Why 60 hz not 50 hz?

Answer 1

Nikola Tesla decided on 60Hz based on a trade-off between the higher transformer/motor/inductor eddy current losses and powerline transmission capacitive leakage at higher frequencies, and the larger size required of Transformers, motors, inductors, and capacitors at lower frequencies.

European engineers chose 50Hz for arguably political reasons.

Aircraft use 400Hz because all components can be made much smaller. The total power involved is much less than something like a factory, for instance, and more modern manufacturing allows for thinner laminations, decreasing eddy current losses. Capacitive leakage losses are more of a long-distance powerline transmission issue, which don't affect aircraft.

AE7HD

Unfortunately, different countries have different standards for the frequency of houshold electricity. This has never quite been standardized. A piece of equipment designed for 50 Hz may or may not work at 60 Hz. Better look at the specifications; if it says something like "50 or 60 Hz", it will work with both; if it only says "50 Hz", then it will probably not work with 60 Hz, and vice-versa.

If you travel to other regions, you must take even more care of the voltage. A piece of equipment designed for 110 volt will quickly burn out if you plug it into 220 volt. At least, the electrical part will burn out, producing a lot of smelly smoke. I believe the smoke is from the insulating wires.

Answer 2

The choice of 60 Hz or 50 Hz for AC electrical systems was mainly influenced by historical reasons and regional standards. In the United States, 60 Hz was adopted early on, while in Europe and many other parts of the world, 50 Hz became the standard. Each frequency has its own advantages and drawbacks, but once a standard is established, changing it becomes difficult due to the extensive infrastructure built around it.