Voltage distribution from generation?

Question

Can anyone tell me what the voltage distribution and breakdown chart is ie. From generation to distribution to the final consumer

Answer 1

It does vary across the board, but here's some values/classes that I am familiar with: (Note: These are phase-to-phase voltages).

Generator Output (GE Unit) = 13.8KV
Transmission = Typically 69KV to 765KV (includes 138KV, 230KV, and 500KV)

Sub-Transmission = 25KV to 69KV

Distribution = 4KV to 13.8KV (Typically 12.5KV)

Consumer = Depends on the Need
Commercial - Typically 120/208
Light Industrial - 480V
Heavy Industrial - 480V to 12KV
Residential - 120/240V

Answer 2

It varies rather widely around the World, but mostly it's the transformers used to step up the generator voltage for long distance transmission, the breakers and routers used to switch warious generator(s) on and off of the distribution grid, the step down transformers used to reduce the voltage for short distance distribution, and the local transformers used to step the voltage down to the usual 110/220 that is provided to the consumer.


Doug