Types of AC Electricity Used Around the World

When it comes to powering our homes and businesses, there are a variety of types of AC electricity used around the world. AC electricity, or alternating current, is a type of electricity that changes direction periodically. It is the type of electricity used in most homes and businesses due to its ability to transmit electricity over longer distances. 

Depending on the region, different types of AC electricity are used, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of AC electricity used around the world.

60 Hz in North America

In North America, the most common frequency of alternating current (AC) is 60 Hz. This means that the current alternates back and forth in a cycle 60 times per second. This type of AC is used for a variety of applications such as lighting, air conditioning, industrial machinery, and powering motors. 

The use of 60 Hz AC has been widely adopted in North America due to its reliability, cost-effectiveness, and easy availability of electrical parts for the 60 Hz frequency. It is also compatible with most electronic devices and home appliances that are made for the North American market. 

This type of AC electricity is also found in countries that share a power grid with North America, such as Mexico and parts of Canada. In addition, 60 Hz AC can be found in some Caribbean islands that have adopted American standards of power.

                                  

In fact, the United States and Canada have a 200-volt supply, to be exact, 240 volts. Electricity entering a North American home or business is actually 240 volts, which is then split into two 120-volt lines (usually a three-phase, three-wire system). 120-volt sockets are intended for lighting, small household appliances and other appliances (television, computer, toaster, etc.). Ovens, stoves, air conditioners, electric water heaters, electric vehicle chargers, and other high-powered devices use full 240 volts with separate grounded plugs and outlets larger than the 120-volt type. In Europe, standard power sockets are 230 volts, and high-power appliances provide 400 volts (previously 380 volts).

50 Hz in Europe and much of Asia

In Europe and much of Asia, AC electricity is typically transmitted and used at a frequency of 230V  50 Hz. This frequency was adopted by the majority of countries in the region as it became the norm for power generation throughout the 20th century. The 50 Hz standard was adopted as the main electrical frequency for many of the same reasons that North America chose 60 Hz. Both had to do with the way certain types of turbines and engines operate, making them more efficient at higher speeds when running at certain frequencies.

The most common voltage used in this region is 230 V, although there are variations from country to country. It's important to remember that voltage and frequency are linked; if one changes, the other must be adjusted accordingly. For example, using the same wattage appliance in Europe (50 Hz, 230 V) versus North America (60 Hz, 120 V) will require different electrical components due to the differences in frequency and voltage.