There are geographical variations regarding the electrical power supplied to homes, buildings and facilities. The variations are mainly in the voltage and the frequency.
In general:
– Worldwide line voltage values can be divided into two ranges: the 100V to 127V range and the 220V to 240V. The 100V to 127V range is more subject to electrical fires due to higher currents in these systems.
– Worldwide line frequency values can be divided into two ranges: the 50 Hz areas and the 60 Hz areas.
Additional geographical aspects of electrical-faults include:
- The level of electrical power usage varies between developed and non-developed countries. There are countries in which the annual electricity usage is above 15,000 kWatt-hour per person. On the other hand, there are countries with annual electricity usage is below 2,000 kWatt-hour per person.
- Climate variations: In cold countries there is a higher need for heating and clothes drying.
- Building techniques: in countries where wood is intensively used, the flammability of the wood also affect electrical fire statistics.