Why does there have to be two types of voltages in this world? And does the 220v use more power than the 110?

Answer 1

In researching this, I found a great website you might want to visit. Here's the basic info,

"The United States also considered converting to 220V for home use but felt it would be too costly, due to all the 110V electrical appliances people had. A compromise was made in the U.S. in that 220V would come into the house where it would be split to 110V to power most appliances. Certain household appliances such as the electric stove and electric clothes dryer would be powered at 220V." http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/ac_world_volt_freq.htm

Answer 2

Well, there aren't only two types of voltages in the world. There's only one... a standard unit of voltage; but that's semantics, lol.

A volt is a unit of energy which measures electrical conductivity. There are many voltages of many things... batteries can go from 0.5 V all the the way to 500 V. It's all different. I'm pretty sure you've heard of 9V batteries...? Well, their voltage is 9 V. A single AAA battery has a voltage of 1.5 V.

But I know you're asking about standard household outlet voltages. The US uses an Alternating and Directional Current System of 110 V, while Europe and elsewhere uses 220 V. These systems are made to accomodate the needs of the areas and were made long ago to do so.

It all started when EVERYONE in the world used the same voltage... 220 V to power certain things through outlets. The 110 V system came to be when the alternating current (or A/C) was made. Since the electrical current didn't go in one direction, it didn't have to use as many volts to get things acoss. But when you take something away, you have to substitute it with something else... this is why the wattages of many appliances using A/C currents had to be increased heavily to compensate for the lost voltages due to the alternating currents.

As soon as the A/C was invented... America decided to upgrade to it all the way (since it was invented here and proposed a good use because of western expansion, etc.). Europe, however, didn't upgrade because the alternating current didn't prove to be so essential at the time. A few years later, though... the world saw how the A/C system was working so well... decided to adopt the system, but retain its original 220 V system... so they can use the same plugs. After all, it would've cost too much having to make new appliances.

The 220 V D/C uses more power than the 110 V D/C.
The 220 V A/C uses more power than the 110 V A/C.

The D/C system... though bulkier, used to be a lot safer to use in the past. If you were to be electrocuted with a 110 V D/C... you would walk away from it, albeit a little "jolted" (lol, I made a pun.).
:-D
You'd survive it. But if you were to be shocked by a 110 V A/C... there's a good chance you'd die.

This tells us that it's not the voltage that can kill you... but the wattage and the amount of ohms the output can give.

Hope this answered your question. :-)

That's a FANTASTIC website that Kevin posted. Check it out. Highly recommended. :-)

Answer 3

There are many voltages (110, 120, 220, 240, 277, 440, 880, etc.) Most households use single phase systems. On a single phase, 220v will use more power than 110v but only half the amperage. Three phase systems are usually more economical than single phase systems. Single phase is usually used for 110v through 240 volts. Three phase is usually used for 240v or greater.

Answer 4

Thank you Kevin.
The link you provided is very informative

Answer 5

If you were to compare electricity to water:

electric VOLTAGE would be the equivalent of hydro PRESSURE. Also, to continue with the comparison; electric AMPERAGE would be the equivalent to hydro FLOW RATE. And finally, electric WATTS would be the same as water VOLUME.

With this in mind, you would not want to try to use a garden hose, where you might really need a fire Hose or visavis. Granted you could do it, but it would not be the best choice. You want to try to use the write tool for the job, whenever possible.

As for the second part of your question, higher voltage has the potential to do more work: That includes giving you a bigger Zap.

Answer 6

for the comparable reason the British have the guidance wheel on the appropriate edge of their vehicles. lots of the electric powered energy in Europe is 240 volts no longer one hundred twenty volts this is interior the u . s . a .. each united states won't be able to agree on maximum issues and it additionally is going for the electric powered shops. circulate parent. Regards, Dale

Answer 7

yes 220 does use more power. the 220 plugs are for more powerful motors. without 220, no a/c, no dryers. there are also 440's and bigger for industrial uses.

why so many currents? wire size, circuitbreaker box size. prices for larger wires is a lot more. a house doesnt need more than 220. to wire a house for more , costs more for the wire needed.

Answer 8

good question :)