How accurate is mains frequency?

Contrary to the common misunderstanding of many, the mains power line frequency is NOT precisely controlled at any instant in time, or over the course of any given day . When demand is high, generators slow down substantially. The result of this load is that mains power line frequency drops–and often, dramatically.

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How is mains frequency measured?

The voltage quoted is the root mean square, and the peak voltage can be calculated by multiplying the voltage with 2 , or the peak-to-peak voltage is found by multiplying with 2 2 . The frequency used in mains electricity is either 50Hz (20ms period) sinusoidal or 60Hz (16.66ms period) sinusoidal.

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Why is the mains frequency 50Hz?

50Hz corresponds to 3000 RPM . That range is a convenient, efficient speed for the steam turbine engines which power most generators and thus avoids a lot of extra gearing. 3000 RPM is also a fast, but doesn’t put too much mechanical stress on the rotating turbine nor AC generator.

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Can 60Hz be used in the UK?

UK outlets provide a frequency of 50 Hz. Transformers do not provide a conversion to US 60 Hz ; you are stuck with UK 50 Hz. The only electrical products that need concern you regarding this frequency mismatch are products that contain motors (i.e. things that run fans, spin wheels, rotate things, etc.

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Is 50Hz and 60Hz the same?

At the end of the day, however, there are no major differences between 50Hz and 60Hz . They’re both equally valid power supply standards, and whether you use one over the other will depend more on your circumstances rather than the pros and cons of either.

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