When analyzing transformer load requirements, which method is primarily used?

The primary method used for analyzing transformer load requirements is load testing. This process involves putting the transformer under a defined load condition to measure its performance and ensure it operates within its specified ratings. Load testing allows one to evaluate how the transformer handles real-world conditions, including its ability to maintain voltage levels and perform efficiently under various load scenarios.

By simulating different operational situations, load testing provides critical data on the transformer's capacity, efficiency, and thermal performance. This information is essential for ensuring that the transformer can support the expected electrical load without exceeding operational limits, thereby maintaining reliability and longevity in its application.

While insulation resistance testing assesses the condition of a transformer’s insulation, and current measurement evaluation can provide insights into the current flowing through the transformer, these methods do not directly evaluate the transformer's ability to handle specific load conditions. Transformer efficiency calculation, while important for understanding performance, relies on data that would typically be gathered during load testing to provide meaningful insight into how effectively the transformer operates under load.