---
title: "T/F: radial more reliable than network"
subject: "Transmission and Distribution System Design"
chapter: 5
key: "semester_8/transmission_and_distribution_system_design:tf-radial-more-reliable-network"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/transmission_and_distribution_system_design/tf-radial-more-reliable-network
site: BCT Engineering
---

# T/F: radial more reliable than network

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

- Asked in: 2078 Kartik, 4 marks; 2073 Bhadra, 4 marks (asked 2 times)
- 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/tf-radial-more-reliable-network
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/transmission_and_distribution_system_design/chapter-5

## Question

State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE. Justify your answer with a brief explanation: Radial distribution system is more reliable than Network system.

## Short answer

False. A radial system has a single supply path, so any fault causes an outage for all loads beyond it. A network system interconnects multiple feeders and transformers, clearing faults automatically without interruption, making it far more reliable than radial.

## Answer

**FALSE.**

A **network (mesh)** system is the **most reliable** distribution system, and a radial system is the least reliable.

- **Radial:** each consumer has **only one supply path**. A fault anywhere on the feeder, or on the single distribution transformer, interrupts every consumer beyond that point until it is repaired.
- **Network:** feeders and secondary mains are interconnected and fed from several transformers and feeders through **network protectors**. A fault on one feeder or transformer is cleared automatically, and the load is carried by the remaining paths **without interruption**. A network can withstand a single (and often a double) contingency.

| Point | Radial | Network |
|---|---|---|
| Supply paths | One | Many |
| Effect of a fault | Outage downstream | Usually no outage |
| Voltage regulation | Poor at the far end | Very good |
| Cost and complexity | Lowest | Highest |
| Typical use | Rural and small loads | Dense city centres, hospitals, airports |

The radial system is preferred for being **cheap and simple**, not for its reliability.

## Check yourself

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

1. Is the radial system more reliable than the network system?
   A. True
   B. False, the network is the most reliable and radial the least
   C. True, because it is simpler
   D. False, they are equally reliable
   Answer: B. Network systems have many paths. (Key point: Verdict)

2. What happens on a radial feeder fault?
   A. Nothing, a spare path takes over
   B. Only the faulty consumer is lost
   C. Network protectors operate
   D. All consumers beyond the fault lose supply until repair
   Answer: D. There is only one supply path. (Key point: Radial weakness)

3. Why is radial used despite this?
   A. It is cheap and simple
   B. It is the most reliable
   C. It has the best regulation
   D. It needs network protectors
   Answer: A. Its use is for cost and simplicity, not reliability. (Key point: Why radial is used)

## Related in Transmission and Distribution System Design

- [T/F: grid connected system more stable](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Ftransmission_and_distribution_system_design%3Atf-grid-connected-more-stable) — Transmission and Distribution System Design, chapter 1
- [T/F: lightning overvoltage in distribution system](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Ftransmission_and_distribution_system_design%3Atf-lightning-distribution-vs-transmission) — Transmission and Distribution System Design, chapter 3
- [T/F: more circuits rather than higher voltage](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Ftransmission_and_distribution_system_design%3Atf-circuits-rather-than-voltage) — Transmission and Distribution System Design, chapter 2
- [T/F: higher voltage more economical](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Ftransmission_and_distribution_system_design%3Atf-higher-voltage-more-economical) — Transmission and Distribution System Design, chapter 2
- [Radial, loop and network distribution merits](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Ftransmission_and_distribution_system_design%3Aradial-loop-network-merits) — Transmission and Distribution System Design, chapter 5
- [T/F: radial operation of distribution in Nepal](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Ftransmission_and_distribution_system_design%3Atf-nepal-radial-distribution) — Transmission and Distribution System Design, chapter 5

## Related in other subjects

- [True/false: derivative controllers always used with others](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcontrol_systems%3Aderivative-always-with-others) — Control Systems, chapter 7, asked 3×
- [True/false: air conditioner is closed loop](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcontrol_systems%3Atf-air-conditioning-closed) — Control Systems, chapter 1
- [True/false: feedback makes response faster](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcontrol_systems%3Atf-feedback-faster) — Control Systems, chapter 1
- [True/false: CT secondary kept open](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Felectrical_machine%3Atf-false-ct-secondary-open) — Electrical Machine, chapter 2