Phrase guide

Ferranti effect

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

An increase in voltage occurring at the receiving end of a long transmission line, above the voltage at the sending end. This occurs when the line is energized, but there is a very light load or the load is disconnected. The capacitive line charging current produces a voltage drop across the line inductance that is in-phase with the sending end voltages considering the line resistance as negligible.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The Ferranti effect is much more pronounced in underground cables, even in short lengths, because of their high capacitance.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

First observed during the installation of underground cables in Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti's 10,000 volt distribution system in 1887.