supply. The donor had me sign a waiver because the supply
had a mercury spark gap included, but failed to mention that the
transformer, along with the huge capacitors, were filled with PCB's.
The
law as stated at that time dictated that if any PCB filled device started
leaking, it was mandatory for the item to be disposed of by within thirty
day by proper procedures. I had to transport the power supply from one
state to another, and when it got there there were multiple wet spots from
the escaping PCB. Long story short, I talked to EPA to find out where
I
stood and found out that it was illegal to dispose of such items by
passing
them on to others, so I called the "donor" and informed him that he had a
serious problem on his hands. Disposal cost ran right at $3,000 for 800
pounds of transformer and capacitors, which was born by the donor.
Don't
take PCB's lightly.

Harold



You mean all the research was not fiction created by left-wing atheist
tree-hugging hippies? :-)