A one-year Internet search led to the discovery of 730 transformer explosions in the
   USA only. Many experts anticipate that the number of failures will increase
   significantly in the near future, from 1% in 2001 to 2% in 2008. In addition, the
   shorter lifetime of new transformers continues to sharply increase above this rate.

   Protecting transformers against explosion and fire has become a priority because:

• The worldwide privatisation programs of electricity production and distribution companies have resulted in a reduction of investments.
  
  

• Today’s competitive markets demand longer life, greater production, which results in aging equipment and overloaded transformers.