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Technical Guide for Selecting Terminal Type and Ring Main Type Pad-Mounted Transformers

January 03, 2026

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Technical Guide for Selecting Terminal Type and Ring Main Type Pad-Mounted Transformers


1. Pad-mounted transformer is popular used because of its compact structure, small volume and simple installation and maintenance. It is widely used in industrial estates, urban distribution networks and public facilities.


2. Differences between Terminal type and Ring main (loop) type Pad-mounted Transformer

Terminal Type Pad-Mounted Transformer: It is usually installed at the end of the distribution line. The high-voltage side is typically equipped with a 2-way load break switch, with only one incoming feeder and no outgoing feeder.

This type features a simple structure and lower cost, and is suitable for projects where power supply continuity requirements are not critical.

Applications : Individual factories or workshops, Solar power plants, pump stations, and mining projects, Rural or remote area power distribution.

 

Ring Main Type Pad-Mounted Transformer:It is normally installed at intermediate points of the distribution network. The high-voltage side is typically equipped with a 4-way load break switch, allowing both incoming and outgoing feeders and supporting dual-source or ring network power supply.

Applications: Urban medium-voltage distribution networks, Industrial parks, Commercial complexes, Hospitals, data centers, and other critical facilities

 

3. How to choose Terminal type or Loop type pad-mounted transformer?

1) Installation location: Terminal type for end-of-line applications; ring main type for network nodes

2) Circuit requirement: Terminal type for single incoming feeder; ring main type for incoming and outgoing feeders

3) Power supply reliability: Terminal type when short interruptions are acceptable; ring main type when continuous power supply is required

 

4. Selection Recommendation

 

Terminal type pad-mounted transformers are suitable for simple and cost-sensitive projects, while ring main type pad-mounted transformers are recommended for systems with high reliability requirements and long-term planning.

If future expansion or network extension is expected, selecting a ring main type at the initial stage can help avoid additional modification costs later.