Utility Distribution System (UDS) and why you need one

Your cook line looks incredible. Immaculate. The stainless steel shines. But what about behind it?

Countless wires contort around each other. Grime builds up as it's hard to get back there and clean. Any time service work needs to get done, it takes the agent an extra $100 worth of time to unwind everything and understand where gas, water, and electrical lines are going. The install took a week-maybe more-as they had to work in all the lines required for that brand new line up.

Then came the day where the menu changed, or you found you maxed out the current capacity of your line up. You need to switch equipment to something different, or something requiring more power. That's an expensive shift on the utilities.

What if there was another way?

Utility Distribution Systems can give you solutions to these issues.

What is a UDS?

A Utility Distribution System (UDS) is an efficient way to bring the required utilities such as electricity, gas, stream, and water to your equipment.

Traditional UDS is either wall mounted, where your line up is up against a wall, or as an island, when your line up is in the middle of the kitchen.

Non-traditional UDS can consist of overhanging power outlets, an electrical pole to give more connection options in a small space, and other creative ways to get utilities from point A to point B.

Why a UDS?

1. The lines are already set up at a fraction of the cost. The factory places all of the lines in a UDS so when it arrives, install consists of mounting the system and making the connections. Install takes a day instead of a week. For non-traditional systems, it can provide a way to bring in electricity without ripping up floors.

2. Easy to Clean. With all of the incoming lines hidden behind stainless steel panels, it's much easier to clean. This helps with the health inspector and any guests who can see your kitchen in an open concept setting. Also makes it faster for employees to clean.

3. Safety. If anything goes wrong and you need to cut power quick, there's one button to shut down the whole line up. All of your utilities are protected.

4. Easy to change up. In most cases, UDS make it easy to switch up utilities. New panels can be bought and installed at a fraction of the cost of bringing in new utilities to account for new equipment. Some UDS do sacrifice this mobility for price, but even then, it's not overly difficult to switch up.

5. Service costs. It's easier for service agents to work with the utilities as the connection is easier to access.

Why Avtec by Unified Brands?

Avtec is a leader in the field of UDS. The line up has enough flexibility so you can pick your UDS based on cost and function.

E Series

Using copper bars allows for a great deal of flexibility with electric, including high amp load. It does mean the chase is wider and the UDS is more expensive. The extra width does allow for direct steam piping.

M Series

Cables are used instead of copper bars, taking down the cost. It provides up to 150 amp service, though preferably 125 amps. Outlets are on the same panel as breakers, making it easy to shift around equipment in the future. It has a thinner profile.

R Series

Cost minded option. Still a great deal of flexibility in the set up, but harder to shift around once in place. Great for hospitals and K12 which will usually keep the same line up or at least equipment, for a long time.

If you need more information, we would love to give a detailed run down of the UDS and which option would be best for your operation.