Fundamentals of Electrical Distribution Systems
Online
/
Sep 16 - 18, 2025
/
Course Code: 16-0915-ONL25
- Overview
- Syllabus
- Instructor
Overview
This course is held online over 3 days on the following schedule (All times in Eastern Time Zone):
9:30 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (will include usual breaks)
After participating in this course, you will be able to:
- Analyze and explain fundamental electrical system quantities, including generation sources, cogeneration, and distribution system configurations.
- Assess load characteristics and their direct impact on power costs.
- Evaluate the role of major electrical machinery and components in power distribution systems.
- Implement strategies for system protection, grounding, and improving power quality.
- Optimize electrical power metering practices to minimize billing penalties.
Description
Gain an in-depth understanding of electrical distribution systems by exploring the core concepts of direct current circuits and transitioning this knowledge to more complex single-phase and 3-phase alternating current systems. This course covers essential electrical quantities such as kVA, kW, and power factor, equipping you with the tools to understand system configurations, major electrical machinery, and power distribution components. The importance of system protection, grounding, and power quality will also be discussed to ensure a holistic view of electrical distribution.
This course will guide you through the entire lifecycle of electrical systems, from generation, transmission, and distribution to the operation of transformers, generators, and motors. Emphasis will be placed on understanding load characteristics, demand management, and energy efficiency to reduce power costs. You'll also delve into system protection mechanisms, metering for various customer types, and the vital role of system grounding for safety and operational integrity.
By the end of the course, you'll be proficient in identifying power quality issues and applying solutions to maintain system reliability. The course provides a comprehensive foundation for electrical distribution system planning and design, whether working with industrial, residential, or commercial systems.
Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for engineers, facility and operations managers, technical specialists, plant engineers, and project engineers involved in designing, managing, or troubleshooting electrical distribution systems. It is also suitable for engineering consultants, architects, and managers seeking to deepen their understanding of power systems and distribution networks.
Additionally, the insights offered will benefit professionals in power generation, utility services, or non-utility generation. Those involved in safety management and electrical compliance will also find this course highly relevant to their work.
More InformationTime: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Eastern Time
Please note: You can check other time zones here.
Syllabus
Day I
Basic Concepts
- Voltage and current in DC & AC circuits
- Resistance, Inductance, Capacitance and Impedance
- Meaning of RMS and average values
- Ohm's Law
- Power in DC & AC circuits
- Power factor
- Three-phase systems
Generation, Transmission, and Distribution
- Sources for power generation
- Transmission, distribution, and utilization systems
- Co-generation
Feeders, Networks, and Services
- Radial and loop circuits; networks
- Residential and industrial/commercial services
- Utility and code requirements
Distribution System Components
- Overhead distribution: poles, conductors, and insulators
- Underground distribution: ducts, cables, and accessories
Electric Fields
- What is an electromagnetic field
- What is an electrostatic field
- Is EMF harmful to humans and equipment
- Sources, levels, and mitigation
Day II
Major Electrical Machinery
- Transformers
- Generators
- Motors
Load Characteristics
- Types of loads
- Demand and diversity
- Effect on equipment sizing
System Protection
- Power system faults
- Requirements of protection systems
- Fuses
- Circuit breakers
- Coordination
Power Metering
- Cost of power
- Metered quantities
- Residential customers
- Industrial and commercial customers
- Factors affecting the cost of power
System Grounding
- What is grounding
- What is bonding
- Grounding for electrical safety
- Grounding and bonding for equipment operation
Electrical Safety
- Hazards to individuals working with electrical systems
- Substation Grounding
- Tolerable limits of touch and step potentials
Day III
Power Quality
- Types and sources of power disturbances
- Effects of power quality on equipment
- Equipment to improve power quality
- Distribution system voltage limits
- Utility role in providing power quality
Electrical Distribution System Overview
- Three- and four-wire distribution circuits
- Substation types and schemes
- Location selection and design factors
- Switching components and their ratings
Planning and Design of Electrical Distribution Systems
- Load Estimates, voltage considerations, and flicker
- Review of typical distribution systems for industrial and commercial installations
- Examples and case studies
Non-Utility Generation Overview
- Renewable energy technologies
- Interconnection methodologies
Instructor

Ajit is well known in the electrical distribution field for his 40 years of expertise in the art and science of ground fault protection.
He holds Master's degrees in business administration and electrical engineering, specializing in power systems and power system protection. He has particular interest in ground fault protection; digital metering systems; microprocessor based integrated systems for protection; and the metering, monitoring, and control of power distribution systems. A member of Professional Engineers Ontario, he is also a senior life member of the IEEE.

NOT INTERESTED IN THIS COURSE?
We always want to improve the quality of our courses. Please select any reasons why you feel this course is inadequate (check all that apply).
Course Rating
Overall rating of this course by its previous attendees!
Fee & Credits
$1995 + taxes
- 2.1 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
- 21 Continuing Professional Development Hours (PDHs/CPDs)
- ECAA Annual Professional Development Points
Group Training
REQUEST A QUOTE
Government Funding
Your company may be eligible for funding! LEARN MORE