On Thu, 06 Apr 2017 10:49:00 +1200
nospam.Bill.McGarrity@f1.n770.z584.fidonet.org (Bill McGarrity) wrote:

> -=> Ahem A Rivet's Shot wrote to Bill McGarrity on 04-06-17 10:47 <=-
>
>
>  > In all honesty, I've never seen a heater or power tool run on 115v
>
>  AAS>  Come to the UK or Ireland, most building contractors use
>  AAS> 110v power tools with big weatherproof plugs and sockets and a hefty
>  AAS> transformer.
>
> I would imagine they would. I did state heaters and tools less that 2kW
> though. They should be fine if using 12/3 and 20a breaker.

 2-3kW is common for things like chop saws.

> Another thing, why would contractors purchase equipment that doesn't
> operate on the country's standard voltage and also a frequency mismatch.

 It is currently a UK government (Health and Safety Executive)
recommendation that all tools on a building site run at 110v through
isolating, centre-earthed, transformers to minimise the chances of people
electrocuting themselves in an environment that is often wet, dirty and
populated with sharp things. While it's not a legal requirement protecting
workers from electrocution is and insurance companies are likely to insist.

 More detail here:

https://www.its.co.uk/blog/buying-guides/what-is-110v-do-we-need-it/

 Also see the "Portable electrical equipment" section here:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/systems.htm

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