Is it cheaper to run 240 volt?

Answer 1

NO, if you have motors that are 'convertable' -110 or 220/240, the higher voltage is more economical.

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It costs the same regardless of whether the voltage is 120 or 240 volts. The bonus of using a higher voltage is on the installation wiring costs. At a higher voltage the current of the device is lower. This lower amperage permits a smaller size wire to be used. This only really becomes a cost saving factor in larger equipment. In small power tools the higher voltage range will allow you to double the distance from the supply source to the place where the power tool is needed.

Answer 2

The higher the voltage , the lower the current. eg. take a load of 15 amps @ 120V = 1800 watts. Same load of 1800 watts @ 240 volts I = W/E 1800/240 = 7.5 amps. There is money to be saved on big installations when you can reduce the wire size in half.

Yes you can save money by decreasing wire size (not always cut in half though nec tbl 310.16) but electrically ( energy wise you are not saving a thing, Voltamps are voltamps I dont care how you do the math !) Example : 15 amps @ 120 volts = 1800 watts ( voltage x amperage ) so does 7.5 amps @ 240 volts = 1800 watts of power same amount of electricity will be used at either voltage. Best advise is to call an electrician.

Answer 3

Yes and No.

Electricity bill will be the same, the only way you can save by using 240 V appliance instead of 120 V assuming Wattage is the same is during wiring of electrical connection.

Answer 4

Not directly. You would either need to step up the voltage using a transformer or have a 240V receptacle installed. Most homes are actually supplied with 240V in North America which is split to produce two separate 120V legs with a Neutral Center Tap. The voltage between these legs, however, is still 240V.

Answer 5

Not without using a step down transformer. Applying 240 volts directly to any 120 volt rated device is not wise. The manufacturer of equipment states on the manufacturer's label what the correct voltage that is to be applied, to make the equipment operate as it is designed to do.