Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
If you are in North America power is supplied to homes at 60 cycles and from 110 to 120 volt depending upon the source generating plant. If you plug a meter (VOM) into your wall outlet you'll find that the voltage will most likely vary throughout the day by as much as 5 volts. This flucuation is due to the amount of current being used at any given time. When I lived in CA it was fairly stable at 115-116 volts. Here in AZ the voltage varies from 112-116 volts. The 50 or 60 cycles won't make much of a difference unless it states "50 cycles only". As stated before the motor will spin a bit faster on 60 cycles. The cycles are the number of alternating "pulses" (positve to negitive) the electricity generator sends. The greater the alternating "pulses" the faster the motor will spin. Some older "50 cycle only" motors, due to motor design, will not work on 60 cycles and for some it may make the motor over heat. If the power source does not state 50 cycle only then you should be fine. If it does state 50 cycle only then you should replace the older motor before you run it on 60 cycle current.
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!