Industries
Power distribution for commercial buildings
Transformers, switchboards and substations for offices, retail, hotels, hospitals and mixed use developments, where space and the fire strategy shape the specification.
In a commercial building the first decision is where transformation happens. Inside the building, dry type transformers in a dedicated room keep the insulating liquid out of an occupied space. Outside, a compact substation keeps the equipment out of the building altogether but needs land and access.
Buildings are usually specified by a consultant, and the enquiry arrives as a specification and drawings rather than as a rating. The design documents are the most useful thing to send, and a quotation that follows them line by line is easier to compare.
The equipment chain
What decides the ratings
The diversified building load, meaning what the building actually draws at once rather than the sum of every connected load, sets the transformer rating. Mechanical plant, lifts and electric vehicle charging change the profile and are worth stating separately.
The fire strategy frequently decides the construction. It is often set by the fire engineer and it governs whether a dry type unit is required and which fire behaviour class it must carry.
What to settle early
| Consideration | Why it matters here |
|---|---|
| Location of transformation | Inside the building or in an external substation |
| Fire strategy | Often requires dry type units and sets their classes |
| Room size and access | Decides unit dimensions and the delivery route |
| Noise | Units near occupied spaces may need a sound level requirement |
| Metering | Tenant and landlord metering affects the board layout |
| Future loads | Charging and heat pumps change the load profile |
Equipment for this application
What we need to quote
| 01 | Consultant specification and drawings, where available |
| 02 | Diversified building load, and major plant stated separately |
| 03 | Whether transformation is inside or outside the building |
| 04 | Fire strategy requirements for the transformer |
| 05 | Room dimensions and delivery route |
| 06 | Programme date for equipment on site |
Related
Send us the requirement
Send the rating, the voltage and the destination, or submit the specification, drawing or nameplate. Anything missing is raised before it reaches a supplier.