virranjakojärjestelmä

A virranjakojärjestelmä, often translated as a power distribution system or electrical distribution system, is the part of an electrical grid that takes electricity from the transmission system and delivers it to consumers. It operates at lower voltages than the high-voltage transmission lines. The primary function of a virranjakojärjestelmä is to step down voltages from the transmission level to usable levels for homes, businesses, and industries.

This system typically begins with substations where transformers reduce the high transmission voltages to medium voltages. From these substations, underground cables or overhead power lines carry the electricity to local areas. Within these areas, further step-down transformers, often seen on utility poles or in smaller transformer cabinets, reduce the medium voltage to the final service voltage required by end-users, such as 230V or 400V in many residential and commercial settings.

A well-designed virranjakojärjestelmä ensures reliable and safe delivery of electricity. It includes protective devices like circuit breakers and fuses to prevent damage from overloads or short circuits and to protect consumers. The network is typically branched, allowing for redundancy and the isolation of faults to minimize power outages. Maintaining and upgrading these systems is crucial for the stability of the overall electricity supply.