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It's largely for historical reasons. (It's a bit like asking why we drive on the left and other countries drive on the right. We developed our own way of doing things at a time when international conformity was far less important than it is now).
The main advantage of the UK voltage (now actually around 220V rather than 240V) is that higher voltages mean more efficient conduction of electricity (i.e. lower heat losses in the cables). The main advantage of 110V systems is that you stand a better chance of survival if you happen to include yourself as part of the circuit! [Before someone posts a comment to point out that it's actually current that kills, not voltage, I'd merely observe that I've managed to connect myself to both systems several times over the years and there's definitely a bigger 'kick' at higher voltages!].
Chris
The main advantage of the UK voltage (now actually around 220V rather than 240V) is that higher voltages mean more efficient conduction of electricity (i.e. lower heat losses in the cables). The main advantage of 110V systems is that you stand a better chance of survival if you happen to include yourself as part of the circuit! [Before someone posts a comment to point out that it's actually current that kills, not voltage, I'd merely observe that I've managed to connect myself to both systems several times over the years and there's definitely a bigger 'kick' at higher voltages!].
Chris
The supply being at a higher voltage means that it needs less current for the same amount of power - meaning we can use thinner wires for the same job, and save money & energy.
The fact that the voltage is higher is nothing to worry about - the design of UK electric connectors are much better than most non-UK ones: sockets are gated, unlike most countries, and there's always a live and neutral side - which means appliances can be switched off at the live side and be safer when off.
Thanks guys for your informative replies.
I had been under the impression that because many domestic appliances can run on 12V, there must be some "loss" involved in converting the voltage down and that it was therefore inefficient to use 240V.
As you can probably tell, I don't know much about electricity!! However, I now know more than I did before! Thanks.
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