- #1
waterchan
- 23
- 0
In poor countries, the domestic electricity supply is inconsistent, and even though the country's standard voltage may be 220V, it is not unusual for the voltage to go quite a bit below this level, say around 150V.
So normally, households buy step-up transformers, so that they can increase the incoming voltage high enough to allow reliable usage of 220V AC rated appliances. However, I have a friend who lives in such a poor country, and she says her father refuses to buy a step-up transformer because it would 'take away the amount of electricity going into other homes'. As a result, their refrigerator does not operate most of the time, and food goes bad quickly.
I think this is nonsense - a step-up transformer only increases the incoming voltage. It does not increase the electrical power coming into the house from the power station, and thus does not 'take away electricity' from other homes. I'd like to know if my reasoning is correct. Thanks for your time.
So normally, households buy step-up transformers, so that they can increase the incoming voltage high enough to allow reliable usage of 220V AC rated appliances. However, I have a friend who lives in such a poor country, and she says her father refuses to buy a step-up transformer because it would 'take away the amount of electricity going into other homes'. As a result, their refrigerator does not operate most of the time, and food goes bad quickly.
I think this is nonsense - a step-up transformer only increases the incoming voltage. It does not increase the electrical power coming into the house from the power station, and thus does not 'take away electricity' from other homes. I'd like to know if my reasoning is correct. Thanks for your time.