How is electricity supplied to houses by the electricity department? How do we distribute it in household circuits?

Electricity is supplied to houses through a well-organized system that involves multiple steps, from generation to distribution. Here’s how it works:

Power Stations: Electricity is generated at power stations (such as coal, hydroelectric, nuclear, or renewable energy plants). These plants convert energy sources (like coal, water, or solar energy) into electrical energy.

Step-up Transformers: Once electricity is generated, it is transmitted over long distances. However, to minimize energy losses during transmission, the voltage of the electricity is increased using step-up transformers. High-voltage transmission (typically between 110 kV to 765 kV) is used for efficient long-distance travel.
Transmission Lines: High-voltage electricity is carried over high-tension transmission lines. These lines run across vast distances, often in the form of overhead lines supported by large towers.

Step-down Transformers: Near your locality, the high-voltage electricity is passed through step-down transformers, which reduce the voltage to a level suitable for use in homes (usually 220-240V in many countries, or 120V in others).
Distribution Lines: Once the voltage is reduced, the electricity travels through distribution lines that are typically seen in your neighborhood—these can be overhead or underground cables.

Service Line: The final link in the chain is the service line that runs from the distribution system to your house. This is usually the line you see connected to your house.
Electric Meter: Before electricity enters your home, it passes through an electric meter that records the amount of electricity you consume (measured in kilowatt-hours, kWh). The meter allows the electricity company to charge you based on consumption.

Once electricity enters your home, it is distributed via a series of electrical components and circuits:

Main Breaker Panel (Distribution Board): The main electricity line enters your home and is connected to the main breaker panel (also called the distribution board). This panel is equipped with circuit breakers or fuses, which protect individual circuits from overloads or short circuits.
Circuit Breakers: These are switches that automatically interrupt the flow of electricity if the current exceeds a safe level. This prevents electrical fires or damage to appliances.
Wiring in the House: From the panel, wires are run throughout the house to different areas, such as:
- Lighting Circuits: Wires connected to light fixtures in various rooms.
- Power Circuits: Wires for heavy appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, or ovens.
- Outlets: Wall sockets (also called power outlets or receptacles) where you can plug in your electrical devices.
Earth (Grounding): The house is also equipped with a grounding system. This ensures that any stray current or leakage from an appliance is safely diverted into the ground, preventing electric shocks.

Neutral wire: Carries current back to the power source and completes the circuit.
Live (or hot) wire: Carries the electrical current to your home from the power supply.
Ground wire: Provides a safe path for current in case of a fault or leakage, helping to prevent electrical hazards.

Once the electricity reaches the electrical outlets, you can use it to power your household appliances, lights, and devices. Appliances convert electrical energy into other forms of energy (such as heat, light, or mechanical work) to perform their functions.

Fuses and Circuit Breakers: Protect the household wiring and appliances from damage due to overload or short circuits by automatically cutting off the supply when necessary.
Electric Meter: Measures your electricity usage for billing purposes.