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The heating losses in a conductor of resistance R, with current I, are I2 x R. So if you are transmitting power, it is always best to keep the current as low as possible, and this is done by making the voltage high. To keep the size of the wires reasonable, both because of cost and weight, voltage is stepped up to hundreds of kilovolts. I'm not sure what US practice is, but in the UK long distance lines run at 400 KV. This requires large step up Transformers at the power station and at the other end, to step voltage down to useable levels.

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15y ago
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12y ago

Usually long distances employ HVDC transmission.In AC IT IS 763KW.

in dc it is 600kw

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It depends on the national standards used in the country where the transmission lines are located. In the UK, for example, the nominal line voltages for a.c. transmission voltages are 400 kV, 275 kV, and 132 kV. High-voltage distribution voltages are 66 kV, 33 kV, and 11 kV.

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12y ago

Because the current is lower, for a given amount of power, therefore the wires used can be thinner. This means that less copper or aluminium has to be used, and if the power is transmitted on overhead power lines, the support towers can be lighter and less expensive.

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12y ago

Higher the voltage lower the amps. Lower the amps smaller the wire size.

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7y ago

Electric power that's generated within the confines of a plant is often referred to as "on-site" power. Select all the choices that represent sources of on-site power.

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Q: Why is electrical power generally transmitted over long distance at high voltage?
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Related questions

How is electricity transmitted over large distances?

Via a height voltage electrical grid.


What is electrical pressure?

Electro motive force = EMF = Voltage.


Why is electricity transmitted at 400 000 volts?

Electricity is transmitted at a high voltage of 400000 volts so that it may be able to travel for a long distance.


Why is electric current produced by power plants is transmitted as alternating current?

Because AC allows the power to be transmitted over distance at high voltage and then transformed down for the users.


Does electrical current increase as voltage increases?

Electrical current generally increases as voltage increases due to a need for increased capacity. This is directly controlled from the transmission side but varies based on the overall load.


Is voltage electrical pressure?

Yes. If you compare the effect water pressure has on flow rates and from an open tap, more pressure allows more water to flow out of and away from the source. In electrical circuitry, an increase in voltage - say from a battery - will in most cases enable a larger current to flow around the circuit that the battery is connected to. Voltage can be seen as the pressure force pushing another quantity around the loop and that quantity is electrical current . Electrical pressure and the quantity of electricity transmitted can be considered analogous to water flowing in pipes. Electrical pressure is called voltage: the longer the distances, the higher is the pressure (voltage) required to pump the current. That is why, for long distance transmission, high pressure (voltage here) is required, failing which, the power will not reach the destined end. It will dissipate on the way. <><><> We can think of electrical current as the quantity of electricity which will be drawn from the pipeline (= cables for electricity) at the pressure (= voltage) required.


What happens to the electrical energy when power is transmitted through long distances?

Because wires are not perfect conductors, energy is released as heat. This is why electricity is transmitted at very high voltage and low current to reduce energy loss.


Is Voltage electricity?

Yes. If you compare the effect water pressure has on flow rates and from an open tap, more pressure allows more water to flow out of and away from the source. In electrical circuitry, an increase in voltage - say from a battery - will in most cases enable a larger current to flow around the circuit that the battery is connected to. Voltage can be seen as the pressure force pushing another quantity around the loop and that quantity is electrical current . Electrical pressure and the quantity of electricity transmitted can be considered analogous to water flowing in pipes. Electrical pressure is called voltage: the longer the distances, the higher is the pressure (voltage) required to pump the current. That is why, for long distance transmission, high pressure (voltage here) is required, failing which, the power will not reach the destined end. It will dissipate on the way. <><><> We can think of electrical current as the quantity of electricity which will be drawn from the pipeline (= cables for electricity) at the pressure (= voltage) required.


What is high voltage electrical field?

Two plates with a voltage between them have an electric field in the space between them equal to the voltage divided by the distance. A single sphere at a high voltage has an electric field round it that decreases with distance. High voltage components have a strong electric field round them, and this can be dangerous, so it is usual to specify the maximum acceptable field and set a safe distance for people on that basis.


Why is it electrical power is normally transmitted at high voltage?

Simplistically Power is Voltage times Current. Sending at domestic voltage requires much more current to be sent for the same power and therefore much thicker wires, heavier equipment and more repeater transformers as over distance the resistance of the wires and switches would cause the voltage to fall quickly below domestic. For the same power delivery, sending at higher voltages requires less current, lighter wires, and voltage losses over distance are more easily managed so much less equipment is required.


What is the name of the electrical pressure that causes current to flow in a circuit?

Electrical pressure is called "electro-motive force" (EMF). It is measured in volts. Pressure and the quantity of electricity transmitted can be considered analogous to pressure and quantity of water flowing in pipes: the longer the distance, the higher is the pressure (called the "voltage" for electricity) that is necessary to pump the flow of water (called the "flow of electrical charge, which is also known as the "electric current"). That is why, for long distance transmission, high pressure (voltage for electricity) is required, failing which, the current - and therefore the power - will not reach the intended destination. Instead, it will be lost (also called "dissipate") along the way. We can think of electrical current as the quantity of electricity which will be drawn from the pipeline (= cables for electricity) at the pressure (= voltage) required.


How electrical power is transmitted from power plan to the consumer?

electrical power from the power plant to consumer goes through the transmission & distribution system, first we transmit the high voltage power from the power plant to sub station in sub station we step down the voltage according to need & distribute it to the demand.