US 120 volt 15 amp vs EU/ UK 220 volt 13 amp

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dylanmitchell

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Historic (Old and outdated) Home Renovation
Looking at vacuum cleaners and noticed a difference in power use for EU/ UK models vs US models. 220-volt vacuums look to use fewer amps. Same theory as my 240 volt AC using fewer amps vs a 120 amp AC unit. EU energy-saving vacuum rules but it looks like you could have a very powerful vacuum and tools running off 13 amp 220 volts vs the 15 amp 120 volts in the US.

Most US household vacuums, shop vacs, and dust collectors max out around 1200 watts or 10 amps. My vacuum runs at 1200 watts, plus 175 watts for the power nozzle/ brush head or about 11 amps. I looked at Henry vacuums the older EU vacs ran 1060 watts or under 5 amps newer 680-watt vacs run about 3 amps. Absent energy regulations, it looks like you could run a 2,400-watt vacuum that's about 11 amps off a standard 13 amp 240-volt circuit. Be a powerful vacuum. Are UK/EU 220 volt appliances more powerful? I've heard 220-volt tea kettles heat up more quickly.
 
As far as the power of appliances, watts are watts, and the voltage used to get those watts does not enter into the power of the appliance.
 
The 13A sounds like a UK fused plug, the most common EU plug is the German Schuko which has German & French styles, that are interchangeable.
 
I was looking at UK 230V AC 50 Hz UK vs US 120 volts 60 Hz power. Henry/ Numatic vacuums made for the UK market use 680 or 1080 watt motors designed for the 230 volts 50 Hz. A wet-dry version (the Charles) runs 1060 amps of 230 volt UK power about 4.5 amps, and the US version runs 1200 watts off 120 volts US or 10 amps.

Our Sebo US model vacuum runs at 1200 watts plus another 175 watts for the power nozzle. Just under the 1440 watt or 12 amp that most high draw appliances use and safe for continuous use on 15 amp circuits (80% x 15amps). UK models use 800 watts with a 1200 watt power boost feature on their 230 volts power.

Looks like the 230 volts 50/60Hz designed for the UK vacuum might run off US 240 volts 60 Hz power. But we'd be tied to the 240 volts 60 Hz circuit in the garage we run power tools off of. Planning to buy the US market Charles, the 120 volts 60 Hz with 1200 watt motor. More expensive, but safer and designed for the US market.
 
You are correct. Our 'standard' domestic outlet (well ONLY outlet really) is 13A @ 230V. this gives a capacity of 2990W - lets call it 3kW. We only have that single voltage in the home - everything is 230V - lights, heaters, cooker (range), washing machine, dryer etc etc

We don't have an equivalent of your 80% rule so it would fine to design an appliance that uses the full 3000W. Indeed my electric kettle is 2500W and boils super quick. I have a 3000W convector heater in my office - gets the place warm quickly.

Various 'energy saving' rules have lead to a down rating of things like vacuum cleaners & hair dryers in recent years but the 'original' Henry had a 1200W motor fitted.
 
AdrianWint said:
You are correct. Our 'standard' domestic outlet (well ONLY outlet really) is 13A @ 230V. this gives a capacity of 2990W - lets call it 3kW. We only have that single voltage in the home - everything is 230V - lights, heaters, cooker (range), washing machine, dryer etc etc

We don't have an equivalent of your 80% rule so it would fine to design an appliance that uses the full 3000W. Indeed my electric kettle is 2500W and boils super quick. I have a 3000W convector heater in my office - gets the place warm quickly.

Various 'energy saving' rules have lead to a down rating of things like vacuum cleaners & hair dryers in recent years but the 'original' Henry had a 1200W motor fitted.
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Thanks for the info on UK power. Saw most new Henry vacuums now use 680 watts motors, versus older 1060 watts motors. Still supposed to have powerful suction. 240V AC can be more efficient, we use 240V AC 60Hz for central air conditioners and other high draw devices. Can cost less to run 240V AC vs 120V AC too.

Motors can be less sensitive than electronics a basic vacuum motor may not care about 50/60Hz or 230V vs 240V AC. I've thought about putting a 6-20 (240v) for a tea kettle but we'd need a new circuit, the kettle, and oven draw too much power to share a circuit.
 
240 volt machinery isn't inherently more efficient, but the current is lower so there's less loss in the lines. As for lower operating cost- well, watts is still watts.

Some motors won't care about the frequency, but some will, there's a lot of "it depends" involved. (Others more knowledgeable than I will probably comment, too.)

Back to the vacuums- the motor power is only part of the overall "efficiency", whatever that is for a vacuum cleaner Impeller and case design will play a part, as will how smooth the inside of the hose is and how long it is; whether the filter is clogged or free and it's transmission.... all are factors.
 
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