What device is used to step down high-voltage electricity for safe residential use?

A transformer is the device used to step down high-voltage electricity for safe residential use. It operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction, allowing it to adjust voltage levels while maintaining power. In a residential setting, high voltage from transmission lines needs to be reduced to a much lower voltage to be suitable for household appliances and equipment, which typically operate at 120V or 240V.

Transformers come in various sizes and configurations, including pole-mounted units and pad-mounted units, which can be found in neighborhood distribution systems. By employing windings with different numbers of coils, the transformer can either increase or decrease the voltage as needed. This ability to manipulate voltage levels is crucial for safety and efficiency in electrical distribution, as it prevents potential hazards associated with high-voltage power directly entering homes.

Other devices listed are specialized for different functions; rectifiers convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), fuses protect electrical circuits from overload by breaking the circuit when excessive current flows, and capacitors store electrical charge and release it when needed, but none of these serve the purpose of stepping down voltage for safe residential power usage like a transformer does.