Why Europe uses 240V at 50Hz but America uses 120V at 60Hx
In: Technology
50 is half of 100 and 60 is like 60s in a minute so they are rounds numbers. it just so happens that around this range is optimal for normal use
Early light bulbs worked best at 120V. DC power plants used 250V with 2 loads in series and a third wire to balance the difference as these low voltages had huge transmission losses. The AC grid retained the split phase system in America. Europe went with the simpler straight 240V which was more efficient anyway.
While 120V is safer, european standards are designed so the average person will never touch the electricity.
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