Tagging concrete-encased transformers

Hello everyone,

I’m looking for some guidance on how to properly tag a compact type of electrical substation common in Romania, known locally as a PTAB (Prefabricated Concrete-Encased Transformer Substation). It is essentially a small, walk-in concrete cabin/container at ground level that houses a transformer and its associated switchgear.

To me, tagging the polygon as building=substation seems like a much more accurate description of the physical object, while adding power=substation and substation=transformer defines its electrical function. On the other hand, man_made=street_cabinet feels too small since these are actual physical concrete structures you can step into for maintenance.

Additionally, I would like to map the actual transformer inside the structure. Would it be correct to add a node inside the building polygon tagged with power=transformer and location=indoor?

What is the preferred tagging practice in the community for these types of modern, low-profile, concrete-encased transformer buildings and their internal components?

Thanks for your insights!

I’d go with building=service for the building itself: the wiki lists “transformers” as one of the things that can be found in such a building.

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“concrete-encased” might not be the best word. :slight_smile: The phrase is usually used to mean that the object has been put in place and surrounded by fresh, wet concrete - like one might do with a pipe or duct under a road.

Some people map these as building=service. I tend to use building=industrial. You can also add:
building:prefabricated=yes
building:material=concrete
roof:shape=flat
building:levels=1

The transformer can then be tagged as normal, with location=indoor.

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