thanks!

Oh no, I didn't. Should I draw a graph? Pop out some equations?

Let's say P is the nominal power. When I said "The other half" I meant when the solder iron is not plugged. So:

50% of the time at 4xP 50% of the time at 0...

Oh shizzzz, you're right!

Ok. I was acountless on lemmy for a long time, your comment made me finally register. Thanks!

So, yeah, with double the voltage you get 4x the power. But you you put 4 times the power at 50% of the time, you get only 2x the power. And the other half of the time, you get 0 power. On the average you get the same power output.