Hello Smart Grids!

Energy transmission

Rittal and Eplan supply hardware components and engineering software for modern electricity grids.

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Hello Smart Grids!

Energy transmission – from producer to equipment

Energy transmission describes the transport of electrical energy from the generation source to the consumer – via high, medium and low voltage distribution networks. Where large-scale central power stations once supplied electricity in one direction only, the energy flows in modern power grids are bidirectional: Photovoltaic installations, wind farms, battery storage and industrial enterprises all feed in to the system, while other consumers are drawing power. The result is a dynamic, decentralised system – also known as a smart grid.

The demands placed on the transmission infrastructure are correspondingly higher. Increased power, more infeed points, new DC technologies and more volatile load flows must all be mastered reliably. At the same time, the increasing pace of the transition to an All-Electric Society – the consistent electrification of mobility, industry and buildings – calls for ever faster grid expansion.

Tested and scalable infrastructure components are needed at all voltage levels to realise this expansion: Indoor and outdoor enclosures to accommodate the switching, protection and control systems, standard-compliant low-voltage switchgear, busbar systems, energy storage enclosures and reliable climate control solutions. This is precisely where Rittal can play out its strengths – complemented by the Eplan engineering platform, which enables a fully digital representation of all project phases.

Current challenges facing grid operators

Solutions from Rittal and Eplan for energy transmission

The expansion of energy transmission requires more than just individual components  – it requires the combined use of end-to-end engineering software, tested hardware systems, automated manufacturing and long-term service. Rittal and Eplan cover these areas from a single source.

Data consistency is the key factor. Engineering data created in the Eplan Cloud supports your energy transmission project from procurement right through to maintenance. Switchgear manufacturers benefit from a database that is entered just once throughout every phase of a project – resulting in significant time savings.

  • Selection of all Rittal infrastructure components directly from the engineering database
  • Automatic design verification to IEC 61439 via the configurator
  • Rittal components available off the shelf – predictable delivery and installation times
  • Fully automated assembly with Rittal Automation Systems
  • Support during commissioning in new and existing equipment

More projects with the same use of resources – standardisation creates this efficiency whilst maintaining the bespoke design of your plant. Eplan software, Rittal hardware and Rittal Automation Systems work together seamlessly to achieve this.

  • Advice from Rittal Consultants on implementing efficient engineering processes
  • Configurators generate design verifications to IEC 61439, including a parts list, in a matter of seconds
  • Full automation of individual or entire process steps with Rittal Automation Systems
  • Customised systems from the standardised Rittal modular system – tailored precisely to your project
  • More than 1,000 service specialists worldwide for system and efficiency analyses during operation

Out-of-date equipment and system documentation, unstable supply chains and escalating standards are some of the challenges associated with the energy transition. Eplan and Rittal provide the basis for IEC 61439-compliant systems – throughout their entire lifecycle.

  • Eplan Cloud meets current regulatory requirements, with 3D model approval at no extra cost
  • Certified Rittal components, from power distribution and cooling to enclosures – all from a single source
  • Rittal ePocket: digital wiring plan pocket with constantly updated equipment and system documentation
  • Over 150 service centres worldwide for rapid response times in the event of a fault

A common language for all project stakeholders – this is the shared vision of Eplan and Rittal. The Eplan Cloud platform is the perfect basis for successful collaboration between all project participants when building a energy transmission project.

  • Hundreds of standard interfaces to leading ERP, PLM and CAD systems
  • Eplan Data Portal featuring Rittal system components and data from common third-party providers
  • End-to-end project management from planning through power distribution and cooling to commissioning
  • 360° service with digital fault analysis via scanning during operation

The energy transition is unstoppable. Nevertheless, decentralised energy systems must be sustainably efficient and financially viable to operate. The combination of Eplan software and Rittal hardware brings the two together: more completed projects whilst maintaining the same level of resources.

  • Eplan Cloud as the standard platform and tool for the digital twin
  • Scalable Rittal components and secure supply chains – even for large-scale projects
  • Pre-designed application samples with scope for customisation
  • Modular system architecture for an efficient setup that can be expanded at any time
  • 360° service extends plant uptime and reduces life-cycle costs

Trendpaper: State of Energy 2026

  • Executive summary: The industrial energy transition with direct current
  • The call for an energy transition – sustainable strategies for reducing CO₂
  • Direct current technology offers huge energy-saving potential – preconfigured solutions for a range of application areas
  • Greater efficiency when expanding and converting energy systems       
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Energy transmission with Rittal – Advice and contact details

Are you planning to set up a smart grid, a microgrid or a decentralised energy system? Talk to our experts to choose the right infrastructure components – from climate control to power distribution.

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Your benefits at a glance

Three distinguishing features identify Rittal and Eplan as your strong partner when it comes to energy transmission.

Data consistency across all project phases

Engineering data are acquired once and then forwarded through all further phases of the project: Planning, manufacturing, commissioning, maintenance. That simplifies data maintenance, avoids transcription errors and supports the reproducibility of later expansions. The Eplan Platform acts as the central data hub – compatible with all typical ERP, PLM and PDM systems.

Standardisation paired with individual adaptability

Rittal systems are tested as standardised solutions, but at the same time allow full customisation. Choose from a modular system and configure precisely the system which your project demands – without relying on special modifications and without tying yourself to a single component manufacturer. That reduces procurement risks and accelerates your projects significantly.

Worldwide availability – over 150 service locations

Rittal is part of the Friedhelm Loh Group and maintains a global presence with over 150 locations worldwide. More than 1,000 service specialists guarantee fast response times – also in those markets where you roll out your international projects as engineering contractors or grid operators. And it goes without saying that we hold the necessary international approvals such as IEC 61439 and UL 508.

Certified modular systems to IEC 61 61439 and UL 508

More than 60 service locations worldwide

More than 84,000 software customers

Part of the Friedhelm Loh Group

More than 60 years of experience in switchgear manufacturing

More than 50 partners contribute to integrated industry solutions

Standards and regulations

Energy transmission systems must comply with strict standards and regulations – both in terms of their components and as a system as a whole. Rittal system components meet the key international requirements, as documented through independent testing.

  • IEC 61439 / DIN EN 61439 – Low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies: Design verification for Ri4Power and ISV systems.
  • IEC 61641 – Arc fault safety: Tested for Ri4Power switchgear.
  • UL 508 – Industrial control equipment: Approval for the North American market for RiLineX and RiLine60.
  • DIN VDE 0100 series – Installation of low-voltage systems.
  • DIN EN 16247-1 – Energy audits: Basis for system and efficiency consulting.
  • ISO 50001 – Energy management: Data acquisition via Rittal Energy Monitoring.
  • CCC certificate – (China Compulsory Certification) The mandatory, statutory product certification system for the Chinese market, comparable to the European CE mark

Hello Smart Grids – Engineering and service in a single package

Speed is of the essence when developing decentralised energy systems – in engineering, in manufacturing and in operation. The following modules place this speed at your fingertips.

Fast-track your local energy systems with Eplan

Eplan accelerates the entire planning process when you need to restructure your energy landscape. Standardisation and automation help you achieve energy transmission systems in next to no time!

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Enclosure systems: A game changer!

Rittal offers a wide selection of indoor and outdoor power transmission system solutions. Space-saving with modular extendibility. Fast configuration plus durability.

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Efficient climate control for your systems.

The right temperature is crucial for the performance and service life of your systems. Whether you opt for air-based or water-based climate control, discover the perfect solutions for your system.

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Efficiency and reliability united in one power distribution system

Play it safe with super-flexible power distribution technology. Simple, secure assembly and user-friendly planning are what set our tested solutions apart.

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Rapid system assembly with Rittal Automation Systems

Our product solutions, ranging from manual tools through to fully automated machine technology, can help you assemble decentralised energy systems much faster.

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All-round service for your system

With Rittal's 360° service, we are there for you anytime, anywhere. This allows you to extend the service life of your system, reduce costs and receive prompt assistance in the event of a malfunction.

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Frequently asked questions about energy transmission

Energy transmission describes the transport of electrical energy from the generation source to the consumer via high, medium and low voltage distribution networks. In modern systems, the energy flows are increasingly bidirectional, because many decentralised generation sources – for example photovoltaic installations or industrial enterprises – also feed in to the system.

Smart grids are digitally controlled power grids which coordinate generation, transmission, storage and consumption in real time. They are the prerequisite for reliable integration of the fluctuating energy inputs from renewable sources, for the effective handling of load peaks and for the guaranteed security of energy supplies.

The key challenges are speed (the pace of expansion must be accelerated significantly), complexity (more infeed points, bidirectional load flows, AC and DC integration), zoning restrictions on electrical substations and the shortage of skilled workers. Pre-configured modular systems and end-to-end engineering data consistency make the task significantly easier.

Eplan provides the engineering software for consistently digital planning. Rittal supplies the hardware components – enclosures, climate control, power distribution and energy storage – as elements of a modular system. In combination with machine tools and wiring machines from Rittal Automation Systems, this establishes a seamless workflow from the initial drawing to the final system.

The central governing standard is IEC 61439 (in Germany DIN EN 61439). This standard covers design verification, temperature rise limits, short-circuit strength and protective measures. Arc fault safety is specified in IEC 61641. And for the North American markets, UL 508 is also relevant.

A microgrid is a local, intelligent energy system which oversees generation, storage and consumption within a defined area. If circumstances require, it can disconnect from the main grid (island mode) and continue to supply critical consumers such as data centres or hospitals even in case of a general power outage.

Energy transmission with Rittal – Advice and contact details

Are you planning to set up a smart grid, a microgrid or a decentralised energy system? Talk to our experts to choose the right infrastructure components – from climate control to power distribution.