I saw several comments about the advantages of converting equipment from 120 V to 220 V (single phase); the immediate advantage is that the current drawn is reduced by a factor of two. Several respondents indicated there would be no cost savings, however, because the KW power required would not change. Not exactly correct: the reason power companies distribute electricity at very high voltage is to reduce the amperage and hence the power loss in the wiring itself (= amps x amps x line resistance; cutting amperage in half thus reduces power loss in the wiring by a factor of four). In a small workshop the power dissipated in the shop wiring may not be large but we do pay for it. Reducing amperage also reduces the voltage drop in the wiring between the distribution panel and the motor so the motor can run more efficiently.
120V vs. 220V.
- Thread starter Jim Oleson
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Thanks. What I forgot to include is that for power companies distributing power at a high voltage, which requires a smaller line diameter, their capital cost in setting up the power distribution will be much lower in addition to the ongoing power line loss which brings them no revenue. Not a big concern to us woodworkers, but just illustrates the advantages of wiring our shops for the highest voltage possibl:gar-Bie.
First, there is a heck of a lot of difference in 110/220, and 500,000. Most transmission falls between 110,000, and 750,00 volts, while distribution is between 13,000 and 23,000 volts. As for losses, on a properly sized circuit, the difference is almost nothing. Remember that over 50% of the electricity generated never reaches the consumer, but we still have to pay for it.
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