HomeTechnical notes › How to Read Package Substation Photos: European, American & Prefabricated Unit Gallery

05 Informational content / Technical articles 2026-09-11 Published ~ 11 min read GB/T 17467 · GB 50053

How to Read Package Substation Photos
European, American & Prefabricated Unit Gallery

A package substation photo tells you a lot. This article breaks down enclosure features, the 3-compartment layout and incoming/outgoing line methods, with a comparison gallery of European, American and prefabricated units. Zhejiang Golden Unicorn produces 300+ package substation enclosures per year.

1. Four Enclosure Features (What to Look For)

FeatureWhat to Look For
EnclosureSteel plate / stainless steel / color-coated steel, heat sinks
DoorsSeparate HV door / LV door / transformer door
VentilationLouvers + exhaust fan
FoundationConcrete platform + cable pit
SCHEMATICBusbarsTerminal blocksMain circuit breakerControl & protection devicesTerminal block outgoing cables
Figure — 1. Four Enclosure FeaturesCabinet structure diagram · photo pending

2. Three-Compartment Layout (HV Left, Transformer Center, LV Right)

Typical European-style package substation: HV compartment on the left (load break switch + fuses), transformer compartment in the center (oil-immersed or dry-type), LV compartment on the right (low-voltage cabinet + metering + outgoing feeders). The 3 compartments are physically isolated, each with its own door.

3. Incoming/Outgoing Line Methods (2 Types)

  1. Cable entry/exit: underground cable pit, the most common
  2. Overhead entry/exit: overhead line in on the HV side, cable out on the LV side

4. Reading Capacity from the Photo (Reverse-Engineering from Dimensions)

Rule of thumb

Package substation footprint 2.0×1.2 m → ≤ 315 kVA; 2.2×1.5 m → 400–630 kVA; 2.5×1.8 m → ≥ 800 kVA. The footprint gives you a rough capacity estimate.

5. Selection Checklist (6 items)

  1. Enclosure material and ingress protection (IP) rating
  2. 3-compartment isolation with independent doors
  3. Ventilation and heat dissipation configuration
  4. Grounding terminals and grounding grid
  5. Cable entry/exit method and reserved space
  6. Complete nameplate information

FAQ FAQ

Can the capacity be judged from a package substation photo?

Roughly: the larger the footprint, the larger the capacity. At 2.5 × 1.8 m, roughly 800 kVA and above.

How is heat dissipated in a package substation?

Ventilation louvers plus exhaust fans, with heat sinks added on top of the transformer compartment.

Can package substations be installed side by side?

Yes, with ≥ 800 mm spacing for maintenance and ventilation.

How many doors does a package substation need?

3 independent doors (high voltage / transformer / low voltage), with each compartment isolated.

Related pages:Technical notes · Products · Industries · Resource center · FAQ · Get a quote

Related reading

Need Distribution box, distribution cabinet? Build to drawing · MOQ 1 unit · 15–25 day delivery

A source factory in Zhejiang (Fengchuan Industrial Zone, Tonglu — 5,000 sqm, a team of 20, 5,800+ units a year), holding ISO 9001:2015 / CE(LVD+EMC) / IP65 test report. Build-to-drawing service for distribution boxes, low-voltage assemblies, PLC control cabinets and VFD panels. Free drawing review, photo/video inspection before shipment.