A substation is a facility in the electrical power system where voltage is transformed and power is switched or redistributed. It is a critical junction point in the electricity grid. Functions of substations include:
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Voltage transformation - step voltage up or down using transformers.
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Switching and routing - disconnect or reroute power flows using circuit breakers and switches, allowing utilities to isolate problems, perform maintenance, or redirect electricity around outages.
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Protection - housing equipment that protects the grid from faults, surges, and overload.