How to reduce operations on load tap changers at distribution substation transformers

The purpose of this paper is to present methods and setting changes in load tap changer (LTC) controls that will allow for a reduction of operations on the LTC. Many utilities are operating their distribution substation transformers at close to full rating. This makes it very difficult to remove a transformer from service in order to perform predictive maintenance on the LTC. By reducing the operations, one can extend the interval between maintenance cycles and increase the life expectancy of the LTC asset.