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CAN I RUN 50HZ AMP ON 60HZ?

Hello all - have a question here I need a quick response on - is it Ok to run monoblocks designed for 230V/50Hz power (Asia) on 230V/60Hz?

Basically, I'm considering buying some Opera Cyber 845s from Asia and running them here in the US. I can convert voltage to 230V no problem, but it'll be 60Hz still.

I have asked 6 different people this question and 3 have told me there *could* be problems with inductance or AC ripple. Does anybody know more or less *for sure*? THANKS IN ADVANCE!
paulfolbrecht
jea48
4,486 posts
 
You can run, 50hz transformers on 60hz. If it effects the the DC power supply I can't say. It would seem to me that at 60hz there would be more rectified full wave ripples for a given time line. Filtered Dc output should be smoother, cleaner. Maybe an EE can shed some light on the subject.
http://sound.westhost.com/xfmr.htm#7-noise
gs5556
1,237 posts
 
There's a problem with overheating using 60 hz power supples on 50 hz power since the effect would be an overvoltage, but not the other way around. Also, running at 60 hz increases the ability of the transformer to accommodate a larger voltage swing. The transformer is effectively uprated - runs cooler and has a higher voltage headroom to maintain VA rating.

As far as ripple, voltage change is decreased since energy delivery to the caps is faster. Running at a higher frequency should not be a problem.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,901 posts
 
There are absolutely no problems at all running something designed for 50Hz on 60Hz, unless it has an AC syncronous motor in it, which will then run a little faster.

A power supply designed for 50Hz actually runs better on 60Hz. There is less saturation in the power transformer and the filter caps will be more effective.

The problem exists going the other way!!
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