Beatrice Lang
The utility frequency, or power line frequency, is the nominal frequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in a wide-area synchronous grid transmitted from a power station to the end user. In large parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, and Asia, the utility frequency is 50 Hz, whereas in the Americas and parts of Asia, it is typically 60 Hz. This means that the AC completes 60 cycles per second.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nominal frequency | 60 cycles per second |
| Other names | Utility frequency, power line frequency, mains frequency |
| Regions | Americas, parts of Asia |
| Voltage | 100-127 V |
| Use | Electric lighting and induction motors |
| History | Chosen by Westinghouse Electric in 1890 over 50 Hz for better performance of arc-lighting equipment |
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What You'll Learn
60 Hz is the utility frequency in the US
The utility frequency, also known as the power or mains frequency, refers to the nominal frequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) transmitted from a power station to the end user. In most parts of the world, the utility frequency is 50 Hz, but in the US and the rest of the Americas, it is typically 60 Hz.
The use of 60 Hz in the US dates back to the late 19th century when Westinghouse Electric chose to standardize on a higher frequency to allow both electric lighting and induction motors to operate on the same generating system. Although 50 Hz was also suitable, Westinghouse found that existing arc-lighting equipment performed better on 60 Hz. Additionally, 60 Hz caused less visible flicker in lighting.
In 1893, General Electric Corporation, affiliated with AEG in Germany, initially built a generating project in California using 50 Hz. However, they soon switched to 60 Hz to maintain market share with the Westinghouse standard. The first generators at the influential Niagara Falls project, built by Westinghouse in 1895, used 25 Hz as the turbine speed had already been set. This influenced electric power systems design, and 25 Hz became the North American standard for low-frequency AC.
Today, 60 Hz continues to be the standard utility frequency in the US and other parts of the Americas. This frequency coexists with the 50 Hz frequency used in most other parts of the world. The choice of frequency also influences voltage levels, with 60 Hz systems typically using 100-127 V, while 50 Hz systems use 220-240 V.
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60 cycles per second
The utility frequency, also known as the power or mains frequency, refers to the nominal frequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in a wide-area synchronous grid transmitted from a power station to the end-user. In simpler terms, it refers to the number of cycles per second of an electrical current. This is typically measured in hertz (Hz).
In the US, the power grid is based on a highly stable 60-hertz signal, meaning it cycles 60 times per second. This is also the case in the Americas more broadly, and some parts of Asia. In the US, household electrical power is based on a single-phase, 120-volt AC power supply. Power measured at a wall outlet in a US home will yield sine waves that oscillate between ±170 volts, with the true-rms voltage measuring at 120 volts. The rate of oscillation will be 60 cycles per second.
The use of 60 cycles per second in the US dates back to the late 19th century when Westinghouse Electric decided to standardise on a higher frequency to permit the operation of both electric lighting and induction motors on the same generating system. Although 50 Hz was suitable for both, it was found that the existing arc-lighting equipment operated slightly better on 60 Hz, and so that frequency was chosen.
The choice of frequency also has implications for the operation of certain motors. Commutator-type universal motors, which are common in AC household appliances and power tools, do not operate well on higher-frequency AC due to the rapid changes in current. Induction motors, on the other hand, work well on frequencies around 50 to 60 Hz.
It is worth noting that not all countries use 60 Hz as their utility frequency. In fact, many parts of the world use 50 Hz, including some regions in Japan and Europe. During the development of commercial electric power systems in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, various frequencies and voltages were utilised, leading to a slow standardisation process. As of the turn of the 21st century, places using 50 Hz tend to use 220-240 V, while those using 60 Hz tend to use 100-127 V.
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60 Hz is used in the Americas and parts of Asia
The utility frequency, also known as the (power) line frequency or mains frequency, is the nominal frequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in a wide area synchronous grid transmitted from a power station to the end user. In most parts of the world, the standard frequency is 50 Hz, but in the Americas and parts of Asia, it is typically 60 Hz.
The use of 60 Hz in these regions has historical roots. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when commercial electric power systems were being developed, numerous frequencies and voltages were utilised, leading to a lack of standardisation. In 1890, Westinghouse Electric opted for a higher frequency of 60 Hz as it allowed for the operation of both electric lighting and induction motors on the same generating system. Although 50 Hz was also suitable, 60 Hz was chosen as existing arc-lighting equipment performed slightly better at this frequency, producing less visible flicker in lighting. Additionally, generators operating at 60 Hz required less copper and iron for the same amount of power.
Standardisation of frequencies became essential for international trade in electrical equipment and the interconnection of power grids. In the United States, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission mandated time error correction in 2009, recognising the importance of precise frequency control in coordinating generators connected to the network.
The frequency of 60 Hz continues to be relevant in modern times. For instance, in the United States, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) discussed a proposal in 2011 that would relax frequency regulation requirements, impacting the accuracy of clocks and devices relying on the 60 Hz grid frequency as a time base.
It is worth noting that within Asia, the use of 60 Hz is not uniform. For example, in Japan, the western part of the country, including Nagoya and areas to the west, uses 60 Hz, while the eastern part, including Tokyo and areas to the east, uses 50 Hz. This difference stems from the initial purchases of generators from different companies in the late 19th century.
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60 Hz is better for arc-lighting equipment
The utility frequency, or the nominal frequency of oscillations of alternating current (AC) transmitted from a power station to the end user, is typically 50 Hz or 60 Hz. In the Americas and parts of Asia, the frequency is 60 Hz, while in the UK, most of Asia, Russia, and Africa, the frequency is 50 Hz.
In the early days of electric lighting, incandescent lamps were common, and typical generators were 8-pole machines operated at 2,000 RPM, resulting in a frequency of 133 Hz. However, operating an incandescent lamp at a low-frequency current causes a perceptible change in brightness and a flicker, which is more pronounced with arc lamps.
Westinghouse Electric played a significant role in the standardization of utility frequency. They aimed to permit the operation of both electric lighting and induction motors on the same generating system. While 50 Hz was suitable for both, Westinghouse considered that existing arc-lighting equipment operated slightly better on 60 Hz in 1890. As a result, they chose the higher frequency for their standard.
The induction motor, which was licensed by Westinghouse in 1888, required a lower frequency than the 133 Hz commonly used for lighting systems. This decision by Westinghouse influenced other companies, such as General Electric Corporation, to adopt the 60 Hz standard to maintain market share.
Today, both 50 Hz and 60 Hz frequencies coexist, and there is no strong technical reason to prefer one over the other. However, the choice of frequency can impact the performance of certain equipment, such as arc-lighting equipment, which operates better at 60 Hz due to reduced flickering and improved brightness.
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60 Hz is a higher frequency
The utility frequency, also known as the power line frequency or mains frequency, refers to the nominal frequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) transmitted from a power station to the end user. In most parts of the world, the standard frequency is 50 Hz, but in the Americas and parts of Asia, including Japan, the standard frequency is 60 Hz.
The use of 60 Hz as the standard frequency in certain regions is due to historical decisions made by companies such as Westinghouse Electric and General Electric Corporation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Westinghouse Electric chose to standardize on a higher frequency of 60 Hz to permit the operation of both electric lighting and induction motors on the same generating system. Although 50 Hz was also suitable, Westinghouse Electric found that existing arc-lighting equipment operated slightly better on 60 Hz.
General Electric Corporation, which was affiliated with AEG in Germany, initially built a generating project in California using 50 Hz but switched to 60 Hz to maintain market share with the Westinghouse standard. This decision contributed to the widespread adoption of 60 Hz in the Americas.
While 60 Hz is considered a higher frequency compared to the more common 50 Hz standard, it is important to note that during the early days of electrification, a wide range of frequencies were used, and standardization was a gradual process. The choice of frequency depends on various factors, including the performance of different types of equipment and the compatibility with customer equipment.
Today, the use of 50 Hz and 60 Hz frequencies coexist, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. 60 Hz is considered a higher frequency and, as such, may result in increased losses due to the skin effect during the transmission of current. However, at lower frequencies like 50 Hz, there is a higher risk of core saturation in transformers and induction motors, which can cause issues such as saturation.
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Frequently asked questions
A 60-cycle electric current, also known as a 60 Hz frequency, is a type of power line frequency or mains frequency. It refers to the number of oscillations of alternating current (AC) in a wide area synchronous grid transmitted from a power station to the end-user.
The name comes from the fact that it cycles 60 times per second.
60-cycle electricity is used in the Americas and parts of Asia, including Japan.
The alternative is 50-cycle electricity, which is used in many other parts of the world.
During the development of commercial electric power systems in the 19th and 20th centuries, various frequencies and voltages were used. Standardization was a slow process due to the large investments in equipment at specific frequencies.
