The Flow of Electricity NOTE: Not all illustrations are to scale. 4

5 Guy Wire Disconnect Switch Two-Phase Lateral 2

Neutral Wire

1

Transformer 3 Riser Riser

4 Underground Main Line 6 Pad-Mounted Transformer Underground Main Line

1 2 3 4 5 6

NEIGHBORHOOD POWER PLANT TRANSMISSION LINE SUBSTATION MAIN POWER LINE (FEEDER) TRANSFORMER POWER LINE (LATERAL)

A power plant is where electricity is produced. Most A transmission line carries A substation is where incoming high-voltage A feeder, or main power line, carries electricity from A lateral, or neighborhood power line, is usually A transformer converts higher-voltage plants use boilers or other equipment to convert fuel to high-voltage electricity from a electricity from the transmission line is reduced the substation to an FPL local/regional service area. a smaller wire that carries electricity from a electricity to a reduced voltage for energy. The energy is used to turn a turbine, which then power plant to substations. — by step-down transformers — to a lower These power lines are usually along major roads and feeder line to local neighborhoods in an FPL customer use. It is mounted overhead on spins the generator motor to produce electricity. The fuel voltage suitable for distributing power via thoroughfares. A primary feeder typically consists of service area. Lateral lines can be one, two or a utility pole, at ground level on a concrete of choice is primarily natural gas, although it may also be feeder lines. three individual–phase wires and one neutral grounded three phases and a neutral, and they are either pad or inside the customer’s building. nuclear, oil or renewable resources, such as solar. wire. These are buried underground or strung overhead. buried underground or strung overhead. The Pad-mounted transformers are usually Disconnect switches are used to de-energize sections of neutral wire is a conductor that enables FPL to green in color. the line for maintenance or repairs without disrupting maintain a safe, effectively grounded system as service for customers outside the work area. required by the National Electric Safety Code.

Weatherhead

Lateral Line Service Line from Transformer to Customer Lateral Line

Meter Can Neutral Wire

7 Service Mast

8 Overhead Transformer 11 Riser

9

Electric Meter 13

10 Line to Downpipe 12 Meter Pad-Mounted Transformer Handhole Underground Main Line to Transformer

Line to Other Customers 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

SERVICE LINE OVERHEAD SERVICE METER CAN & METER UNDERGROUND SERVICE RISER HANDHOLE EQUIPMENT OWNERSHIP

The service line is the electrical For a customer with overhead service, wires from the power line The meter can is a metal box that is A customer with underground service A riser is a conduit that channels A handhole is a below-grade The electric meter is the property of FPL. The meter can, connection between FPL and pass through the service mast and connect to the meter can. The the point where electric service enters receives electricity through a downpipe. electric wires safely from overhead enclosure near a pad-mounted service mast, weatherhead and downpipe all belong to the the customer’s home or business. weatherhead is a curved section of pipe that prevents water from the customer’s home or business. The The downpipe contains the wires that equipment to underground power transformer that is used to connect residential or business property owner, who typically is Customers receive electricity from entering the service mast and meter can. electric meter is attached to the meter connect the underground power line to line connections. underground service cables. In responsible for maintaining and repairing or replacing them if either overhead or underground can and registers how much energy the meter can. nearly all cases, FPL owns the they are in poor condition. Business customers also own – and service connections. the customer uses. The meter can cables that connect residential are responsible for maintaining – the underground cables that typically is attached to an exterior wall customers to FPL service, while connect their facilities to FPL service. Do not attempt to make of the home or building. business customers own the cables any repairs yourself. Use only a licensed electrician to inspect that connect their facilities. the pipes and wiring and make any necessary repairs.