Lake Shore Electric As a leader in designing and manufacturing electrical power distribution products, Lake Shore Electric helps facilities modernize power with custom-fabricated gear that reduces electrical component footprint and saves on labor costs. Understanding how power moves from the grid to your facility helps you make informed decisions about equipment upgrades, expansions, and infrastructure planning.

Power distribution systems deliver electricity from the power plant to your factory floor, business, or home. Voltage requirements differ significantly depending on the application. Industrial systems typically receive up to 30,000 volts, while commercial systems, such as large office buildings, may need 208 or 480 volts. Residential systems use 120 or 240-volt split-phase power. Power distribution systems ensure that every facility receives the appropriate voltage safely and protects downstream equipment of over current events.

The journey of electrical power to your facility begins at the generation source, where alternators generate electricity. Step-up transformers increase voltage to reduce energy loss as electricity travels through the lines. Power then travels to transmission towers and to regional substations, which contain transformers, switchgears, surge arresters, circuit breakers, and disconnectors. Transformers at the regional substations reduce the voltage for power distribution.

Step-down transformers reduce the voltage again at local substations to make electricity safer for local transport. The electricity then travels to your facility's service entrance through overhead conductors and utility poles or through underground cables.

Industrial power distribution design determines how electricity reaches all parts of your operation. The main hub of electricity distribution typically begins with the main switchgear. Switchgear consists of fuses, electrical disconnect switches, and circuit breakers that work together to isolate, control, and protect electrical equipment from short circuits or overloads. When a problem occurs, switchgear can isolate it in seconds, protecting critical infrastructure and minimizing downtime.

Depending on the voltage they're designed to handle, switchgear can be classified as high-voltage, low-voltage, or medium-voltage. Low-voltage switchgear (600 volts and below) is used in commercial buildings and sometimes in lighter industrial applications, while medium-voltage switchgear (601 to 35,000 volts) serves manufacturing facilities and processing plants.

Power moves from the switchgear to distribution panelboards for lighting, receptacles, and smaller loads, and to motor control centers for heavy machinery, ensuring power is distributed to the right parts of your facility. In many modern operations, power also moves from switchgear to busways.

Depending on your operation, you may need additional components to distribute electricity during a planned outage or natural disaster. A quick-connect cabinet allows a rental generator to be safely connected to the building's electrical system.

Since 1922, Lake Shore Electric has helped industrial and commercial facilities navigate complex power distribution challenges. Our engineering team works with you to design systems that meet your facility's specific voltage requirements, footprint constraints, and operational demands.

Reach out today through our contact form or call 440-232-0200 to get started.

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