Why use 220 volt compared to a 120 volt?

Answer 1

Yes, as the voltage goes higher the amperage goes lower. With a lower current the wire size can be smaller and in the case of a motor the equipment to start and stop the motor can be of a smaller size. This equates to a savings in the installation costs.

Another Answer

The standard European residential nominal ('named') voltage is 230 V. Although this means that, for a given load, the current is lower (about half) than it would be for a North American 120 V supply, in practise European residential conductor sizes are not much different from those in North America. For example, a North American receptacle or socket outlet is rated at 120 V/15 A, a British socket outlet is rated at 240 V/13 A, which means that whereas a North American receptacle can only supply loads up to about 1800 W, a UK socket outlet can supply loads up to about 3000 W. As a result, a British kettle, for example, is typically rated at 3 kW -enabling it to boil very much faster.

Answer 2

A doubling of voltage for the same circuit decreases the amperage requirement by 1/2. A circuit requiring 20 amps at 120 volts would only require 10 amps at 220 volts. The wire size can be smaller with an increase of voltage. Also less heat and resistance in the wire.

Another Answer

Europeans use 230 V, compared to 120 V in North America. In the UK, residential power circuits are rated at 230 V/13 A, compared to 120 V/15 A in North America -in other words, conductor sizes are roughly the same. This means that a UK socket outlet (receptacle) can supply loads up to about 3 kW, compared with just 1.8 kW in North America. This is reflected in the electrical appliances used in the UK: for example, a typical British kettle is rated at about 3 kW compared with half that wattage in North America and will, therefore, boil more quickly.

Answer 3

Because a 220 volt appliance will draw 1/2 the current of a comparable 110 volt appliance. This means you can run smaller wire than for a comparable 110 volt appliance. 220 volt appliances are usually those that draw more current than other appliances. For example an electric stove with 50 A service would require 100 A at 110 volts which would really require heavy duty cable which is costly and hard to run.

Answer 4

A 220-volt system is used for larger appliances and machinery that require more power to operate efficiently. It allows for more power to be delivered with lower electrical current, which reduces energy loss due to heat. In contrast, a 120-volt system is commonly used for household appliances and lighting due to its lower power requirements.