Ignoramus22732 wrote:
On Mon, 03 Jan 2005 18:20:58 GMT, Doug Kanter wrote:

"Ignoramus22732" wrote in message
...

I am demolishing a huge 8 kVa UPS. Lots of nice wires, screws etc.

It has a large transformer, it weighs around 200 lbs. It comes from a
that 8 KVA Ferrups UPS. There is a super heavy square shaped copper
wire on it, which, I fancy, could sell for some money. This wire is
something like 3x8 mm in cross section. Very heavy stuff. So, if I
somehow manage to pull the transformer apart, I would, first, able to
throw the steel part to garbage, and second, to get and sell copper
wire. i would also keep some of this copper wire for home uses such as
grounding wire for my generator.

Without taking it apart I will not be able to do anything with this
monstrosity, not even throw it away.

This is a specialty transformer with lots of contacts, so I do not
think that I could sell it. (another, smaller like 50 lbs transformer
is an isolation transformer which I hope to sell for at least
something. Also, there are 8 1.2 farad capacitors)

So... How do I take it apart? It was assembled from steel plates, can
it be therefore disassembled?

i

Here in upstate NY, an entire lake was contaminated with PCBs by
some guy "salvaging" transformers at the shoreline. The fish are no
longer safe to eat. You may want to investigate further what may be
inside that transformer of yours before disassembling it. Perhaps
your state's environmental conservation department, or local
department of solid waste could assist in finding out more. Or, the
manufacturer.


Thanks.

Hm, all that is inside this transformer is steel, copper, varnish, and
paper. Maybe you are referring to hyooge transformers filled with
liquids? In any case, I will appreciate input regarding this issue, as
I do not want to run afoul of the laws.

i
Yes the PCB problem is related to oil filled transformers.
if you can ID it you should be able to get the specs from
the manufacturer to determine if it is oil filled or dry
(maybe you already know). If it is dry then no problem. If
oil filled and has PCB, make UPS take it back since they
shouldn't have given or sold it to you.