Electronic – 60Hz to 50Hz frequency transformer/inverter

frequencytransformer

I need to transform the frequency from 60Hz (220V) to 50Hz (220 or 230V). Alternatively I can use 110V 60Hz for the required output. I'm looking to find cost and space effective solution, it is for build-in coffee machine and build-in microwave appliances bought in Europe (max. 1kW each, can be always used separately). What would do this do the job?

I've seen normal transformers just change the current 110/220V and vice versa, but leave the frequency the same. Since I already have 220V power supply I just need to change the frequency, what appears to be not that easy. I also thought if there would be anything in the appliances inside that would be cheaper to change, but probably that's not the case since these models would not have their US counterparts, although both are Whirlpool.
(the biggest problem is the micro, since the coffee machine works, but is a bit 'slower' than it should…)

Can please anyone help?

Best Answer

Both your machines use transformers inside to create the required working voltage. Using transformers at 60Hz designed for 50Hz will be no problem. Using one at 50Hz when designed for 60Hz is more troublesome, as the max flux inside the core will be greater than designed.

So for you 60Hz 220-230V is fine. But the electronics inside that measure time were built for 50Hz, so at 60Hz they will run faster. Many electronic clocks use industry standard chips which can be set to either 50 or 60 Hz by soldering a certain pin to ground or not.

Use them, don't worry, just don't trust the clocks.