The National Grid

• the national grid is a system of cables and transformers linking power stations to consumers
• electrical power is transferred from power stations to consumers using the national grid
• step up transformers are used to increase the potential difference from the power station to the transmission cables then step down transformers are used to decrease to a much lower value, the potential difference for domestic use
• the national gris has very high powers meaning very high currents and voltages
• the current generated by power stations is created than which is requires for homes and other buildings, and so it must be transmitted through a network of wires that travel across the country
• high potential difference means low current )less energy dissipated) for the same power