220v and 110v are the most common type of AC mains supply we use. But the question is why do we have two options and as we have two options then which one is better?
We use AC in our homes to power different appliances. The common standard voltages supplied in our homes are 220v and 110v .
Some countries like America use 110v while other countries like India and European countries use 220v. The standard is selected by the county according to their standard what they think is better.
110v is actually quite a bit safer than the 220v because if someone accidentally comes in contact with the AC mains of 110 volts, it would be twice as much safer than 220 volts Lower the voltage is better. But 110V is still very dangerous and you can’t touch it by hands.
So, 110 Volts supply is better than 220 volts?
Well, not really!
According to the map 220v is most widely used.
One other factor that you should know is the thickness of the power cord (wire/wires) and the current flow. For more current flow it requires thicker wires for safety, for example, if a 1mm wire is used for 2 amperes of current flow then a 2mm is necessary for 4 amperes of current otherwise the wire itself gonna heat and may become the reason of fire.
Suppose, if there is a 1000 watt stuff connected to the 220v AC power supply then according to Ohm’s law the current through the wire would be 4.54 amps.
Power (Watts) = current X voltage
current = Power/voltage
current in amps = 1000w/220v
current = 4.5 amps
Now, for the same amount of power transfer with a 110v supply will require higher current through the wire…
Let’s do the same calculation for 110 volts using Ohm’s law :
current in amps = 1000w/110v
current = 9.0 amps!
Boom, have you noticed the difference? As soon as voltage is cut into half the current required for achieving the same amount of power requires twice as much current than the 220v supply.
So, in simple words, the 110 volts supply will require twice as much thick wires compared to the 220 volts. Also, more copper will be used for making thicker wires that ultimately gonna increase the stress on your pocket!
Another factor is that when it comes to heavy machines like a planer or a circular saw 110v is not enough, so 220v becomes a necessity. Mostly heavy motors require higher voltages otherwise they won’t perform as expected because the higher voltage is important for high speed.
Most people who work with these machines also keep 220 voltage supply, especially for heavy work. But in the end, you need both the supplies 110v and also the 220v.
Which one is better then?
Well, this is not as easy to say which one is good or bad, both of them have their abilities and cons. The 110v is a little safer while the 220v is most versatile and powerful.
For safety 110v is good but when it comes to power and versatility 220v is better. Both have their good and bad advantages and disadvantages . Both are used even in countries those use 110v they also provide 220v for power works.
