Who hasn't wondered about the voltage when plugging in an appliance or buying a new appliance? In Brazil, this question is even more common, since there is no single standard: some regions use 110V, others 220V, or it is even possible to find sockets with different voltages in the same place.

But does this influence energy consumption? Is there a better voltage option? See how each system works and what precautions to take when using equipment.

Why are there two voltages in Brazil?

The difference in voltage didn't come about by chance - it's linked to the country's history. When Brazil began to set up its electricity grid, the energy concessionaires of the time implemented different systems, according to what was used in their countries of origin.

While those in the North, South and Southeast adopted the 110V standard, more common in the United States and Canada, those in the Northeast and Midwest followed the 220V model used in Europe.

In addition to this variation between states and cities, many properties also have sockets with different voltages. This is because some equipment needs more power to work efficiently and safely, such as showers, air conditioners, etc.

What are the differences between 110V and 220V?

The main difference between 110V and 220V lies in the way the energy is transmitted to the appliances: in a 110V system, the electric current needs to be higher to deliver the same power as a 220V system. As the higher current can generate more heat in the wires, it is necessary to use thicker cables to avoid overheating and energy losses.

With 220V, on the other hand, which has a lower current, it is possible to use thinner wires, making the installation more efficient, especially for equipment that consumes a lot of energy.

Although 220V is advantageous for wiring, 110V can be considered safer, as the electric current in a 110V socket is half that of 220V, reducing the intensity of electric shocks.

How to identify the voltage of an appliance or socket outlet

To prevent damage to appliances and ensure the safety of the electrical installation, consumers should check the voltage before plugging in any equipment. This information can be found on both the appliances and the sockets themselves.

In electronics and household appliances, the voltage is usually indicated on a label attached to the device itself, on the power supply or in the instruction manual. If the device is bivolt, the label will show "100-240V" or"automatic bivolt", indicating that it can be used on any voltage without the need to adapt.

As for sockets, identification can be a little more complicated, especially in places that have both systems. In some cases, 220V sockets are marked with stickers, signs or the socket in red, while others follow an installation pattern that places them in specific areas, such as: on top of the dry area in the kitchen, for the use of portable appliances; on the bathroom sink, for the use of hair dryers or straighteners, or in places where there are high-consumption appliances, such as electric showers and air conditioning.

When there is no visible signage, the safest way to confirm the voltage of the socket is to consult an electrician.

Which voltage consumes the most energy?

Some people believe that appliances plugged into 220V use less energy, but in reality, energy consumption depends solely on the power of the equipment, measured in watts (W), and the time it is used.

And since the power is the same regardless of the voltage (110V or 220V), the amount of energy consumed in kWh (kilowatt-hours) doesn't change.

The difference lies in the electric current needed to reach this power. At 220V, the current is lower, which can reduce electrical losses in larger systems. However, for common household appliances, the difference in consumption is practically imperceptible.

What happens if an appliance is connected to the wrong voltage?

Connecting an appliance to the wrong voltage can cause serious damage, compromising the functioning of the equipment and even posing safety risks.

If a 110V device is plugged into a 220V socket, for example, it will receive twice the voltage for which it was manufactured. This can cause internal components to burn out immediately, damaging the device and, in more serious cases, causing it to heat up and even catch fire.

When 220V equipment is plugged into a 110V socket, there is no risk of instant burnout, but the appliance may not work properly. With less power than it needs, it may not turn on at all or it may underperform, causing malfunctions and internal damage.

That's why, before plugging any equipment into the socket, it's essential to check the voltage indicated on the appliance and compare it with the mains voltage.

How do I choose the ideal voltage?

As Brazil does not have a single standard, it is important to consider the type of appliance, the energy demand and the electrical structure of the location before deciding which voltage to use.

For devices that consume a lot of energy, such as electric showers and air conditioners, 220V is usually the most efficient option, as the electric current needed to operate these devices is lower (which reduces the heating of the wires and improves the safety of the installation).

For smaller appliances and electronics, such as fridges and televisions, both 110V and 220V work the same way, as long as the appliance is compatible with the available mains supply.

If the electrical system in the property already follows a voltage standard, the best choice is to stick with this system and ensure that the equipment you buy is compatible. The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) also advises that consumers consult a qualified professional to ensure the safety and proper functioning of their installations.

For those looking for more practicality, bivolt equipment is a good alternative. As they can be connected to both 110V and 220V without risk of damage, they offer more flexibility, especially for those who move frequently or use the same appliance in different locations.