500 kVA Compact Substation
08-19 2026 | By:
500 kVA Compact Substation
Integrated MV Switchgear, 500 kVA Transformer and LV Switchboard for Industrial and Commercial Power Distribution
The 500 kVA Compact Substation is a factory-assembled MV/LV power distribution solution integrating medium-voltage switchgear, a 500 kVA distribution transformer and a low-voltage switchboard into a compact outdoor enclosure.
ZTELEC compact substations are designed for industrial plants, commercial buildings, infrastructure projects, solar power systems, mining facilities and utility distribution networks. The complete substation can be configured for 11 kV, 22 kV or 33 kV medium-voltage systems, with customized LV voltage, transformer type, switchgear, protection system and cable arrangement.
By integrating the major electrical components into one compact unit, a 500 kVA compact substation can reduce on-site installation work, simplify project coordination and provide a space-efficient solution for MV/LV power distribution.
Need a 500 kVA compact substation for your project? Send us your voltage, transformer type and project requirements for a technical recommendation and quotation.
What Is a 500 kVA Compact Substation?
A 500 kVA compact substation is a prefabricated electrical substation designed to transform medium-voltage electricity into low-voltage power for distribution to downstream loads.
A typical configuration combines three main sections:
- MV switchgear compartment
- 500 kVA transformer compartment
- LV switchboard compartment
The MV switchgear receives and protects the incoming medium-voltage supply. The transformer reduces the voltage to the required LV level, while the LV switchboard distributes power to industrial, commercial or infrastructure loads.
Unlike a conventional substation in which the transformer, MV switchgear and LV switchboard may be installed separately, a compact substation integrates these components into a coordinated factory-assembled system.
The final configuration can be customized according to the project’s voltage level, load requirements, installation environment, protection requirements and applicable electrical standards.
500 kVA Compact Substation Technical Specifications
The following table shows a typical configuration. Final specifications can be customized according to the project requirements.
| Parameter | Typical Specification |
|---|---|
| Rated Power | 500 kVA |
| Phase | Three Phase |
| Rated Frequency | 50 Hz / 60 Hz |
| MV Rated Voltage | 11 kV / 22 kV / 33 kV |
| LV Rated Voltage | 400 V / 415 V / 480 V / Customized |
| Transformer Type | Oil-immersed / Dry-type |
| Transformer Cooling | ONAN / AN |
| Vector Group | Dyn11 / Customized |
| MV Switchgear | RMU / LBS / VCB |
| LV Switchgear | ACB / MCCB / Fuse Switch |
| Installation | Outdoor |
| Enclosure | Steel / Customized |
| Protection Degree | IP54 or customized |
| Cable Entry | Bottom / Side |
| Earthing System | Integrated |
| Control & Protection | Customized |
| Applicable Standards | IEC / Project-specific |
Note: The final technical specification depends on the selected transformer, MV switchgear, LV switchboard and project requirements.
500 kVA Compact Substation Structure
A 500 kVA compact substation is normally divided into separate functional compartments to improve safety, operation and maintenance.
MV Switchgear Compartment
The medium-voltage compartment connects the compact substation to the incoming MV distribution network.
Depending on the project, the MV section can include:
- Ring Main Unit (RMU)
- Load Break Switch (LBS)
- Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB)
- Fuse-switch combination
- Current Transformers (CT)
- Voltage Transformers (VT/PT)
- Surge arresters
- Protection relays
- MV cable terminations
- Earthing switches
The MV configuration is selected according to the system voltage, fault level, protection requirements and utility specifications.
500 kVA Transformer Compartment
The transformer compartment contains the main power transformer rated at 500 kVA.
Depending on the application, ZTELEC can configure the compact substation with:
- Oil-immersed transformer
- Dry-type transformer
- Cast-resin transformer
For outdoor distribution applications, an oil-immersed transformer is commonly selected because of its established technology and suitability for distribution networks.
Dry-type or cast-resin transformers can be considered for projects where fire safety, indoor installation or specific environmental requirements are important.
LV Switchboard Compartment
After voltage transformation, the LV switchboard distributes electrical power to downstream equipment.
Typical LV components include:
- ACB
- MCCB
- Fuse switches
- Copper or aluminum busbars
- Energy meters
- Protection devices
- Outgoing feeders
- Monitoring equipment
- Power factor correction equipment, when required
The number and rating of outgoing feeders can be customized according to the project’s load distribution.
500 kVA 11kV, 22kV and 33kV Compact Substation
ZTELEC can configure a 500 kVA compact substation for different medium-voltage distribution systems.
500 kVA 11kV Compact Substation
An 11 kV configuration is commonly used for industrial, commercial, residential and renewable-energy distribution applications.
The typical power flow is:
11 kV MV Supply → MV Switchgear → 500 kVA Transformer → LV Switchboard → Loads
500 kVA 22kV Compact Substation
A 22 kV compact substation can be designed for medium-voltage distribution networks using a 22 kV system.
The transformer HV winding, MV switchgear insulation level and protection equipment are selected according to the project voltage and applicable standards.
500 kVA 33kV Compact Substation
For projects using 33 kV distribution networks, the 500 kVA compact substation can be engineered with suitable 33 kV-rated MV equipment and transformer insulation levels.
Typical applications may include industrial facilities, renewable-energy projects, mining and utility distribution.
The actual MV voltage and insulation level should always be specified according to the project electrical system rather than selected only according to the transformer capacity.
Key Features of 500 kVA Compact Substation
Factory-Assembled Design
The MV switchgear, transformer and LV switchboard can be integrated and inspected at the factory before shipment, reducing on-site assembly and installation work.
Compact Footprint
The integrated design requires less installation space than many conventional substation arrangements, making it suitable for projects where land availability is limited.
Flexible Configuration
The transformer, MV switchgear, LV switchboard, protection system, cable entry and enclosure can be customized according to project requirements.
Outdoor Installation
The enclosure can be designed for outdoor applications with suitable weather protection, ventilation and corrosion protection.
Easy Maintenance
Separate MV, transformer and LV compartments provide convenient access for inspection, maintenance and troubleshooting.
Faster Site Installation
Factory integration can simplify site installation by reducing the amount of equipment coordination, wiring and assembly required at the project location.
500 kVA Compact Substation Dimensions
4
The dimensions of a 500 kVA compact substation are not necessarily the same for every manufacturer or configuration.
Overall dimensions depend on:
- Transformer type
- Transformer dimensions
- MV switchgear configuration
- LV feeder quantity
- Enclosure design
- Cable entry arrangement
- Cooling requirements
- Maintenance clearance
- Local installation requirements
For this reason, ZTELEC can provide a general arrangement drawing and foundation drawing based on the customer’s final configuration.
Typical project documentation may include:
- General Arrangement (GA) Drawing
- Foundation Drawing
- Single-Line Diagram (SLD)
- MV Wiring Diagram
- LV Wiring Diagram
- Cable Entry Drawing
- Earthing Layout
- Equipment Datasheet
Customized dimensions are available according to the transformer, switchgear and project requirements.
Applications of 500 kVA Compact Substation
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A 500 kVA compact substation can be used in a wide range of MV/LV power distribution projects.
Industrial Plants
Used to supply factories, workshops, manufacturing facilities and industrial production lines.
Commercial Buildings
Suitable for shopping centers, office buildings, business parks and commercial developments.
Solar Power Projects
A compact substation can be integrated into solar power systems where MV/LV transformation and distribution are required.
Mining Projects
The compact design is suitable for mining facilities where reliable power distribution and efficient use of installation space are important.
Infrastructure Projects
Applications include transportation facilities, public infrastructure and utility distribution systems.
Residential Developments
A 500 kVA compact substation can be used for residential developments where the local utility requirements permit this type of MV/LV distribution solution.
500 kVA Compact Substation Installation
Before installation, the project engineering team should confirm the following requirements:
- Foundation dimensions
- Equipment weight
- MV cable route
- LV cable route
- Cable termination arrangement
- Earthing system
- Ventilation requirements
- Maintenance access
- Electrical clearances
- Transformer oil containment, where applicable
- Environmental conditions
- Local electrical regulations
The foundation must be capable of supporting the complete operating weight of the compact substation.
For outdoor installations, the enclosure should also be selected according to the local environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, dust, rain, corrosion and solar exposure.
ZTELEC can provide installation drawings and technical documentation according to the final equipment configuration.
Testing of 500 kVA Compact Substation
Quality testing is an important part of the manufacturing process because a compact substation combines multiple electrical systems into one integrated unit.
Transformer Testing
Depending on the transformer configuration, factory testing may include:
- Winding resistance test
- Voltage ratio test
- Insulation resistance test
- No-load loss and current test
- Load loss and impedance test
- Applied voltage test
- Induced voltage test
MV Switchgear Testing
The MV switchgear can be inspected and tested for:
- Mechanical operation
- Insulation
- Contact resistance
- Protection functions
- Interlocking
- Control circuits
- Earthing switch operation
LV Switchboard Testing
LV testing may include:
- Insulation test
- Dielectric test
- Functional test
- Protection device inspection
- Busbar inspection
- Wiring verification
Complete Substation Inspection
Before shipment, the complete unit can also undergo:
- Visual inspection
- Dimensional inspection
- Wiring inspection
- Earthing inspection
- Door and interlock inspection
- Nameplate verification
- Functional inspection
- Documentation review
The exact testing program depends on the equipment configuration and customer requirements.
Standards for 500 kVA Compact Substation
The 500 kVA compact substation can be designed according to applicable international standards and project specifications.
Typical standards include:
| Standard | Main Application |
|---|---|
| IEC 62271-202 | High-voltage/low-voltage prefabricated substations |
| IEC 60076 | Power transformers |
| IEC 61439 | Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies |
| IEC 62271 Series | High-voltage switchgear and controlgear |
The applicable standards should be confirmed during the technical specification stage according to the destination country, utility requirements and project specifications.
500 kVA Compact Substation Customization
Every project has different electrical and installation requirements. Therefore, the 500 kVA compact substation can be customized in several areas.
Transformer
- Oil-immersed
- Dry-type
- Cast-resin
- Copper winding
- Aluminum winding
- Customized impedance
- Customized vector group
MV System
- RMU
- LBS
- VCB
- Fuse
- CT
- VT/PT
- Protection relay
- Surge arrester
LV System
- ACB
- MCCB
- Fuse
- Metering
- Multiple outgoing feeders
- Busbar configuration
- Monitoring system
Enclosure
- Steel enclosure
- Customized dimensions
- Customized cable entry
- Customized ventilation
- Anti-corrosion treatment
- Customized IP protection
500 kVA Compact Substation Price
The price of a 500 kVA compact substation depends on much more than the 500 kVA transformer capacity.
The main cost factors include:
- MV system voltage
- Transformer type
- Transformer material
- Transformer efficiency requirements
- MV switchgear type
- Number of MV feeders
- LV breaker configuration
- Number of LV outgoing feeders
- Protection and metering system
- Enclosure material
- IP protection
- Cable entry arrangement
- Applicable standards
- Testing requirements
- Quantity
- Shipping destination
For an accurate quotation, customers should provide the MV voltage, LV voltage, transformer type, frequency, quantity and project location.
ZTELEC can then recommend a suitable 500 kVA compact substation configuration and prepare a technical quotation.
500 kVA Compact Substation vs. Other Capacities
If the project load is different from 500 kVA, ZTELEC also provides compact substations with other transformer capacities.
| Capacity | Typical Application |
|---|---|
| 300 kVA | Small commercial and industrial projects |
| 500 kVA | Medium commercial and industrial projects |
| 1000 kVA | Large industrial and infrastructure projects |
| 1500 kVA | High-load industrial applications |
Looking for another capacity?
[300 kVA Compact Substation]
[1000 kVA Compact Substation]
[1500 kVA Compact Substation]
Why Choose ZTELEC for 500 kVA Compact Substation?
ZTELEC provides integrated MV/LV power distribution solutions for industrial, commercial and infrastructure applications.
Our engineering team can coordinate the transformer, MV switchgear, LV switchboard and enclosure as a complete compact substation rather than treating each component as an independent product.
We can support customers with:
- Customized technical design
- Transformer selection
- MV switchgear configuration
- LV switchboard design
- General arrangement drawings
- Single-line diagrams
- Factory testing
- Export packaging
- Technical documentation
- Project-specific customization
Whether you require a 500 kVA 11kV compact substation, 500 kVA 22kV compact substation or 500 kVA 33kV compact substation, we can develop the configuration according to your electrical system and project requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 500 kVA compact substation?
A 500 kVA compact substation is a prefabricated MV/LV power distribution unit integrating medium-voltage switchgear, a 500 kVA transformer and low-voltage distribution equipment into a compact enclosure.
What voltage is available for a 500 kVA compact substation?
Typical MV configurations include 11 kV, 22 kV and 33 kV. The LV voltage can be configured according to the local distribution system and project requirements.
Can a 500 kVA compact substation use an oil-immersed transformer?
Yes. A 500 kVA oil-immersed transformer can be integrated into the compact substation. Dry-type and cast-resin transformer configurations are also available depending on the project requirements.
What is the difference between a compact substation and a conventional substation?
A compact substation integrates the MV switchgear, transformer and LV switchboard into a factory-assembled enclosure. This can reduce the installation footprint and simplify on-site equipment installation and coordination.
Can the 500 kVA compact substation be customized?
Yes. The MV voltage, transformer type, LV voltage, switchgear, protection system, enclosure dimensions, cable entry and other technical parameters can be customized.
What is the typical size of a 500 kVA compact substation?
There is no universal standard dimension. The overall size depends on the transformer, MV switchgear, LV configuration, enclosure and cable arrangement. ZTELEC can provide customized GA drawings according to the final configuration.
Can you provide CAD drawings?
Yes. ZTELEC can provide general arrangement drawings, foundation drawings, single-line diagrams, wiring diagrams and other technical documents according to the project requirements.
How do I get a price for a 500 kVA compact substation?
Please provide the required MV voltage, LV voltage, transformer type, frequency, quantity, MV/LV switchgear requirements and project destination. Our engineering team can recommend a suitable configuration and provide a quotation.
Request a Quote for a 500 kVA Compact Substation
Looking for a reliable 500 kVA compact substation supplier?
Send us your project requirements and our engineering team will recommend a suitable MV/LV compact substation configuration.
Please include:
- Capacity: 500 kVA
- MV Voltage: 11 / 22 / 33 kV
- LV Voltage: 400 / 415 / 480 V
- Frequency: 50 / 60 Hz
- Transformer: Oil-immersed / Dry-type
- MV Switchgear: RMU / LBS / VCB
- LV Switchgear: ACB / MCCB
- Quantity
- Project Location
- Required Standard
- Delivery Destination
Get Your 500 kVA Compact Substation Quote
Contact ZTELEC today for technical specifications, GA drawings and a customized quotation.
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