"Christian McArdle" wrote in message
t...
Don't they have some sort of split, like a centre tapped 110-0-110 volt
system in America now, so higher voltages can be used if required?...

Yes, but there is rarely many 220V sockets available. Their appliances
often
use hot water from the tap to avoid needing heating elements.

Which is more economical at times as if heater by cheap gas you save. Here
we have some appliances that only accept cold water, ten heat it by
expensive electricity.