Metal Electrical Block Modules (MEB) are factory-built, ready-to-operate block-modular buildings (E-House type) for accommodating medium- and low-voltage equipment: MV switchgear (KRU) 6–35 kV, packaged transformer substations KTP 6(10)/0.4 kV, auxiliary power switchboards, protection & control, operator rooms, and building services (lighting, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning). MEB structures protect equipment and personnel against climatic and mechanical impacts, accelerate energization of substations and distribution points, and reduce site works and project CAPEX compared with conventional stick-built construction.

Purpose and application

MEB are intended for:

• arranging 6–35 kV distribution points and substations (KRU 6/10/20/35 kV, 0.4 kV LV switchgear rooms, transformer rooms);
• housing auxiliary switchboards, protection & control/automation (P&C/SCADA), telecontrol/RTU, battery systems, UPS;
• creating modular power centers for industrial sites, mining and upstream facilities, renewables, and infrastructure (pump stations, gas processing, data centers, pits, drilling sites, transport hubs);
• fast expansion of existing substations/switching stations by adding extra modules without interrupting production.

The “high factory readiness” concept allows supplying MEB with MV/LV equipment (KRU/KTP), secondary circuits, and building systems pre-installed and tested. As a result, construction/installation timelines and on-site risks are reduced versus traditional on-site builds.

Service conditions

Baseline designs are rated for operation in temperate/cold climates with category “1” installation and can be configured for Far North operation and industrial sites. Typical conditions:

Limitations: MEB are not used in explosive/fire-hazard zones without special execution; on mobile mining/drilling plants - only by dedicated design; not used as buildings of increased responsibility class. Operation in marine–industrial atmospheres is permitted with appropriate coatings and corrosion-protection systems.

Layout and structural solutions

The MEB design is modular. A base block is a welded steel frame (channels/angles) with a steel floor, optional chequer-plate overlay, and non-combustible mineral-wool “sandwich” wall panels (80–150 mm by climate). The roof is profiled steel on purlins with slope for drainage. Inside: sleeves/trays for cable routing; on request - rails for transformer skidding, reinforced areas for heavy equipment, openings for doors, windows, extra doors, and steel stoops.

Blocks can be mated into single- or multi-bay buildings: from a single module with 6–10 kV MV switchgear to long buildings with 35 kV bays, power transformers, and 0.4 kV LV sections. Versions with increased internal height are available (for tall panels, 35 kV bus entries, 6–10 kV VFDs, etc.). Two-storey solutions are supplied on request (power equipment on the ground floor; P&C/auxiliaries/I&C/fire systems/UPS and operator room on the upper floor).

The design prioritizes maintainability and safety: primary circuits are enclosed within switchgear metalwork; partitions and pressure-relief flaps (for 35 kV rooms) are provided; local heaters, withdrawable breakers, shutters, and dedicated cable termination areas are included. Equipment frames are rigidly fixed to the steel floor; internal and external earthing (grounding) rings are arranged in accordance with power-installation practice using visible earthing points and welded jumpers at block joints. For busbar/overhead entries, crossarms and hardware kits for line post insulators are supplied per project.

Safety and interlocking

MEB implement:

• electromechanical and key interlocks for MV switchgear and disconnector drives;
• guards/panels preventing access without tools;
• fire detection and alarm, voice evacuation, and (on request) gas/powder fire suppression;
• organizational measures: inspection logs, preventive/corrective maintenance, insulation testing, torque checks of joints, verification of earthing continuity and roof/wall/door integrity;
• prohibition of work on live parts without visible earthing and absence-of-voltage tests;
• HVAC control to prevent condensation and keep equipment within permissible temperature.

Configurations and options

Available on request:

• climatic executions for temperate/cold regions; “North” package (-60 °C), increased insulation, double-door vestibules;
• HVAC: supply/exhaust ventilation, comfort/process air-conditioning (split/industrial cabinet units), electric heating, panel heaters;
• roof variants (mono-/dual-pitch, fixed/removable), drainage, snow guards;
• layouts: single module, parallel/series block combinations, two-storey solutions, increased height;
• entries: cable, busbar; outdoor bus bridges, crossarms for post insulators, gantry portals;
• extras: doors/stoops/stairs/platforms, operator windows, raised floors, cat ladders;
• systems: PCS/SCADA, protection & automation, special automation, telecontrol, access control, CCTV, intrusion alarm, emergency lighting;
• anti-corrosion systems: hot-dip galvanizing, coating systems for marine/industrial atmospheres, corporate color schemes;
• accelerated logistics: split into transport modules, opening protection, roof shipping struts, handling/overload monitoring.

Standards compliance

Design and manufacturing of MEB take into account the following (≤ 6 key standards for the product):

• EN/IEC 60721-3-3 / EN/IEC 60721-3-4 - classification of environmental conditions for stationary use at weather-protected / non-weather-protected locations (mapping of former GOST climatic categories).
• EN/IEC 60529 - degrees of protection (IP code); typical for MEB enclosures IP34; MV panel IP per manufacturer.
• EN 1991-1-3 and EN 1991-1-4 (Eurocode 1) - snow and wind actions for structural design.
• EN 1998-1 (Eurocode 8) - seismic design of structures (project-specific where applicable).
• EN/IEC 61936-1 - power installations exceeding 1 kV AC (design and erection, earthing interfaces with EN 50522 as applicable).
• EN/IEC 62271-200 - AC metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for MV (1–52 kV) used inside the MEB.

Partnering and subcontracting

We are open to cooperation with electrical OEMs, steelwork fabricators, and investors planning to localize modular substation manufacturing. Under partnership we:

• provide a full set of working documentation and specifications tailored to your production capabilities;
• deliver engineering support, personnel training, and joint supervision of the first unit assembly;
• assist with selection of panel systems, coatings, HVAC, and cable infrastructure suppliers;
• provide typical MV/LV layouts, earthing nodes, block-joint details, welded and bolted connections;
• organize joint participation in tenders and pilot projects.

Documentation offered

Upon request we will supply a technical documentation package for MEB fabrication and deployment:

• pre-bid data: questionnaires, dimensions, mass/climatic characteristics, foundation requirements;
• fabrication drawings, 3D models (SolidWorks), AutoCAD sets (DWG/DXF), Parasolid, BOMs and material specs;
• single-line and schematic diagrams for main and auxiliary circuits, external connection diagrams;
• spare-parts lists, component data sheets and manuals, assembly instructions for E-House blocks and equipment installation;
• foundation design guidelines (grade beams, anchor patterns, entry elevations) and bottom-frame cable entry details;
• procedures for transport, storage, preservation, and commissioning.

Why work with us

• Shorter time to energization - thanks to high factory readiness and minimal on-site work.
• Flexible layouts: from a single block to a full substation with 35 kV MV rooms and secondary systems.
• Documentation adapted to your equipment fleet and manufacturing processes.
• Engineering and supervisory support up to serial production launch.

For additional information on MEB for MV switchgear 10–35 kV please contact: inbox@proekt-energo.com

PDF - Download MEB technical information (MV switchgear 10–35 kV)