Folsom in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Pushing Electrons
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 20, 2022
1. Pushing Electrons Marker
Successfully transmitting electricity long distance to Sacramento required the use of voltage step up transformers. High voltage Alternating Current travels farther with less loss of power. The first transformers raised the 800 volt output of the generators to 11,000 volts for transmission to Sacramento.
Located on the second floor of the powerhouse, those first transformers used draft air for cooling. However, due to Folsom's hot summers, they tended to overheat. To deal with the heat and meet the increasing demand for electricity, the powerhouse would install increasingly larger oil insulated and water cooled step up transformers.
As transmission voltages increased to 100,000 volts, upgrades included the use of oil circuit breakers that could safely handle high Alternating Current without dangerous arcing. The transformers and oil circuit breakers you see before you today represent the top of the line in powerhouse electricity equipment in the early 1900s.
Erected by California State Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 38° 40.787′ N, 121° 10.607′ W. Marker is in Folsom, California, in Sacramento
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Main Powerhouse (here, next to this marker); Cutting Edge Technology (a few steps from this marker); Lower Powerhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Forebay (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Folsom Hydroelectric Plant (within shouting distance of this marker); An Electrifying Past (within shouting distance of this marker); J. Clifton Toney (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ashland Station (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Folsom.
More about this marker. The marker is located on the grounds of Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park, by the transformers at the entrance to the powerhouse.
Also see . . . Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park (California State Parks). (Submitted on February 24, 2022.)
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 20, 2022
2. Pushing Electrons Marker - wide view, with transformers visible behind the marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 98 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 24, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
