Overhead Power Line - Classification By Operating Voltage

Classification By Operating Voltage

Overhead power transmission lines are classified in the electrical power industry by the range of voltages:

• Low voltage – less than 1000 volts, used for connection between a residential or small commercial customer and the utility.
• Medium Voltage (Distribution) – between 1000 volts (1 kV) and to about 33 kV, used for distribution in urban and rural areas.
• High Voltage (subtransmission less than 100 kV; subtransmission or transmission at voltage such as 115 kV and 138 kV), used for sub-transmission and transmission of bulk quantities of electric power and connection to very large consumers.
• Extra High Voltage (transmission) – over 230 kV, up to about 800 kV, used for long distance, very high power transmission.
• Ultra High Voltage – higher than 800 kV.