What is the frequency of electricity?

What is the frequency of electricity? The following describes the basics of frequency, regional and measurement methods

Since electricity and voltage are invisible things, many people will find them elusive. But in fact, it is just invisible, and it is not difficult to understand. Below, we will introduce the frequency basis of electricity and voltage, the difference between regional frequencies, and how to measure frequency in an easy-to-understand way.

■ Frequency refers to the number of waves per second

Frequency is the number of times positive and negative alternating current alternates in a second. It is unique to alternating current, is responsible for the regular exchange, in direct current does not occur. The frequency unit is "Hz (Hertz)". For example, if there are 60 positive and negative changes per second, the frequency is expressed as 60Hz.

In addition, the alternating current starts from 0, the voltage changes from positive to negative, and when it returns to 0, it is expressed as a cycle, and the frequency is the reciprocal of the cycle. "High frequency" refers to the number of waves per second, short cycle, "low frequency" refers to the number of waves, long cycle.

■ Frequency varies by country

For example, China, Britain and Germany are 50Hz, and the United States and South Korea are 60Hz. There are regional differences in frequency, but basically each country adopts a frequency.

As a specific example, Japan is divided into East Japan and West Japan, where East Japan is 50Hz and West Japan is 60Hz. It is very rare in the world for a country to use different frequencies.

Previously in Japan, if you move from East Japan to West Japan, you need to confirm whether the existing home appliances can continue to be used. In other words, when moving, you may need to replace most of the electrical appliances.

In recent years, however, many appliances are compatible with both 50Hz and 60Hz frequencies. More and more appliances have built-in frequency converters that can adapt to the frequency of the motor, thereby reducing the risk of poor performance and failure when used in different frequency areas.

■ Frequency measurement method

When measuring the frequency, you can use a digital multimeter equipped with a frequency measurement function (frequency counter). In addition to expensive digital multimeters, some multimeters also have this function.

Its method of use is very simple. Switch the digital multimeter to the frequency measurement (Hz) function, and then insert the red and black stylus into the positive () and negative (-) terminals of the multimeter respectively, so that the measuring and testing meter bar contacts both ends of the circuit under test, and the frequency of the corresponding part can be displayed on the LCD screen.

When measuring, don't forget to switch the function to frequency measurement before the test meter stick touches the measuring part. Switching the function when the test meter stick is in contact may cause the digital multimeter to malfunction.

■ Summary

Frequency is the number of waves generated in one second. The frequency of all countries in the world is specified as 50Hz or 60Hz. As a special case, Japan is divided into 50Hz and 60Hz according to different regions. Recently, more and more electrical products or appliances equipped with frequency converters can support two frequencies at the same time.