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Short Answer

A containerized electrical room is a prefabricated modular enclosure designed to house and protect electrical equipment such as MCCs, switchgear, VFDs, PLC systems, and control equipment.

Compared with traditional site-built electrical rooms, containerized electrical rooms are manufactured off-site, allowing faster installation, easier transportation, and customized integration of electrical, HVAC, fire protection, and safety systems.

They are widely used in offshore facilities, renewable energy projects, industrial plants, mining operations, and power infrastructure projects.

What Is a Containerized Electrical Room?

A containerized electrical room is a customized modular unit that provides a controlled environment for electrical and automation equipment.

Unlike standard shipping containers, these units are engineered specifically for industrial applications and can include:

• Electrical equipment rooms
• MCC rooms
• Switchgear rooms
• Control rooms
• PLC rooms
• VFD rooms
• Instrumentation rooms

The main purpose is to protect sensitive electrical systems from environmental conditions while providing a safe and reliable operating space.

What Equipment Can Be Installed Inside?

A containerized electrical room can be designed to accommodate different types of equipment, including:

• Motor Control Centers (MCC)
• Switchgear
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
• PLC control systems
• Power distribution panels
• UPS systems
• Battery systems
• Communication equipment
• Monitoring systems

The internal layout is customized according to:

• Equipment dimensions
• Maintenance access requirements
• Cable routing
• Heat load
• Operational workflow

Why Are Containerized Electrical Rooms Used?

Faster Project Deployment

Traditional electrical buildings often require:

• Civil construction
• On-site installation
• Multiple contractor coordination

Containerized electrical rooms are manufactured and tested in a controlled factory environment, reducing installation work at the project site.

Better Equipment Protection

Electrical equipment requires protection from:

• Dust
• Humidity
• Salt atmosphere
• Temperature variations
• Harsh industrial environments

A properly designed enclosure can integrate:

• HVAC systems
• Insulation
• Corrosion protection
• Fire detection
• Access control

to maintain suitable operating conditions.

Flexible and Modular Design

Containerized electrical rooms can be relocated, expanded, or modified according to project requirements.

This makes them suitable for projects where:

• Space is limited;
• Installation schedules are tight;
• Future expansion is expected.

Key Design Features of a Containerized Electrical Room

Structural Design

For offshore and heavy industrial applications, the enclosure may require:

• Reinforced steel structure
• Lifting points
• Marine-grade coating
• Corrosion protection

For offshore lifting applications, designs can be developed according to requirements such as DNV 2.7-1 and EN 12079.

HVAC and Environmental Control

Electrical equipment performance depends on stable environmental conditions.

Typical systems include:

• Air conditioning
• Ventilation
• Temperature monitoring
• Humidity control

The HVAC design is selected according to:

• Equipment heat load
• Installation location
• Ambient temperature conditions

Fire Protection and Safety Systems

Depending on the application, containerized electrical rooms may include:

• Fire detection
• Gas detection
• Fire suppression systems
• Emergency shutdown functions
• Fire-rated construction

The required protection level depends on project risk assessment and applicable regulations.

Hazardous Area Applications

Some electrical rooms are installed in areas where flammable gases may exist.

For these applications, additional protection may be required, including:

• Positive pressurization systems
• Hazardous area electrical equipment
• Gas monitoring
• Automatic purge systems

Pressurized electrical rooms can provide a protected environment where standard electrical equipment can operate safely in classified hazardous locations.

Offshore and Industrial Applications

Containerized electrical rooms are commonly used in:

Offshore Oil & Gas

Applications include:

• MCC shelters
• Electrical rooms
• Control cabins
• Instrumentation rooms

Renewable Energy

Examples:

• Wind farm electrical shelters
• Solar power facilities
• Energy storage projects

Industrial Facilities

Examples:

• Mining operations
• Petrochemical plants
• Power generation facilities

Containerized Electrical Room vs Traditional Electrical Building

The main difference is the construction approach.

For projects requiring rapid deployment or remote installation, containerized solutions can provide significant advantages.

TLS Containerized Electrical Room Solutions

TLS Offshore Containers International designs and manufactures customized modular electrical rooms for offshore and industrial applications.

Solutions can be configured for:

• MCC rooms
• Switchgear rooms
• Control rooms
• PLC rooms
• Hazardous area applications
• Offshore lifting requirements

Depending on project requirements, TLS modules can integrate:

• Electrical equipment layouts
• HVAC systems
• Fire protection systems
• Pressurization systems
• Cable management solutions

Each unit is engineered according to the operational environment and customer specifications.

How to Select the Right Containerized Electrical Room?

Before selecting a solution, project teams should confirm:

1. Application 

• MCC room?
• Switchgear room?
• Control room?

2. Installation environment 

• Offshore?
• Onshore?
• Hazardous area?

3. Equipment requirements 

• Heat load
• Power requirements
• Maintenance space

4. Certification requirements 

• DNV 2.7-1
• IEC hazardous area requirements
• Fire protection requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a containerized electrical room the same as an E-House?

Not exactly. Both provide modular electrical infrastructure, but the scope and design requirements depend on the project. Containerized electrical rooms can be customized for specific applications such as MCC, switchgear, and control systems.

Can containerized electrical rooms be used offshore?

Yes. Offshore electrical rooms can be designed with reinforced structures, corrosion protection, and offshore certification requirements when necessary.

Are containerized electrical rooms suitable for hazardous areas?

Yes. When required, they can include pressurization systems and hazardous area protection solutions.

What certifications may be required?

Requirements depend on the project. Common considerations include DNV 2.7-1, EN 12079, IEC hazardous area standards, and client-specific specifications.

Conclusion



A containerized electrical room is a modular solution designed to protect and operate critical electrical systems in demanding industrial environments.

The correct design depends on:

1. Equipment requirements;

2. Installation environment;

3. Safety regulations;

4. Certification requirements.

By combining structural protection, environmental control, and customized equipment integration, containerized electrical rooms provide a flexible approach for offshore and industrial power infrastructure.

TLS Offshore Containers / TLS Energy is a global supplier of standard and customised containerised solutions. 

Wherever you are in the world, TLS can help you. Please contact us.