The
Orrville Power Plant is where electricity is produced, has a "step-up" substations
where voltage is increased to as high as 500,000 volts. Transmission
lines can transport electricity with less loss at higher voltages.
Once the electricity is close to its point of use voltage is reduced through
a series of "step down" transformers. The power is delivered to
major substations where the voltage is dropped to either 138,000 or 69,000
volts. Feeders from each substation will carry 13,800 volts and these lines
distribute electricity to neighborhoods.
Voltage is dropped again at either pad-mounted transformers located on the
ground or pole-mounted transformers. Lines serving the customer are called
secondary lines. The electric meter measures how much electricity you use.
The electric panel distributes the electricity through the wiring in the
house, school, or business and protects against over loaded circuits.
Electricity delivered to individual homes is 120/240 volts. Industry, stores,
schools, hospitals and others have larger transformers and service entrances
and may require different voltages.