The record-union., 1895-07-15

electricians call "the potential" the less
the size of the wire.
Now the voltage or pressure at the
power house at Folsom is Il, 900 volts, or
100 times greater than that necessary for a
strong electric lamp, consequently only
a small wire is needed to bring the cur
rent from Folsom, and hence the possi-
bility OF carrying the power long dis
tance. The wires used between here and
Folsom, twelve in number, are of pure
copper, and are One-quarter inch in diam
eter.
The turbines being moved by the water
led from the canal into them. operate the
dynamos or generators that are directly
connected with them, the distance being
connection is a decided advantage, and
saves great deal as against long
shafting or betting with its weight and
spring. The electricity generated in the
dynamo, or generator, passes out upon
the wires, of which there is a quadruple
system strung between here and Folsom.
Arrived at the sub-station III Sacra-
mento the current passes from the wire
into the transformer. which reduces the
potential and renders it capable Of being
more easily handled, whereas in its Origi-
nal vigor it is a dangerous agent to deal
with. The transformer consists Of pairs
OF wire coils, sitting side by side,
and inclosed in iron. The passage OF the
current from one coil to the other mag
natiZeS the iron and reduces the pressure
to one OF low from one of high power. 1t
may be compared to two pumps, one of
high pressure carrying small volume of
water, and used TO drive another pump
having a large volume Of wafer, but of
small pressure.
From the transformers the wires lead
direct to their uses. Thus, if one wishes
n n % ~ oh x.,f Il
rect from the transformer goes to the
motor, and precisely as much power can
! be fed on as is desired to the capacity of
the motor. So, too, directly from the
transformers the wires lead to the incan-
descent lamps that may be supplied.
Transformers can be put in anywhere be-
tween here and Folsom, so that the
country can have electric power and light
also.
Those who visit the sub-station on II
street must not imagine that all the ma
chinery in sight is there for the operation
of motors and electric lamps On the
contrary the transformers referred to,
from which power Is sent out ami cnrrent
for electric lighting. are locked up in
room in the north corner of the machinery
hall and are not to be seen, because it is
| necessary to keep them where they can
not be touched.
station is used for arc lighting and for
operation of the electric street cars. What
IS seen IN the sub-station Is, at the north
end, a 350-horse power motor. which runs
In perfect harmony with similar one at
Folsom. They move exactly together,
the motion of one being that of the other,
as ii they were geared together, TOR the
one gets its energy from the other.
From this motor there runs southwark
a long line of shafting, with belt wheels.
from which are operated three generators
that are used for street raj. way power.
In the middle of the floor is to be seen
small dynamo that Is known as the ex-
citant IL is also beIted to the main shaft.
When complete there Will be three OF the
great motors and several more gener-
ators, one of which will be that now at
the box factory on Front street and that
has so long served the street ears.
On the west wall of the building are TO
be seen two switchboards. One is OF
marble and is some twelve feet high and
fifteen feet long. The other is an iron
frame. on the switch boards is an elab-
orate system of indicators, measurement
machines or meters, and handles of metal
with the hand-grip of wood insulated,
by which the several circuits are cut off
or connected and the power thrown off
or on the great motor. There is also
large number of delicate and elaborate
devices on these switch boards, the uses
of which it is not necessary TO explain
and which cannot be clearly described.
Concerning the reduction III power cost
that the electric system Will effect, Mr..
Blackw well is of the opinion that it will
not be more than half the cost OF steam
horsepower, certainly not much over
half.