Why This Checklist Matters
When low-voltage distribution transformers are installed with blocked ventilation, loose terminations, or misconfigured grounding, the result is overheating, shock hazards, failed inspections, and costly rework. A single failed energization can set a project back weeks and add thousands in corrective costs.
The FTQ360 CSI Division 26 — Section 26.22.13: Low-Voltage Distribution Transformers checklist is designed to catch these issues before they escalate, so you don’t waste time or money fixing problems after energization.
Get the files: Download the FTQ360 MasterSpec Inspection Checklist Library (PDF) and the Library Index. Load the 26.22.13 checklist and start inspecting. [link]
What the Checklist Covers
This checklist keeps critical steps under control:
- Delivery & receiving: verify model, kVA, voltage, impedance, efficiency, enclosure, and transit damage; tag and record serials.
- Handling & staging: protect from moisture/vibration; store in dry, temperature-stable areas with logged conditions.
- Placement & mounting: check ventilation clearances, anchorage, vibration isolation, and working space.
- Measurement & verification: torque terminations, set taps, confirm polarity/phase, perform insulation and acceptance tests, record results.
- Documentation & closeout: photos, logs, calibration certs, nameplate data, and signed HOLD releases before energization.
Common Failure Modes & Risks Prevention
This spec section has a history of recurring field issues; these checkpoints are designed to assure compliance with project requirements and to set clear priorities for preventing known risks.
Three priorities to control risk:
- Thermal performance & ventilation. Maintain manufacturer ventilation clearances and unobstructed airflow; verify enclosure type and ambient conditions. Blocked vents or misapplied enclosures lead to overheating, accelerated insulation aging, and nuisance trips.
- Electrical configuration & settings. Set the tap changer to the design position and lock/tag it; verify polarity/phase sequence and secondary voltage under initial load so downstream equipment isn’t back-fed or mis-volted.
- Grounding/bonding & termination integrity. Configure neutral-to-ground bonding per the design (solidly grounded vs. separately derived), and torque all terminations with calibrated tools. Mis-bonding or loose lugs creates shock risk, arcing, and heat damage.
These priorities drive the QA/QC details that follow.
How FTQ360 Makes It Foolproof
Paper checklists can be skipped or rushed. FTQ360 enforces quality by:
- Required photos and numeric fields (e.g., torque values, IR tests).
- Automated holds that stop work until checks are complete.
- Time and user stamps for accountability.
- Dashboards that surface recurring problems across projects.
FTQ360’s MasterFormat® Checklist Library. 8,000+ Free Templates to Save Hours
Get projects moving faster with 8,000+ pre-built, ready-to-use inspection templates all mapped to CSI divisions and section numbers.
No wasted time building from scratch and no gaps in your documentation. Just the exact checklists you need, ready to deploy.
As an FTQ360 subscriber, you can download and activate any template instantly in the app, keeping your team compliant and focused on the things that matter, not paperwork.
Free Download 26.22.13 Checklist [link]
Here’s How the 26.22.13 Template Works in FTQ360
See the 26.22.13 template in action, complete with checkpoints, required measurements, and hold points that are easy to tailor to your project requirements.
Still using paper in a few areas? No problem. You can print a PDF straight from the FTQ360 app, mark it up in the field, then transcribe results and attach photos later. Just keep in mind that paper won’t enforce required fields, conditional logic, or hold points the way the app does, which means the digital version keeps your process tighter and your quality data more reliable.
For step-by-step help, visit support.ftq360.com.
[PLACEHOLDER IMAGE — alt: FTQ360 “26.22.13. Caption: Sample FTQ360 digital checklist for MasterSpec 26.22.13]
Download the FTQ360 26.22.13” checklist and start inspecting. [link]
CTA: Download the complete list of 8,000+ MasterSpec checklists in the FTQ360 library (PDF). [link]
Uses for the 26.22.13 Checklist for Each Phase of Quality Control
Step-by-Step Guidance
This phase takes place in the weeks before work begins. Use the checklist as an agenda to set the standard before work begins.
- Approve submittals (cut sheets, outline drawings, placing diagrams); confirm kVA, voltages, impedance, temperature rise, enclosure, efficiency mark.
- Plan receiving + tag/lot mapping; define storage conditions (dry, stable temperature) and rigging path/clearances to the install location.
- Verify instruments & calibration (megohmmeter, micro-ohmmeter/torque tools, multimeter, sound meter); record tool IDs and expiration dates.
- Establish environmental limits for staging/operation and ventilation clearances; specify witness/hold points and sign-off roles (pre-cover anchors; pre-energization HOLD).
Initial Phase
This phase makes sure that work starts correctly. Use the checklist as a guide for your review.
- First-article: confirm base/anchorage layout, seismic restraints, vibration isolation, and clear access/working space; photo results.
- Verify nameplate against submittal; record serials and efficiency compliance marking.
- Land primary/secondary conductors with rated lugs; torque with calibrated wrench; set and tag the tap position; HOLD until required sign-offs are complete.
Follow-Up Phase
This phase monitors work in process to keep work proceeding correctly. Use the checklist as a reference during jobsite walks.
- Apply frequency-based checks on torque, bonding jumpers, ventilation clearances, sound levels, and labeling/identification.
- Enforce pre-cover hold before barriers and covers; verify polarity/phase; record IR test values and corrective actions.
- STOP-WORK when consecutive readings (e.g., torque, IR values, clearances) are out of tolerance; correct and re-inspect.
Completion Phase — Final Acceptance & Closeout
When work is completed, use the checklist to formally document compliance with project requirements.
- Verify final secondary voltage under load, temperature rise within rating, tap position/tag, grounding/bonding configuration, and labeling.
- Retest after repairs; close NCRs; capture sign-offs for pre-energization and energization HOLD releases.
- Assemble the auditable package: photos, measurement logs, calibration certs, serial/batch traceability, acceptance test reports, and contact info for responsible parties.
How to Use the Free Template (Quick Start)
- In-App Setup: Open Checklist Setup → Library. Download/clone the 26.22.13 checklist.
- Tailor requirements, mark photos and numeric fields as required, and schedule inspections.
- CSV Import Option: Admin → Import/Export → Import Checklists (and Checkpoints if needed).
- Paper Option: Print the PDF if required, but note it won’t enforce holds or logic like the app.
Need help? Visit support.ftq360.com.
About FTQ360 Inspection and QAQC Software
FTQ360. The Construction Quality Platform That Actually Reduces Rework.
FTQ360 isn’t just about going paperless, it’s about getting work done right the first time. Our platform turns QA/QC inspections, ITPs and quality verifications into a smooth, digital workflow built for the jobsite.
Checklists, photos, signatures and punch lists all live in one place, connected by automated workflows that keep tasks moving and feed real-time dashboards. Your supervisors, PMs and quality managers have complete visibility into deficiencies, milestones and compliance documentation so they can stay ahead of problems, not chase them.
With FTQ360, your team can standardize inspections, prioritize fixes, hold subs accountable and track performance trends across every project. That means fewer defects, faster closeouts and continuous improvement, powered by data you can trust.
If you’re serious about driving First Time Quality, stop just logging issues and start preventing them. See how FTQ360 can make your next project your best one yet.
References
Codes, Standards, Guidance
- NFPA 70 (NEC) — Article 450, Transformers; Article 110, General Requirements.
- NFPA 70E — Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
- NEMA ST 20 — Dry-Type Transformers for General Applications.
- NEMA 250 — Enclosures for Electrical Equipment.
- UL 1561 — Dry-Type General-Purpose and Power Transformers.
- IEEE C57.12.01 — General Requirements for Dry-Type Distribution and Power Transformers.
- IEEE C57.12.91 — Test Code for Dry-Type Distribution and Power Transformers.
- 10 CFR 431 — DOE 2016 Transformer Efficiency Requirements.
Other specification systems (crosswalk & context)
- UFGS 26 22 13 — Low-Voltage Distribution Transformers.
- VA Master 26 22 00 — Low-Voltage Transformers.
- NMS (Canada) — Low-Voltage Distribution Transformers.
- RIB SpecLink 26 22 13 — Low-Voltage Distribution Transformers.