Why Australian Power Equipment use FR3® Natural Ester Oil in Transformers: Sustainable Performance Without Compromise
- abbyjanecrawford
- May 14
- 2 min read
At Australian Power Equipment, sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. That’s why we’ve made the conscious decision to specify FR3® natural ester fluid, made from soybeans, in our refurbished and new transformers.
Whether our equipment is destined for a remote mining operation, infrastructure project, or renewable energy site, we know that environmental protection and high performance go hand-in-hand. With FR3®, we deliver both.
The Smarter Choice for Performance and the Planet
FR3® fluid is the original, most proven natural ester dielectric fluid on the market. Used for over 25 years in more than three million transformers worldwide, it’s been rigorously validated in both lab settings and real-world conditions. That means peace of mind for our clients—and outstanding results for their projects.
Derived from over 95% renewable vegetable oil, this soy-based fluid offers a sustainable, high-performance alternative to mineral oil.
Here’s Why We Trust It for sustainable power transformers at Australian Power Equipment:
✅ Exceptional Reliability
* Extends the life of paper insulation by up to 8x by actively removing moisture
* Can operate at higher heat levels —up to 140°C top fluid temperature—without breakdown
🌱 More Sustainable
* 100% biodegradable in as little as 10 days
* Non-toxic to water, soil, wildlife, and people
* Certified carbon neutral and has zero global warming potential
⚡ Increased Loading Capacity
* Allows up to 20% more load than mineral oil
* Enables smaller transformer designs or increased output without affecting lifespan
🔥 Superior Fire Safety
* Zero reported fires in 25+ years
* K-class fluid with a 360°C fire point—that’s more than twice the fire safety threshold of traditional oils
💸 Cost-Effective
* Reduces costs associated with fire protection and spill containment systems
* Supports smaller, lighter, more efficient transformer designs, saving on costly materials like copper and steel

We’re proud to say that if there’s ever a spill, FR3® fluid poses no environmental risk That’s a major win for the sensitive sites we often supply—including near waterways, farmland, and conservation zones.
Our goal is to keep Australia powered—smarter, safer, and more sustainably. And choosing FR3® oil is just one more way we’re delivering on that promise.
Contact us for all your transformer needs [email protected]
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