Power stationsPower stations generate electric current in very large quantities for supply to the national grid. are usually found near coasts and rivers - often a long way away from towns and cities. Power stations use generatorsA machine that causes an electric current to flow in wires by taking energy as movement and transferring it to energy as moving charge. to produce high voltagesA measure of the energy of the electric charges in a circuit.. These high voltages cause electricity to flow through wires that are connected to a network of overhead linesThick electric cables that carry electricity from where it is generated to where it is used. (which we call the distribution system). These power lines criss-cross the country carrying the electricity to where it's needed. There are lots of uses: powering trains and factories, our homes, schools and community buildings and for lighting our streets.
Sometimes electricity travels along overhead lines carried on pylonsA tall metal tower that carries very high voltage power lines. high above the ground, sometimes, the power lines are buried under the ground - especially near towns and cities.
To produce the high voltages needed, the pass the electricity through a substationSubstations are an important part of the national grid. They contain transformers which increase or decrease the voltage of an electric current. Substations are very dangerous if you try to tamper with them or vandalise them. Do not enter a substation for any reason - it is against the law and you could be electrocuted. which increases the voltage of the electric current. Then, along its journey, and near to where the electricity is to be used, more substations are used to reduce the voltage so the electric currentElectric current is a flow of electric charges (electrons). can be used safely.
At various places along the Electric Journey you might see the danger of death sign, which warns us to keep away from the electrical equipment. The sign is there for a reason - do not play near these places as the danger of death is very real.
Take the Electric Journey
How does electricity get to your home?
