Why is a radial layout with high voltage drop unsuitable for industrial loads?

Radial distribution system

• A radial distribution system is a type of electrical power distribution system where each consumer is connected to a single power source or feeder.
• This configuration is simple and cost-effective, but it has a disadvantage in terms of reliability, as a fault in the feeder can result in loss of power to all connected consumers.

Radial layout with high voltage drop is unsuitable for industrial loads because:

• Radial layouts can experience significant voltage drops at points farther from the source, especially under high load conditions.
• Industrial loads (like motors, PLCs, automation systems) are sensitive to voltage variations—fluctuations can cause inefficiencies, overheating, or even equipment malfunction.
• Therefore, radial systems with high voltage drops are not preferred for such loads; more reliable layouts like ring or mesh systems are often used instead.