R Baker (Electrical) Ltd

19/10/2026

What are the main parts of a transformer, and how do they affect its performance?

Transformers come in many different sizes, ratings and designs, but understanding the components that make them work is essential to understanding their performance.

In our latest blog, we take a closer look at the key components of a transformer, including the magnetic core, primary and secondary windings, insulation systems, terminals, cooling arrangements and protective enclosures.

We also explore how each component contributes to a transformer’s efficiency, reliability and overall design.

At R Baker (Electrical) Ltd, we specialise in the design and manufacture of bespoke dry-type transformers, tailored to meet the specific requirements of each application.

Read our full blog to learn more:
https://www.rbaker.co.uk/blog/parts-of-a-transformer/

16/10/2026

DEF STAN 08-120: Shock Testing for Defence Equipment.

Electrical equipment used in defence and naval applications must be capable of operating in demanding environments, where mechanical shock can place significant stress on equipment and its internal components.

DEF STAN 08-120 is a UK Defence Standard that provides a framework for determining the shock strength of equipment, helping demonstrate its ability to withstand specified mechanical shock conditions.

Our latest blog explores:

• What DEF STAN 08-120 is and why it matters

• The importance of shock strength in naval and defence applications

• How mechanical shock can affect electrical equipment, enclosures and mounting arrangements

• Why shock requirements should be considered early in the design process

• How compliance is demonstrated through testing, inspection and technical documentation

At R Baker (Electrical) Ltd, we have experience supporting transformer and electrical equipment projects where DEF STAN 08-120 shock requirements form part of the overall technical specification and qualification programme.

Understanding these requirements from the outset helps ensure equipment is designed with mechanical qualification in mind, rather than addressing potential issues after manufacture.

To read the full blog, visit:
https://www.rbaker.co.uk/blog/def-stan-08-120-shock-testing/

12/10/2026

Transformer Shock Testing: Why It Matters in Critical Applications.

Transformers used in demanding environments need to do more than provide reliable electrical performance. They must also be capable of withstanding vibration, sudden mechanical forces and shock events without compromising safety or functionality.

For marine, defence and other safety-critical applications, transformer shock testing plays an important role in demonstrating that equipment can withstand specified mechanical conditions.

Our latest blog explores:

• What transformer shock testing involves and why it matters

• How mechanical shock can affect transformer assemblies, enclosures and mounting arrangements

• How shock testing is carried out and what happens after testing

• The importance of relevant defence and naval standards

• Why considering shock testing requirements early in the design process is essential

At R Baker (Electrical) Ltd, we have experience designing and manufacturing bespoke transformer assemblies where mechanical qualification forms part of the overall project requirements.

By considering these requirements during the design stage, potential issues can be identified before equipment reaches final qualification testing.

To read the full blog, visit:
https://www.rbaker.co.uk/blog/transformer-shock-testing/

09/10/2026

Not every electrical application can be supported by an off-the-shelf transformer.

In many industrial environments, standard transformer solutions simply aren’t suitable for the specific operational requirements, available space or conditions in which the equipment needs to perform.

At R Baker (Electrical) Ltd, we specialise in the design and manufacture of bespoke dry-type transformers, providing tailored solutions to meet the individual requirements of our customers.

From initial enquiry through to design, manufacture and testing, our in-house team works closely with customers to ensure each transformer is designed around its intended application.

Our capabilities include:

• Single-phase and three-phase transformers

• Isolation, step-up and step-down transformers

• Bespoke voltage and frequency requirements

• ATEX-certified transformers for hazardous area applications

• Bespoke enclosure and protection options

• Dry-type transformer manufacture up to 500kVA

With over 40 years of electrical engineering experience, we support customers across the defence, marine and offshore, rail and industrial sectors.

We understand the importance of reliability, performance and tailored solutions in these demanding environments.

Whether replacing an obsolete transformer or developing a solution for a new project, our team can help identify a practical approach to meet your requirements.

To learn more about our capabilities and experience, visit www.rbaker.co.uk

05/10/2026

⚡ Why can two transformers with the same kVA rating behave very differently when they are switched on?

On paper, two transformers may have the same kVA rating, primary voltage and secondary voltage, but their energisation behaviour can be significantly different.

Factors such as core design, operating flux density, residual magnetism, the point of switching on the AC waveform and system impedance can all influence the level of inrush current experienced during energisation.

This can be particularly important when transformers are operating with generators, UPS systems, restricted supplies or sensitive electrical networks, where high inrush currents and voltage disturbances can create challenges.

Our latest blog takes a closer look at why kVA alone does not tell the full story and why energisation behaviour should be considered as part of the transformer design process.

🔗 Read the full blog here:
https://www.rbaker.co.uk/blog/transformer-energisation-behaviour-same-kva/

At R Baker (Electrical) Ltd, we design and manufacture bespoke transformers around the requirements of the wider electrical system, considering factors such as core design, flux density, impedance and expected operating conditions.

02/10/2026

On Wednesday, Chris Charnock represented R Baker (Electrical) Ltd at the Make UK Defence “Be Unstoppable: In Time MRO of Mission Critical Systems” event in Wakefield.

It was a valuable opportunity to hear from a range of speakers discussing MRO and the importance of keeping mission-critical systems operational.

We also had the opportunity to tour the Bosch Rexroth facility, which was particularly interesting to see first-hand.

Plenty of good conversations throughout the day, with new connections made and opportunities to continue those discussions going forward.

A big thank you to Make UK Defence for organising the event and to Bosch Rexroth for hosting.

01/10/2026

Transformer Inrush Current – Why It Matters

When a transformer is first energised, the current can rise to many times its normal operating level for a short period.

That can affect protection, cause nuisance tripping, create voltage dips and place extra demand on generators or UPS systems.

We’re seeing inrush assessment requested more often during the transformer design stage, so we’ve put together a short technical article explaining what causes it, why it matters and how it can be assessed.
Read the full article here:

Learn what causes transformer inrush current, typical inrush levels, how it affects protection and how transformer design can influence energisation behaviour.

29/09/2026

Looking forward to tomorrow’s Make UK Defence & Bosch Rexroth MRO event.

Chris Charnock will be representing R Baker (Electrical) Ltd at the “Be Unstoppable: In Time MRO of Mission Critical Systems” event in Normanton tomorrow.

The event will bring together organisations from across the defence and engineering sectors to discuss MRO, mission-critical systems and the importance of maintaining equipment availability.

It will be a great opportunity to hear from industry experts, meet other businesses within the defence supply chain and make some new connections.

If you’re attending tomorrow, please come and say hello to Chris.

25/09/2026

⚡ PAT Testing across Liverpool & Merseyside

R Baker (Electrical) Ltd provides a reliable and cost-effective PAT Testing service to businesses across the local area.

Whether you have a handful of items or require testing across a larger workplace, our team can provide an efficient service to help you meet your electrical safety obligations.

Our PAT Testing call out service is £85 + VAT, which includes the first 10 items, with additional items from just 85p each.

We offer flexible appointments, fast turnaround and provide a full asset list and PAT Test certificate once testing is complete.

📞 0151 486 6760
📧 [email protected]

Get in touch with our team today to arrange your PAT Testing.

To learn more about our capabilities and experience, visit: www.rbaker.co.uk

17/09/2026

There’s still real value in meeting face to face.

Yesterday, Gareth Baker and Ian Aitchison visited Stadler Rail and MSI in Norwich.

For us, visits like these are an important part of building and maintaining strong working relationships. They give us the opportunity to better understand our customers, discuss current and future requirements and explore where our capabilities may be able to support their operations.

While emails and Teams calls have their place, nothing quite replaces sitting down together, seeing operations first-hand and having those conversations face to face.

Thank you to the teams at Stadler and MSI for taking the time to meet with Gareth and Ian and for the warm welcome.

To learn more about our capabilities and experience, visit www.rbaker.co.uk