this post was submitted on 24 Jul 2026
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Why are most household appliances single voltage? (nord.pub)
submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by Old_North8420@nord.pub to c/askelectronics@discuss.tchncs.de
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I know that modern electronics (smartphones, laptops) have dual voltage and frequencies (100-240V 50/60Hz) however when you discuss appliances (toasters, blenders, refrigerators, clothes iron, dishwashers, dryers, etc). those are region locked (besides plug type) into a single voltage and frequency. For example: if you have a electric blanket that only supports 120V 60Hz, you can't plug that directly in a 230V 50Hz outlet as that'll blow the fuse.

There are ways to circumvent that restriction but involves using transformers to lower the voltage (step down from 230V to 120V), as stuff like hair dryers or microwave ovens can be damaged upon using the wrong grid. If moving abroad permanently, it's best to purchase new appliances that supports their electrical grid rather than importing them if you have only 120V versions whilst living in a country where 230V is standard.

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[–] bitfucker@programming.dev 1 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

It does make me wonder tho, because I know universal power supply exists. But the question is how efficient it is and how much would it save cost by having a single type of optimized manufacturing line compared to 2.

Edit: Hmm, I just realized they could make a variant of the same PCB so I guess the cost saving is moot point