[Thursday] Why 60hz electricity?

[Chris Prata]

Went looking for something on AC power utility history, because I think that's what everyone does on Saturday night right? Found this awesome writeup, with just enough tantalizing bits such as the various frequencies used locally until after WW2, that Calif. was split between 50hz and 60hz and so was Japan. Some systems ran at 16 2/3 hz

Very interesting and fuel for more internet browsing, because I'd like to know how appliances were managed, were they produced locally for the various frequencies?

A related story is the history of DC utility power which lasted into the 90's and maybe a bit beyond in NYC where some buildings were all DC, and appliances had to be bought for DC in those buildings.

Anyway here is the 3 page piece on AC frequencies and it's even a pdf which can be saved:
https://www.djtelectricaltraining.co.uk/downloads/50Hz-Frequency.pdf




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