[quote]I am pretty sure though, if the US actually "get accustomed" to 240V for general household circuits power companies are likely to eventually start using 240V phase to neutral transformers as they replace old 120/240V ones.
This is something I've contemplated for some time, and if implemented would certainly increase efficiency.
Residential use of 240V seems to be increasing in the U.S. From what I read around the internet, European kitchen appliances seem to be largely driving this, but these days with the ease of migration and overseas purchasing, ordinary 240V domestic appliances are being brought in privately. (In the 1950's with large scale European immigration to Australia, many migrants brought their appliances with them).
I think a possible 'U.S conversion to 240V' might go along the lines of a small 240-120V transformer installed in the house to power the millions of low power appliances in existence. I doubt Shuko type plugs would be used as they already have 240V socket designs and it would be pointless and annoying to introduce something new.
Incidentally, the reason why Australia chose an American plug and socket design was the ease of making flat pins rather than round ones.
