Spatial Distribution of Electric Transformers in Narayi Ward, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper looks at the spatial distribution of electric transformers in Narayi Ward, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Handheld GPS was used to obtain coordinates of electric transformers in Narayi Ward. Data on characteristics of transformers was obtained from Narayi Business Unit of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO). The coordinates were used to map the locations of the transformers. Average Nearest Neighborhood Analysis was used to show the pattern of distribution; Buffer Analysis was used to check the compliance with Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) 10m standard; while query was used to show the transformer service life. Analysis revealed Average Nearest Neighborhood Analysis result showed random distribution at 0.01% significance level with 0.215604336939 ratio. Only 5 (19%) of the transformers complied with the safety standard of siting transformers at least 10m away from the main road. 2 (7%) of the transformers violated the American National Standards Institute/Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (ANSI/IEEE) standards of 25 years in service. The study therefore recommends that transformers should be provided in the newly built up areas of Karji and Water Intake by KAEDCO. It also recommends that transformers located within 10m buffer zone across the major roads in the study area should be relocated away by the KAEDCO. This will promote safety of the road users and the general public. Future installations should also comply with the standards.