Why are the electric power transmission distribution voltage of only 11KV, 33KV, 66KV, and 132KV? Just why are they multiples of 11? Why not 10, 30, 60, 120? Let’s find the explanation.
Many say the idea is that the form factor is 1.11, the voltage pattern is like that.
Study smarter with VoltageLab
Built for electricians, apprentices, and electrical engineers who want faster practice and better exam prep.
⭐️ Join thousands of electricians upgrading their skills
- 10 × 1.11 = 11.1
- 30 × 1.11 = 33.3
- 60 × 1.11 = 66.6
- 120 × 1.11 = 133.2
In reality this idea is not correct because multiplying 120 volts by 1.11 does not give 132 KV.
Again, the form factor is the ratio of RMS & the Average value. There is no point in multiplying it. So, which one is right?
Let me give you an example before that. Suppose, you got a contract to send 500 mangoes from Rajshahi to Chittagong. Then will you send only 500 mangoes along? Of course not.
Because there may be snatching on the way or the mango may rot. So, they keep some backup. They provide 50 extra mangoes. Similarly, power transmission/distribution companies send 10% more voltage than the actual voltage. Because they know very well that there will be system loss along the way.

Now let’s calculate,
- 10 + 10 × 10% = 11 KV
- 30 + 30 × 10% = 33 KV
- 60 + 60 × 10% = 66 KV
- 120 + 120 × 10% = 132 KV
Now, many people are wondering why electric power transmission distribution voltage is only calculated using 10, 30, 60, 120?
Generating & distribution stations in our country mainly generate this voltage. The latter transmits the said voltages along with the back-up. Yes, it may be a little less. However, this calculation is on average.
FREE PRACTICE TOOL
Think you'd pass this on a real exam?
Test what you just read with instant-feedback quizzes built around real code questions — not generic trivia.
5
Code standards
10,000+
Active learners
100%
Free to start
Instant explanations on every answer, right or wrong
NEC, BS7671, AS/NZS, CEC, and DIN VDE covered
Bite-sized quizzes you can finish in 5 minutes
No signup required to try your first quiz
No account needed · Takes less than 2 minutes
Check More Articles:
- Common Misconceptions about Electricity and its solution
- What does mAh mean in a battery? Mystery about mAh marked in a battery
- Direction of current flow and electron flow | Why are they opposite to each other?
FREE PRACTICE TOOL
Think you'd pass this on a real exam?
Test what you just read with instant-feedback quizzes built around real code questions — not generic trivia.
5
Code standards
10,000+
Active learners
100%
Free to start
Instant explanations on every answer, right or wrong
NEC, BS7671, AS/NZS, CEC, and DIN VDE covered
Bite-sized quizzes you can finish in 5 minutes
No signup required to try your first quiz
No account needed · Takes less than 2 minutes
