Subjects

Careers

Open the App

Subjects

What Do High Voltage Power Lines and Transformers Do?

36

1

user profile picture

Aanya Patel

13/07/2025

Physics

The National Grid (Physics)

1,308

13 Jul 2025

1 page

What Do High Voltage Power Lines and Transformers Do?

The National Grid: High Voltage Transmission and Transformer Efficiency

The... Show more

000
power
Station
Increases
the voltage
25kw
High voltage =
low current
Step-up
transformer
Reduces
Current
Explain how Step-up
ranspormers

The National Grid: Transformers and High Voltage Transmission

The National Grid employs a sophisticated system of transformers and high-voltage transmission lines to efficiently distribute electricity from power stations to consumers. This page explains the key components and principles of this system, focusing on the role of step-up and step-down transformers in managing voltage and current levels.

Highlight: The National Grid uses step-up transformers at power stations to increase voltage and decrease current, which improves transmission efficiency.

Step-Up Transformers at Power Stations

Step-up transformers play a crucial role in the initial stage of power transmission. They increase the voltage from about 25,000V to approximately 132,000V or even 400,000V for long-distance transmission.

Definition: A step-up transformer is a device that increases voltage while decreasing current in an electrical circuit.

The efficiency of step-up transformers is explained as follows:

  1. They increase voltage and decrease current in power cables.
  2. By reducing the current, thermal energy losses through power cables are minimized.
  3. This results in more electrical energy being available for supply to homes, increasing the overall efficiency of the National Grid.

Example: A step-up transformer might increase voltage from 25kV to 400kV while proportionally decreasing the current.

High Voltage Transmission Lines

After the voltage is stepped up, electricity is transmitted through high voltage transmission lines. These lines are designed to minimize power losses during long-distance transmission.

Vocabulary: High voltage transmission lines are thick cables supported by pylons that carry electricity at high voltages over long distances.

The efficiency of high voltage transmission is based on the following principles:

  1. High voltages reduce the current flowing through the transmission lines.
  2. Lower current results in less power dissipation due to the resistance of the cables.
  3. The power loss in transmission lines is calculated using the formula: Power = Current² × Resistance.

Highlight: Thick cables with low resistance are used to further minimize power losses in transmission lines.

Step-Down Transformers for Consumer Use

As electricity approaches consumer areas, step-down transformers are employed to reduce the voltage to safe levels for household and industrial use.

Definition: A step-down transformer decreases voltage while increasing current in an electrical circuit.

The efficiency and safety aspects of step-down transformers are:

  1. They decrease voltage and increase current in power cables near consumer areas.
  2. This makes the electricity safer and more suitable for household use, typically providing 230V AC in the UK.
  3. For industrial consumers with higher power requirements, step-down transformers may provide voltages of 11kV or 33kV.

Example: A step-down transformer might decrease voltage from 400kV to 230V for household use.

Transformer Operation

Both step-up and step-down transformers operate on the same principle:

  1. An AC input creates a changing magnetic field in the primary coil.
  2. This magnetic field is transferred through an iron core.
  3. The changing magnetic field induces a potential difference in the secondary coil.

The number of turns in the primary and secondary coils determines whether the transformer steps up or steps down the voltage.

Highlight: The National Grid's use of transformers and high voltage transmission lines ensures efficient and safe electricity distribution from power stations to consumers.



We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Physics

1,308

13 Jul 2025

1 page

What Do High Voltage Power Lines and Transformers Do?

The National Grid: High Voltage Transmission and Transformer Efficiency

The National Grid efficiently transmits electricity from power stations to consumers using a system of transformers and high-voltage transmission lines. This process involves step-up and step-down transformers to manage voltage and... Show more

000
power
Station
Increases
the voltage
25kw
High voltage =
low current
Step-up
transformer
Reduces
Current
Explain how Step-up
ranspormers

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The National Grid: Transformers and High Voltage Transmission

The National Grid employs a sophisticated system of transformers and high-voltage transmission lines to efficiently distribute electricity from power stations to consumers. This page explains the key components and principles of this system, focusing on the role of step-up and step-down transformers in managing voltage and current levels.

Highlight: The National Grid uses step-up transformers at power stations to increase voltage and decrease current, which improves transmission efficiency.

Step-Up Transformers at Power Stations

Step-up transformers play a crucial role in the initial stage of power transmission. They increase the voltage from about 25,000V to approximately 132,000V or even 400,000V for long-distance transmission.

Definition: A step-up transformer is a device that increases voltage while decreasing current in an electrical circuit.

The efficiency of step-up transformers is explained as follows:

  1. They increase voltage and decrease current in power cables.
  2. By reducing the current, thermal energy losses through power cables are minimized.
  3. This results in more electrical energy being available for supply to homes, increasing the overall efficiency of the National Grid.

Example: A step-up transformer might increase voltage from 25kV to 400kV while proportionally decreasing the current.

High Voltage Transmission Lines

After the voltage is stepped up, electricity is transmitted through high voltage transmission lines. These lines are designed to minimize power losses during long-distance transmission.

Vocabulary: High voltage transmission lines are thick cables supported by pylons that carry electricity at high voltages over long distances.

The efficiency of high voltage transmission is based on the following principles:

  1. High voltages reduce the current flowing through the transmission lines.
  2. Lower current results in less power dissipation due to the resistance of the cables.
  3. The power loss in transmission lines is calculated using the formula: Power = Current² × Resistance.

Highlight: Thick cables with low resistance are used to further minimize power losses in transmission lines.

Step-Down Transformers for Consumer Use

As electricity approaches consumer areas, step-down transformers are employed to reduce the voltage to safe levels for household and industrial use.

Definition: A step-down transformer decreases voltage while increasing current in an electrical circuit.

The efficiency and safety aspects of step-down transformers are:

  1. They decrease voltage and increase current in power cables near consumer areas.
  2. This makes the electricity safer and more suitable for household use, typically providing 230V AC in the UK.
  3. For industrial consumers with higher power requirements, step-down transformers may provide voltages of 11kV or 33kV.

Example: A step-down transformer might decrease voltage from 400kV to 230V for household use.

Transformer Operation

Both step-up and step-down transformers operate on the same principle:

  1. An AC input creates a changing magnetic field in the primary coil.
  2. This magnetic field is transferred through an iron core.
  3. The changing magnetic field induces a potential difference in the secondary coil.

The number of turns in the primary and secondary coils determines whether the transformer steps up or steps down the voltage.

Highlight: The National Grid's use of transformers and high voltage transmission lines ensures efficient and safe electricity distribution from power stations to consumers.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user