Power distribution – Tested, flexible, secure

Power distribution is the controlled distribution of electricity from the point of delivery in the supply grid to the individual plant equipment. In an industrial and commercial context, this is generally achieved via low-voltage switchgear, busbar systems and distribution boards – supplemented by protection technology, switchgear and measurement technology. Modern power distribution ensures that electrical energy arrives where it is needed – reliably, safely and in the required quality.

With the advancing electrification of industry, mobility and buildings, requirements are escalating: Higher outputs, more feed-in points from renewable energies, DC technologies and a growing demand for energy monitoring. A carefully planned power distribution system provides the foundation for efficient, standard-compliant, future-proof plant operation.

Anywhere that requires a safe, efficient supply of electrical energy: Industrial automation and mechanical engineering applications, commercial and administrative buildings, data centres and IT infrastructures and, increasingly, energy transition infrastructure, such as substations, energy stores, charging stations and microgrids. The requirements in terms of availability, scalability and energy efficiency may vary significantly depending on the industry.

Rittal develops and manufactures infrastructure components: Type-tested switchgear systems, busbars, energy storage enclosures and energy measurement technology – Modular, globally available and compatible with the Eplan engineering platform. Eplan complements the portfolio with end-to-end project management and documentation software. Data continuity is guaranteed, from the very first sketch right through to commissioning. Rittal sees itself as a manufacturer of high-quality infrastructure components rather than a supplier-dependent solution provider. This gives switchgear manufacturers and planners the flexibility to scale their projects, without being tied to one particular manufacturer.

The two terms are often used interchangeably as synonyms. Electricity distribution focuses on the electrical current itself, while power distribution references the broader process, i.e. the controlled supply of electrical energy to equipment, including switchgear, protection technology and measurement systems. In a practical sense, both terms generally mean the same technical system: A low-voltage switchgear with busbars, protective devices and outgoing feeders.

The central standard is IEC 61439 (in Germany: DIN EN 61439). It sets out the requirements such as design verification, temperature rise, short-circuit rating and protective measures. IEC 61641 additionally covers accidental arc testing. All Rittal Ri4Power systems are type-tested to these standards.

The Ri4Power modular system is designed for low-voltage switchgear up to 6,300 A with a maximum short-circuit withstand current of 100 kA. The Ri4Power ISV system is designed for distribution boards up to 1,600 A. Busbar systems cover the range up to 800 A (RiLineX) / 1,600 A (RiLine60 PLS).

RiPower is Rittal’s cloud-based configurator for planning low-voltage switchgear. It guides you through every stage of the planning process, automatically calculates the required copper bars, and produces a design verification to IEC 61439. The application is browser-based, does not require installation, and is free of charge.

Yes. Rittal busbar and switchgear systems boast a range of international approvals and certifications, including EC 61439 for Europe and worldwide, UL 508 for the North American market, as well as various other local approvals. Our service network is available in more than 150 locations with over 1,000 service specialists delivering global project support.

Modular systems significantly shorten the engineering time, reduce planning errors with verified design certificates and support future extensions without the need for custom engineering. Digital planning with the RiPower system can save up to 30% engineering time and up to 75% assembly time.

Low-voltage switchgear is regulated by stringent national and international standards. The central standard for low-voltage switchgear assemblies is IEC 61439 (in Germany: DIN EN 61439). It regulates requirements such as design verification, temperature rise, short-circuit rating and protective measures. IEC 61641 additionally covers internal arc protection. The DIN VDE 0100 series of standards governing the erection of low-voltage electrical installations and international approvals such as UL 508 for the North American market may also apply, depending on the application.