Over the last decade, the need to power larger volumes of equipment and data has grown across many industries. Existing structures need to be able to support more equipment than their current distribution systems can handle. Technical buildings known as electrical houses, commonly called E-Houses, were introduced to address these demands.

Industries like oil and gas and wind have been major catalysts for the demand for E-Houses designed to withstand the marine environment. As industries have grown in technological sophistication and size, so have their power and distribution equipment needs. This article will discuss what an electrical house is and how Armoda’s customized modules can operate in the harsh marine environment.  

Electrical House (E-house) 

An electrical house, or e-house or electrical equipment house, is a prefabricated technical building designed to house and protect electrical equipment and components necessary for various industrial applications. E-houses typically house low voltage and medium voltage switchgear, transformers, and other equipment for power distribution. 

Challenges and Considerations for Marine Environments

Designing e-houses for marine environments presents unique maintenance challenges. The marine environment is characterized by salty sea spray, humidity, and extreme weather conditions, all requiring a specific selection of equipment, design, and materials. Electrical equipment in marine environments must be designed to withstand these harsh conditions, including using stainless steel, non-metallic materials, and severe-service coatings.

One of the primary challenges is corrosion. Saltwater's corrosive nature can wreak havoc on electrical components and connections. Exposure to moisture can lead to equipment deterioration and potential system failure. This type of corrosion is why selecting the correct equipment ensures a long, productive operational life.   

Moisture and humidity are also significant concerns for equipment not directly in contact with the saltwater. Electrical systems must be designed to prevent moisture ingress, which can lead to short circuits and electrical failures. This concern includes the use of waterproof and corrosion-resistant connectors and cabling. Proper grounding and bonding are essential to prevent electrical shocks and ensure the safety of personnel.

Another challenge is the constant motion and vibration experienced in marine environments. The physical movements of ships and platforms can cause electrical connections and components to wear and fatigue. Robust and flexible materials must be used to prevent this type of wear and tear. Additionally, the confined spaces common on vessels and platforms require systems to be compact and efficient without sacrificing safety or functionality.

Benefits of E-Houses in Marine Environments

Unlike traditional power distribution stations housed in brick-and-mortar facilities or within existing structures, e-houses are technical buildings constructed as prefabricated units designed to be quickly and easily deployed to meet the demands of a wide range of projects. Each e-house is a self-contained unit housing all the necessary equipment. Its construction is typically based on standard container module sizes ranging from 20 feet to 40 feet long, though units can be custom-sized for projects if required. 

The modular design of the e-house provides it with key benefits over the traditionally built solutions. These include rapid deployment, cost-efficiency, portability, and expandability. For the marine environment, a key benefit is that modules are manufactured to meet the stringent certification standards for vessels and offshore facilities, like ABS/USCG, DNV, SOLAS, IMO, and more. Building to these standards ensures that each e-house can operate in the harsh marine environment.  

Each e-house is built to address the project's specific electrical specifications and environmental concerns. Armoda works closely with our customers to ensure that each e-house is ready to meet their project’s specific needs. Our engineers incorporate customer-specific equipment and provide guidance on material specifications to ensure optimal performance and compliance with industry regulations. This tailored approach guarantees that each e-house functions effectively and enhances safety and reliability in challenging marine conditions.


Electrical houses provide a unique solution for housing and protecting critical electrical infrastructure. They benefit projects in areas with difficult access and harsh environments like the marine environment. If you are looking for an electrical house for your next project, contact Armoda today. As a leader in manufacturing technical buildings, Armoda has the engineering, design, and manufacturing expertise to provide the right e-house for your project’s requirements.