In today’s fast-moving energy and infrastructure landscape, project developers face an ever-growing demand for speed, reliability, and flexibility in electrical distribution systems. Traditional on-site construction often struggles to meet these challenges — leading to higher costs, longer schedules, and coordination complexities.
That’s where the E-house modular substation concept comes in: a prefabricated, plug-and-play solution designed to deliver power safely, quickly, and efficiently.

At FATENG ELECTRIC, we specialize in customized E-house solutions that integrate Schneider Electric MV & LV switchgear with modern modular design principles. This article explores the key technical aspects of E-house modular design, helping project decision-makers understand how to plan, configure, and deploy E-house systems for optimized performance and lifecycle value.

1. What Is an E-house Modular Substation?

An E-house (short for Electrical House) or Prefabricated Cabin Substation is a factory-assembled, transportable power distribution unit that houses medium-voltage (MV) switchgear, low-voltage (LV) switchgear, protection and control systems, and auxiliary equipment in a single, compact enclosure.

Unlike traditional substations, which require on-site construction, E-house solutions are prefabricated in the factory, pre-tested, and shipped to the project site ready for connection — significantly reducing installation time and site work.

2. Key Advantages of Modular E-house Design

a. Rapid Deployment

E-house units are pre-engineered, prefabricated, and pre-tested before leaving the factory. This modular approach can reduce on-site construction time by up to 70%, enabling projects to meet demanding deadlines — a critical advantage in renewable energy, mining, and oil & gas sectors.

b. Cost Optimization

The reduction in civil work, labor, and commissioning time directly lowers CAPEX (capital expenditure), while the compact, energy-efficient design reduces OPEX (operational expenditure) across the system’s lifecycle.

c. Enhanced Safety and Quality

Factory assembly ensures strict adherence to IEC and UL standards, minimizing the risk of installation errors. FATENG ELECTRIC applies ISO9001 quality management throughout production, ensuring every component — from structure to switchgear — meets stringent international quality benchmarks.

d. Flexibility and Scalability

Modular design allows E-houses to be easily expanded or relocated as project demands evolve. Whether it’s a 10 MW solar plant or a large-scale industrial complex, the system architecture can be customized to fit project specifications.

3. Core Components of an E-house

Every E-house is unique, but typically includes the following major systems:

a. Medium Voltage (MV) Switchgear

The MV section handles power distribution at voltages typically between 3.3 kV and 36 kV.
FATENG ELECTRIC’s E-houses often feature Schneider Electric MVnex metal-clad switchgear, known for its reliability, arc-resistance, and compact footprint.

• Rated voltage: up to 24 kV

• Current rating: up to 4000 A

• Standards: IEC 62271-200, ANSI C37

• Key features: Withdrawable vacuum circuit breakers, intelligent protection relays, and robust interlocking systems.

b. Low Voltage (LV) Switchgear

The LV distribution section manages downstream loads, including motors, lighting, and auxiliary systems. FATENG’s BlokSeT and Prisma-E series from Schneider Electric are widely adopted for their modularity and intelligent monitoring capabilities.

• Rated voltage: up to 690 V

• Rated current: up to 6300 A

• Standards: IEC 61439, UL891, UL67

• Key features: Smart MCCs, modular compartments, and IoT-enabled power management.

c. Control and Protection Systems

Advanced SCADA, PLC, and protection relays are integrated for automation, remote monitoring, and fault management — allowing operators to manage energy flow, detect faults, and perform predictive maintenance from a control center.

d. HVAC and Fire Protection

Climate control ensures stable internal conditions for electrical components. FATENG E-houses can integrate industrial-grade HVAC systems, smoke detectors, and CO₂ fire suppression for maximum safety and reliability.

e. Structural Enclosure

The enclosure — often steel or aluminum alloy — is engineered for IP54–IP65 protection, thermal insulation, and transportability. FATENG’s structures undergo rigorous mechanical and environmental tests to ensure durability in extreme climates — from deserts to offshore platforms.

4. Engineering and Design Considerations

Designing an E-house requires a deep understanding of electrical, mechanical, and civil disciplines. Below are some key design parameters that determine project success:

a. Electrical Configuration

• Incoming & outgoing feeder arrangement (top or bottom entry)

• Busbar system: Single, double, or sectionalized busbars depending on redundancy needs

• Protection coordination between MV and LV sections

• Interface compatibility with transformers, generators, and external loads

b. Mechanical Layout

The internal layout must ensure safe clearances, easy access for maintenance, and optimized cable routing. FATENG’s design team uses 3D modeling and digital twin simulation to pre-validate spatial arrangements and operator ergonomics.

c. Thermal Management

Proper heat dissipation is vital for switchgear longevity. Engineers perform thermal simulation (CFD) to optimize airflows and HVAC capacity, maintaining internal temperatures within manufacturer limits.

d. Transport and Installation

Modules are designed with lifting hooks, skid bases, and transportation frames to ensure safe movement by land or sea. FATENG ensures the E-house meets standard container dimensions where applicable to simplify logistics.

e. Compliance and Testing

Each E-house is factory-assembled and undergoes:

• Routine testing (dielectric, insulation resistance, continuity, functionality)

• Type testing (temperature rise, short-circuit withstand)

• FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) before shipment

5. Integration of Schneider Electric Switchgear

As an authorized Schneider Electric panel builder, FATENG ELECTRIC integrates world-class switchgear platforms — ensuring global compatibility, long-term service support, and system reliability.

MVnex (Medium Voltage)

• Modular, metal-clad, withdrawable design

• Certified arc resistance up to 31.5 kA

• SmartGrid-ready communication for digital substations

BlokSeT (Low Voltage)

• High protection up to Form 4b

• Smart energy management via EcoStruxure™

• Type-tested assemblies for IEC and UL compliance

Prisma-E (Compact LV Panels)

• Ideal for commercial and infrastructure applications

• Modular plug-in units simplify installation and expansion

By integrating Schneider Electric’s platforms, FATENG ensures that every E-house meets the highest standards of performance, safety, and interoperability.

6. Digitalization and Smart Monitoring

Modern E-house solutions are evolving toward digital substations. FATENG integrates IoT-enabled monitoring systems, allowing real-time visualization of:

• Load status and energy consumption

• Equipment temperature and humidity

• Protection relay diagnostics

• Predictive maintenance alerts

Through remote supervision, operators can reduce downtime, optimize OPEX, and extend asset lifespan — perfectly aligning with smart grid and Industry 4.0 requirements.

7. Applications of E-house Modular Substations

E-house systems are suitable for various industries where rapid deployment, reliability, and mobility are critical:

• Renewable Energy (Solar, Wind, BESS): Compact and fast-installed power distribution hubs.

• Oil & Gas: Explosion-proof designs for offshore or desert environments.

• Mining: Rugged construction for harsh terrains and easy relocation.

• Infrastructure: Data centers, hospitals, airports, and industrial parks.

Each sector benefits from reduced installation time, standardized design, and scalable capacity — all while maintaining international compliance.

8. Cost and Lifecycle Benefits

While the initial CAPEX for an E-house can be slightly higher than traditional site-built substations, the overall lifecycle cost (CAPEX + OPEX) is significantly lower due to:

• Shorter construction time

• Lower site labor costs

• Fewer coordination risks

• Predictable quality and performance

Moreover, modularity allows partial or phased investments — ideal for projects that expand over time.

9. Why Choose FATENG ELECTRIC

With years of expertise in medium and low voltage switchgear, FATENG ELECTRIC delivers E-house solutions that combine engineering excellence and global adaptability.

Our core strengths include:
✅ Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of IEC and UL standards.
✅ Customization: Flexible design to match project-specific needs.
✅ Quality & Reliability: Certified components, full FAT testing.
✅ Speed: Streamlined production and fast delivery cycles.
✅ Global Service: Remote technical support and on-site assistance.

From concept to commissioning, FATENG partners with clients to deliver efficient, future-ready E-house systems built to last.

10. Conclusion: Build the Future with Modular Power

The E-house modular substation represents the future of power infrastructure — compact, digital, and globally deployable.
By integrating Schneider Electric MV and LV switchgear with cutting-edge modular engineering, FATENG ELECTRIC ensures your power systems are safe, scalable, and sustainable.

Whether you’re an EPC contractor, energy developer, or industrial project owner, partnering with FATENG ELECTRIC means gaining a trusted ally who understands your project goals and delivers solutions that perform — anywhere in the world.

 Contact FATENG ELECTRIC today to discuss your next E-house or prefabricated substation project.
Let’s build power, smarter and faster.