Transformers located at distribution substations and on distribution poles step voltage in which direction?

• A. Up
• B. Down
• C. Stay the same
• D. Fluctuate

Answer: (B)

In distribution systems, the goal is to deliver voltage levels that are safe for customers and compatible with equipment. Transformers located at substations and on distribution poles are used to reduce the higher transmission voltages down to the lower distribution voltages used by homes and businesses. This downward change is achieved through the transformer’s turns ratio: more turns on the primary (high-voltage side) than on the secondary (lower-voltage side) means the output voltage is lower than the input. Energy transfer keeps power roughly constant, so the current on the lower-voltage side increases as voltage decreases.

So the direction of voltage change in these transformers is down, bringing high transmission voltage down to usable distribution levels. The other options don’t fit because raising voltage isn’t how distribution transformers serve end users, keeping voltage the same wouldn’t supply usable power, and fluctuating voltage would be unsafe and unreliable.