Which is the more efficient electrical service, 120V, 60 Htz, or 240V, 50 Htz?

Favorite Answer

As far as getting by with skinnier wires and reducing the capital cost of the electrical installation in a building the 240v is better. As far as providing safety in case of accidental contact the 120v is better. As far as minimizing the cost of transformers and motors the higher 60 cycle is better.

Both combinations are historical accidents that are now so deeply part of world infrastructure that no change is practical. Anything starting from scratch (like airplanes) made other choices.

So "more efficient" determination depends on your criteria that you want to minimize and maximize....Show more

As others have mentioned, the higher voltage provides the benefit of lower equipment cost at the expense of greater safety risk.

In terms of energy efficiency, probably not much difference because true lower current means lower losses, but only in the same wire. With the higher voltage (to save money) thinner wires can be used, but the thinner wires have higher resistance so in practice you come out about the same....Show more

Higher the voltage means lower the I2R (I square R) loses.
Countries having better infrastructure will transmit electricity at lower voltage and higher amps. But many countries where the technology of transmission is below par with developed countries, they use 220 or 240 Voltages.

On the other hand as far as the usage is concerned, higher ampere with less voltage is efficient for the end user, as the current is very robust.

So it is really depends on how a govt compromise with its policies. It means, if we feel that end user is important and having good technologies to minimize the I2R loses, go with 120V, else 220/240V....Show more

Doubling the voltage will be more efficient since it will reduce the I square R Losses.
But when you consider the safety operations,preferably 120 V 60 hz having more advantages.
Simple example for feeling shock in 120 V like "ant bite"
where as in 240 V like "snake bite"
but some times ant bite also will cause seviour damages, I mean 120V...Show more

both are efficient as low voltage distribution values
it just differs which country u r in, each country has its own standards and regulations

for example here in egypt, like europe: 220 V 50 Hz
but in saudi arabia, like the States: 120 V 60 Hz...Show more