T&T: Appliances 110v versus 12v

[2elnav at netbistro.com]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ken Bloomfield" <khtb at bellsouth.net>
> The rub, of course, is that as soon as you try to get some serious wattage 
> for a coffeemaker, or hair dryer, or hot plate, etc.  -- the wire size you 
> would need would be ridiculously big.  Not too many folks would like 
> having a 1/0 or 2/0 extension cord laying around!  Thus, there are not 
> many realistic 12 volt appliances.


REPLY
Low voltage  is not more efficient that  high voltage for one simple reason.
Kirchoff's law;  which defines losses as I squared R  meaning the loss in 
wires  both inside and outside the appliance is  measured by the current 
squared and multiplied by the resistance.
This is why  cars went from 6V to 12V and  lately  they have been lookign at 
going to 36/48V
Likewise  boats have transitioned from 12V to 24V in many cases, and  the 
bass pro fishing boats have already gone to 36V electric trolling motors.

All the other  reasons posted are simply  confusing the issue but relate 
back to the I^2 R law.

Arild