What is the reason for different voltage in USA and Europe?

Question

I am just curious as to whether we have advantages for using 110 v and having to travel with power converters, or whether we just wanted to be different from Europe. If anyone knows the reason for the difference, I would love to learn it :)

Answer 1

The best answer is arbitrarily. At the beginning there were several systems at different voltages, and frequencies used in both Europe and the US. As time went on, standards started to develop because electrical appliance manufacturers would make their stuff compatible with the biggest electric company - meaning that other electric companies would have to come up to speed so that their customers could use new devices. There was no specific reason at the time that the US be the same or different from Europe - it just kind of ended up that way. At this point it is too expensive to change because all the wiring is in place, and people own appliances that won't run on the opposite system.

In general, countries in the western hemisphere tend to use the US system because they got "stuff" from the US, whereas countries in the eastern hemisphere tend to use the european system because back in the beginning (especially colonial days) their "stuff" came from Europe.

Looking at it objectively, the European 220-240V 50Hz system is more efficient in terms of wire sizes, and losses in the wiring for a given application. On the other hand, transformers must be physically larger and heavier due to the lower frequency so in the end it is close to a draw.

Answer 2

Simply, there was no coordination. Countries setup their system without thinking someone might travel across the countries.

I believe, the reason behind our voltage is around 115 volts is because it is believed to be relatively safe. In some part of the world, the regular plug is 220 volts, and some are as high as 480 volts. They can be very dangerous when accidentally touched. Where as you could touch 115 volts with DRY hands and be OK (most of the times and with dry feet), if you touch 480 volts, it will char a small area and blister, in addition to giving you a potentially lethal shock. (I've done this)

If you think having different voltage in different country is troubling, although the voltage is the same, half of Japan is 50Hz, and the other half is 60Hz. When moving across these areas, one must replace almost all electrical appliances. It is a result of WWII and electric generators came from two different countries. (there is a lot more history on this if you want to research)

Answer 3

It is just a historical accident. The companies that started to distribute electrical power in the old days of USA and Europe made different arbitrary choices as to what voltage and frequency to use. Of course once people bought appliances and lamps to match those numbers no one would ever change. So we all are stuck with needing converters.

Answer 4

there is sort of a knot in the intercontenental power line where the voltage changes and because of this europe has different outlet types than the US

Answer 5

Even interior Europe they're different. uk has different plugs than say Italy. criteria were no longer that instantly ahead contained in the previous and all and numerous theory they knew extra effectual than the different.. (it also helped promote interior reach industies).