Switchyards

A switchyard transmits electricity from a power plant into large transmission lines. Just as railroad switchyards direct trains onto the right tracks, electric switchyards direct electricity onto the right transmission lines for distribution.

Switchyard equipment is extremely dangerous. Switchyards are filled with transformers, circuit breakers, switches, and other high-voltage equipment. Here, electricity is raised to very high voltages in order to be moved efficiently across great distances. The high-voltage equipment poses many dangers, including electrocution, explosions, and release of oil.