- Introduction
- What is a 220 kV Substation Layout Drawing?
- Major Components in a 220 kV Substation
- Types of Substation Layout Drawings
- 1. Electrical Single-Line Diagram (SLD)
- 2. General Arrangement (GA) Drawing
- 3. Foundation and Civil Layout
- 4. Grounding and Earthing Layout
- Technical Specifications for 220 kV Substations
- Step-by-Step Layout Design Process
- Step 1: Site Survey and Land Selection
- Step 2: Determine Busbar Configuration
- Step 3: Placement of Main Equipment
- Step 4: Grounding Grid Design
- Step 5: Control Room and Cable Trenches
- Safety and Clearance Standards
- Applications of 220 kV Substations
- PINEELE’s Engineering Expertise
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q1: What size of land is required for a 220 kV outdoor substation?
- Q2: Can 220 kV substations be installed indoors?
- Q3: What is the expected construction time?
Introduction
A 220 kV substation plays a vital role in the electrical power transmission network. It is a high-voltage substation used to step down voltage from transmission levels to distribution levels, typically converting 220 kV to 110 kV, 66 kV, or lower voltages. The effectiveness of a 220 kV substation depends heavily on the precision and clarity of its layout drawing. This article provides an in-depth look into the standard 220 kV substation layout drawing, its technical details, design philosophy, component arrangement, and safety measures.

What is a 220 kV Substation Layout Drawing?
A substation layout drawing is a visual representation of how different electrical and structural components are arranged within the substation boundary. These drawings are essential for civil engineers, electrical designers, maintenance teams, and utility planners. In a 220 kV system, the layout drawing typically includes:
- Electrical Single-Line Diagram (SLD)
- General Arrangement (GA) of equipment
- Control room layout
- Earthing and grounding grid plan
- Cable trench and conduit routing
- Fire safety and access routes

Major Components in a 220 kV Substation
Here is an overview of the core equipment in a typical outdoor 220 kV substation:
Equipment | Function |
---|---|
Power Transformer | Steps down voltage from 220 kV to lower levels |
Circuit Breaker | Disconnects the circuit during faults |
Isolator | Provides physical separation for maintenance |
Busbars | Conductive bars to distribute electricity |
Lightning Arrester | Protects equipment from voltage surges |
CTs & PTs | For protection and metering |
Control & Relay Panels | House automation and protection systems |
Types of Substation Layout Drawings
1. Electrical Single-Line Diagram (SLD)
This diagram shows how the electricity flows through the substation using symbols for transformers, breakers, and lines.
2. General Arrangement (GA) Drawing
It gives a top-down view of all major equipment and their spatial relationship.
3. Foundation and Civil Layout
Shows the civil structures such as foundations, trenches, cable ducts, and fencing.
4. Grounding and Earthing Layout
A vital drawing showing the earthing mesh that ensures safety and fault current dissipation.
Technical Specifications for 220 kV Substations
Parameter | Standard |
Rated Voltage | 220 kV |
Insulation Level | 1050 kVp lightning impulse |
Rated Frequency | 50/60 Hz |
Short-Circuit Rating | 40 kA for 3 seconds |
Neutral Grounding | Solidly grounded |
Protection Scheme | Distance + Differential + Backup Overcurrent |
Step-by-Step Layout Design Process
Step 1: Site Survey and Land Selection
- Flat, well-drained land
- Easy access for equipment transportation
- Away from residential zones
Step 2: Determine Busbar Configuration
- Single bus
- Double bus
- One-and-a-half breaker scheme
Step 3: Placement of Main Equipment
- Transformers on concrete foundations
- Busbars mounted on gantries
- Circuit breakers in between incoming and outgoing lines
Step 4: Grounding Grid Design
- Grid spacing typically 3–5 m
- Copper or galvanized steel conductors
Step 5: Control Room and Cable Trenches
- Located away from high EMF zones
- Trenches should be fireproof
Safety and Clearance Standards
Description | Clearance |
Phase-to-phase | 3000 mm minimum |
Phase-to-earth | 2750 mm minimum |
Vertical clearance | 5000 mm minimum |
Clearance around equipment | 1500–2000 mm |
These clearances are defined as per IEC and local utility standards.

Applications of 220 kV Substations
- Urban high-load areas
- Renewable power evacuation
- Inter-state or inter-country grid connections
- Major industrial hubs
PINEELE’s Engineering Expertise
PINEELE provides full engineering services for 220 kV substations:
- AutoCAD substation layout drawings
- Turnkey EPC contracts
- Site surveys and civil design
- Smart automation integration
- IEC & IEEE-compliant designs
📧 Contact: [email protected]
📞 Phone: +86-18968823915
💬 WhatsApp Support Available
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What size of land is required for a 220 kV outdoor substation?
A: Typically between 30,000 to 50,000 square meters depending on the number of bays and configuration.
Q2: Can 220 kV substations be installed indoors?
A: Yes, with Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS), but the cost is significantly higher.
Q3: What is the expected construction time?
A: Generally 12–18 months including civil, mechanical, and electrical works.
A detailed and accurately executed 220 kV substation layout drawing is foundational for a safe, reliable, and scalable power system. Whether it’s step-down transformation, power distribution, or renewable integration, a 220 kV substation ensures seamless energy flow across regions.
With years of high-voltage engineering experience, PINEELE stands as a trusted partner in substation design, manufacturing, and deployment.
“Powering the Future, Engineered by PINEELE”