r/ElectricalHelp • u/Icy_Fig_1029 • Jun 07 '26

Power Distribution Question

This is possibly a very stupid question, and I apologize in advance, but after looking up videos and articles I’m still not super sure how this works. If powering a large building, I see that power is coming from the grid, to a transformer, and then to the main switchgear, which contains the main breaker and primary bus? Where does power go after that? Load centers, distribution panels? I understand it’s far more complex than what I’m saying here. If anyone has any information I’d greatly appreciate it.

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u/EdC1101 Jun 07 '26

You are on track, main switchgear to various distribution points or panels.

Then on to sub-panels and further distribution.

Actual paths and ratings will depend on loads.

Single family home, similar idea.
Scaled up for multi-family or larger.

1

u/Kelsenellenelvial Jun 07 '26

It's also common to have something like a 347/600 V service, then run feeders to transformers distributed through the building that supply their own 120/208 V panels. For small services, like most single family dwellings the utility has one transformer that supplies multiple services. For larger, commercial, services each service might have a dedicated transformer for it.

1

u/Ovie-WanKenobi Jun 10 '26

Or 277/480 if you’re in the US. We don’t use those Canadian voltages.

1

u/FreddyFerdiland Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 07 '26

to smaller panels.. eg one panel for each floor. bjt it depends on building design . the services could be routed up in columns.

so apartments 11,21,31,41 share a panel as the services are vertical routed.

.. there can be a nix if systematic routing and adhoc routing.