The story of why the United States operates on a 60Hz electrical system, as opposed to the 50Hz standard used in much of the rest of the world, is a fascinating tale. The reason is a story with a lot of historical significance and a weird rivalry between two giants in the electrical field.
Historical Beginnings and Technological Rivalries
The choice between 60Hz and 50Hz frequencies traces back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries during the electrification of the United States. At the dawn of electricity usage, inventors and engineers experimented with different frequencies to determine the most efficient and practical standards for transmitting electrical power over long distances.
In the United States, Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse tried to promote the use of alternating current (AC) for electrical transmission, which allowed for the efficient transportation of electricity over large distances. Tesla advocated for a 60Hz system, believing it to be more efficient for the transmission and generation of electricity. At that time, Thomas Edison sided with a German engineering company, AEG, to implement a 50Hz system. He believed it to be a more accessible and lucrative option.
The Shift Toward 60Hz
While we may ask why the United States uses 60Hz instead of 50Hz, the truth is there was a bit of back and forth. A long time ago, areas of California utilized the 50Hz structure because many systems in the state used tech from AEG. However, many of the States eventually came around to Tesla’s ideas and incorporated 60Hz systems.
There are noticeable effects of using 60Hz devices on a 50Hz electrical system, so America shifted toward a universal standard. While some rural areas may still operate on 50Hz systems, it’s not the norm. Still, adapters and frequency converters help people use imported appliances or technology that operate at a different electrical frequency.
Global Standards and Compatibility
Despite the historical reasons for adopting a 60Hz standard in the United States, the disparity between the two electrical systems made its way into the modern era. The simple reality is the electrical systems came from corporations trying to build a monopoly within a society working around the available systems. Very few countries today operate on evenly split electrical systems, but some do exist. Japan separates 60Hz and 50Hz into the eastern and western sides of the nation.
The divergence in electrical standards represents a peculiar remnant of early industrial rivalry and innovation. However, it necessitates careful consideration in manufacturing electrical products intended for international markets.
While there have been discussions about standardization, the massive infrastructure overhaul that would be required to harmonize the global system under a single frequency makes such a change unlikely.
Simply put, the reason the United States uses 60Hz is not just a tale of technological selection but a narrative about how early decisions and standards can have a lasting impact on global practices and industries.
