A method of applying three-phase power to a transformer having limbs including a first limb, a second limb, and a third limb respectively wound with primary windings that include a first winding, a second winding, and a third winding, includes: generating alternating current (AC) voltages (AC voltages) including a first AC voltage, a second AC voltage, and a third AC voltage; initially not applying the AC voltages to the primary windings; monitoring a relative voltage between the first AC voltage and the second AC voltage; and based on results of monitoring, implementing a power-on sequence of sequentially applying various ones of the AC voltages to corresponding ones of the primary windings until all of the AC voltages are applied to all of the primary windings in a manner that balances flux across the limbs during and after the power-on sequence.