Why do some countries use 110V 60Hz and others use 220V 50Hz for electricity?

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SUMMARY

The differentiation between 110V 60Hz and 220V 50Hz electrical systems stems from historical, technical, and safety considerations. Countries like the United States adopted 110V primarily for safety reasons, as lower voltages reduce the risk of severe electric shock. Conversely, many European countries opted for 220V to improve energy efficiency and reduce transmission losses. The choice of voltage is not merely a matter of preference but is rooted in the evolution of electrical standards and infrastructure.

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skepticwulf
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I'm wondering why and when this differentiation happened?
Is there any benefits using one to the other?
Wouldn't be safer to use 110V instead of 220V in terms of safety? wouldn't 110V be less harmful to humans compared to 220V when concern is the electric shock?

or is it just like right-driving traffic vs left-driving thing?
 
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