50hz vs 60hz.

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callo techy

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Hi guys, I am new to this forom,,,,
What are the negatives other than excessive heating of using a 60hz transformer in a country that uses 50hz.
 
50/60Hz

50/60Hz

Lots of other discussions on this issue. Do a search.

At 50Hz, you might cause the transformer to saturate and trip OCPD. Transformer may not be rated for 50Hz so use would be violation of listing. Metal cores need to stay within their V/Hz rating. So, a 120V 60Hz core will operate fine at 100V 50Hz but you lose 20% capacity.
 
In reality though, I have never seen a problem using a 60Hz designed transformer at 50Hz, it is UNDER magnetized a little, not saturated. Saturation happens when you try to use a 50Hz transformer in a 60Hz supply. That is why you see a lot of European equipment fry when it gets shipped to the US even though they replace all the motors. They often forget about the little control transformers used all over the place inside and they cook themselves in a matter of months.
 
Not saturated

Not saturated

Rethink that.

For a set voltage, the VT (volt-time) product increases as the frequency decreases. It is VT that causes saturation. Take the worst case, DC. DC applied to a transformer will saturate it. Thus, a 120V 60Hz device operated at 120V 50Hz will see 120% VT. As long as the core was overdesigned so that a 120% voltage at 60Hz (144V) would not cause damage, then the 120V 50Hz should not cause damage. But, if the core was close to saturation at 120V 60Hz, it will saturate at 120V 50Hz.

I agree that a 220V 50Hz transformer can be operated at 120V 60Hz without problems. But, unless taps are provided, the output voltage will be useless.
 
beanland said:
Rethink that.

For a set voltage, the VT (volt-time) product increases as the frequency decreases. It is VT that causes saturation. Take the worst case, DC. DC applied to a transformer will saturate it. Thus, a 120V 60Hz device operated at 120V 50Hz will see 120% VT. As long as the core was overdesigned so that a 120% voltage at 60Hz (144V) would not cause damage, then the 120V 50Hz should not cause damage. But, if the core was close to saturation at 120V 60Hz, it will saturate at 120V 50Hz.

I agree that a 220V 50Hz transformer can be operated at 120V 60Hz without problems. But, unless taps are provided, the output voltage will be useless.
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I agree, and would add that even without core satuaration there is another potential problem; as frequency increases so does impedance and as impedance is to all intents and purposes equivelent to DC resistance, when in an AC circuit, then then impedance designed for a 60Hz coil will be overheated it when supplied by 50Hz.
 
Afew findings after changing from the 60hz to the 50hz..
1. Less heating effect.
2. Less "humming" vibrating sound,,,etc.
 
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