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Electrical distribution system

An electrical electrical distribution system is a series of electrical circuits that delivers power in the proper proportion to homes, commercial businesses and industrial facilities. Regardless of the size and applications, the ultimate goal remains universal: the economic and safe delivery of adequate electric power to electrical equipment.

Fundamentals of electrical distribution
Fundamentals of electrical distribution (photo credit: mardix.com)

In general, there are three types of distribution systems: radial, loop and network. The type used by the utility company depends on the services required, location and economics.


Radial Distribution System

The Radial Distribution System has one power source for a group of customers. If there is a power failure, the entire group loses power. In addition, a circuit failure somewhere in the system could mean a power interruption for the entire system.

Radial Distribution System
Radial Distribution System

Loop distribution system

The Loop Distribution System loops through the service area and returns to the point of origin. The strategic placement of switches permits the electric company to supply power to customers from either direction. If one power source fails, switches are opened or closed to obtain power source.

Loop Distribution System
Loop Distribution System

Network Distribution System

The Network Distribution System is the most expensive, and the most reliable in terms of continuity of service. This system consists of a number of interconnecting circuits operating at the same utilization voltage.

The customer is connected to two or more power supplies. If one power source fails, the customer gets power from the other sources, without interruption.

Network Distribution System
Network Distribution System

Title:Fundamentals Of Electrical Distribution // Learning module 3 – EATON
Format:PDF
Size:597.2 KB
Pages:30
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Fundamentals Of Electrical Distribution
Fundamentals Of Electrical Distribution

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5 Comments


  1. Mohamed Ibrahim Mire
    Jan 06, 2019

    hello dear sir am really not engineer but experienced technician and my employer just asked me to make a report for 2019 expansion of our network in Somalia, Mogadishu the capital we are running now 5mw of power production of 11kv supply from five diesel generators 415/11kv upgraded by three step up transformers of 2500 kva each , this is only supplying small part of our customer we have 12 small station which generating low voltage utility power for customer in which we experience very low voltage drop some areas of the consume, so what am asking you to help how i can make a report for this all stations to encourage and convince the investors to develop


  2. edem kass
    Sep 24, 2014

    you are making us engineers


  3. R GURUNADHA RAO
    Dec 23, 2013

    thanks for providing knowledge base all electrical engineers .


  4. Manas
    Aug 05, 2013

    This is an interesting article but more on industry environment. For distribution utility though principle remains same the challenge often is addition and extension that if not captured and updated in information base can lead to several issues on PQ front. Be it unbalance or low voltage etc. An article to address utility engineers on this aspect would be great value.

    Also this is Series 3 of learning module, can all the modules be listed and hyper linked for reading at one’s own leisure.
    Thanks for consideration.


    • eugen
      Dec 30, 2015

      thanks for your patience,constsnce and for your motivation

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