Why does American and Europe have different voltage standards?
Europe and most other countries in the world use a voltage which is twice that of the US. Originally Europe was 120 V too, just like Japan and the US today, but it was deemed necessary to increase voltage to get more power with fewer losses and less voltage drop from the same copper wire diameter.
Why are American and European plugs different?
Europe’s electrical system is different from ours in two ways: the voltage of the current and the shape of the plug. A small adapter allows American-style plugs (two flat prongs) to fit into British or Irish outlets (which take three rectangular prongs) or continental European outlets (which take two round prongs).
Why does the UK use a different voltage to the US?
Higher voltages allow smaller wire sizes for the same power (watts) since watts is equal to volts times amps, one can double the voltage as in Europe, and draw half the amperage to get the same power. This allows smaller wire sizes.
What is the difference between UK and US electricity?
There are four differences between using US appliances in the UK : the voltage ( US = 120V, UK = 240V ), the number of watts the product draws (different for each product), the frequency ( US = 60 Hz, UK = 50 Hz ), and the plug on the power cord. The transformer will “step down” in voltage from 240 to 120v.
Why does Europe use different voltage?
Companies in Europe realized that supplying power at 220 volts instead of 110 volts would be cheaper. At a higher voltage, electric companies can deliver the same power with less current – picture a narrow stream flowing quickly compared to a wider stream flowing slowly. And less current allows for thinner wires.
Why are electrical outlets different in different countries?
Engineers developed the idea of a ground pin to make plugs safer in the 1920s. Many countries adopted these grounded plugs immediately, but they didn’t always make them the rule. So because different countries adopted innovations like these at different times, the plugs that they used changed throughout the years.
Why are British and European plugs different?
To save copper, Britain adopted the ring main system, with sockets connected sequentially, but this meant each connection needed its own fuse. Instead of putting the fuses in the sockets, they were included in the plugs themselves. Hence the UK’s bigger plugs.
What is the difference between UK plug and EU plug?
All of Europe operates on the same 2 round pronged outlets except for the UK and Ireland that operates on its own unique 3 flat rectangle pronged outlets. If you are travelling through the UK or Ireland (including London) you will need a UK and Ireland power point adapter.
Why are there different voltage and frequency standards worldwide?
Why does UK have higher voltage?
Cost was the main reason Europe went with 220 volts (now 230). Counterintuitively, higher voltages allow the use of thinner wire, meaning less copper in the early days of power lines. Power companies could save money on wire by using 220 volts rather than 110. Berlin is one example.
Why is 110 volts better than 220?
A 110-VOLT supply is less likely to electrocute you. A 220-volt supply can transmit the power more cheaply because a smaller current is needed, and so you can use thinner cables and/or lose less energy through heat generated in the cables.
Can I use a UK plug in the USA?
You can use your electric appliances in the United States of America, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 110 – 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries). You can also consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.