Why do we use 240Volts 50Hz in some countries e.g U.K, while 110 Volts 60Hz in others (as the phase voltage)?

Question

For instance, the phase voltage in most parts of the world (U.K, Nigeria and some parts of Canada) is 240 Volts, {i.e 415 Volts line to line} at a frequency of 50 Hz as the electricity standard, whereas in the United States, the standard is 110 volts (phase voltage) at a frequency of 60 Hz.
Why is it so?

Answer 1

America started with what they could,, 110 - 125 volts was the best we could do,, so we standardized on it,, when the UK area got its electrical revolution,, they decided to do it better and offer more juice from the same size wire,, in countries heavily influenced/ impacted by the us,, you'll see our voltage,, but in most european countries and euro influenced places you'll see british style Power.

Answer 2

The American electric system is actually based on 240 VAC. The 7,600 VAC that runs on the electric lines feeds the transformer on the pole near your house, This single phase transformer steps the voltage down to 240 VAC, center tapped. If you measure the voltage from end to end of the transformer, you will measure 240 VAC. If you measure it from either end to the center tap, you will measure 120 VAC. The center tap is called the neutral. It provides a bit of safety because it is not "hot", but is the neutral return for the hot lead. Your water heater or range or dryer use the full 240 VAC to reduce the current draw for these devices.

I don't know how the U.K. does their electric service. They may simply not use a center tapped transformer and simply provide the full 240 VAC everywhere in the house

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Answer 3

it is much safer with less current