Utility frequency

From open-encyclopedia.com - the free encyclopedia.

The utility frequency is the frequency at which alternating current is transmitted from a power plant to the end user.

In the Western Hemisphere, this is typically 60 Hz, with the exceptions of Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, French Guiana, Jamaica, Netherland Antilles, and Uruguay, where it is 50 Hz.

In the Eastern Hemisphere, it is typically 50 Hz, with the exceptions of Lesotho, Liberia, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, and some portions of Bahrain, India, and Japan.

Places that use the 50 Hz frequency tend to use 220/230 voltage, and those that use 60 Hz tend to use 110/120.

See also: Mains, Power connector.