# How do transmission lines carry low current but high voltage?

**URL:** <https://forumautomation.com/t/how-do-transmission-lines-carry-low-current-but-high-voltage/12225>\
**Category:** Electrical\
**Tags:** power-sys, interviewquestions\
**Created:** [June 27, 2024, 4:35pm UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/how-do-transmission-lines-carry-low-current-but-high-voltage/12225 "2024-06-27T16:35:17Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![NicholasDeo](https://forumautomation.com/user_avatar/forumautomation.com/nicholasdeo/32/7665_2.png) [@NicholasDeo](https://forumautomation.com/u/NicholasDeo)\
**Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 4:35pm UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/how-do-transmission-lines-carry-low-current-but-high-voltage/12225/1 "2024-06-27T16:35:17Z")

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How do transmission lines carry low current but high voltage?

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**Author:** ![Rabert](https://forumautomation.com/user_avatar/forumautomation.com/rabert/32/6784_2.png) [@Rabert](https://forumautomation.com/u/Rabert)\
**Post date:** [June 28, 2024, 3:18pm UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/how-do-transmission-lines-carry-low-current-but-high-voltage/12225/2 "2024-06-28T15:18:24Z")

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# [color=#CF2E2E]Transmission Lines: High Voltage, Low Current Efficiency[/color]

Transmission lines are intended to efficiently transport electrical power over long distances by utilizing high voltage & low current.

This method reduces energy loss owing to resistance in the conductor. The power (𝑃) delivered through a line is the product of voltage (𝑉) and current (I), represented as

**P=V×I**

For a certain amount of power, increasing the voltage causes a commensurate decrease in current.

Reducing the current considerably reduces power loss in the form of heat, as it is proportional to the square of the current

**P loss**  **​**  **= I**  **2 R**

 

High-voltage transmission lines are therefore more efficient since they can transport enormous volumes of power with far reduced losses.

 

Furthermore, these lines have specialized insulation & support structures to securely withstand the high voltages.

 

This efficiency is critical for transporting electricity from power plants, which are frequently located far from population centers, to consumers in a consistent and cost-effective manner.

 

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