PolyChlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are mixtures of synthetic organic chemicals that were produced in the U.S. between the 1920s and the 1970s.

They were used extensively in electrical equipment, especially transformers and capacitors, because of their electrical insulating properties and non-flammability. Responding to environmental concerns raised about PCBs, manufacturers in 1979 stopped making electrical equipment that required PCB insulation.

O&R complies with all federal Environmental Protection Agency regulations regarding PCBs. Less than an estimated five percent of O&R's electrical equipment is considered to have PCBs present. O&R is taking steps to reduce that number.

In accordance with EPA regulations, O&R places labels on its transformers to indicate those that are "Non-PCB Transformers". The labels only go on transformers that have been certified by their manufacturers as "Non-PCB Transformers" or on transformers that have been individually tested by O&R for PCB content and determined to be "Non-PCB Transformers."

For more information, contact O&R's Environmental Services department. O&R honors all requests for electrical equipment PCB information from customers or their representatives.