The voltage in a substation varies depending on its function within the electrical network. Substations handle different voltage levels, including high voltage transmission voltages (ranging from 69 kV to 765 kV or more) and lower distribution voltages (ranging from 4 kV to 34.5 kV). Exact voltage levels depend on the specific type of substation and its location in the electrical system.
A substation generally has several voltage levels. High-voltage substations receive high-voltage electricity from transmission lines and reduce it to lower voltages for distribution.
Primary voltage levels for transmission can range from 69 kV to 765 kV, while secondary voltage levels for distribution are typically between 4 kV and 34.5 kV. The substation thus adapts to different voltages to serve different parts of the electricity network.
In a substation, electricity undergoes several processes. It is received at high voltage from transmission lines and passes through transformers to reduce the voltage to levels suitable for distribution. The electricity is then directed to switches and circuit breakers to manage and control the flow.
Substations also perform functions such as fault isolation and power regulation to maintain grid stability and reliability.
The voltage on a utility pole typically ranges from 4 kV to 34.5 kV, depending on its position in the power distribution network. Low-voltage distribution lines on utility poles typically carry voltages between 120 V and 240 V for residential use, while high-voltage lines (such as 7.2 kV to 12 kV) are used to distribute power.
electricity to various areas before reducing it further for end use.
A substation is not a transformer itself but includes transformers as one of its key components. A substation is a facility that houses multiple electrical devices, including transformers, circuit breakers, switches and other equipment, to manage and control the flow of electricity. The transformers in a substation perform the specific function of adjusting voltage levels, while the substation as a whole facilitates the distribution and control of electrical energy on the network.