High voltage
High voltage refers to an electric potential large enough to cause injury or damage. In electrical engineering, the term is used to describe voltages above a certain threshold where special safety measures are required to handle, install, and maintain the equipment.
Definition[edit | edit source]
The definition of high voltage varies between different regulatory bodies, but it is generally considered to be a voltage higher than 1,000 volts in most applications. In power transmission, high voltage is used to reduce energy losses during long-distance transmission. High voltage is also used in industrial applications, such as in the operation of cathode ray tubes, X-ray machines, and for certain industrial processes.
Generation[edit | edit source]
High voltage can be generated using electrostatic generators, such as the Van de Graaff generator, or by electromagnetic means through transformers. In power stations, alternators or generators produce electricity at a relatively low voltage, which is then stepped up by transformers for transmission over long distances.
Transmission[edit | edit source]
Electric power transmission systems use high voltage to transport electricity from power plants to substations, and then to consumers. The use of high voltage allows for the transmission of more power over longer distances with smaller conductor sizes, reducing losses and improving efficiency.
Safety[edit | edit source]
Handling high voltage requires strict safety precautions to prevent electric shock, Arc flash, and other hazards. Safety measures include the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and insulating mats, and adherence to safety protocols and standards. Training and certification are often required for personnel working with high voltage systems.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Beyond power transmission, high voltage is used in various applications, including:
- Electron microscopes, which use high voltage to accelerate electrons to create high-resolution images.
- Particle accelerators, where high voltage is used to accelerate particles to high speeds for research in physics.
- Medical devices, such as X-ray machines, which use high voltage to generate X-rays for diagnostic imaging.
See also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
