Can a 60Hz rated transformer be run on 50Hz?
In Australia we have a power system which operates at a frequency 50Hz. This means that the full sinusoidal voltage waveform repeats 50 times each second (Hz = cycles per second). Equipment such as transformers & motors rated at 60Hz may not operate safely at 50Hz, due to higher core losses & possible core saturation due to increased flux density. Equipment rated 50/60Hz is, of course, safe to use on 50Hz. Transformers designed to operate at 50Hz will operate perfectly well at 60Hz. Some electrical equipment will not operate satisfactorily at 50Hz if designed to run on 60Hz – for example, a synchronous motor will run about 20% slower on 50Hz, which may be a problem in a clock or timer.
