Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, efficiency, speed, and reliability are essential for successful power distribution projects. Traditional substation construction is often time-consuming, costly, and complex. As a result, E-house solutions (prefabricated cabin substations) have emerged as a modern alternative, offering pre-engineered, factory-tested, and ready-to-install solutions.

For project owners, EPC contractors, and electrical companies, understanding how to properly plan and deploy E-house solutions is key to maximizing project success. This article explores the steps, benefits, and practical considerations for implementing E-house systems using MV switchgear, LV switchgear, and Schneider Electric–authorized solutions, while ensuring cost efficiency and project reliability.

What is an E-house (Prefabricated Cabin Substation)?

An E-house, also known as a prefabricated substation, is a modular, factory-assembled power distribution solution that integrates:

• MV switchgear (medium voltage switchgear)

• LV switchgear (low voltage switchgear)

• Control, protection, and monitoring systems

• Auxiliary equipment and cabling

All components are housed within a transportable steel or containerized cabin. Unlike conventional substations, which require civil construction on-site, E-houses arrive as complete, ready-to-connect modules.

Why Choose an E-house Solution?

E-houses have become the preferred choice in industries such as renewable energy, oil & gas, mining, utilities, and data centers. Their advantages include:

1. Faster Deployment – Modular design and pre-assembly reduce installation time by up to 50%.

2. Lower Project Costs – Minimizes civil works and labor expenses on-site.

3. High Reliability – Factory-tested under controlled conditions to ensure performance and safety.

4. Flexibility and Scalability – Modular units can be expanded as project demands grow.

5. Mobility – Easily relocatable, making them ideal for remote or temporary projects.

Step 1: Define Project Requirements

The first step in deploying an E-house solution is to analyze project needs:

• Voltage levels – Determine required MV switchgear and LV switchgear ratings.

• Standards and compliance – UL (UL891, UL67), IEC, or regional standards must be considered.

• Application environment – Harsh climates, offshore installations, or desert conditions require specific engineering.

• Load demand – Define total load capacity and future scalability.

• Integration with Schneider Electric systems – Ensuring compatibility with authorized switchgear like MVnex, BlokSeT, and Prisma-E can provide proven reliability.

Step 2: Design and Engineering

Once requirements are clear, engineering teams collaborate to design the E-house. Key considerations include:

• Single-line diagrams to map MV and LV power distribution.

• Optimized layout for switchgear arrangement, cable routing, and accessibility.

• Space planning to balance compact design with maintenance access.

• Digital integration with smart monitoring systems (IoT-ready solutions).

At FaTeng Electric, our engineering team specializes in customized designs, supporting OEM/ODM solutions and modular layouts.

Step 3: Equipment Selection

The performance of an E-house largely depends on the quality of its internal equipment. Selecting the right switchgear is critical:

• MV Switchgear (Medium Voltage): Schneider Electric’s MVnex series ensures safe and reliable medium-voltage distribution.

• LV Switchgear (Low Voltage): BlokSeT and Prisma-E series are ideal for low-voltage distribution with maximum efficiency.

• UL Standard Solutions: For North American projects, UL891 LV switchboards and UL67 panelboards ensure compliance with local regulations.

• Auxiliary Systems: HVAC, lighting, fire detection, and control systems enhance safety and reliability.

Step 4: Factory Assembly and Testing

Unlike traditional substations, all assembly and testing for E-houses occur at the factory. This ensures:

• Shorter commissioning time on-site

• Guaranteed quality with ISO9001-compliant processes

• Reduced project risk by eliminating unexpected field errors

At FaTeng Electric, every E-house undergoes type testing, routine testing, and functional verification before shipment.

Step 5: Logistics and Installation

One of the unique advantages of prefabricated substations is simplified logistics. E-houses are shipped in standard container formats, making them easy to transport by road, sea, or rail.

Upon arrival at the site, installation is straightforward:

1. Position the cabin on prepared foundations.

2. Connect MV and LV cables to the external grid.

3. Perform on-site testing and energization.

This process often takes days, compared to weeks or months with conventional substations.

Step 6: Commissioning and Operation

Once installed, the E-house is ready for operation after final testing. Remote monitoring and digital controls can be integrated to ensure continuous performance tracking.

Maintenance is simplified due to:

• Modular access points

• Clearly organized switchgear layouts

• Availability of spare parts from trusted brands like Schneider Electric

Applications of E-house Solutions

E-houses are versatile and widely used across industries:

• Renewable Energy – Solar and wind farms require fast, scalable substations for grid connection.

• Mining – Remote sites benefit from mobile, durable E-houses.

• Oil & Gas – Offshore platforms and onshore facilities rely on compact, reliable substations.

• Utilities – Distribution network upgrades and emergency backup power.

• Data Centers – Rapid deployment of power infrastructure to meet growing digital demand.

Key Success Factors in E-house Projects

When planning an E-house deployment, success depends on:

• Partnering with an experienced manufacturer with proven global projects.

• Ensuring compliance with UL/IEC standards.

• Selecting high-quality MV and LV switchgear from trusted suppliers.

• Leveraging customized engineering to meet project-specific requirements.

• Prioritizing fast delivery and responsive service.

Why Choose FaTeng Electric?

At FaTeng Electric, we combine technical expertise, Schneider-authorized products, and global project experience to deliver reliable E-house solutions. Our strengths include:

• Product Range: MV switchgear (MVnex), LV switchgear (BlokSeT, Prisma-E), UL891 and UL67 panels, prefabricated substations.

• Customization: Flexible OEM/ODM capabilities tailored to project needs.

• Quality Assurance: ISO9001-compliant manufacturing and rigorous type testing.

• Fast Delivery: Optimized production cycle for quick project execution.

• Global Reach: Proven experience in Asia, North America, the Middle East, and Africa.

Conclusion: Your Partner for Reliable E-house Solutions

Planning and deploying an E-house solution requires careful attention to project requirements, design, equipment selection, and compliance with global standards. By leveraging prefabricated substations, EPC contractors, project owners, and electrical companies can achieve faster deployment, lower costs, and long-term reliability.

At FaTeng Electric, we are committed to providing world-class MV switchgear, LV switchgear, Schneider Electric–authorized solutions, and prefabricated cabin substations that meet your project needs.

 Contact us today to discuss your E-house project and discover how FaTeng Electric can accelerate your success.