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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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What is the minimum distance allowed between two joints in low voltage cable?

The minimum distance allowed between two joints in low voltage cable typically depends on the specific installation standards and regulations applicable in a region. Generally, it is recommended to maintain a distance of at least 300 mm (about 1 foot) to ensure proper accessibility and to minimize the risk of electrical interference or overheating. Always consult local electrical codes or standards for precise requirements.


What is the instrument called that can change electrical voltage?

Electrical voltage can be changed by a transformer.


Is there a theoretical limit to high voltage?

Theoretically there is no limit to the voltage of an electrical current.


Why does voltage matter?

Voltage is a measure of electrical potential. I understood voltage best when my first semester Electronics professor told the class that voltage is to an electrical circuit as water pressure is to a plumbing "circuit".


Does the voltage between two points in a circuit decrease or increase when the electric field in the circuit increase?

When the electric field in a circuit increases, the voltage between two points typically increases as well. This is because voltage is directly related to the electric field and the distance between the points, following the relationship ( V = E \cdot d ), where ( V ) is voltage, ( E ) is the electric field strength, and ( d ) is the distance. Thus, an increase in the electric field generally results in a higher voltage across the same distance.

Related Questions

How is electricity transmitted over large distances?

Via a height voltage electrical grid.


What is the purpose of a step-up transformer in electrical systems?

A step-up transformer is used in electrical systems to increase the voltage of the electricity being transmitted. This is done to reduce energy loss during long-distance transmission and to efficiently distribute power to areas that require higher voltage levels.


Does voltage change with distance?

Voltage drop occurs with distance in electrical circuits due to resistance in the conductors. The longer the distance, the higher the resistance, causing a drop in voltage. This can affect the performance of electrical systems if the voltage drop is significant.


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.


What is the relationship between the voltage in a ring transformer and its functionality in an electrical system?

The voltage in a ring transformer directly affects its ability to efficiently transfer electrical power in an electrical system. Higher voltage allows for more power to be transmitted over longer distances with less energy loss. Conversely, lower voltage may limit the transformer's capacity and efficiency in the system.


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.


What is electrical pressure?

Electro motive force = EMF = Voltage.


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.


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 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 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.


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.