What is the difference between 110 or 220 volts?
Why do some countries use 110v electricity and 220v others? And which is better?
First of all, let´s explain “voltage” and “amperes”. The voltage is measured in volts and the current in amperes, both are very different.
The difference is that the higher the voltage, the more power can be available with the same amperage as with a low voltage. In other words, a load of the same power consumes less current at a higher voltage. In contrast, a high voltage represents greater risk. The more voltage, more current passes through the body in case of discharge and worse consequences. So, what voltage is better? Basically, it depends on the uses. For a house, a voltage of 110 … 130V is better since most loads consume little power. On the other hand 220 … 240V is suitable for higher powers.
Thus, in a country with 110 voltage, a 60-watt bulb will require about 0.54 amperes of current. In contrast, in a country with 220 voltage, the same bulb will require 0.27 amperes of current.
The main advantage of using a voltage 220 is that the wiring is simpler, more maneuverable, and uses cheaper material.
A house carries hundreds of thousands of meters of cables. If you put 110v, you need thicker cables and that’s expensive.
Where?
A good part of the American continent uses a power of 110v to 120v; and a good part of Europe, Asia, and Africa use a range that goes from 220v to 240v.
Why?
The USA uses a voltage of 110 because Edison bulbs were popular in the United States. And since they worked with voltage 100 -then modified to 110-, the alternating current was adapted to that magnitude.