Line voltage is the voltage delivered to a destination by a power line. It varies slightly but stays within a certain range, standardized by countries. In the US, it is between 110-120 volts, while in Europe, Africa, and Asia, it is 220 volts. Japan has a lower voltage of 100 volts. Overvoltage and voltage surges can harm electronic devices, so surge protectors are recommended.
Line voltage is simply the voltage a power line delivers to its destination or point of use. It is an important consideration for a number of applications including household appliances and electronic devices. While line voltage may vary slightly, it generally stays within a certain range, as standardized by individual countries. If the line voltage rises unexpectedly, this is a condition known as an overvoltage.
In the United States, most power line voltage is standardized between 110 and 120 volts, although the actual power entering a home or building can vary slightly. Most electric companies try to ensure that their power systems deliver no less than 114 volts of power and no more than 126 volts. This allows most electrical devices within an American home to function properly and also helps prevent serious injury in the event of an electric shock.
Some American appliances may require even more voltage to operate. This is especially true for dryers, which often require up to 240 volts. Therefore, most homes will be wired for both high voltage and lower voltage to meet the requirements of this popular fixture. The plug for the high voltage line is very unusual, so there is little danger of a standard electrical device being plugged into it.
In other parts of the world, line voltage is often higher than in the United States and Canada. For example, Europe, much of Africa and Asia have a voltage of 220. This means that some American and Canadian electronic devices would stop working if taken overseas and plugged in. Devices particularly suitable for the traveling public, such as notebook computers and razors, are often designed to operate on both voltage levels, but always make sure before plugging anything into an outlet with a higher voltage.
One country, Japan, has lower line voltage than the United States and Canada. There, 100 volts is usually the standard voltage. Typically, most electronic devices designed for American power systems will work in Japan, but some sensitive equipment may not.
If voltage rises unexpectedly due to malfunctioning equipment or lightning strikes, a situation known as a voltage surge can have harmful effects. This unregulated supply of energy can enter a home and enter electronic devices, causing the circuits to fail, rendering the device inoperable. To protect against this, some people have installed surge protectors on their more expensive electronic equipment.
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