---
title: "Define load center"
subject: "Transmission and Distribution System Design"
chapter: 5
key: "semester_8/transmission_and_distribution_system_design:define-load-center"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/transmission_and_distribution_system_design/define-load-center
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Define load center

Transmission and Distribution System Design · Chapter 5: Electric Power Distribution

- Asked in: 2080 Chaitra, 1 marks
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/transmission_and_distribution_system_design/define-load-center
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/transmission_and_distribution_system_design/chapter-5

## Question

With respect to a distribution system, define load center.

## Short answer

A load center is the point in a supply area where the total load can be considered concentrated, found as the center of gravity of loads using weighted average coordinates. Placing the substation at this point minimizes feeder lengths, voltage drop, and I²R losses.

## Answer

A **load center** is the point in a supply area at which the total load can be considered concentrated. It is found as the "centre of gravity" of the loads, with coordinates $\bar x = \sum P_ix_i / \sum P_i$ and $\bar y = \sum P_iy_i / \sum P_i$.

The substation or distribution transformer is placed at or near the load center. This keeps the feeder lengths, voltage drop and $I^2R$ losses to a minimum.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is a load center?
   A. The largest load
   B. The point where the total load can be considered concentrated
   C. The generating station
   D. The end of the feeder
   Answer: B. It is the centre of gravity of the loads. (Key point: Definition)

2. How is x-bar found?
   A. Sum of P times x divided by the sum of P
   B. Sum of x divided by n
   C. Largest x
   D. Sum of P
   Answer: A. x-bar = sum(Pi xi)/sum(Pi). (Key point: Calculation)

3. Why place the substation there?
   A. To increase losses
   B. To make it visible
   C. To raise the voltage
   D. To minimise feeder length, voltage drop and I^2R losses
   Answer: D. A central position reduces distances to loads. (Key point: Purpose)

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