2006-07-31 03:15:01 · 4 answers · asked by FourHead 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
If the equipment is rated for 50-60 cycles (it will say in small print on the wattage/amperage label), you're all set. Just make sure the plug physically matches (if the voltage is okay too!) Transformers for computers and small electronis will do just fine.
Anything that spins will move 20% (6/5) faster. Fans will move more air. Pumps will pump more water. And typically you get a broader operating range (some blowers and pumps have less generous max and min flow rates on 50 Hertz).
The one problem would be equipment that takes its timing from the line voltage like some clocks or old analog TV (video format like PAL vs NTSC also being problems for TVs). I had a friend from the Netherlands who brought his 120/240 vac, 50/60 Hz clock radio to California. The first morning the alarm went off at 3 am because it was counting 28.8 hours in a day!
2006-07-31 03:48:36 · answer #1 · answered by David in Kenai 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the equipment. A lot of computer gear can be used internationally just by changing the AC power cord. Read the label on your power supply. Most computers will say something like:
100 - 240 VAC
50 - 60 Hz
This mean the power supply will automatically adapt to the voltage and frequency that falls between the printed limits.
Some equipment may have a manual switch to allow either 120 or 240 volt operation, again check that it will allow either 50 or 60 Hz operation.
If your device's power supply directly converts AC to DC with a bridge rectifier, the powerline frequency won't matter, as no AC can get past the rectifier. Simply use a conversion transformer, and you're in business.
Lastly if you're trying to operate motorized AC machinery, you'll find that the motor will spin at a different speed due to the change in AC frequency. If this is a problem for you, you'll need to generate your own 50 Hz AC. Probably the easiest way to do this would be to use a foreign market 50 Hz power inverter.
2006-07-31 10:35:16 · answer #2 · answered by sparkgap 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem is probably going to be with the voltage instead of the frequency. 50 Hz equipment usually operates on 220v. You'll need an "international" power converter. Try Target or WalMart
2006-07-31 11:14:49 · answer #3 · answered by davidosterberg1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally it does not matter
2006-07-31 10:38:29 · answer #4 · answered by andyoptic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋