What does the frequency of electricity refer to?

What does the frequency of electricity refer to? The following introduces the basic knowledge, regional characteristics, and measurement methods of frequency

Due to the fact that electricity and voltage are invisible, many people find them elusive. But in fact, it’s just that you can’t see it, it’s not difficult to understand. Below, we will introduce the frequency basis of electricity and voltage, regional frequency differences, and how to measure frequency in a simple and understandable way.

Frequency refers to the number of radio waves per second

Frequency is the number of times positive and negative alternating in one second in alternating current. It is unique to alternating current, exchanging positive and negative signals in a regular manner, and does not occur in direct current. The frequency unit is “Hz (Hertz)”. For example, if there are 60 positive and negative changes per second, the frequency is represented as 60 Hz.

In addition, when AC power starts from 0, the voltage changes from positive to negative, and then returns to 0, it is represented as one cycle, with the frequency being the reciprocal of the cycle. High frequency “refers to having more wave numbers and shorter periods per second, while” low frequency “refers to having fewer wave numbers and longer periods.

Frequency varies by country

For example, China, the United Kingdom, and Germany use 50Hz, while the United States and South Korea use 60Hz. There are regional differences in frequency, but basically each country adopts one frequency, which is the mainstream.

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

Previously in Japan, if moving from East Japan to West Japan, it was necessary to confirm whether the existing household appliances could continue to be used. That is to say, when moving, it may be necessary to replace most of the electrical appliances.

However, in recent years, many appliances are compatible with both 50Hz and 60Hz frequencies. More and more appliances are equipped with built-in frequency converters, which can adapt to the frequency of motors, thereby reducing the risk of poor performance and malfunctions when used in different frequency regions.

■ Methods for measuring frequency

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

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

When measuring, do not forget to switch the function to frequency measurement before the test rod comes into contact with the measuring part. Switching functions when testing the contact of the meter rod may cause malfunctions in the digital multimeter.

To meet the needs of different countries and regions, all power supplies produced by Haifyer are compatible with 50Hz and 60Hz