Which voltage range is typical for energized transmission lines?

• A. 12 kV to 69 kV
• B. 33 kV to 132 kV
• C. 230 kV to 765 kV
• D. 1 kV to 33 kV

Answer: (C)

High-voltage transmission lines are designed to move large amounts of power over long distances. To keep current low and minimize I^2R losses and voltage drop, they operate at hundreds of kilovolts. In practice, energized transmission lines are typically operated in the range of about 230 kV up to 765 kV. The other ranges are more characteristic of distribution or subtransmission networks that feed local areas rather than long-haul transmission. So, the range 230 kV to 765 kV is the typical energized transmission-line range.