Using higher voltages to transmit electricity allows the use of what size wire?

Using higher voltages to transmit electricity allows for the use of smaller size wire, which is a fundamental principle in electrical engineering. When voltage increases, the current that flows through the conductor decreases for the same amount of power being transmitted, according to the equation:

Power (P) = Voltage (V) x Current (I).

This means that if the voltage is raised, the amount of current needed for the same power level is reduced. Since the heat generated in a conductor due to electrical resistance is proportional to the square of the current (I²R losses), operating at a higher voltage minimizes these losses. As a result, transmission lines can be made with a smaller cross-sectional area, leading to lighter and more cost-effective infrastructure. This efficiency is critical for long-distance electricity transmission, where reducing the size of the wires can substantially decrease material costs and weight.