220V is a particular level of electrical potential from a power source, or in simpler terms, the strength of the push given to make electrons flow through an electrical cable. 220V is the standard household voltage in dozens of countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, Chile, Egypt, the U.A.E, and South Korea. This is then used to power typical household appliances, such as TVs, fridges, and microwaves.
In many countries there is a legal requirement to mark the voltage with a 220V warning label, including the following that we sell:
220V Electrical warning label
220 volt electrical warning label. Part of our electrical equipment label range. Size 20mm x 20mm. Self adhesive vinyl. Supplied in packs of 100 labels.
Price From: £9.42 (inc VAT)
(£7.85 ex VAT)
220V AC Electrical warning label
220 volt AC electrical warning label. Part of our electrical equipment label range. Size 19mm x 38mm. Self adhesive vinyl. Supplied in packs of 100.
Price From: £9.84 (inc VAT)
(£8.20 ex VAT)
However, despite the warnings, it is unlikely that 220V would kill an otherwise healthy person; the individual would only experience a painful shock. It would however pose more serious danger to individuals with underlying heart conditions and other health issues.
Why use 220V over other voltages?
Many countries use lower voltages such as 110V or 120V. Although lower voltages are safer than higher voltages, higher voltages allow for thinner electrical cables whilst achieving the same level of electrical current.
Full list of countries that use 220V
- Afghanistan
- Angola
- Argentina
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- Benin
- Brazil*
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Central Africa
- Chad
- Chile
- China
- Comoros
- Congo
- Ivory Coast
- Djibouti
- East Timor
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Ethiopia
- French Guiana
- Gabon
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Hong Kong
- Kazakhstan
- South Korea
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lesotho
- Macau
- Madagascar*
- Mali
- Martinique
- Mauritania
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- New Caledonia
- Niger
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Saudi Arabia*
- Somalia
- Syria
- Tahiti
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- United Arab Emirates
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Zimbabwe
*these countries use more than one voltage
