The short answer
As of October 2026, the reference price for a 200 kVA oil-immersed distribution transformer (aluminium winding, 11 kV class, standard configuration) is USD 2,215 per unit (EXW, ex-works). From drawing confirmation and receipt of the advance payment, production and factory routine testing take about 15 days. Sea freight to Mombasa usually takes 4–6 weeks; this is for reference only — please confirm the actual sailing at the time of booking, and you may nominate your own forwarder. Copper-winding units cost more and are quoted separately against the copper price of the day.
What the USD 2,215 includes and what it does not
| Item | Included in USD 2,215 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core (silicon steel) and aluminium winding | Included | Wound to drawing specification |
| Tank, radiators, bushings, temperature control | Included | Standard configuration |
| Factory routine tests (ratio, resistance, insulation, withstand voltage, etc.) | Included | A report is supplied with each unit |
| Export wooden case | Included | Seaworthy packing |
| Sea freight and insurance | Not included | Can be quoted by destination port; your own forwarder is also welcome |
| Destination port charges and inland transport | Not included | Charged as incurred |
| Kenyan import duty and VAT | Not included | Assessed by HS code |
| Copper winding | — | Costs more than aluminium winding; quoted separately, no figure in this article |
| Low-loss type | — | Higher material cost; quoted separately to drawing |
Prices move with silicon steel and aluminium prices; the validity of a quote is as stated in the contract.
Lead time in four stages
- Drawing confirmation (vector group, voltage ratio, bushing layout): 3–5 working days
- Production and factory routine testing: 15 days (≤630 kVA); 25 days (>630 kVA)
- Export packing and delivery to port: 2–3 days
- Sea freight (main Chinese ports to Mombasa): 4–6 weeks, for reference only; subject to the sailing confirmed at booking
Import clearance and inland transport after the destination port are arranged by the buyer or its forwarder.
Stages 2 to 4 above are counted together from the date the drawing is confirmed and the advance payment is received, not from the date of order. This should be written into the contract; otherwise lead time is the easiest thing to argue about. From that date to arrival at Mombasa, the total is about 6.5–8.5 weeks on the ranges above (15 days production + 2–3 days packing and delivery to port + 4–6 weeks sea freight, excluding clearance).
The three problems we see most often in our orders
1. Treating a hot operating environment as an ordinary one
Quite a few customers do not confirm the technical documents before signing, and do not describe the actual operating environment on site. A transformer built for a standard environment then runs for long periods in high temperature: the temperature stays high, it trips frequently, and service life is affected — and in the end it is often mistaken for a quality problem.
How to avoid it: describe the operating environment before ordering, including the maximum ambient temperature on site, whether it is indoors, and the ventilation conditions, and confirm the technical documents.
2. Treating the ex-works price as the delivered price
Before signing, some customers assume the ex-works price is the total delivered cost. The ex-works price (EXW) does not include sea freight, insurance, destination port charges, inland transport or import duties and taxes; all of these are listed in the table above.
How to avoid it: ask for a quotation that states clearly what is included and what is not, and compare suppliers on total landed cost.
3. Payment delayed after signing, so material prices cannot be locked
We purchase raw materials only after receiving the advance payment. If payment is delayed after the contract is signed, material prices cannot be locked; if silicon steel and aluminium prices rise in the meantime, a price-adjustment dispute follows.
How to avoid it: pay the advance promptly after signing; the validity of the quote is as stated in the contract.
At the drawing-confirmation stage, most of our time goes into two things: the operating environment and the installation dimensions. Before confirming the drawing, please have ready:
- Operating environment: maximum ambient temperature, indoor or outdoor, ventilation conditions
- Installation dimensions: the installation space available and the positions of incoming and outgoing cables
FAQ
Can aluminium winding be used?
Yes. Aluminium winding costs less than copper and needs a larger conductor cross-section in the design. Write "aluminium winding" into the contract and the nameplate requirements at the time of purchase, to avoid disputes on delivery.
Can it be customised?
Yes — voltage ratio, vector group, tap positions, temperature control and degree of protection can be customised, and the unit is built to drawing.
What is the warranty?
One year, counted from 30 days after the shipment date; the detailed terms are as stated in the contract.
What is the production lead time?
About 15 days for ≤630 kVA and about 25 days for >630 kVA, counted from drawing confirmation and receipt of the advance payment. This lead time applies; we do not promise expedited delivery.
What documents are supplied with the unit?
Each unit is supplied with a factory routine test report; video inspection can be arranged on request.
Equipment quoted together with the transformer order
Ring main units and low-voltage panels (up to 35 kV) can be quoted together with the transformer order and shipped in the same consignment.
A reference installation already in operation
The oil-immersed transformer shipped to Kenya in 2024 has been delivered and commissioned (see the projects page).
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