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Vac motors - 120 or 220v

wyatt

Active member
If existing power isn't an issue, what is your preferred motor? I'm getting new vacuums and have always tended to try and get higher voltage items. For example I have the 220 v air dryers instead of 120v. What is the reasoning behind the preference towards 220 over 120 for a lot of people?
 
If existing power isn't an issue, what is your preferred motor? I'm getting new vacuums and have always tended to try and get higher voltage items. For example I have the 220 v air dryers instead of 120v. What is the reasoning behind the preference towards 220 over 120 for a lot of people?

220v is cheaper to run. It's more efficient since it uses less current to produce the same amount of power. If you could do 220v you should.
 
Since I was a kid I have been told that 220V is more efficient to run than 110V but in reality, it is probably a gain so little you wouldn't notice it on your electric bill. The big overhead power transmission lines that run thousands of volts and over long distances is a whole different story. If you look at a dual voltage motor the higher voltage is exactly half the amperage but it consumes the same wattage with either voltage. We pay for wattage at the meter. One advantage is that you can use a smaller wire gauge because of the smaller amperage draw. If the 220V vac also needs 110V for whatever reason (I don't think they do though) then you would need an additional wire over a 110V circuit. One disadvantage is that your breaker 220V takes up two spaces in your panel instead of one with 110V.
 
Another thing to think about is the availability to get special ordered 220-230v parts for it. Order a vac motor and wait 2-3 weeks when you can get a 120v just about anywhere. Also resale value down the road which won't be much but it defiently wouldn't help since 95% of people have 120 on free standing vacs.
 
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If existing power isn't an issue, what is your preferred motor? I'm getting new vacuums and have always tended to try and get higher voltage items. For example I have the 220 v air dryers instead of 120v. What is the reasoning behind the preference towards 220 over 120 for a lot of people?
Why would you want to go to a 220 volt motor instead of 110 volt motor on your vacuums? I'd go with the industry standard of 110 volt.
 
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