What voltage is typically used in larger scale transmission lines?

In larger scale transmission lines, high voltage is typically used to efficiently transport electricity over long distances. This is because high voltage reduces the current flowing through the conductors, which in turn minimizes the resistive losses that occur due to the heating effect in electrical conductors.

By operating at high voltage, utilities can transmit power more efficiently, allowing for a significant reduction in the size and cost of the transmission infrastructure, such as wires and supporting structures. High voltage transmission is essential for interconnecting different regions of the electrical grid and enabling the transfer of large amounts of electricity from generation sources, like power plants, to consumers in urban areas.

When considering other voltage classifications, low and medium voltages are generally used for distribution rather than transmission. Extra high voltage could also apply in certain scenarios, particularly for very long-distance transmission or specific grid connections, but high voltage remains the standard for large-scale transmission systems. This context helps in understanding why high voltage is the standard choice for efficiency and effectiveness in power transmission.