why 230volts for domestic purpose?

Question

why not 200 or 400 volts????

Answer 1

History of voltage and frequency

The system of three-phase alternating current electrical generation and distribution was invented by several persons in the 19th Century including Nikola Tesla. He considered 60 Hz the best frequency for alternating current (AC) power distribution, and 240 V as the best voltage for long distribution circuits. Thomas Edison developed direct current (DC) systems at 110 V and this was claimed to be safer. The 110 volt level was chosen to make high-resistance carbon filament lamps practical and economically competitive with gas lighting. While higher voltages would reduce the current required for a given quantity of lamps, the filaments would become increasingly fragile and short-lived; Edison selected voltages around 100 as a comprimise between distribution costs and lamp costs.

In the 1880's only carbon-filament incandescent lamps were available, designed for a voltage of around 100 volts. Later metal filament lamps became feasible. In 1899, the Berliner Electricitäts-Werk (BEW), a Berlin electrical utility, decided to greatly increase its distribution capacity by switching to 220 volt nominal distribution, taking advantage of the higher voltage capability of metal filament lamps. The company was able to offset the cost of converting the customer's equipment by the resulting saving in distribution conductors cost. This became the model for electrical distribution in Germany and the rest of Europe and the 220-volt (later 230-volt) system became common. North American practice remained with voltages near 110 volts for lamps.

source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_electricity#History_of_voltage_and_frequency

Answer 2

The first two answers are good, but it isn't really clear what your question is:

If you are referring to wall outlets, most in the U.S. are designed for 110-120 VAC, not 230. It is only the special outlets for driers, air conditioners, etc. that are designed for, and deliver 230.

So any way you look at it, there is no single voltage but a wide range of voltages in regular use around the world, and the reasons are a combination of history (including early fears about electricity) and economics.

Either way, there is quite a range of voltages in use around the world.

On the other hand, most outlets in Japan deliver only 100 - 105 VAC (with special outlets for A/C and heaters delivering 200 - 210), while those in Europe deliver closer to 230.

If you are referring to power coming in from the street, in the U.S. it started out as 110 - 120, changed to 220 - 240 for most small residences, but is typically 480 VAC for high-rise apartments, as well as offices, etc.

Answer 3

230VAC is very efficient at transmitting power. It allows much smaller wire to be used as the current is almost half that of 115V systems.

The heating efficiency of 230 over 115 is very useful in a home, as most of your burned up energy comes from heating devices- hot water heater, electric heat, cooking, etc. And also your A/C systems.

There comes a point of diminishing returns for safety if you go higher. You don't worry too much about arcing with 115 or 230, but with 440 the potential is getting a bit high for safe use around the house.

No electricity is safe, but we make compromises to have a modern life. You are just as dead with 115v as you would be with higher voltages if you do something stupid.

Answer 4

for the same reason as your question http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AmN1FQ4DOqWJuQ97PVA3Fe0Axgt.;_ylv=3?qid=20071005025300AAdY2WC