Book 22, Question 122
What Is That Gray Can on the Power Pole?
Have you ever noticed a gray can on a power pole? It is not a trash can or a light. It does a very important job! A transformer has no moving parts.
More fun facts
- The gray can on a power pole is a transformer.
- It changes the higher voltage on the distribution line to the 120 volts and 240 volts used in homes and farms.
- Inside, electric current in one coil of wire makes a strong magnetic field in a steel core.
- That magnetic field makes current flow in a second, separate coil.
- The secret to changing the voltage is the number of turns of wire in each coil.
- A transformer fed 7,200 volts with 1,200 turns on one coil and 40 turns on the other puts out 240 volts.
Sources: MSU
Questions kids ask
What voltages does a home get from the pole transformer?
Homes get 120 volts and 240 volts from the transformer.