The National Grid

• National Grid


  A system of transformers and high-voltage cables that connects power stations to homes
• Electricity has to get from the power stations to around 25 million homes in the UK
• Energy is always lost in the power cables due to the resistance of the wires
• The greater the distance between the power station and the homes, the greater the energy loss
• Distributing electricity through the National Grid

  1. Electricity from power station passes through step-up transformers

  2. Potential difference increased to several hundred thousand volts

  3. Electricity passes through high-voltage cables

  4. Electricity passes through step-down transformers

  5. Potential difference reduced to around 230 volts

  6. Electricity passed into homes
• Step-up transformers


  Increase the potential difference, which reduces energy loss in transmission cables
• Step-down transformers


  Reduce the potential difference before the electricity passes to homes