Eli5: What does the frequency (Hz) have to do with electrical output? If the world has 50/60 Hz frequency for their outlets, what exactly does that mean/do? Is it as simple as if it goes below/exceeds the specified frequency it just gives/reduces power output or something different?

Question

Eli5: What does the frequency (Hz) have to do with electrical output? If the world has 50/60 Hz frequency for their outlets, what exactly does that mean/do? Is it as simple as if it goes below/exceeds the specified frequency it just gives/reduces power output or something different?

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Answer 1

> If the world has 50/60 Hz frequency for their outlets …

Nope, that’s not how it works. Some places, like the US, have 60Hz. Other places, like the EU have 50Hz. These frequencies are quite precise, not ±20%.

A device might say it requires 50/60Hz. That means it can take either, and possibly 55Hz but it’s not clear where you’d get that.