Compact Substation for MV/LV Power Distribution
Custom compact substations, prefabricated substations, and package substation solutions for industrial, utility, commercial, and infrastructure power distribution projects.
-Integrated MV/LV Distribution
-Custom Transformer Capacity
-Outdoor Project Design
-IEC-Oriented Configuration
YB-12 / 0.4-1250
Compact Substation
Compact Substation, Transformer Substation, and Electrical Substation
A compact substation, also called a prefabricated substation, package substation, or box-type substation, is used to receive medium/high voltage power, transform it to low voltage, and distribute it safely to downstream loads.
*For more explanation of substation terminology, see our guide to electrical substation names and related terms.
Risentric supplies compact substations with integrated MV switchgear, transformer, LV switchgear, protection, metering, and enclosure systems for industrial facilities, utilities, commercial buildings, renewable energy projects, and infrastructure applications.
Compared with conventional site-built substations, compact substations offer:
- Faster installation
- Smaller footprint
- Outdoor installation
- Factory-tested equipment
- Integrated MV, transformer, and LV compartments
- Easier transportation and site commissioning
Main Components of a Compact Substation
1. Medium/High Voltage Switchgear Compartment
The MV/HV compartment is used for incoming power connection, switching, protection, and isolation. Depending on the project, it may include load break switches, fuses, vacuum circuit breakers, RMU units, metering units, or protection relays.
2. Transformer Compartment
The transformer steps medium voltage down to the required low-voltage level, commonly 0.4kV for many distribution applications. Oil-immersed or dry-type transformers can be selected according to project requirements.
3. Low-Voltage Switchgear Compartment
The LV compartment distributes power to downstream equipment. It may include air circuit breakers, molded case circuit breakers, capacitor compensation, metering, surge protection, and outgoing feeder circuits.

Our Compact Substation Solutions
| Solution Type | Main Feature | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Compact Substation | Integrated MV switchgear, transformer, and LV switchgear | General industrial, commercial, and utility power distribution |
| Prefabricated Substation | Factory-assembled and project-configured substation | EPC, contractor, infrastructure, and outdoor projects |
| Package Substation | Complete HV/MV/LV package solution based on SLD and BOM | International projects, tender projects, and turnkey supply |
| Box-Type Substation | Compact enclosure with separated MV, transformer, and LV sections | Cost-sensitive outdoor distribution projects |
| Outdoor Compact Substation | Enclosure designed for outdoor installation environments | Utility, factory, mining, infrastructure, and renewable energy projects |
| Custom HV/MV/LV Substation | Customized voltage, capacity, layout, and component brand | Projects with special technical or documentation requirements |
Why Choose Risentric Compact Substation Solutions?
Risentric provides project-based compact substation solutions with support for:
- HV/MV/LV switchgear configuration
- Transformer selection
- Custom enclosure layout
- SLD and BOM review
- IEC-oriented manufacturing
- FAT testing support
- Export packing and global delivery
- Technical quotation based on project drawings
Risentric supports compact substation projects with drawing-based quotation, flexible MV/LV configuration, FAT support, export packing, and global delivery.
How to Choose the Right Compact Substation
Before quotation, buyers usually need to confirm:
- Rated voltage
Example: 12kV/0.4kV, 24kV/0.4kV, 33kV/0.4kV - Transformer capacity
Example: 315kVA, 500kVA, 630kVA, 800kVA, 1000kVA, 1250kVA, 1600kVA - Transformer type
Oil-immersed or dry-type transformer - MV/HV protection method
Load break switch + fuse, RMU, or circuit breaker solution - LV outgoing feeders
Number of circuits, breaker ratings, metering, capacitor compensation - Installation environment
Indoor, outdoor, coastal, desert, high temperature, high humidity, or high altitude - Standard and documentation requirements
IEC-oriented design, test reports, drawings, SLD, BOM/BOQ, certificates, and FAT documents
Ready to get started?
FAQ
Is a compact substation the same as a prefabricated substation?
In many projects, the terms are used similarly. “Compact substation” emphasizes the small footprint and integrated layout, while “prefabricated substation” emphasizes factory assembly and pre-tested delivery.
Is a compact substation part of switchgear?
A compact substation is not only one switchgear cabinet. It is a complete power distribution unit that usually includes MV switchgear, a transformer, LV switchgear, and auxiliary systems. Because switchgear is a core part of the system, it is reasonable to place the category under the parent category of switchgear.
What information is needed to quote a compact substation?
The most important information includes rated voltage, transformer capacity, SLD, incoming and outgoing feeder requirements, protection method, installation environment, and required documentation.
What is the difference between compact substation and transformer?
A transformer only changes voltage. A compact substation includes the transformer plus MV switchgear, LV distribution equipment, protection, metering, enclosure, and internal connections.
Can a compact substation be customized?
Yes. The layout, transformer capacity, MV scheme, LV feeders, enclosure material, protection level, metering, monitoring, and component brands can be customized according to project requirements.
Is a compact substation the same as a unit substation?
A compact substation and a unit substation are related, but the terms are not always identical. A unit substation usually refers to a transformer-based distribution unit combined with primary and/or secondary switchgear, often used in industrial or building power distribution. A compact substation usually emphasizes outdoor enclosure, prefabricated structure, and integrated MV/LV distribution.

