1 Answer
The standard voltage of 120V in many countries, like the United States and Canada, is based on the design and historical development of electrical power systems. Here's why it is set to 120V:
1. **Historical Development**: The 120V standard goes back to the early days of electricity distribution, when Thomas Edison developed the first practical electrical power distribution system in the late 1800s. Edison used a 110V system for his early experiments and designs, which later evolved into the 120V system.
2. **Safety**: The 120V system was considered safer for household use compared to higher voltages. It's low enough to reduce the risk of fatal electric shocks, but high enough to power household appliances efficiently.
3. **Electrical Efficiency**: Over time, the 120V standard was chosen because it provides a good balance between safety and efficiency for powering most household appliances, lights, and tools. Lower voltages are less efficient at transmitting power over long distances.
4. **System Design**: The electrical grid in the U.S. was built using the 120V standard, and over time, the system and appliances were designed to run on that voltage. Changing the voltage would require a huge overhaul of existing infrastructure.
In other countries, like many in Europe, the standard voltage is typically 230V, which is higher for more efficient transmission over long distances, but 120V has remained the norm in places like the U.S. due to these historical and practical reasons.
1. **Historical Development**: The 120V standard goes back to the early days of electricity distribution, when Thomas Edison developed the first practical electrical power distribution system in the late 1800s. Edison used a 110V system for his early experiments and designs, which later evolved into the 120V system.
2. **Safety**: The 120V system was considered safer for household use compared to higher voltages. It's low enough to reduce the risk of fatal electric shocks, but high enough to power household appliances efficiently.
3. **Electrical Efficiency**: Over time, the 120V standard was chosen because it provides a good balance between safety and efficiency for powering most household appliances, lights, and tools. Lower voltages are less efficient at transmitting power over long distances.
4. **System Design**: The electrical grid in the U.S. was built using the 120V standard, and over time, the system and appliances were designed to run on that voltage. Changing the voltage would require a huge overhaul of existing infrastructure.
In other countries, like many in Europe, the standard voltage is typically 230V, which is higher for more efficient transmission over long distances, but 120V has remained the norm in places like the U.S. due to these historical and practical reasons.