Actually, electric heat and hot water in the US is frequently running off the 240 volt circuits too, as well as electric ranges, electric clothes dryers, pretty

Actually, electric heat and hot water in the US is frequently running off the 240 volt circuits too, as well as electric ranges, electric clothes dryers, pretty much anything that takes a lot of power. These items use various standards of plugs and receptacles and the circuits are usually rated to 30 amps (peak). The US 120 volt, 15amp plugs are pretty much just for things you plug in and other light duty equipment. For anything serious, you can wire up a 120v20amp outlet or even the 240v 30amp circuit.