What do potential transformers primarily accomplish?

Potential transformers play a critical role in electrical systems by stepping down high voltages to lower levels suitable for measurement and protection. This process allows for accurate voltage readings, enabling monitoring and control of electrical systems while ensuring safety for personnel and equipment.

By providing a proportionate reduced voltage output, these transformers allow meters and protective relays to function correctly without being subjected to the potentially damaging high voltages present in the system. This capability ensures that equipment can operate effectively within safe voltage ranges, facilitating precise measurements and timely responses to any electrical faults or abnormalities.

The other options relate to different functionalities that are not within the scope of potential transformers. Generating electricity from renewable sources pertains to energy generation technologies, backup power systems involve batteries or generators, and thermal imaging patterns are monitored by specialized thermal cameras rather than potential transformers.