oil boiler transformer failure -repeated

I have an older oil burner (Carlin) and boiler which I bought used 6 years ago. The transformer that was on the unit worked fine until last February. It failed an I replaced it with a new transformer sold to me by my local plumbing supply store as an appropriate replacement (a Dongan XD-CR205). That transformer failed after approximately four months of use (boiler not used over summer) and was replaced on 10-27-08. Today (1-10-09), the replacement transformer failed after just over two months of use. These things cost almost 50 bucks a pop and I'd like to know what could be causing these failures.

I've run oil burners for nearly 20 years and never had a transformer fail before.

psolbeny

 

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Do you have any excessive heat coming from the burner area? Check the overfire draft of the boiler with a draft gauge. If pressure firing, it could cause excessive heat relating to premature failure of the transformer.

 

Could you give me more details, or more info in non-professional language? For example, where might I get a draft gauge? Or, should I now call in a pro?

Thanks!

Psolbeny

 

A draft gauge is not something you will find at the big box stores and are not too cheap. You will probably want to call in a technician on this one.
I guess another thing you can check yourself is to make sure the incoming voltage is at 120vac. If the voltage is spiking or lower than 80% of normal, it would also cause the transformer to act up or burn out.