After electricity is produced at power plants it has to get to the customers that use the electricity. When electricity travels long distances it is better to have it at higher voltages since the electricity can be transferred more efficiently at high voltages. High voltage transmission lines carry electricity long distances to a substation. Further voltage reductions for commercial and residential customers take place at distribution substations, which connect to the primary distribution network. Industrial and commercial customers with large power demands often receive service directly from the primary distribution system.
Transformers are a crucial link in the electric power distribution system.
Utility transformers are high-voltage distribution transformers typically used by utilities to step down the voltage of electricity going into their customers' buildings. Distribution transformers are one of the most widely used elements in the electric distribution system. They convert electricity from the high voltage levels in utility transmission systems to voltages that can safely be used in businesses and homes. Distribution transformers are either mounted on an overhead pole or on a concrete pad. The conductors are wound around a magnetic core to transform current from one voltage to another.