View Full Version : Why is USA 60 Hz and China, Europe 50 Hz?
Robert Gift
Apr 17, 2010, 11:38 PM
Does 50 Hz transmit over longer distances better than 60 Hz and electrical systems developed later make use of that knowledge?
Thank you,
Robert
KISS
Apr 18, 2010, 12:18 AM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utility_frequency
Robert Gift
Apr 18, 2010, 03:01 AM
Thanks, KISS.
Unfortunately "... with no technical reason to prefer one over the other.. .
KISS
Apr 18, 2010, 03:32 AM
Well, the higher the frequency the lower the amount of iron. That's why aircraft systems are 400 Hz.
Frequency generators were largely mechanical. Think the old vibrators for car radios. Basically a vibrating relay.
I wouldn't be surprised that the metric system that something to do with it. Note that NTSC WAS based on exactly 60 Hz and I believe e the PAL standard is based on 50 Hz.
Japan has a 100 VAC system is some parts.