Secondary Distribution Cells
- Grupo Edmar
- Sep 22
- 5 min read
September 22, 2025 - Secondary Distribution Cells
What are Secondary Distribution Cells and why do they matter?
Secondary distribution switchgear is equipment designed to operate at the low voltage level, downstream of distribution transformers. Their primary function is to manage and protect the circuits that supply end users, from small shopping malls to complex industrial facilities.
They are important because they guarantee continuity and security of supply. In the event of a failure, they allow the affected part of the network to be isolated without compromising the entire electrical system. Furthermore, their design helps maintain better load control, reduce energy losses, and extend the lifespan of the rest of the network's equipment.
A simple example: if a short circuit occurs on a production line in an industrial plant, the secondary switchgear will disconnect only that circuit, keeping the rest of the factory operating normally.
Essential Components of a Secondary Cell
Although at first glance it may look like a metal cabinet, a secondary cell is actually made up of several key elements:
Circuit breakers : These are the heart of protection. They act immediately in the event of overloads or short circuits.
Protective fuses : Simpler alternative, which also safeguards equipment and lines.
Switchgears: They allow the flow of current to be safely cut off during maintenance or repair work.
Busbars : These distribute power to different outputs. They must be properly sized to prevent overheating.
Measuring instruments : Voltmeters, ammeters and, in modern models, digital sensors that facilitate remote monitoring.
Insulation system : It can be in air, gas or even oil, depending on the design and the level of safety required.
Metal cabinet : Protects against external factors such as dust, water or impacts, and ensures that operators work in safe conditions.
Ultimately, each part fulfills a vital mission to ensure energy is distributed without compromising the integrity of the installation.
Types of Secondary Cells according to their use and environment.
Cells are not the same for all cases, and their selection will depend on where they are installed:
Residential : These tend to be simpler, with lower capacity requirements, but with great importance in security, since they are closer to the end user.
Commercial and industrial : They require greater robustness, redundancy and ease of operation, since they supply equipment that cannot be stopped due to minor failures.
Exterior : Built with greater weather resistance, anti-corrosion coatings and protection against UV rays or humidity.
Interiors : More compact and aesthetic, suitable for enclosed spaces such as corporate buildings or shopping centers.
Modular : Increasingly popular because they allow growth with the user's needs without replacing the entire cell.
Example: A mining company in northern Mexico will require a robust, dust- and corrosion-resistant cell, while an urban hospital will need a modular system with redundancy to prevent outages in critical areas.
Selection Criteria: How to choose the right cell.
The choice of a secondary cell should not be taken lightly. These are the most relevant factors:
Load capacity : Determines how much current the cell must handle. An undersized cell will overheat and reduce its lifespan.
Protection level : It is vital to analyze the speed and reliability of the protection (breakers vs. fuses).
Current regulations : The cell must comply with Mexican standards (NOM) and international standards such as IEC, ANSI or IEEE.
Environmental conditions : Coastal, desert or humid areas require special materials and coatings.
Ease of maintenance : Technicians can safely access internal components.
Total cost of ownership (TCO) : Includes not only the purchase price, but also the operation, maintenance and expected useful life.
Investing in the right cell from the start can mean huge savings in the long run, avoiding premature replacements or costly failures.
Tangible Benefits of Using Good Secondary Distribution Cells.
Investing in quality equipment translates into concrete benefits:
Greater reliability : Fewer supply interruptions.
Guaranteed safety : Protects both users and operators.
Economic savings : By reducing electrical losses, consumption is optimized.
More efficient network : Improves the performance of transformers and other associated equipment.
Durability : A well-selected and maintained cell can operate reliably for decades.
Real-life example: A company that replaces its old secondary cells with modern equipment typically reduces its electrical operating costs by up to 15%.
Common challenges and myths that should be dispelled.
Some common mistakes and beliefs can be costly:
Oversizing : Buying a cell that is too large increases the cost with no real benefits.
Undersizing : Failure to do so can lead to recurring failures and unexpected shutdowns.
Ignoring the environment : Dust, humidity and corrosion affect more than you think.
“Buy and forget” : Thinking they don’t need maintenance is a common mistake that reduces their lifespan.
Myths:
“The cheapest one is good enough” : often generates hidden costs in repairs and replacements.
“Bigger is better” doesn’t always translate into efficiency; it depends on the application.
Technological Trends in Secondary Cells.
The electrical industry is advancing and with it the secondary cells:
Remote monitoring : Sensors that detect temperature, humidity or overloads, sending alerts instantly.
Compact designs : Less space occupied, easier installation in urban areas.
Safer insulation : Replacing polluting materials such as SF₆ with greener alternatives.
Automation : Disconnectors that can be operated remotely, reducing risks to personnel.
Environmental certifications : Increasingly in demand for sustainable projects.
In the near future, it will be common for these cells to be connected to intelligent energy management systems.
Technological Trends in Primary Distribution Cells.
The electrical sector is constantly evolving, and cells are no exception. Some notable trends include:
Total automation : integration with SCADA systems and IoT platforms for real-time monitoring.
Compact and modular cells : ideal for growing cities or industries with limited space.
Ecological insulation : replacement of SF6 gas with less polluting gases.
Integration with renewables : increased use in solar and wind plants.
Digitalization : smart sensors to measure temperature, humidity and switch status.
These innovations not only improve security, but also reduce environmental impact and facilitate remote management.
The role of secondary cells in an integral electrical system.
Secondary distribution cells do not operate in isolation: they are part of an electrical ecosystem that includes transformers, distribution lines, protection systems, and control devices. Their efficiency directly depends on the quality of the equipment to which they are connected and the overall maintenance of the network.
When discussing comprehensive electrical projects, it's important to understand that each component serves a specific purpose. Secondary cells provide safety and control, while transformers are responsible for adjusting voltage levels, and protection systems ensure everything operates without major interruptions.
Understanding how these devices interact helps design more reliable, efficient facilities with a lower risk of unexpected failures.
Secondary distribution cells are a fundamental component of the modern electrical grid. Their proper selection and maintenance make the difference between a safe and efficient system and one with constant and costly failures.
