Views: 0 Author: Luna Publish Time: 2026-08-10 Origin: Zhejiang Shengxian Electric Technology Co., Ltd
Supplying power to a residential community is not as simple as just running a cable. From the utility grid to each household‘s meter, there is a complete power distribution system in place.
In simple terms, the power flow follows this path:
10kV Incoming → RMU / Switching Station → Transformer → LV Distribution Panel → Floor Distribution Box → Meter Box → Household
Each stage requires specific equipment. This article follows this sequence to explain what equipment is used at each level and what function it serves.
When the utility‘s 10kV cable enters the community, it first goes to a Ring Main Unit (RMU) or a switching station. Its functions are:
Distributing power to each transformer
Enabling ring network feeding to improve reliability (if one section fails, power can be restored from the other side)
Providing protection for the incoming supply
Equipment used:
10kV RMU (SF6-insulated or solid-insulated)
Or 10kV medium voltage switchgear
A typical RMU configuration for residential projects includes one incoming unit and one outgoing unit, with multiple transformers sharing one RMU assembly.
After distribution through the RMU, the 10kV power goes to each transformer, where it is stepped down to 380V (three-phase) or 220V (single-phase) for use by the community‘s electrical loads.
Key selection considerations:
Item | Description |
|---|---|
Capacity sizing | Estimated based on number of households and average consumption – typically 6–10kW per household, with a diversity factor of 0.3–0.5 |
Insulation type | Dry-type (indoor substation) or oil-immersed (outdoor compact substation) |
Voltage rating | 10kV / 0.4kV |
Equipment used:
Dry-type transformer (inside electrical room)
Or oil-immersed transformer (inside pad-mounted compact substation)
The number of transformers depends on the size of the community and the load demand. A typical 1,000-household community might require 4–6 units of 800kVA transformers.
The low voltage power from the transformer enters the LV distribution panel, which then distributes it to each building and each unit.
Components of an LV distribution panel:
Incoming panel: receives power from the transformer
Outgoing panels: distribute to each building (one or more circuits per building)
Power factor correction panel: improves power factor, reduces electricity costs and line losses
Bus coupler panel: connects two busbar sections in dual-transformer systems (if applicable)
Equipment used:
GGD (fixed type) or GCK (drawout type) LV distribution panels
The number of outgoing circuits depends on the size of the community. A typical community substation might have 1–2 incoming panels + multiple outgoing panels + 1 correction panel.
Cables from the LV distribution panel go to the floor distribution boxes and meter boxes in each building, and then to each household.
How power reaches each household:
Cables are routed from the LV panel via cable trays or underground ducts to each building
Each building has a main distribution box, which feeds each unit
Each floor has a floor distribution box, which feeds each household‘s meter box
From the meter box, power enters the household distribution panel
This level involves a large variety and quantity of equipment, often accounting for a significant portion of procurement in residential projects.
Equipment used:
Cable branch boxes
Floor distribution boxes
Meter boxes (indoor or outdoor)
Household distribution panels
Level | Equipment | Quantity Reference |
|---|---|---|
Incoming | 10kV RMU | 1 assembly (incoming + outgoing units) |
Transformation | 10/0.4kV transformers | 4–8 units (depending on number of households) |
LV distribution | LV panels (incoming + outgoing + correction) | 5–12 panels |
Building distribution | Building distribution boxes, meter boxes | Configured by number of buildings and households |
Household | Household distribution panels | 1 per household |
Residential community power distribution, from 10kV incoming to the household meter, is a complete system chain. The selection and configuration of equipment at each level directly affects the reliability and safety of the power supply in the long run.
If you have a residential project and need advice on distribution equipment configuration, feel free to contact us.
Contact us
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WhatsApp: +195 1818 9858
Mail: lunahe927@gmail.com
