[Gllug] OT: Merging UPS outputs

[Chris Hunter]

Alain Williams wrote:
> On Sun, Aug 21, 2005 at 11:39:10AM +0100, Chris Hunter wrote:
> 
>>David Damerell wrote:
>>
>>
>>>On Thursday, 18 Aug 2005, Richard Jones wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>Why do we run 240 VAC through our houses anyway?  Surely all of these
>>>>transformers and regulators must waste huge amounts of energy.
>>>>  
>>>>
>>>
>>>Er, what would you suggest instead?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>55 Volts either side of earth is quite reasonable (like site power 
>>tools, and much of the Americas).  It's generally much safer, though 
>>heavier current devices usually require higher supply voltages - it's 
>>not uncommon for most domestic supplies to be 110V (55V either side of 
>>earth) with an additional 230V supply for washing machines, air 
>>conditioners and the like.
> 
> 
> Which means more complicated/expensive dual voltage supplies.
> In the UK machinery that is likely to (accidentally) expose a user to the
> supply (ie building sites) usually runs at 110V --- which is why you see
> the small yellow transformer boxes in such places.

They seem to manage well enough in the Americas - the power outlets are 
different sizes, so you can't plug a 110V appliance into 230V.  The vast 
majority of domestic electronic appliances are built for 110V globally - 
there would actually be a small cost saving if the lower voltage 
specification was used throughout the world.

Chris



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