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The frequency of 50 or 60 Hertz (cycles per second) was selected to reduce inductive power losses caused by long distance power line transmission.

These fairly low frequencies still enable alternating current to be converted to various voltages and currents using moderate sized Transformers at the point of power use.

The higher the power frequency the higher the inductive losses over a length of power transmission line.

For this reason frequencies higher than 60 Hertz are avoided.

Where possible electrical power transmission over long distances these days is accomplished with high voltage direct current, which is converted to alternating current near the usage areas.

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What does 60 cycles mean in electrical terms?

60 cycles is also called 60 Hertz. This is the frequency of the sine wave for AC voltage. It means there are 60 repetitions of the wave every second.Answer'60 cycles' is a lazy or slang expression for '60 cycles per second', which is a measure of the line frequency of North American electricity supplies (in Europe and elsewhere, it's 50). Under SI, the 'cycle per second' has been replaced by the 'hertz' (Hz). So we now say, '60 Hz'.


What does 50 hertz or 60 hertz mean in an electrical generator?

The unit hertz means "cycles per second" and is a measure of the frequency of variation of anything which changes during a set period of time, including electric current and voltage. Saying that a generator of electricity runs at 50 hertz means that its current and voltage changes regularly at a rate of 50 times per second. Saying that a generator of electricity runs at 60 hertz means that its current and voltage changes regularly at a rate of 60 times per second. The Hertz value can be changed on the generator by increasing or decreasing the speed (RPM) of the prime mover. The generator has a feed back unit that monitors the frequency and automatically applies more power to the prime mover if the load increases and the generator RPM starts to slow down. The reverse happens if the load drops off and the generator starts to speed up, the power to the prime mover will be reduced. On a diesel generator it is the fuel flow that is increased and decreased to keep the frequency at a constant value. On a water turbine it is the water flow that is increased and decreased to keep the frequency at a constant value.


Will 50 hertz solid state electronics run on 60 hertz?

Most solid-state electronics operate on d.c. Providing its in-built power supply (i.e. transformer, rectifier, smoothing circuits) can support either frequency, then there should be no problem. My hi-fi amplifer, tuner, and electrostatic loudspeakers are each designed to work on either 50 or 60 Hz. My LCD television is designed to work at either frequency. Most laptop computers and mobile phones can be charged at either frequency as they are intended to be used internationally.


What is the frequency of the secondary of a 230 volt step down transformer?

The frequency is dependant upon what electrical grid that you are connecting the transformerto. If you are connected to a 50 Hz grid, the transformer will output a voltage at 50 Hz. The same thing with the 60 Hz grid, the transformer will output a voltage at 60 Hz.


If a bulb has 50 Hz frequency and it is apply at 60 Hz frequency voltage supply then it is glow or not?

If a bulb has 50 Hz frequency and it's supply is 60 Hz frequency, it will still glow, despite the allowance of 10 HZ frequency.

Related Questions

What is the frequency of household electricity?

In North America, it is 60 Hertz, and in Europe it is 50 hertz.


What is the difference between 50 Hertz and 61 Hertz?

The main difference between 50 Hz and 60 Hz is the frequency at which they operate. 50 Hz is a standard frequency used in many countries for electrical systems and appliances, while 60 Hz is commonly used in countries like the United States. The higher the frequency, the faster the alternating current cycles.


Is there a Measure to convert 60 hz into 50 hz?

There is nothing to convert. You are using the same unit of measurement. A hertz is a hertz, all you are dealing with is 10 less Hertz. 60 Hertz - 10 Hertz = 50 Hertz The difference is 10 Hertz. The math there is just to give you a clear example and illustrate my point. What you are asking for is similar to someone asking "how do you convert miles to miles" or "how do I convert inches to inches".


What is the frequency of AC current in North America?

In North America 60 Hertz. Europe 50 Hertz.


Will 240 V support 50Hz?

Yes, 240 volts is generated at 50 Hertz. This is a European frequency where as the frequency generated in North America is 60 Hertz.


What is the standard voltage and frequency used in most residential electrical systems, with the keyword being 220/60?

The standard voltage and frequency used in most residential electrical systems is 220 volts at a frequency of 60 hertz.


How wide a fluctuation can there be in a 60 Hertz appliance?

When electrical power is generated there is no fluctuation of the frequency. It is either 50 or 60 Hertz depending on where you live in the world. It is the mandate of individual generation stations to maintain this one standard. As for the question some appliances can be operated on the other frequency some can not. It is in your interest to read the nameplate of the appliance and use the frequency that the appliance was designed for.


What Hz does the Canadian electrical power supply service use?

The North American grid operates on 60 Hertz.


At what frequency is voltage generated in the Bahamas?

In the Bahamas they use 120/240 and 120/208 voltage at 60 Hertz.


Will AC 220-240v 50hz battery charger work in America?

No, the U.S. electrical system is 60 hertz not 50 hertz. The only way you can use it is if the charger will operate at 50 & 60 hertz which is unlikely but possible. It will be listed on the charger if it will operate at a lower hertz.


Why do ships operate at a frequency of 60 hertz?

Ships operate at a frequency of 60 hertz to match the standard electrical grid frequency used in the United States and other countries. This makes it easier to connect to shore power when in port and ensures compatibility with existing power systems.


What is the frequency of a system bus?

it depends on the CPU.. but the frequency is measured in herts