A rapid pressure rise detection and management system that detects internal pressure changes in a transformer. The rapid pressure rise detection and management system communicates with one or more pressure sensors attached to a tank of the transformer and measures the rate of pressure change versus time. The rapid pressure rise detection and management system then compares this rate of pressure change against a set of parameters to determine if this pressure change is an internal fault requiring the transformer to be taken offline or external fault to be ignored. This rapid pressure rise detection and management system may be a standalone device or work with other monitoring/controlling equipment to expand its sensing and management capabilities.