5 Types of Electrical Distribution Equipment and Their Uses

Electrical distribution equipment ensures the safe, efficient delivery of electricity from power sources to end-use devices in homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. Whether you’re designing a power system from scratch or replacing aging components, choosing the right equipment is essential for safety, performance, and reliability.

In this blog, we cover the five key types of electrical distribution equipment, along with additional essential products we offer at Bruce Electric Equipment Corp.

1. 1) Circuit Breakers

Function: Protect against electrical overloads and short circuits
Circuit breakers are critical safety devices that stop the flow of electricity when faults occur. This prevents fire hazards, equipment damage, and personal injury.

• – 3-Pole Circuit Breakers : Ideal for three-phase systems used in industrial and commercial buildings. Designed to interrupt power across all three conductors simultaneously.

2. 2) Switchgear

Function: Control, isolate, and protect electrical systems
Switchgear includes a combination of disconnect switches, fuses, and breakers used to control and protect power systems, especially in high-voltage applications.

• – Safety Switches: Allow quick manual disconnection of power for safety during maintenance or emergencies.
• – Rotary Phase Converters: Convert single-phase power into three-phase for operating industrial machinery.
• – Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS): Seamlessly switch to backup power sources like generators or UPS systems during outages.

3. 3) Transformers

Function: Step voltage up or down to match application requirements
Transformers are used to safely change voltage levels for transmission, distribution, or usage in specific equipment.

Explore Our Wide Transformer Selection:

• – Dry Type Transformers: Air-cooled, safe for indoor use with no risk of oil leakage ideal for schools, hospitals, and offices.
• – Buck Boost Transformers: Economical way to adjust low voltage (typically by 5–20%) for HVAC or lighting loads.
• – Drive Isolation Transformers: Protect variable frequency drives (VFDs) and motors by minimizing harmonics and voltage spikes.
• – Auto-Transformers: Cost-effective transformers with a single winding, used in voltage correction applications.
• – Medium Voltage Transformers: Handle 1kV to 35kV used in industrial facilities and substations.
• – Low Voltage Transformers: Operate under 1kV ideal for commercial, residential, and small-scale industrial loads.
• – Single Phase Transformers: Used in homes and small commercial systems for efficient power delivery.
• – Three Phase Transformers: Essential for large industrial applications and balanced power distribution.
• – General Purpose Transformers: Versatile units for typical indoor and outdoor electrical applications.
• – Industrial Control Transformers: Deliver stable voltage for control circuits in machinery and automation systems.
• – K-Factor Rated Transformers: Built to withstand harmonic distortion from nonlinear loads like computers or VFDs.
• – Lighting Transformers: Designed specifically for stable, low-voltage power delivery to lighting systems.

4. 4) Panelboards

Function: Centralized distribution of electrical circuits
Panelboards, also known as breaker panels or distribution boards, route electricity to branch circuits for lighting, appliances, and equipment.

Our Panelboards Offer:

• – Organized circuit control for easy troubleshooting
• – Customization options for commercial and industrial environments
• – Safe enclosure of circuit protection devices like breakers

5. 5) UPS Systems (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

Function: Provide backup power during outages
UPS systems is vital in critical applications such as data centers, medical facilities, and industrial control rooms. They maintain power flow and prevent disruptions.

Our Range Includes:

• – Standby UPS: Backup power for personal electronics and basic office setups
• – Line-Interactive UPS: Stabilizes voltage while providing power backup
• – Online Double-Conversion UPS: Ideal for mission-critical applications with zero transfer time

More Essential Electrical Distribution Equipment

Bruce Electric supplies a wide selection of new, used, and reconditioned electrical equipment, each thoroughly tested for safety and performance. Here’s a quick overview of additional categories we offer:

Power Management & Protection Devices

• – Power Line Conditioners: Improve power quality by regulating voltage, filtering noise, and suppressing spikes.
• – Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors (TVSS): Protect sensitive electronics from damaging voltage surges caused by lightning or switching events.
• – Rectifiers: Convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for powering specific equipment like motors or telecommunications systems.
• – Power Supplies: Deliver precise DC voltage for industrial control systems, LED lighting, or lab equipment.

Why Choose Bruce Electric?

Since 1973, Bruce Electric has earned a reputation for delivering dependable, tested, and warrantied electrical distribution equipment. Whether you’re managing a new installation, a facility upgrade, or emergency repairs, we’re ready to support your project with:

• – A massive inventory of new and hard-to-find reconditioned units
• – Competitive prices with fast shipping
• – Trusted support from experienced electrical professionals

FAQs – Electrical Distribution Equipment

Q1: What Does Electrical Distribution Equipment Do?

A1: It safely delivers and manages electrical power from the source to various devices and systems.

Q2: Why Use A Circuit Breaker Instead of a Fuse?

A2: Circuit breakers are reusable and can be reset, while fuses must be replaced after they blow.

Q3: What Type Of Transformer Should I Use Indoors?

A3: Dry-type and low-voltage transformers are ideal for safe indoor applications.

Q4: What’s The Purpose of a Rotary Phase Converter?

A4: It converts single-phase power into three-phase power to run industrial equipment in locations without three-phase service.

Q5: How Often Should This Equipment Be Inspected?

A5: We recommend annual inspections by a licensed electrician to ensure safe and optimal performance.

Conclusion

Understanding the range of electrical distribution equipment is key to building a safe and efficient power infrastructure. Whether you need transformers, UPS systems, control panels, or surge protectors, Bruce Electric Equipment Corp. has the products and expertise to help.

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