What Are the Common Distribution Voltage Levels?
Quick answer — Distribution voltage levels vary by the grid and country, but common medium-voltage (MV) classes are 11 kV, 13.8 kV, 22 kV, 33 kV and 34.5 kV, stepping down to a low voltage (LV) for end use, usually 400/230 V in Europe and 480/277 V or 208/120 V in North America. The MV/LV distribution transformer is the most numerous in the grid.
What voltage levels are used for distribution?
MV distribution
Typical MV classes: 11 kV and 33 kV (UK and much of the Commonwealth), 13.8 kV and 34.5 kV (North America), 20 kV (Continental Europe), 22 kV (Asia and elsewhere). The distribution transformer steps these down.
LV at the customer
European and much of the world LV is 400/230 V (three-phase/four-wire); North America uses 480/277 V and 208/120 V, with many single-phase 120/240 V services.
Why it matters
The number and size of MV/LV distribution transformers depends on the voltage class and the load density; the choice affects the losses, the footprint and the cost of distribution.
References & standards
- IEC 60076-1
- IEEE C57.12.00
Related
Related manufacturers
Prolec GE (GE Vernova) · Eaton · Virginia Transformer Corp · Delta Star · WEG Transformers USA · LS Electric America
Related components
Technical content is prepared from engineering references, standards frameworks, manufacturer documentation and industry sources. Contractual or compliance decisions should refer to current official standards. TransformerPath Technical Editorial.
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