Power Distribution Systems Versus Power Drops
Traditional overhead power drops consist of one individual cord and one individual connector; multiple cords and connectors are therefore required to support multiple pieces of equipment in each production area. In these cases, individual supply feeds are run from a main panel with a remote circuit breaker at the panel or overhead. Accessing the circuit breaker is inconvenient, perhaps even troublesome when equipment needs to be maintained or repaired. Multiples cords also require more installation time and continued maintenance.

Suspended power distribution systems, on the other hand, let you drop an oversized supply cord, and this power can then be distributed to several receptacles. Essentially, you're able to run one large feed for each required voltage system through one common box.

Applications
One overhead power distribution system means you don't have to install anything on walls or columns-in fact, you don't even need them. This is advantageous for a number of reasons.

• Plant layout. This type of system may be your only option based on how a plant was designed or how power is distributed in the facility. For example, many plants don't have spare walls or columns in production areas. Sometimes, the original distribution system in the plant can no longer support current production needs.
• Sanitation. Many plants, in the medical or food and beverage industries, for example, are designed to minimize contamination as much as possible. Having extra walls or columns creates more surface area in the plant that will need to be cleaned.
• Portable equipment. Because equipment isn't tethered to a wall, it can be easily moved or rolled away-often for cleaning purposes or when production needs change, requiring a different arrangement of equipment. Having an overhead system facilitates this process.