Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: 220V available in US-homes ?

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Electrical/Lighting
Date: 28 Jun 2000
Time: 20:01:29
Remote Name: 207.82.209.70

Comments

Most U.S. homes are supplied with 220V main power feeds, which are split into two 110V branch circuits. Certain large appliances often require 220V operation in order to keep the current flow to reasonable levels. These include air conditioning systems, built-in electric or free-standing ovens, some built-in electric heaters, and electric clothes dryers. Therefore, it is possible that your US home may have a few 220V specialty outlets already. However, if you require dedicated circuits for unique tools or appliances, it is likely that you would have to run new circuits back to a breaker box. This could cost several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the accessibility, the run, the number of circuits, and whether or not your breaker box requires upgrading.

Since it may be harder to service your 220V appliances in the US, it may just be cheaper to save the shipping costs and electrical costs....and use appliances designed for the US market from the outset.

Step-up transformers are available for tools that draw minimal power, but you might just go ahead and run a special 220V circuit into your garage where you're most likely to use these tools in the first place.

Which country are you moving from? Good luck on your move and welcome to the US!

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