Electrical Distribution Cells
- Grupo Edmar
- 18 sept
- 4 Min. de lectura
September 18, 2025 - Electrical Distribution Cells
Electrical Distribution Cells
Electrical distribution cells are fundamental to the modern electrical system. They are responsible for organizing, maneuvering, and protecting the energy flowing from a source (such as a transformer) to different circuits and equipment. Their importance lies in the fact that they allow for safe operation with electricity, ensuring continuity of supply and reducing risks to people and equipment.
In this article, we'll delve into what they are, what types exist, how they're made, their main advantages, application examples, and the most important recommendations for selecting and maintaining them in good condition.
What is a distribution cell and what is its main function?
A distribution cell is a closed and protected assembly that houses various electrical devices. Its function is to receive power, divide it into different circuits, and ensure its protection and safe operation .
Cells play an essential role in installations where the voltage level is high (for example, in medium voltage, from 1 kV to 36 kV ), since under these conditions failures can be critical.
Key Features:
Distribute energy in an orderly manner to different loads or sectors.
Isolate circuits so that maintenance or repairs can be performed without disrupting the entire network.
Detect faults such as overcurrents, short circuits, or leaks, and act quickly to protect the system.
Ensure the safety of people working on the electrical installation.
Example: In a hospital, cells allow the operating room area to continue functioning even if there is a failure in another part of the building.
Types of cells according to their voltage and configuration.
Cells are classified according to different criteria:
By voltage level:
Low voltage (< 1 kV): used in residential buildings, offices, and commercial establishments. They are usually simpler and resemble distribution boards.
Medium voltage (1–36 kV): the most common in urban networks, industrial plants, and renewable energy. Their design is more focused on safety and insulation.
High voltage (>36 kV): Used in transmission and large substations. They incorporate more advanced technologies to isolate and control energy.
By means of isolation:
AIS (Air Insulated Switchgear): These use air as insulation. They are more economical, easier to install, and maintain.
GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear – SF6): Compact, with greater insulation capacity. Ideal for locations with limited space or where high reliability is required.
Solid resin cells: a more modern and environmentally friendly alternative, eliminating harmful gases and providing safe insulation.
By physical design:
Compact: they integrate all the elements into a single cabinet, simplifying installation.
Modular: allow sections to be added as the installation needs grow.
Outdoors: with cabinets designed to withstand moisture, dust, solar radiation, or even vandalism.
Key components that make up a distribution cell.
A cell can vary in complexity, but generally includes:
Busbars: copper or aluminum conductors that carry current within the cell.
Power switches: cut off the current in the event of a fault, protecting the installation.
Switchgears: allow you to open or close a circuit manually or motorized to isolate parts of the network (reminder: link to the article on electrical disconnectors ).
Fuses: provide rapid protection against overcurrents or short circuits.
Protection relays: devices that detect abnormal conditions and order the opening of switches.
Measuring transformers: measure voltage and current, allowing energy control and billing.
Monitoring and control system: increasingly digitalized, with screens, sensors, and remote communication.
Metal cabinet: the enclosure that protects all components, designed with an appropriate degree of protection (IP/IK).
Example: In an automotive plant, the cell not only protects against failures, but also allows the consumption of each production line to be measured.
Advantages of using quality distribution cells.
Investing in suitable cells not only provides safety, but also has a direct impact on the performance and durability of an electrical installation.
Greater security: for both staff and equipment.
Operational reliability: less risk of unexpected failures or shutdowns.
Flexibility: Modular versions that allow for future growth.
Durability: designs resistant to aggressive environments (salinity, humidity, dust).
Regulatory compliance: essential to avoid penalties and ensure quality.
Efficiency: Some modern cells help reduce energy losses and optimize space use.
How to choose the right distribution cell?
Selecting the correct cell depends on multiple factors:
Nominal voltage and current level required for the installation.
Nature of the load: whether it is industrial, hospital, commercial or residential.
Environmental conditions: whether it will be indoors or outdoors, exposure to dust, humidity or extreme temperatures.
Available space: compact cabinets in tight spaces or modular cabinets for large-scale projects.
Security requirements: whether the staff is specialized technical or not.
Need for automation: integration with SCADA systems or remote monitoring.
Applicable standards: IEC, ANSI, NOM.
Lifecycle costs: Beyond the initial price, consider maintenance, spare parts, and long-term support.
Real Application Examples of Distribution Cells.
Hospitals: Ensure critical areas such as operating rooms and intensive care units are not interrupted.
Manufacturing industries: Each production line is powered by independent cells, allowing a fault to be isolated without shutting down the entire plant.
Data centers: Cells allow for the maintenance of servers that require constant power.
Solar and wind farms: They concentrate the energy produced, protect it, and send it to the public grid.
Urban infrastructure: In medium-voltage substations, cells distribute energy to different neighborhoods or sectors of the city.
Maintenance, Inspection and Useful Life.
Proper maintenance extends the life of the cells, which can exceed 30 years.
Best practices:
Visual inspection of connections, busbars and insulators.
Periodic cleaning to avoid accumulation of dust and moisture.
Measurement of insulation resistance and continuity of conductors.
Using thermal imaging cameras to identify hot spots in connections.
Functional testing of switches, disconnectors and relays.
Verification of automatic protections and control systems.
Historical record of each inspection to anticipate failures.
In critical projects, it is recommended to implement predictive maintenance with sensors that measure temperature, humidity, and component status in real time.
Switchgear is one of the pillars of any reliable electrical system. Understanding their types, components, and selection criteria allows for the design of safe, efficient, and future-proof installations. In upcoming articles, we will delve into specific aspects such as insulation technologies, regulations, and digitalization trends, with the aim of providing clear and practical information to the electrical sector.
