50Hz vs. 60Hz: Can You Use a Machine on a Different Frequency?

When buying a used encrusting machine from Japan, or bringing back a machine from abroad, the thing most easily overlooked is frequency. The right voltage doesn't mean it can be used directly; a different frequency also affects how the machine runs.

What Frequency Is Taiwan?

Taiwan is 60Hz. Article 3 of the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Standards for Supply Voltage and Frequency of Electricity Enterprises (電業供電電壓及頻率標準) sets the AC frequency at 60Hz, with variation not to exceed 4% of the standard frequency; Article 46 of Taipower's business regulations also states that the supply frequency is AC 60Hz.

Why Does Japan Have Both 50Hz and 60Hz?

Japan's grid is roughly divided around the Fuji River in Shizuoka Prefecture: the east (Tokyo, Tohoku, Hokkaido) is 50Hz, and the west (Nagoya, Osaka, Kyushu) is 60Hz. The common explanation is that in the Meiji era, Tokyo imported German 50Hz generators and Osaka imported American 60Hz generators, and as each developed separately, the country split into two zones.

So machines from the same Japanese brand may be 50Hz versions if used in eastern Japan and 60Hz versions if used in western Japan.

Does a Different Frequency Affect Speed?

Yes. The speed of a typical AC induction motor is proportional to the supply frequency. As an illustrative calculation: 60 ÷ 50 = 1.2, meaning a motor designed for 50Hz will run roughly 20% faster on 60Hz. For food machinery, this may cause:

• Changed timing: The speed relationships among feeding, cutting, and the conveyor are thrown off, and weight and forming may become unstable.
• Load changes: For fan and pump-type loads, power draw may rise as speed increases, and the motor may overheat.
• Timing components: Some older timers and synchronous motors keep time by the supply frequency, so their timing will drift.

Conversely, a 60Hz machine on 50Hz will run slower and may lack output or overheat.

If the machine's main motor is driven through an inverter (variable frequency drive), the inverter rectifies the supply and outputs the required frequency, so it is usually more tolerant of the supply frequency, but you should still go by the nameplates and manuals of the inverter and the machine.

What to Watch for When Buying a Machine from Japan

1. Check the nameplate: Confirm voltage, phase, and frequency. Equipment marked "50/60Hz" can usually be used on either; if only 50Hz is listed, evaluate modification.
2. Ask where it was used: Machines from eastern Japan are more likely to be 50Hz.
3. Voltage must match too: Japan's typical low voltage is 100V/200V, while Taiwan's is 110V/220V/380V, so voltage differences also have to be dealt with.
4. Modification method: It may require changing pulleys, gear ratios, or the motor, or adding an inverter, and should be evaluated by a technician familiar with the model.
5. Safety devices: After modification, the emergency stop, safety switches, and guard interlocks must all be retested.

For other things to check on used machines, see What to Watch for in a Used Encrusting Machine.

Frequency of Dong-Yih Models

Dong-Yih Machinery's models are made in Taiwan for use with Taiwan's power supply. To ask what adjustments a machine brought back from Japan needs before use in Taiwan, call us (06-257-4644).

FAQ

Q: Is Taiwan's power supply 50Hz or 60Hz?
A: 60Hz, as set by Article 3 of the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Standards for Supply Voltage and Frequency of Electricity Enterprises.

Q: What happens if I plug a 50Hz machine straight into Taiwan's power?
A: AC motor speed will increase by roughly 20%, which may affect timing, weight, and motor temperature; we recommend having a technician evaluate it first.

Q: Do I need to worry about frequency for a machine bought in Osaka?
A: Osaka is in the 60Hz zone, the same as Taiwan, but the voltage may still differ, so check the nameplate.

Q: What does "50/60Hz" on the nameplate mean?
A: It means the machine is designed to work on either frequency, though running speed may differ slightly; you still need to confirm voltage and phase.