BTRAC specializes in transformer accessories and is part of the Reinhausen Group. Managing Director Craig Carrington explains what products and services the British company offers customers and how his team can help even when accessories are no longer available on the market.
What transformer accessories does BTRAC offer?
We have a wide range of porcelain and silicone bushings for both indoor and outdoor use, which are used in low and medium voltage applications. This includes bushings that comply with British standard norms and have been specially developed for the UK market and other countries that operate in line with these standards. There are also other accessories, such as cable boxes or epoxy resin mono-blocks. However, customer-specific solutions and custom-made products are also important areas.
What are these solutions?
On the one hand, we adapt existing products to specific customer requirements. For example, we can modify CEDASPE’s SBC bushings by changing the rod design or attaching different termination arrangements. But we also develop completely new bushing designs. And we can reverse engineer accessories that are no longer manufactured. We have the appropriate software and a CNC machine that allows us to solve customer-specific problems with flexibility and without long lead times. This means that retrofits are also possible where no standard products are available–giving transformers a longer life.
„We can reverse engineer accessories that are no longer manufactured.“
Craig Carrington, Managing Director of BTRAC
Do you have an example?
A porcelain bushing broke at a customer’s premises and was partially destroyed. However, it could no longer be replaced because the manufacturer no longer existed, and design drawings were also not available. To change design would have meant a complete redesign of the substation at a huge cost to the customer. We carried out measurements, created new drawings and reconstructed the bushing. This gave the customer a new original part that can be reinstalled to last for many years. With our BTRAC company founder Dave Fishman, we have an expert on board who takes care of such complicated cases. Few people in the world know as much about bushings as he does. This know-how is unique, and we naturally make it available to the entire Reinhausen Group.
BTRAC has been part of the Reinhausen Group since 2016. What are the advantages of this?
In addition to our own products, we can offer the entire Reinhausen portfolio. From on-load tap-changers to sensors, dehydrating breathers and protection devices from MESSKO. We have most of the goods in stock and can therefore guarantee short delivery times. The advantage for customers: They get everything from a single source. We are also certified as a Premium Service Provider by MR. Our four service technicians carry out maintenance of on-load tap-changers, and also take care of other transformer-related services.
Who are your customers?
These are transformer manufacturers, energy suppliers and service companies in the UK and Ireland. Customers who operate solar and wind farms are also playing an increasingly important role. There are also transformer manufacturers from the Middle East who, for historical reasons, follow British standards. So, we have a very large customer base.
How is the market developing?
As in the rest of Europe, we are dealing with a rapidly growing market. The UK government wants to drastically reduce CO2 emissions and is therefore investing large sums in the expansion of the grids. The demand for transformers is enormous and the importance of retrofitting existing equipment will continue to increase in the future, as delivery times are long, and fleets are aging. Our products and solutions will therefore be in high demand in the coming years.
BTRAC was founded in 2009 by Dave Fishman (right) as a sister company of CEDASPE, now also a member of the Reinhausen Group. The company is based in Telford, which is conveniently located near Birmingham. Just last year, the company moved into a new, more modern building and now employs 18 people. Craig Carrington (left) started his professional career at the age of 16, studied electrical engineering and worked for many years at transformer manufacturers before joining BTRAC in 2016, where he built up the service business. He has been Managing Director since 2020.
YOUR CONTACT PERSON
Do you have any questions about BTRAC’s products and services? Craig Carrington is here for you: c.carrington@uk.reinhausen.com