In electrical engineering, feeders are conductors that distribute electrical power from a primary source to various circuits or loads. They form a crucial part of electrical distribution systems, ensuring that power is efficiently and safely delivered to where it is needed. Here are the types of feeders used in electrical systems:

1. Overhead Feeders: Overhead feeders are typically installed above ground level and are commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. They consist of bare or insulated conductors supported by poles or towers. Overhead feeders are cost-effective and relatively easy to install but are susceptible to damage from weather conditions and external factors.

2. Underground Feeders: Underground feeders are buried below ground level and are often used in urban areas or locations where overhead lines are impractical or aesthetically undesirable. Underground feeders offer advantages such as improved reliability, reduced visual impact, and protection from weather-related damage. They are commonly installed in conduits or buried directly in the ground.

3. Conduit Feeders: Conduit feeders consist of electrical conductors enclosed within metal or plastic conduits. Conduit feeders provide protection against physical damage, moisture, and corrosion, making them suitable for harsh environments or areas with high mechanical stress. They are commonly used in industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and outdoor installations.

4. Busbar Feeders: Busbar feeders utilize busbars, which are thick metal bars or conductors, to distribute electrical power to multiple circuits or loads. Busbars are typically mounted on insulated supports and housed within enclosures for safety. Busbar feeders are commonly used in switchgear, distribution panels, and large industrial installations due to their high current-carrying capacity and flexibility.

5. Cable Feeders: Cable feeders consist of electrical conductors insulated with materials such as PVC, XLPE, or rubber and are often used in indoor installations, underground applications, or areas where flexibility is required. Cable feeders come in various types, including armored cables, non-armored cables, and flexible cables, and are suitable for a wide range of voltages and currents.

6. Subfeeders: Subfeeders are secondary feeders that distribute power from a main feeder to smaller branch circuits or loads within a building or facility. They are commonly used in distribution panels, switchboards, and electrical enclosures to provide power to lighting, receptacles, equipment, and other electrical devices.

7. Radial Feeders: Radial feeders distribute power from a single source to multiple loads or circuits in a linear or branched configuration. They are characterized by a single path of power flow and are commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial distribution systems. Radial feeders offer simplicity, ease of design, and cost-effectiveness but may be less reliable than other feeder configurations.