| Voltage Explained |
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Electricity (a flow of minute particles of electrons) is generated at power stations and transmitted to regional substations located throughout the land, from where it is distributed to our homes. For electricity to be able to travel these long distances, it requires pressure to give it enough 'push'. This pressure in electrical terms is known as voltage, which is measured in volts.
Voltage could be likened to the pressure of water. As an example; if a tank of water had an outlet at the top, just below the water level, the water would only trickle out and run down the side of the tank because of not having much pressure at that point. When located at the bottom, the same outlet would produce a strong jet of water that would travel some distance away from the tank due to the weight of water producing pressure. |
 If a long pipe was connected to the bottom outlet and the tank raised to a higher level, this pressure would be increase further. Voltage is increased to a very high level by means of transformers, called; 'Step-up' transformers which enables electricity to travel the long distances from the power stations.
Before electricity can be used for domestic purposes, the high voltage needs to be reduced, but it still needs pressure so that it can be carried around all the appliances within the home. For the purpose of home electrics, the voltage measurement for UK is 230 volts. |
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