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You are here: Experts > Computing/Technology > Job Searching: Technical > Electrical Engineering > Power Distrubution Frequency
Expert: cleggsan - 11/5/2009
Question
Is there any reason why the US power grid runs on 60hz, and why is it so important to maintain this frequency across the network?
Answer
Yes, of course. The history is well known as to why 60 Hz was chosen. In the very early days there were many power systems and many voltages; even DC was used by some of the earliest power distribution systems. And, finally, as is well known, each country has settled on its own choice with 120V/60Hz and 220V/50Hz being the most popular, but many others used throughout the world.
Please google for this and you will find a few wiki answers with history and technology to explain in great detail.
The frequency must be controlled accurately simply because each generator must synchronize to the system so that it will be able to inject its power into the grid. If it were not in synch it would cause disastrous damage to the generator and the grid.
See:
http://pepei.pennnet.com/display_article/330202/17/ARTCL/none/none/1/In-sync:-Co...
And, you can google for more interesting comments on synchronizing to the grid.
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