On the basis of how DC distributors are fed by the feeders, they are classified as:
- Distributor fed at one end
- Distributor fed at both ends
- Distributor fed at the centre.
- Ring distributor.
Now the type of distribution given in the question is of type “Distributor fed at one end”.
- In this type of feeding, the distributor is connected to the supply at one end and loads are taken at different points along the length of the distributor.
- In the above figure end P is also called singly fed distributor and loads I1, I2 and I3 tapped off at points Q, R, S respectively.
Points to remember in this type of distribution:
- The current in the various sections of the distributor away from the feeding point goes on decreasing. Thus the current in the section PQ is more than current in the section QR and the current in the section QR is more than current in section RS.
- The voltage across the loads away from the feeding point goes on decreasing. Therefore minimum voltage occurs at point S.
- In case a fault occurs at/on any section of the distributor, the whole distributor will have to be disconnected from the supply mains.
Calculations:
Given- conductor resistance per km = 0.02 Ω
But in 2 wire DC distributor system 2 conductors are present
∴ Resistance per km for 2 wire DC distributor = 0.02 × 2 = 0.04 Ω
∴ Resistance of section AB = 0.04 × 2 = 0.08 Ω (RAB)
∴ Resistance of section BC = 0.04 × 2 = 0.08 Ω (RBC)
Also, I2 = 200 A, I1 = 100 A
∴ Current in section AB = I1 + I2 = 100 + 200 = 300 A
∴ current in section BC = I2 = 200 A
i.e. IAB = 300 A, IBC = 200 A
Now, Voltage available at load point B
VB = Voltage at A – Voltage drop in AB
VB = 500 V – IAB × RAB
VB = 500 V – (300 × 0.08) V
VB = (500 - 24) V
VB = 476 V
Now, voltage available at point C
VC = voltage at B – voltage drop in BC
VC = 476 V – IBC × RBC
VC = 476 V – (200 × 0.08) V
VC = 476 V – 16 V
VC = 460 V
Therefore the voltage available at the farthest point (C) in the system is 460 V.
Note:
There are a few advantages of other types of the distribution system.
- In this type of distribution, if a fault occurs on any feeding point of the distributor or on any section of the distributor, the continuity of the supply is maintained from the other operating feeding point.
- Also the area of cross-section required for doubly-fed distributors is much less than that of a singly fed distributor.

Fig. Distributor fed at the center
- Distributor fed at the center is equivalent to two singly fed distributors, each distributor having a common feeding point and length equal to half of the total length.
- In-ring main distribution, the distributor is in the form of a closed ring. It is equivalent to a straight distributor fed at both ends with equal voltages, where the two ends being brought together to form a closed ring.
- The distributor ring may be fed at one or more than one point.