Coating radiators for corrosion resistance: galvanized vs. painted-user's perspective

Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) has over 1150 power transformers in service with a peak load of 18800 MW. These transformers are located in various locations that range from directly on the coastline, to about 100 miles inland. The life of a typical painted surface on substation equipment varies with the location. Since the abolishment of lead based paint, it is hard to get much more than 3 or 4 years out of any painted surface along the coast. Inland, we see three to four times this value. Florida Power and Light typically spends several hundred thousand dollars each year repainting substation equipment in an effort to prevent rust and to extend life. We have pursued many options in an effort to optimize the value obtained from our painted surfaces. This analysis is a direct result of this effort.