Electrical capacity studies
Adding a production line, major process equipment or a building expansion? ETEM Engineering assesses how the proposed loads affect your transformers, switchboards, MCCs, panels, feeders and main service—before equipment is ordered and construction begins.
Evaluate a production line, process skid, conveyor system, refrigeration package or other major equipment before procurement.
Understand how motors, VFDs, compressors, chillers and related mechanical loads affect upstream equipment and operating demand.
Model the effect of an addition, electrification project or phased expansion without assuming a full service upgrade is automatically required.
Investigate recurring trips, heavily loaded equipment, undocumented additions or conflicting information in legacy drawings and schedules.
Identify whether the limiting point is the service, transformer, switchboard, MCC, panelboard or a specific feeder.
Turn an equipment list and existing drawings into a documented engineering basis for budgeting, utility discussions and detailed design.
A transformer nameplate or main-breaker rating cannot answer the question by itself. The proposed loads are placed into the actual distribution hierarchy and traced through the equipment that will carry them.
Existing and proposed loads organized by electrical ownership, not as one total, so it is clear where each new load lands.
A load at an MCC or panel affects its feeder, the upstream transformer, the main switchboard and the service; the model keeps that hierarchy.
The service may have room while a transformer, MCC, panel or feeder does not; local upgrades may avoid a more expensive service change.
ETEM's Electrical Load Analysis Suite (ELAS) organizes the model and traces assumptions; the deliverable remains a project-specific engineering assessment led by ETEM Engineering.
It begins with the existing conditions and the proposed operating scenario. The answer may be smaller, or more focused, than expected: a practical decision path for the next stage of the project.
400–4,000 A service entrance design
Utility metering configurations, transformer sizing, switchgear specification and coordination with Toronto Hydro, Alectra and Hydro One connection processes.
Key systems: Capacity assessment, Panel upgrades, Arc flash
Electrical capacity assessments, service entrance evaluations, distribution panel upgrades and arc flash hazard analysis, with P.Eng.-stamped coordination studies.
Up to 2,000 A service entrance upgrades
Panelboard replacement, branch circuit redesign, HVAC electrical work, fire alarm integration and emergency generator sizing for aging municipal buildings.
A perfect record set is not required for an initial discussion. The following information helps establish the study scope and the level of field verification required.
Ideally before major equipment is ordered or construction commitments are made. Common triggers include a new production line, large motors or compressors, refrigeration or HVAC expansion, building additions, electrification projects and recurring capacity concerns.
No. The existing service may be adequate, or the constraint may be limited to a transformer, switchboard, MCC, panel or feeder. The purpose of the study is to identify the actual limiting point and avoid unnecessary upgrades.
Yes. ETEM can assess common Ontario industrial distribution arrangements, including facilities with 600 V service and downstream utilization voltages. The study basis, available records and required field verification are established for each project.
Useful starting information includes the existing single-line diagram, electrical drawings, equipment and motor data, transformer and switchboard nameplates, recent utility demand information and the proposed equipment list. Missing information can be identified during the initial review.
Not automatically. A capacity assessment can identify where those studies may be required, but they are separate scopes unless specifically included in the proposal.
Yes. The capacity model and recommended next steps can provide an engineering basis for early budgeting, equipment planning and utility coordination. Detailed design and applications can follow under a separately defined scope.
Scope note: Final requirements depend on site conditions, available records, applicable codes, utility requirements, equipment ratings and the agreed engineering scope. A capacity assessment does not replace project-specific detailed design or separately required power-system studies.
