PRIMARY

DISTRIBUTION
SYSTEM
PREPARED BY: RODIL, CHRISTOPHER
TORCENO, ARJHUN
WHAT IS A PRIMARY
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM?
• The primary distribution system is responsible for distributing the electricity
from high-transmission lines to distribution transformers located at the user
end. Behind this system, there is a power generating station, that is producing
the power and using the transmission lines, that are kept at high voltage
levels, this power is transferred to the distribution transformers.
• The distribution system starts with 11KV and 33KV voltage levels, where
these voltage levels are directly distributed to industries and to heavy loads
like railways, etc., and is called a primary distribution system.
WHAT ARE THE PARTS OF
PRIMARY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM?

Primary distribution systems consist of feeders that deliver

power from distribution substations to distribution
transformers. A feeder usually begins with a feeder breaker at
the distribution substation. Many feeders leave substation in
a concrete ducts and are routed to a nearby pole.
• The most commonly used primary distribution voltages are
11kv, 6.6kv and 3.3kv. Due to the economic consideration is
carried out by 3-phase, 3-wire system.
Electric power from the generating station is transmitted to high voltage

to the substation located in or near the city. At this substation, voltage is

stepped down to 11kV with the help of step-down transformer. Power is

supplied to various substations for distribution or to big consumers at

this voltage. This forms the high voltage distribution or primary

distribution.
The main components of the primary distribution system are

substations, primary feeder circuits, distribution

transformers, and laterals or service drops to customers.

DISTRIBUTION SUBSTATION

• Substations play a crucial role in the primary distribution system by

transforming high voltage electricity from the transmission system into lower
voltage electricity suitable for distribution to consumers. They also provide
switching, protection, and control functions, ensuring reliable and efficient
distribution of electricity to homes, businesses, and other end-users.
Distribution substation typically operates at ,

and deliver electric energy directly to

industrial and residential consumers.

Distribution feeders transport power from the

distribution substations to the end

consumers’ premises. These feeders serve a

large number of premises and usually contain

many branches.
DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMERS

• Distribution transformers are vital components of the primary distribution

system, tasked with stepping down the voltage from the primary feeder
circuit to levels suitable for utilization by end-users. They are typically
located at various points within the distribution network, close to where
electricity is consumed. These transformers reduce the voltage to levels
commonly used in households and businesses, ensuring safe and efficient
delivery of electricity to consumers.
Distribution transformers

step down the primary

distribution voltages to the

final utilization voltage used

by customers, like 120V or

480V. Transformers may be

mounted on poles, pads,

vaults or rooftops.
PRIMARY FEEDER CIRCUITS

• Primary feeder circuits are essential components of the primary distribution

system responsible for carrying electricity from substations to various
distribution transformers and loads. They act as arteries, delivering power to
neighborhoods, commercial areas, and industrial zones. These circuits
typically operate at medium voltage levels and are designed to efficiently
distribute electricity over relatively long distances while minimizing voltage
drop and power losses.
A feeder is a conductor which connects the

substation to the area where is to be

distributed.

A feeder is one of the circuits out of the

substation. The main feeder is the three-phase

backbone of the circuit, which is often called the

mains or mainline. The mainline is normally a

modestly large conductor such as a 500- or 750-

kcmil aluminum conductor.

Distributer
a distributer is a conductor from which tappings are taken for supply to the consumer.

1. The line driver, which transmits the electric power from the substation to the service mains

conductor, is called a distributor.

2. It is a link (line driver) between the supplier and the service mains.

3. Its design is based on voltage.

4. This enables fractional removal for the consumers.

5. The value of current varies throughout its length.

6. The length of the distributor is usually longer than that of the service main.

7. The voltage of the distributor is higher than that of the service mains.
The service main is a conductor

wire cable that connects the

distributor to the consumer

terminal. In our homes, there is

only the cable service main

coming from the pole to the

meter.
LATERALS OR SERVICE DROPS

• In a primary distribution system, laterals or service drops are used to connect

individual customers or smaller substations to the main distribution line.
They branch off from the main feeder line and deliver electricity to homes,
businesses, or smaller facilities. This allows for more localized distribution
and ensures reliable power supply to end users.
Laterals or service drops connect

individual customers to the

primary distribution lines,

completing the path from

substations to end users. These

drops cross public rights-of-way.

WHAT IS THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF A
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM?

• A distribution system originates at a distribution substation

and includes the lines, poles, transformers and other
equipment needed to deliver electric power to the customer
at the required voltages. Customers are classed as:
Industrial Customer. Commercial Customer.