100v,115v versus 230v

P = I x E
P = Watts, Volt-amps.
I = Current, Amps.
E = Voltage.

Will a 240V 1500 watt space heater connected to a 240V source produce more heat than a 120V 1500 watt space heater connected to a 120V source? No.....
Current, amps?
P / E = ?
1500W / 120V = 12.5 amps.
1500W / 240V = 6.25 amps.


A 120V 20 amp branch circuit is capable of supplying up to 2400 watts continuous power. The same branch circuit will supply short spurts, draws, of well over 2400 watts all day long without causing the 20 amp circuit breaker to trip open. If voltage drop is an issue, or concern, use #10awg branch circuit wiring.

Unless a piece of equipment, like a monster power amp, consumes more than 1440 volt-amperes continuous power it’s a violation of US electrical safety code to install a 240V branch circuit and receptacle in a US residential dwelling.


I doubt any manufacturer builds a home consumer sold amp for use in the US that is rated at more than 1440 watts, volt-amps, continuous power. They know the power cord plug needs to have a 5-15P 120V 15 amp plug if they want to sell the amp to a US home consumer.

NEC 210.6
(A) Occupancy Limitations. In dwelling units and guest rooms or guest room suites of hotels, motels, and similar occupancies, the voltage shall not exceed 120 volts, nominal, between conductors that supply the terminals of the following:

(2) Cord-and- plug connected loads 1440 volt-amperes, nominal or less or less than 1/4 hp.

Jim.

True your power amp probably runs on 400v rails

Only if it’s a tube amp! Solid state amps usually run +- 100 V or significantly less. As I recall, a 100W (@ 8 Ohms) amp usually has around +- 50 V.

clearthinker,

I remember a note in the newspaper in Germany, before 2000 for sure, that mentioned intention to go up from 220V to 230V. It said "nothing will change but you may need to change your light bulbs a little more often".

I may be mistaken but I think that whole European Union is 230V at this point.

jea48,

"Unless a piece of equipment, like a monster power amp, consumes more than 1440 volt-amperes continuous power it’s a violation of US electrical safety code to install a 240V branch circuit and receptacle in a US residential dwelling."

How does it go in real life? In the U.S.A., I have usual 110V outlets, but I do have a few 220V (240?), too. Granted, they are used for washer, air conditioning, etc., but I have a few unused ones, too. I have nothing to plug into them (except the tuntable that would then be too far so no need anyway), but I did not fully understand your post about "legality" of them even being there.

@ JEA48..Thank’s Jim. One of my mono block amp’s draw’s, 1500 Watt’s @ 230V/6.Amp’s,@ 8ohm. ( Per your space, heater example.) GREAT...The wall plug is a leviton ( 5842-I.) Amp cord is a NEMA 6-20p to C-13 power cord,15A/250V 14/3 AWG 1ft long...