Why does the USA use 110V and UK use 230-240V?

Re:Why does the USA use 110V and UK use 230-240V? by sitharus on Tuesday August 29, 2023 @08:17PM (#37315981)

American circuits are rated to _12_ amps continuous load, peak of 15 amps (see https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/72733/what-is-the-ma...)

Contrast this to my house in NZ where each circuit is rated to 20 amps continuous and supplies a double socket rated to 10 amps continuous per socket at 230V (nominal). I can easily draw 2.3kW from a standard socket for 24 hours and have no issues.

This is really handy in a country that doesn’t believe in central heating…

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Re:Why does the USA use 110V and UK use 230-240V? by mrguyorama on Wednesday August 30, 2023 @11:28AM (#37323663)

Actually, electric heat and hot water in the US is frequently running off the 240 volt circuits too, as well as electric ranges, electric clothes dryers, pretty much anything that takes a lot of power. These items use various standards of plugs and receptacles and the circuits are usually rated to 30 amps (peak).

The US 120 volt, 15amp plugs are pretty much just for things you plug in and other light duty equipment. For anything serious, you can wire up a 120v20amp outlet or even the 240v 30amp circuit.

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