Skip to main content

Definitions: Distribution Equipment and Branch Circuit Device

We have two definitions that are unique to our software: distribution equipment and branch circuit device. The electrical industry as a whole does not have words that match these terms. We use these terms in our software because they help organize how we create the model of your electrical system.

Distribution Equipment​

Distribution equipment refers to the equipment in the project that provides power to other equipment or devices. It includes panels, transformers, switchboards, bus ducts, and other similar equipment.

The connections to distribution equipment are always referred to as feeders. The feeder sizes are set in the definition of the distribution equipment.

Fault calculations, voltage drop calculations, and the one-line diagram typically include distribution equipment and not branch circuit devices.

Branch Circuit Device​

Branch circuit device refers to electrical devices that are connected to distribution equipment and do not have anything else connected to them. It includes receptacles, light fixtures, switches, mechanical equipment, kitchen equipment, and other similar devices.

The connections to branch circuit devices are referred to as branch circuits. The branch circuit sizes are set using the Circuiting command.

Equipment connections are an exception to branch circuit devices. They can be included in the fault calculation, voltage drop calculation, and on the one-line diagram.