Southern Luzon State University

College of Engineering
Electrical Engineering Department
Lucban, Quezon

EEN25L:
Distribution System and Substation Design
Laboratory

Laboratory Report No. 2

Overhead Distribution System and
Distribution Transformer

By
Cabrera, Joyce P.
Calupig, Jonn Bennet R.
Caminero, Reginald L.
Canzana, Ellyssa L.
Caparas, Alyanna Mari F.
BSEE IV GI

To
Engr. Maurino N. Abuel
Instructor, EEN25L
I. INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION
The generation, transmission, distribution systems, and supply are the four primary
systems of conventional power systems. The term "traditional" refers to the fact that energy
generation is concentrated, with just a few big power plants involved. The generating system is
made up of the power plants that supply the system with electricity, often known as generation
stations or units. Transmission lines, on the other hand, carry power from the generating
system to the distribution system. The network that feeds electricity to the load is known as the
distribution system. The load indicates the system's power usage. Households, hospitals, and
commercial structures, as well as small and medium-sized businesses, are all found here.
Transmission system voltages are greater than distribution system voltages.
In compared to the transmission system, the distribution system has lower voltages. It
can be classed as either above or below ground. Underground distribution systems, as the
name implies, employ pipes, wires, and manholes beneath the surface of streets and sidewalks.
Overhead distribution systems, on the other hand, are often installed on wooden, concrete, or
steel poles that are designed to hold distribution transformers as well as wires.
The scope of overhead distribution systems and distribution transformers, as well as the
components and safety measures related to the aforementioned type of distribution system,
will be the subject of this laboratory report.

II. OBJECTIVES
The main goal of this laboratory report is to compose a comprehensive report regarding
the fundamentals of overhead distribution system as well as the distribution transformer,
specifically it aims to:
1. Dissect the distribution system and its categorization, as well as the AC and DC types of
distribution systems that are now present in the global power system.
2. List the key components of the overhead distribution system and their functions.
3. Describe the distribution transformer's function in the distribution system and its
classifications.
4. List the basic parts of the distribution transformer and explain what each one does.
5. Provide information on common electrocution incidents caused by overhead
distribution systems, their prevention, as well as safety precautions under the Philippine
Electrical Code.
III. LIST OF REFERENCES/ SOURCES

Dangers of Electricity. (2018). Dangers of Electricity. Health and Safety Authority.

https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Topics/Electricity/Dangers_of_Electricity/

Design overhead distribution systems UETTDRDS05B (Vol 1 of 2)

http://waterheatertimer.org/Names-of-parts-on-electric-pole.html. (2005).

http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Design-overhead-distribution.pdf

Distribution transformer - Energy Education. (2018). Energyeducation.ca.

https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Distribution_transformer

Distribution Transformer : Construction, Types and Its Uses. (2020, February 27). ElProCus -

Electronic Projects for Engineering Students. https://www.elprocus.com/what-is-a-

distribution-transformer-construction-and-its-types/

https://www.facebook.com/eeeguide2014. (2018, June 3). Overhead vs Underground System.

EEEGUIDE.COM. https://www.eeeguide.com/overhead-vs-underground-system/

https://www.facebook.com/jblogarithm. (2020, July 21). Basic Parts of a Distribution

Transformer - Pinoy Electrical Engineer. Pinoy Electrical Engineer.

https://pinoyelectricalengineer.com/basic-parts-of-a-distribution-transformer/

Kim. (2021). DC Distribution Demo Projects. Tdworld.com. https://www.tdworld.com/overhead-

distribution/article/20972320/dc-distribution-demo-projects
Nightingale, C. R. (1993). Telecommunication power systems. Telecommunications Engineer’s

Reference Book, 24–2124–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-7506-1162-6.50030-7

The effects of an electric shock on the human body. (2021). Hydroquebec.com.

https://www.hydroquebec.com/safety/electric-shock/consequences-electric-

shock.html#:~:text=current%20is%20high.-,A%20shock%20can%20cause%20cardiac

%20arrest,are%20monitored%20by%20an%20electrocardiogram.

The Height of the Towers Also Increase With the Increase in Voltage and a Taller Tower is More

Liable to a Lightning Strike. (2017). Scribd.

 https://www.scribd.com/document/366041155/The-Height-of-the-Towers-Also-Increase-

With-the-Increase-in-Voltage-and-a-Taller-Tower-is-More-Liable-to-a-Lightning-Strike

Watch out for power lines | Hydro-Québec. (2021). Hydroquebec.com.

https://www.hydroquebec.com/safety/distribution-lines/how-identify-medium-voltage-

line.html

IV. DRAWING/ LABORATORY/ ACTUAL SET UP

Parts of Electric Power Pole

 Electric Current vs. Casualty

Pole-Mounted Distribution Transformer

V. DISCUSSION/ ANALYSIS

Distribution system
The distribution system is the part of an electric system after the transmission system
that is dedicated to delivering electric energy to an end user. The lines 33kV and below (some
country up to 132 kV) is categorized as distribution. In distribution line, sending end power and
receiving end power is not same. It goes on decreasing due to consumption at each load center.
The voltage at each node (load center point) is different and also power flow in each branch
between two nodes is different and hence power loss is different in different branches.
Overhead Distribution System

 Overhead lines are the structure of distribution system that transmits the electrical
energy over large distances which consists of one or more conductors suspended by
towers or poles.

Overhead vs. Underground Distribution System

Overhead Distribution System Underground Distribution System

Reliability is low Reliability is high.
It is very cheap It is very costly
Faults can easily be detected and Fault detection is complicated and
maintenance is facile. maintenance is complex.
The amount of insulation required is less High degree of insulation is required in
because air provides necessary insulation. underground system.
It may have interference with communication High degree of insulation is required in
lines. underground system.
There are liable hazards due to lightning There are no hazards due to lightning
discharges. discharges
For same amount of power, less It requires quite large size of conductor for
conductor size is used same power.
Less public safety High Public Safety.
It can be near submarine crossing. It can be used near submarine crossing.
AC and DC Power Distribution Systems

Overhead DC Power Distribution Systems

At the end of 19th century, when Edison constructed the first electrical distribution
networks, they were built on DC technology. However, with the invention of transformers, AC
system proved to be much more superior to DC system at that time and AC systems were
universally adopted for power generation, transmission as well as distribution.

Types of DC Distributors
DC distributors are usually classified on the basis of the way they are fed by the feeders.
Following are the four types of DC distributors.

1. Distributor fed at one end

In this type, distributor is connected to the
supply at one end and loads are tapped at
different points along its length. The
following figure shows the single line diagram
of a distributor fed at one end.

2. Distributor fed at both ends

In this type, the distributor is
connected to supply at both ends and
voltages at feeding points may or may
not be equal. The minimum voltage
occurs at some load point which is
shifted with the variation of load on
different sections of the distributor.

3. Distributor fed at center

As the name implies, the distributor is
supplied at the center point. Voltage drop at
the farthest ends is not as large as that would
be in a distributor fed at one end.
4. Ring distributor
In this type, the distributor is in the form of a
closed ring and fed at one point. This is equivalent to
a straight distributor fed at both ends with equal
voltages.
Types of AC Power Distribution Systems
A distribution system usually begins from a substation where the power is delivered by
a transmission network. In some cases, the distribution system may start from a generating
station itself, such as when consumers are located near the generating station. For larger areas
or industrial areas, primary and secondary distribution may also be used.

1. Single Phase, 2-wire

 This system may be used for very short
distances.
 one of the two wires earthed
 Mid-point of the phase winding is earthed.

2. Single Phase, 3-wire

• The neutral wire is center-tapped from the secondary
winding of the transformer and earthed.
• This system is also called as split-phase electricity
distribution system.
 It is commonly used in North America for residential
supply.

3. Two Phase, 3-wire

 V = voltage between neutral wire and either of the
outer phase wires
 Whereas, √2V is the voltage between outer phase
wires.
 Unsymmetrical voltage in the neutral that cause
voltage imbalance

4. Two Phase, 4-wire

 Voltages are in quadrature with each other.
 Mid-point of both phase windings is connected
together.
 0.707V = if voltages between 2 wires of separate
phases is V.
5. Three Phase, 3-wire
• Very widely used for AC power
distribution.
• 3 phases may be delta connected or star
connected with star point usually
grounded.

 Delta connection= V (voltage across phase winding)

 Star connection= √3V

6. Three Phase, 4-wire

 It uses star connected phase windings.
 Fourth wire or neutral wire is taken from
the star point.
 V (each winding) = √3V (line voltage)
 This is widely used in other country esp.
India.
 230V = standard phase voltage
 √3x230 = 400 volts = line voltage
Components of Overhead Distribution System (Typical Electrical Distribution Electric Pole)
1. Primary Wires
The primary or main wires are
located at the top of the pole.
These lines link to adjacent
substations and may carry
voltages ranging from 7,200 to
34,500 volts, with the most
typical voltage being 12,000
volts.
If the power is traveling to a
house, there is just one wire.
There are three wires for
companies and offices, as
these organizations need
more electricity.
The principal wires are
supported by a cross-arm
framework. Insulators
maintain them in place and
prevent the wires from
energizing both the cross-arm
and the pole.
2. Lightning Arrestors
Lightning arrestors are
cylindrical devices located beneath the main wires. These shield the electric pole and all of its
components from lightning damage.
3. Cut-Outs
The cut-out is roughly the same height as a lightning arrestor. In your house, a cut-out is
analogous to a fuse. It prevents too much power from reaching the pole and its apparatus. Any
anything that comes into touch with a wire, whether it a tree limb, a bird, or a squirrel, causes
the cut-out to open, visibly indicating that there is an issue with that part of the line. Call your
electricity company if you find a cut-out open.
4. Transformers
A transformer is a piece of equipment that looks like a can and is located beneath the cutout. It
grades down the power from the top of the pole's wires to the lower levels required for a home
or business.
5. Neutral Wires
The neutral wire is a copper wire that runs beneath the transformer. This does not imply that
touching it is safe! The neutral wire is a return line that returns to the substation and assists in
balancing the quantity of electricity sent throughout the system. Our appliances may get too
much or too little power without this neutral line, causing harm.
6. Secondary Wires
The secondary wire is located beneath the neutral wire. The power is transported through the
secondary line at a lower voltage of 120 or 240 volts after passing via the pole-mounted
transformer.
7. Phone and Cable Wires
The phone and cable cables are located beneath the secondary wires. They are usually the
pole's lowest wires. Phone and cable cables are still dangerous to touch since they might get
electrified if they come into contact with a fallen power line, for example.
8. Copper Grounds
Copper grounds are located at the bottom of the pole. These are protection devices that divert
energy into the ground.
If there were ever any issues with the pole's equipment, the electricity would be drawn to the
copper grounds, which are conductive and would conduct it to the earth.
9. Guy Wires
Finally, depending on the location, another bigger wire called a guy wire may extend off at an
angle into the earth on some poles. These are used to keep the poles in place. Guy wires are
generally wrapped with an insulator to protect humans and animals wandering past them. To
make the cable more visible, the lower end, where it enters the ground, is frequently wrapped
in a sheath of yellow plastic reflector.
Distribution Transformer
A distribution transformer is a transformer that performs the ultimate voltage transformation
in a distribution system. It lowers the transmission line voltage to 240 volts, which is suitable for
residential and commercial applications. The transformers are pole-mounted if the transmission
lines are above ground, and they are pad-mounted if the transmission lines are underground, as
they are in many suburban areas.
Distribution Transformer Construction

A. Hand Hole – The hand hole, as the name indicates, allows a technician to reach inside the
tank to tap changers/mechanisms without having to open the cover. For convenience, most
contemporary transformers have tap changers situated outside the tank.

B. Lifting Lugs – This is used for lifting, either with a hoist or a crane, where the hook/rope is
linked.
C. Terminal Markings (Secondary) – The markings provide identification about the terminals of
a transformer.

D. LV Bushing – The bushing is made of porcelain. It serves as the output and is the low voltage
side of the transformer, which usually supplies power on residential/commercial
establishments.

E. Ground Tap – As the name implies, this is where the grounding of the transformer is
connected.

F. Transformer Markings – Are markings which indicate the capacity (in Kilovolt-amperes) of a
transformer and its voltage output.

G. Radiator Fins – This is a transformer's cooling system. The cooling method of a transformer is
determined by its size or rating. The more cooling methods are employed, the higher the rating.
Keep in mind that maintaining the transformer's functionality for an extended period of time
necessitates maintaining a constant temperature.

H. Casing (Tank) – It is generally made of steel. It encloses the core-coil and is the container for
the liquid coolant/insulant.

I. HV Bushing – This is the bushing for the high voltage side of the transformer. It is usually
made of solid porcelain. This is the input of the transformer.

J. Pressure Relief Device – This is a spring loaded device which releases excess pressure.

K. Mounting Lugs – This is usually used if the transformer is mounted on poles. It is connected
on a transformer cluster which is connected on a pole.

L. Tap Changer – This sets the ratio of the HV and LV windings. Most distribution transformers
have taps ± 5%, ± 2.5% and 0.

M. Nameplate – Contains all data about the distribution transformer it is connected to.

N. Core – Part of a transformer that serves as a path for the flow of magnetic flux. There are
two types of transformer core, the Shell type and the Core type.

 Core Type – The core is in the form of a rectangular frame with coils placed on two
vertical sides. They are divided, part of each primary and secondary on each of the two
vertical legs.
  Shell Type – The core surrounds the coils, instead of the coils surrounding the core.

O. Windings – Arrangement of conductors wound on an insulating form with each turn

insulated from all the other turns. This usually determines the rating of the transformer as the
winding is designed by the amount of current it can carry.

Types of Distribution Transformer

Based on the application or requirement, these transformers are categorized into different
types like single phase, three phases, underground, pad-mounted, pole-mounted transformers.

Single Phase

These transformers are designed for networks that do

not require a three-phase supply. Typically, they are
utilized in residential settings to fix overhead distribution
loads. These can also be used for industrial lights, light
commercial loads, and electricity.

Three Phase

A transformer of this type is used to transfer electrical

energy from a main distribution circuit to a minor
distribution circuit. This transformer transfers current
to a secondary distribution circuit while also lowering
the primary distribution circuit's voltage. Based on the
consumer's needs, these transformers lower the
voltage supply for the primary circuit. Three-phase-
transformer
This voltage is always changing and might be different
for users in commercial, residential, and light
industries. These transformers operate at various
voltage and frequency levels, depending on the
standards in place in different countries. These
transformers come in single-phase and three-phase
configurations. In residential applications, single-phase is utilized, whereas 3-phase with a pad
is used in subterranean primary circuits.
Pad-Mounted

A lockable steel cabinet is arranged on a concrete

pad in this sort of transformer. This transformer is
used in areas where there isn't enough room for a
gated enclosure. This transformer is used with
electric power distribution lines at an overhead
electrical line to lower the primary voltage so that
customers may get power. A single transformer of
this sort may power a big building or numerous
houses. This transformer has a power rating of 75
kVA to 5000 kVA and contains fixed switches and
fuses.

Pole Mounted

These transformers are positioned at the height of the

overhead cables on an electrical service pole. These are
used to convert high distribution voltage to low voltage,
such as 120/240 volts. These transformers are utilized in a
wide range of rural settings, ranging from 16 kVA to 100
kVA. These come in a compact package and are simple to
install on single-pole constructions. When utilized in
distant regions, these transformers are dependable in
severe conditions.
Transformer tanks can be formed and shielded from
corrosive elements and water buildup. Tanks can be
shielded against zinc showers in coastal locations, although
stainless tanks are utilized in extremely corrosive places.
Uses/Applications of Distribution transformers

• This transformer, which is used in homes and businesses, converts high voltage
electricity to low voltage energy.
• Its major function is to step down the voltage to create isolation between two
windings, such as primary and secondary.
• This transformer transfers electricity generated by power plants to faraway
locations.
• In general, this transformer delivers electrical energy to businesses with lower
voltages (less than 33 kV) and 440 volts to 220 volts for household use.
Special Notes on Safety Measures on Overhead Distribution Systems
VOLTAGE INCREASES AS THE HEIGHT INCREASES

The height of the towers also increase with the increase in voltage and a taller tower is
more liable to a lightning strike. For High Voltage Transmission, we employ Transmission Tower
of Considerable Height keeping in mind the following factors:

 Sag
 Maximum Ground Clearance
 Length of Suspension Insulators
 Ground Wire Location
 Angle of Shield
Since the Transmission takes place at high voltage in order to meet losses hence wires
are provided with Maximum Sag so that if voltage exceeds the Normal transmission voltage, it
could withstand the Longitudinal Tension so that the wire does not break.
DISTRIBUTION LINES ARE EQUALLY DANGEROUS AS TRANSMISSION LINES

Just below the medium-voltage lines are the low-

voltage lines. These are the lines that connect houses to
the power grid.
The term “low-voltage lines” may make it sound
like they aren’t dangerous. But they are. Even 120-V lines
can transmit hundreds of amperes, enough to cause
serious injury.

ELECTRICAL CURRENT CAN BE FATAL WHEN IT PASSES THROUGH THE HEART

Jewelries are strong conductors, avoid

wearing it in worksites
If a current of 50 mA passes through
the heart, it can cause cardiac arrest.
The heart is also a muscle, which beats
to pump blood through the body. The
rhythm of our heartbeat is controlled
by electric impulses—it is these
impulses that are monitored by an
electrocardiogram. If a current from
outside the body passes through the
heart, it can mask these impulses and
disturb the heart’s rhythm. This
irregular heartbeat is called arrhythmia and can even manifest as a total disorganization of the
rhythm, known as ventricular fibrillation.
Electric Current affects the body when it flows through. The basic unit of current is the
amp. This is the current which flows through a resistance of 1 ohm (Ω) when a voltage of 1 volt
is applied across it. However, currents as low as thousandths of amps (milliamps) can have an
adverse effect on the body. The table gives an illustration of the types of effects various levels
of currents can have on the body.
MAJORITY OF PUBLIC INCIDENTS ARE BUILDING WORK SITE (BWS) RELATED
Total = 1,710 Incidents
In the year 2012-2016, it was reported by
Engr. Efren V. Domingo on his summary of
the public incident per type that 1% out of
100% of the incident was caused by kite
flying, 2% for natural phenomenon, 6% for
tree trimming/fruit picking, 20% for other
random contacts to power lines, 9% for
antenna installation, and 62% for the
Building work site (BWS) activities

EFFECTS OF ELECTRICAL CONTACT TO THE HUMAN BODY

 Possible outcomes after becoming in Severe skin burns result from electricity
contact with power lines flowing in the body

Electrical current enters and exits from Electrical contact can be fatal
extremities

CONTACTS THAT MUST BE AVOIDED

Antenna Installation
Tree Trimming/Pruning
Fruit Picking Kite Flying
Construction activities

MEASURES TO AVOID CONTACT

Construction activities

Before
Avoidconstruction coordination
powerline contact, should
maintain a
minimumbe made with meralco
safe distance of 3-meters
 Meralco public safety initiatives

Safe clearances required by law

VI. CONCLUSION
 This laboratory report enlightened the importance of distribution system to the society
as it is the system that is responsible in delivering electric energy to an end user, which are the
consumers. A distribution system could be an overhead or underground distribution system.
Overhead are the structure of distribution system that transmits the electrical energy over large
distances which consists of one or more conductors suspended by towers or poles. The most
noticeable benefits of using an Overhead Distribution System is its cost. This distribution system
is very cheap and faults can easily be detected therefore, maintenance can be smoothly
controlled as well.
The Overhead DC Power Distribution System have four types which are, (1) Distributor
fed at one end, (2) Distributor fed at both ends, (3) Distributor fed at center, and (4) Ring
distributor. On the contrary, the AC Power Distribution System has six types which are (1) the
Single Phase, 2-Wire Distribution, (2) Single Phase, 3-Wire System, (3) Two Phase, 3-Wire
System, (4) Two Phase, 4-Wire System, (5) Three Phase, 3-Wire Distribution System, and (6)
Three Phase, 4-Wire Distribution System.
The key components of Overhead Distribution System in a typical electrical distribution
electric pole are primary wires, lightning arrestors, cut-outs, transformers, neutral wires,
secondary wires, phone and cable wires, copper grounds, and guy wires. These components are
the basic equipment that are needed in an arrangement of a typical distribution pole.
Learning about the distribution transformer is another objective of this report. It is the
transformer that performs the ultimate voltage transformation in a distribution system. This
distribution transformer’s construction is composed of the following: a hand hole, lifting lugs,
terminal markings, lv bushing, ground tap, transformer markings, radiator fins, casing or tank,
HV bushing, pressure relief device, mounting lugs, tap charger, nameplate, core (core & shell
type), and lastly windings.
There are: single phase, three phase, pad-mounted and pole mounted type of
Distribution Transformer. These transformers are used in homes and businesses, converts high
voltage electricity to low voltage energy. In general, this transformer delivers electrical energy
to businesses with lower voltages (less than 33 kV) and 440 volts to 220 volts for household
use.
Publics should remember that overhead distribution lines are hazardous. Though “low-
voltage lines” are the general note you can see in a distribution line, it still is very dangerous.
Even 120-V lines can transmit hundreds of amperes, enough to cause serious injury. Total of
1,710 injuries are recorded in just a span of 3 years on year 2012-2016 based on the report of
Efren V. Domingo. We should not forget that electricity has the power to cause burns, shocks
and even death. Electricity flows easily through water, and it will travel through your body since
your body is made of 70 percent water. We should always take safety precautions when dealing
with distribution lines and other electrical associated matter.