50Hz to 60Hz

Why Frequency Matters?

The 1885 invention of the electrical transformer facilitated the conversion of one voltage to another but did not deal with the issue of frequency. However, as electrical devices have increased in complexity, the issue of frequency began to matter more and more. Ignoring the frequency difference can result in the device not operating as intended. Many are under the impression that it is just a clock that runs slower or a mixer that does not operate as fast.

As electrical appliances are continuously designed towards maximizing efficiency and reducing manufacturing, costs, the technology to achieve these also change. More efficient induction motors replacing standard motors, smaller internal transformers by running exclusively at 60Hz, timing mechanisms to ensure proper cooking time or wash cycles, are all dependent on frequency. Of course, items such as Microwaves simply will not operate at the wrong frequency regardless of the voltage.

Transformers are designed to ensure there are enough primary turns to prevent its steel core from saturating. Once the frequency was reduced by 10Hz, (a 16.6% difference), there are no longer sufficient turns to prevent saturation. Once this happens, the transformer begins drawing much more current than normal and overheats. Not just by 16.6%, but up to 100%.

Transformers today are still using the same basic design from 1885, long before frequency became such an integral part of the electrical grid. While still functional and acceptable for converting voltage, the lack of frequency conversion will always be an issue.

Below is a video which demonstrate what will happen when a 120V/60Hz designed microwave oven operates under a 120V/50Hz power source: 50hz VS 60hz          

Problems that people have when 50Hz Vs 60Hz

I recently bought a stove in Miami to use in the Caribbean, LG gas range, to be specific. The problem is the oven needs 60hz to be functional however, our system is 50 hz. I am looking for a device to use on the stove so that it receives the right electricity that it needs. The specs on the stove are 120 v 60Hz 8.3 Amp. My country is 240 v 50Hz.

I am a military spouse who is in need of several kitchen appliances. I am a nutritionist and I am working on lightening up many different recipes and cultural favorites. I volunteer teach at our local USO teens to learn nutrition and cooking and we recently moved overseas. I received a few kitchen necessities before the move that have never been opened and are still in the box that I wont be able to use due to power conversions. I have step up converters, but even those have too low Hertz and will blow the motors within a year. So long story I have to get new equipment. I already replaced my crockpot and instant pot (one of the new in box items) and need to still replace my blender ( it was the new in box Oster pro 1200) and stand mixer (only 3 years old). I am wondering about your Kenmore elite stand mixer as it says 220 v compatible, is the hertz dual as well? Is there a place in Germany I can buy this or is it going to be purchase and ship overseas, also do those go on sale at all? Do you all have anything that is 220 that could replace the blender? Same questions regarding dual hertz and shipping on that as well.

We are looking for a unit with the following specs:

Input 220V / 50Hz
Output 120V / 60Hz

Our equipment has a max power consumption of about 1700W so we’d like to get a quote for both an 1800W unit and the next step up (whatever that is).

These will be used in a hospital for clinical studies and will be temporary installations.

I am an audiophile that has relocated from Colorado to the island of Bonaire in the Dutch Caribbean where the AC frequency is 50Hz. Available voltages are 127V (somewhat unstable supply) or 220V (a stable supply). In addition to my audio system, I would like to convert parts of my home to 110-120V @ 60Hz, too (e.g., TVs, kitchen appliances, small guitar amps, etc.). I am flexible on the best ways to do this, and am open to suggestions. I can send power specs for most of my audio equipment. I have mostly Audio Research tube components, but also Bryston solid-state and other miscellaneous solid-state gear. I am looking into whether our 220V supply is single- or three-phase. I would like your help in both design and purchase of power converters for both my stereo and parts of my home.

I have Samsung USA refrigerator , I would like to take with me to Europe , Hungary 115v 60Hz 6.0 A to 220v 50Hz continuous converter Please send me help I need more than one converter for more appliances. Thank you.

Most people try to solve the above problems by purchasing a regular step down tranformer, which only solve part of the problem. The regular step down transformer only lower the voltage from 220V to 120V, but it is NOT a Frequency Converter, it does not change the frequency from 50hz to 60hz.

• Convert 50Hz to 60Hz