George Andrews Wrote:
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> The biggest problem with
> DC, quite literally, was the huge cable diameter
> that was required for power transmissions of over
> a few miles.

I switched 115kv in my last 8 years of work and really enjoyed it. Because of this, I
likely paid more attention to transmission lines as I traveled than I would have otherwise.
Right out of Mojave as you head North on the old road, you pass under 2 lines: one is the
traditional 3 phase AC, but the other has only 2 conductors. I learned that this is a DC
line that originates up on the Columbia River and goes all the way South to or near L.A.
where it is changed to 3-phase AC. Can somebody please explain why such a lengthy
transmission line would be built this way when most out West are AC? Thanks for any help.
Getting back to my experience with electrical switching, I should add that I was not an
electrician, but an operator in a refinery. Although we had some classroom on theory,
it was nowhere near what electricians must learn.