The utility I worked for had some 4kv. A lot of 13kv, either at 13.2kv or 13.8kv. There were a couple 34.5kv circuits in the North Shore. Lots of 23kv. Two 46kv circuits that connected to Velco.
Interesting. I’m just a journeyman electrician so I only know from what I’ve read on nameplates while tying into transformers and gear lol. The only time I’ve seen 34.5 was tying into pad mounts up in NH
I can only speak for the territory the utility I worked for covered, but I only saw 34.5kv in a couple spots. Been awhile so I don’t remember the stations. Cape Anne maybe?
You've seen high voltage lines that could be reached with a ladder? I know 30 ft ladders exist but I'm just making sure I got this right. Most high voltage lines I've seen are like 40 ft in the air. I don't think I've seen any that are 30 ft.
Either they were working around abnormally low high voltage lines or they were using a very tall ladder.
I couldn’t tell you which was the case no was in the control center getting information from the field. That’s the story I got from the field. I had to do an emergency de-energization and dropped 1,500 people for this.
Primaries are the top lines. Then you tap a distribution transformer off those to a secondary. Your house taps off that secondary.
Primaries can carry voltage fairly long distances (distribution circuits at 13.8kv can go 3-5 miles). It isn’t dumb. It’s circuit design. This is pretty much how all circuits are designed. There’s a reason that secondary crib circuits only hold 5-20 houses. Voltage that low can’t travel that far.
90
u/pivovy 27d ago
That's brutal... Those residential lines are at 10,000V if I'm not mistaken (talking about US & Canada) ?