[USMA:24604] Power Again

[John Nichols]

Anecdotally, I have been told that the reason each home in the US has its own transformer is due to the problems of distribution. If the 120 volts was carried distances over power lines voltage drop would be an issue. By transforming the high voltage at each home this problem is minimised. My understanding why Australia adopted the 240/415 volt system on the south/east coast, and a 250/440 volt on the west coast, so we can use a single transformer to service a whole street of homes. While three phases pass each home, typically only one of these is brought into the home for a 240 volt 80 amp single phase service.

So this all got started cause I am doing a paper on energy transmission systems.

Now I know in Australia that we have about 100 houses hanging off a large transformer (generally 4 arms of power). It costs about $1000 USD to supply underground power of this sort to each house. Part of the subdivision costs.

Would there be any reduction in power usage in the USA if all things were at 220 rather than 110 Volts?

Tahnks

John Nichols BE, Ph.D. (Newcastle), MIE (Aust), Chartered Professional Engineer
Assistant Professor
Texas A&M University
Department of Construction Science
Langford AC
Rm: A414 MD 3137
College Station, TX 77843-3137

Electronic mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Telephone: 979 845 6541
Facsimile: 979 862 1572
-----------------------------------------------------------------
a fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi

in front a precipice, behind a wolf
-----------------------------------------------------------------