What causes oil filled transformer explosions?

Explosions typically result from internal faults that rapidly generate gas and pressure, such as winding short circuits, arcing, bushing failures, or tap changer faults. If protective devices fail or pressure relief is inadequate, the tank can rupture. Contributing factors include aged insulation, moisture, overheating, poor maintenance, and undetected DGA warnings. Proper protection, oil testing, pressure relief devices, and fast fault clearing reduce explosion risk significantly.