A famous picture of Nicolas Tesla and his high energy power system is an example of using transformers in creative ways. The Tesla coil is a high frequency transformer that creates ultra high voltages.

A Tesla coil design is shown below. Notice the components of the primary and secondary. The voltages generated (1,000,000 volts) is enough to produce lightening.

POWER TRANSFORMERS

The large lines we see that deliver electricity to communities come in at 345,000 volts. Stations convert this voltage to 13,800 volts.

You’ve seen these big cans on the top of telephone poles. These are transformers that convert power line voltages of 13,800 volts to 440, 220, 120 volts for commercial and home use.

PLEASE RESPOND: Why do you think power companies transmit electricity in such high voltages only to step it down when it reaches your home?

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