Once AC was widely accepted as being superior to DC for power generation, transmission and distribution purpose, 120V (110V) became the standard for AC distribution in USA presumably because it used the “safer” voltage level of the DC system. 230V has lower distribution costs and was popularly taken up by Europe.
Why does the US use 120V?
The choice of 120V was to compensate for IR drop. The reason for 220-240 was that with AC distribution, this became a convenient voltage level to deliver to homes. And the reason why Europe dropped the 120V domestic distribution was simply economics. You can save on copper.
Why did USA choose 110 volts?
The U.S. used 110V because that’s what Thomas Edison chose as a practical matter when he was designing the first electrical lighting system. At higher voltages the light bulb filament didn’t last long enough to be practical. At lower voltages it wasn’t bright enough. So Edison chose 110V as his tradoff.
Why is 120V better than 240V?
By installing a 240V power circuit, much more electrical power is potentially available to draw from. For example if your garden had two 15 amp, 120 volt lines supplying power to the room, you would have a total of 30 amps of power available at 120 volts.
Why does US use 120V 60hz AC?
Eventually, AC won the “war of currents” by the 1890s, but grid developers (General Electric, Westinghouse, Thomson-Houston) compromised to set a 110V/60 Hz standard due to earlier Edison 110V developments. Therefore, the current US standard of 120V at 60 Hz was set in 1967.
When did 110V become 120V?
The US electric power network began at 110 volts. By the 1930s the voltage had crept up to 115. By the early 1950s at least 75 percent of the light bulbs sold in the USA were rated at 120 volts. As of 1984 the official standard US voltage was 120.
Why does Japan use 100v?
But the cycle is West (c.f. Osaka) is 60 hz and East (c.f.Tokyo) is 50 hz. The reason Japan became 100 volts was at the time Japan imported generators from England and France both 100v for some reason and different cycles. So East Japan is 100v 50hz and West Japan is 100v 60hz.
Why 220V is used in India?
The US wanted to make the change too, but it was considered to be too costly for people to replace their appliances (unlike in Europe, most households in the US had a number of significant electrical appliances by then). Since India acquired its electricity technology from the British, 220 volts is used.
Why does the Philippines have 220 volts?
Over long wires, this means lower losses. This is actually the main reason why power lines are run a much much higher voltage, and then stepped down when they get to your home. This also means that less copper is needed in the wires in your home. Generally speaking, 220 volts is going to be more efficient.
What voltage does Canada use?
120V
In Canada the supply voltage is 120V. If the appliance or its power supply are not dual voltage rated, the single voltage appliance will have to be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly (unless the appliance operates at 120V).
Is 120V safer than 240V?
120V is only marginally safer than 240V. Typical body resistance is 1000 ohms. Limit voltage for no PPE required when working on live circuits is 50V. If you are in a warm environment and sweaty when you come in contact with higher voltage you stand a good chance of being injured.
Is it cheaper to run 240 or 120?
The simple answer to that is that they are almost the same cost to operate or are just within a few dollars. Most people think that 240V is cheaper because it uses half the amps that 120V uses. Amps isn’t what consumers pay for, it’s actually the wattage used by the electrical device.
Is it cheaper to run 220 or 110?
A quick answer: Probably nothing. This is a common misunderstanding about how electricity works and how the power companies charge you for it. The point often noted for the money saving argument is that the amperage is half as much when running grow lights on 220 volts instead of 110 volts.
Why does Canada use 120V?
Because being part of the common US/Canada grid system it was USA easier for us to adopt the same standards as the USA. That way appliances used in one country can be used in the other. Everything is interchangeable.
Why US uses 110V and Europe 220V?
Once AC was widely accepted as being superior to DC for power distribution, 110V became the standard for AC distribution presumably because it used the “safer” Voltage level of the DC system. After metal filament lamps became feasible, 220V became common in Europe because of the lower distribution costs.
Why does Japan have two electrical frequencies?
This originates from the first purchases of generators from AEG for Tokyo in 1895 and from General Electric for Osaka in 1896. This frequency difference partitions Japan’s national grid, so that power can only be moved between the two parts of the grid using frequency converters, or HVDC transmission lines.
Why is 110v now 120V?
In 1968 the National Electrical Code (NEC) finally changed the values for motor ratings to reflect this voltage. And supposedly by 1949 about 75 per cent of the incandescent light bulbs sold in the USA were rated for 120 volts. And so by about 1950 if not earlier most systems were 120 volts.
Is there a difference between 110v and 120V?
A 110v power supply is the same as a 120v power supply. The terms are used interchangeably because the difference between them is too small to matter. It is better to compare 110v to 220v. 110v is often commended for being safer.
Will a 120 volt work in a 110 outlet?
Yes, you can plug 120 V appliances in 110 V power source. Most appliances work with 10 to 20% input voltage tolerance and this falls under that.
Is 125v too high?
The CSA recommendation for voltage in normal operating conditions is 110 – 125 VAC, but as any electrician will tell you it can be dangerous to operate for long periods of time at the upper end of that range.
Can I use 100V in USA?
At first glance, these appliances appear suitable for use in the United States because they have plugs that will fit in an American receptacle, but looks can be deceiving. Japanese appliances are designed to run on 100-volt electricity, and if you plug one into a 120-volt American receptacle without an appropriate
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