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Does the 50Hz & 60Hz difference matter at all or not? (feddit.online)
submitted 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) by animemann80@feddit.online to c/askelectronics@discuss.tchncs.de
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The 240-120 voltage problem can be remedied by using transformers but that doesn't negate the frequency difference between grids. Australia operates on 230v @ 50Hz while the US works with 120V @ 60Hz for instance, as certain electronics that are singular voltage (Hair Dryers, Desk Fans or Electric Blankets) have their frequencies disclosed even if the voltage on those are different than the one that country uses.

Does plugging in a device that has 120v-60Hz via a transformer on a grid that operates on 230v-50Hz ruin the device due to either heating elements or motors inside? Even between countries that work with 220-40v but one uses 50Hz while the other uses 60Hz, does that render those electronics (like dehumidifiers, power drills, curling irons) incompatible despite them using similar voltage (like 220v vs 230v)?

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[-] AnchoriteMagus@sh.itjust.works 10 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

Generally, you won't ruin it. Modern stuff with switching power supplies like laptops handle the difference automatically. Old motor-driven devices like record players may speed up or slow down depending on their rating, and large AC induction motors, like washing machines, might heat up slightly.

[-] darkdemize@sh.itjust.works 9 points 3 days ago

This answer right here. Additionally, things that use the frequency for timing such as clocks may operate faster or slower than intended depending on which way they are being converted.

this post was submitted on 01 Aug 2026
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