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I wonder why ovens didn't simply use a pair of sockets in series, and specify that bulb life will be adversely affected if the installed bulbs don't match? Or why, in more recent decades, they haven't switched to using a triac-based dimmer circuit?
– supercat
Commented Jul 7 at 19:49
@supercat Really, this could be solved in a year with a $100 excise tax on ovens that require 120/240V.
– Harper - Reinstate Monica
Commented Jul 9 at 4:46
Since many electrical codes have for years required running 3-wire (plus ground) service, such ovens would only be advantageous in places that don't already have such service. In those situations, I would think having a UL listed autotransformer/circuit breaker assembly (which would cut 240V power in case the transformer wouwould be overloaded) would be better than grandfathering things. By question was about why the problem wasn't averted half a century ago.
– supercat
Commented Jul 9 at 14:39
@supercat but purely on a "what do people ask about online" basis, the 3-prong is still heavily in circulation if not dominant.
– Harper - Reinstate Monica
Commented Jul 10 at 18:39
If the chicken and egg problem between manufacturers, consumers, and regulatory agencies were overcome, what downsides would you see to having a UL rated assembly that could fit in an oversized junction box that would combine an autotransformer, a dryer outlet, and a a thermal cutout that would disconnect both legs of the 220V supply, perhaps including an attachment for a Bowden cable which could in turn connect to an external actuating lever if the box itself would be in an inconvenient location? I would think in many installations that would be cheaper than running a new cable...
– supercat
Commented Jul 10 at 19:40

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