The U.S. uses a household voltage of 110 V. However, electric stoves and dryers are wired with
220 V lines. Which would cause less damage --plugging a 110 V-rated curling iron into a 220 V
outlet, or a German-made 220 V-rated curling iron into a 110 V outlet? Explain. (Note: 110 and
220 V outlets are made in different shapes so that appliances cannot be accidentally
interchanged.)
In the United States and neighboring countries, however, household outlets run at 110 or 120 volts. This can pose a serious problem for travelers. Connecting a 220-volt appliance to a 110-volt outlet can damage or destroy the appliance