what happens when 50hz device runs on 60hz and vice versa?

[welove8051]

hello people, what will happen when we connect 50Hz device like TV on a 60Hz power supply and vice versa?
i think a 50Hz device will not have any problem running on 60Hz.

what is the reason for choosing 50 or 60 Hz why cant be 55 or 100 or some thing higher?

 

[FvM]

If you refer to a modern device with swiched mode supply, it don't care for mains frequency or exact voltage. Did you even look at the specification or the type plate at the backside?

Problems arise when operating a 60-Hz-only transformer power supply or AC motor at 50 Hz. 50 to 60 Hz in constrast should at least work.

 

[Audioguru]

The first generators at Niagara Falls produced DC. But transformers could not be used so power could not be sent long distance. They replaced the DC generators with AC alternators but selected 25Hz. Transformers and electric motors needed to be enormous so they changed it to 60Hz.

 

[chuckey]

For mains distribution, lower the frequency the lower the losses due to cable capacitance but the bigger the transformers. Also the generators become larger. Aircraft that have short mains distribution lengths, run their "mains" at 400 HZ. Lighter transformers, lighter generators.
Frank

 

[jiripolivka]

Most newTV and other devices are really powered by DC rectified from AC mains. Their AC inputs can vary from 95 to 240 V, any frequency, 50 or 60 Hz.

Historically, the frequency was standardized to 50 Hz in Europe and 60 Hz in Americas. For heavy machinery and transformers those two are not compatible, and motor-alternators had to be used when needed.
In Japan, when TV synchronization was referred to mains frequency, the problem was that half of the country imported power generators from Europe, and half from the U.S. Since 1950s, the problem were solved by not using power grid frequency as a reference.

 

[Nik_2213]

IIRC, the Euro choice of 50 Hz vs US 60 Hz was almost accidental, followed by a move towards 'semi-monopoly', blocking rival imports...

A bit like Edison going for the screw-in bulb vs Swann for bayonet fitting. Each had good reasons, but we're stuck with legacy bulb-holders...