Improvement in Distribution Methods

The object of this paper is to point out how protective measures which have been applied to a low-voltage distribution network can be utilized to improve the operating characteristics of the entire distribution system, as well as materially lower its installation cost. Many of the developments herein described are novel departures from more generally recognized practises. They have all, however, withstood the test of time and usage. The common neutral system of distribution described has steadily increased in its application since first developed by the author for use in Toronto, Canada, about 16 years ago. It is at present the standard system with a number of large utilities with an aggregate capacity of some 300,000 kw. The particular system described is that of the Northern States Power Company in the Minneapolis territory, representing about 60,000 km., or about one-half the total output of this widespread organization. The heavy duty a-c. underground network and the remote-control multiple street lighting systems described are both later developments that are more or less inter-related with this common neutral development.