A substation is a facility used in electricity transmission and distribution systems to transform voltage from high to low levels or vice versa using transformers. It should be located near load centers and have sufficient land, grounding, maintenance access, and room for expansion. Key equipment in substations include lightning arresters, isolators, instrument transformers, power transformers, circuit breakers, and power line carrier communication. Transformers are used to step voltages up or down for transmission or distribution and come in different types depending on their application and cooling method. Proper earthing of equipment is also important for safety and performance.