Waukesha Electric Systems keeps the power flowing
The equipment made by Waukesha Electric Systems is generally placed in out-of-the way destinations, and is generally hidden from the public view. However, the company’s systems play a crucial in the lives of most Americans.
Waukesha Electric makes electric transformers, which assists in the transmission of electricity from power plants to relay stations and power lines that take it to homes and businesses across the country.
Waukesha Electric designs and builds transformers, which can either step up or step down electric current. Power plants typically produce electricity at 15,000 volts, but to be transmitted over power lines, electricity must be stepped up to 230,000 to 345,000 volts.
“And at the other end, it’s got to be stepped down several times, winding up at 120 volts,” said Thomas Brockley, president of Waukesha Electric.
Historically, Waukesha Electric’s transformers have been made for the stepping down phase of power transmission. Most of the transformers that Waukesha Electric makes are between 10 and 60 megavolt amperes (MVA), and are generally used in relay stations. At its main manufacturing plant in Waukesha, it is able to make transformers as large as 150 MVA, capable of handling the electricity generated from a wind or solar power plant.
Read more in the latest Made in Milwaukee profile in BizTimes Milwaukee.
