I wonder if newly installed distribution systems really 230 V or are they still 220 (IRL/EU) and 240 in UK as they always have been?
The Brits are said not to care. In fact, I think the UK standards still says 240V +/-6%. In law it has changed to 230V +10/-6%, though. There was concern among lighting manufacturers when this was passed that the 230V stuff wouldn't handle actual voltage encountered in the UK. (I.e. it would be above the official 253V)
I don't think it was the purpose of the EU to spread the 'who gives a damn anyhow'-attitude to all of Europe, but it has suceeded.
a lot of older 220V stuff was rated 3000 W as it shipped with a 16 amp schuko plug.. things have changed a bit since the standardisation on 230 V though. 2850 W seems to be the upper design limit.
Or 2200W @ 230V. Can you guess why these wattages have been chosen?
If the load is resistive (reasonable for a kettle, space heater, drier or washing machine) this means that current will be exactly 10A or 13A when used on 240V.
A bit ironic, isn't it?
