Which technologies are usually considered heavy-current electrical engineering?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

In the field of electrical engineering, the term "heavy-current" refers to applications involving the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power.

Technologies typically categorized under heavy-current electrical engineering include:

  • Power Systems: Infrastructure designed for the large-scale generation and delivery of electricity.1
  • Lighting Systems: Large-scale electric lighting apparatuses.1
  • Power Apparatuses: Various equipment and machinery used to manage or utilize high-level electric currents.1

While this distinction is traditionally based on the comparative strength of the electric current used—contrasting with "light current" electronics—the boundary has become less defined due to modern technical progress. Today, heavy-current systems frequently integrate electronic devices, such as those used in high-voltage power transmission to convert current at levels reaching tens of megawatts, or the use of computers for the regulation and control of interconnected power grids.1