INVIZIONS PRODUCT
Extend-O-Valve — The Safe Way to Sample Transformer Oil
A fire-rated, non-conductive transformer valve extension system that relocates your oil sampling point outside the substation fence — eliminating the need to enter energized substations for routine oil sampling operations.
Transformer Valve Extensions — Your Solution for NFPA 70E Compliance
The Extend-O-Valve system was developed to solve a persistent safety challenge in substation operations: how to perform routine transformer oil sampling without requiring personnel to enter the energized substation. By routing the oil sampling connection from the transformer to an external weatherproof valve box mounted outside the substation fence, the Extend-O-Valve eliminates arc flash and electrical hazard exposure for maintenance personnel performing routine sampling operations.
The Extend-O-Valve system complies with NFPA 70E electrical safety requirements. It is fire-rated to 2000°F for 20 minutes, non-conductive to SAE 100R7 specifications, and pressure-rated to 11,000 PSI — exceeding the requirements of transformer operating environments. Both Kit #2 and Kit #3 include complete installation hardware and step-by-step instructions.
Extend-O-Valve Key Features
Fire Rated
Rated to 2000°F for 20 minutes. Suitable for installation in proximity to transformer oil and energized electrical equipment.
Non-Conductive
SAE 100R7 non-conductive flexible tubing specifications. Will not conduct electrical current from the transformer to the sampling point.
11,000 PSI Pressure Rated
Exceeds the pressure requirements of transformer oil systems. Rated for both vacuum and pressure testing operations.
Secure External Box
Weather-resistant, lockable valve box with stainless steel hardware. Prevents unauthorized access and protects sampling valve from environmental exposure.
Primary & Secondary Applications
Suitable for both primary (high-voltage) and secondary (distribution) voltage transformer applications.
Flexible Placement
Front or side exterior box location. Can be positioned to avoid physical hazards and provide convenient access for maintenance personnel.
Available Kits
Extend-O-Valve Kit #2
- 48" flexible non-conductive, fire-rated tubing & attachment couplings
- 1/4" valve, fittings, gaskets & washers
- External weather-resistant, lockable valve box with stainless steel hardware
- Hole saw & mounting equipment
- Step-by-step installation instructions for Valve Extension & Pressure/Vacuum Gauge
- Infrared (IR) inspection window — installed by cutting into the transformer enclosure wall, allowing an IR camera to scan energized bus bars, connections, and components without opening the cabinet or de-energizing the unit
Pricing does not include shipping. Contact us for shipping quote.
Extend-O-Valve Kit #3
- 48" flexible non-conductive, fire-rated tubing & attachment couplings
- 1/4" valve, fittings, gaskets & washers
- External weather-resistant, lockable valve box with stainless steel hardware
- Hole saw & mounting equipment
- Step-by-step installation instructions for Valve Extension, Pressure Gauge, Vacuum Gauge & Oil Sampling Valve
- Additional components beyond Kit #2 — contact for complete specification
- Infrared (IR) inspection window — installed by cutting into the transformer enclosure wall, allowing an IR camera to scan energized bus bars, connections, and components without opening the cabinet or de-energizing the unit
Contact us for volume pricing on multiple units.
Infrared (IR) Inspection Windows — Included in Both Kits
Each kit includes an IR inspection window designed to be permanently installed in the transformer enclosure wall. A hole is cut into the cabinet panel and the window is mounted flush, creating a sealed viewport transparent to infrared radiation. This allows a thermographer to scan energized internal components — bus bars, tap changers, cable terminations, and connections — without opening the enclosure, removing protective barriers, or interrupting service.
- Inspect energized components while the transformer remains sealed and in service — no outage required
- Eliminates the arc flash and shock exposure associated with opening energized enclosures for infrared surveys
- Compatible with standard IR cameras; no special equipment required beyond what thermographers already carry
- Supports recurring NFPA 70B and insurance-required electrical maintenance surveys on a regular schedule
How the Windows Install
IR inspection windows are mounted in a pre-cut opening in the equipment enclosure — transformer tank covers, transformer cabinets, substation switchgear panels, MCC bucket doors, disconnect panels, and breaker panel covers are all common locations. The window body threads or flange-mounts into the opening and is sealed against moisture, dust, and arc-flash ingress with the supplied gasket. Once installed, a hinged or removable cover protects the crystal between inspections.
Viewing Element & Compliance
The window's viewing element is an infrared-transparent crystal (commonly calcium fluoride or a specialized polymer) selected to transmit long-wave thermal radiation cleanly so the thermographer gets a true temperature reading. Properly-installed IR windows let inspections happen with the equipment fully energized and doors closed — reducing arc-flash exposure, aligning with NFPA 70E safe work practices, and eliminating the setup and teardown time that de-energization would require.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Tubing Length | 48 inches |
| Pressure Rating | 11,000 PSI |
| Fire Rating | 2000°F / 20 minutes |
| Electrical Rating | Non-conductive (SAE 100R7) |
| Valve Size | 1/4 inch |
| Box Material | Weather-resistant / lockable |
| Hardware | Stainless steel |
| Voltage Applications | Primary & Secondary |
How the Extend-O-Valve Works
Installation
The Extend-O-Valve tubing connects to the transformer's existing oil sampling valve inside the substation. The flexible, fire-rated tubing routes through the transformer enclosure or along a conduit path to the exterior mounting location.
Valve Box Mounting
The external weatherproof valve box is mounted to the substation fence or exterior structure. The lockable box protects the sampling valve and pressure/vacuum connections from weather and unauthorized access.
Safe Oil Sampling
Maintenance personnel can now connect oil sampling equipment to the Extend-O-Valve box from outside the substation fence — no entry required, no arc flash exposure, full NFPA 70E compliance.
Professional Installation Available
Invizions provides professional Extend-O-Valve installation services through our substation maintenance team. We can install the system during a scheduled substation maintenance visit, combined with transformer oil sampling, infrared thermography inspection, or other maintenance activities. Contact us for a combined service and installation quote.
Contact Us About InstallationOrder Your Extend-O-Valve Today
Available as Kit #2 ($969) or Kit #3 ($1,919). Professional installation available. Contact us to place your order or ask questions about which kit is right for your transformer configuration.