How can I run a device that is 60 Hz on a 50 Hz outlet?

Question

I'm heading to Japan (Tokyo) next week where I believe electricity runs on a 100 volt, 50 Hz system. I want to be able to use a digital camera and a flat iron over there which both run on 120 volt, 60 Hz. Can someone give me advice on how I'll be able to operate these items over there without worrying about any burnouts, etc? I'm concerned of how the difference between frequencies (60 to 50 hz) will affect how my items would work. Thanks

Answer 1

I think your digital camera should use DC battery, bring an extra one with you. Camera batteries, digital or camcorder, are available in anywhere in this world. Only the video or audio equipment are concerned about the frequency difference may affect the quality of the picture or the hum of the 60/50 Hz may affect both audio (sound with hum) and video quality. As a matter of fact, your flat iron of 120 volt/60Hz is assured safe to use in Japan AC supply of 100V/50 Hz.

Answer 2

I would think not such a big deal with the iron and don't cameras just take batteries anyways?

Answer 3

The iron will be OK.

Most power supplies are usually switch-mode, these days. Check the makers plate on yours to see if they are dual voltage. Usually that means dual frequency, too.

If you have older stuff with linear supplies, they may still be OK. The frequency component can give problems when there is insufficient iron in the transformer cores (leads to saturation) but they may be ok. When you get there, if they get hot, you may need to look around for an after-market power pack.

Answer 4

In most cases you would be OK.  I would only worry about those items that have a small transformer and 50/60 Hz is not listed on the label or case.  However, very few items would be damaged.

However, however, most 50 Hz systems are 220 VAC.  Even in Japan you have to look first. That is where you will get into big trouble, as most 60Hz systems are 110VAC.  You plug one of these babies in, and you will be crying over the paperweight you just created.

Answer 5

You are probably ok on both and just need a plug adaptor (if different plugs are in use).

But check the documentation on both, see if it says 50-60Hz operation.

Answer 6

Electric irons are operating on electric resistors which are not affected by frequency variation. A digital camera will be using electric chargers which can work on 50/60HZ frequency

A battery charger is usually rated 100-240 volts. So, your digital camera can be charged at 100volts/50 Hz.

Answer 7

For a digital camera (like a lot of electronics these days such as laptops), the AC wall current is basically charging a battery in the equipment.  As one of the replies you have received says, the power supply of modern electronics would tend to be "switching", which means you can use  just about any AC wall current (regardless of voltage in volt and frequency in Hz) to work with your equipment anywhere in the world. you need to look at the equipment or the manual. A switching power supply would probably say that it can support AC input voltage anywhere from 100 VAC to 240 VAC. For a camera, the frequency of 50 Hz vs 60 Hz is basically irrelevant (because the AC voltage is being rectified into DC to charge the battery).

Many digital cameras use regular AA or AAA batteries. You can probably just buy some batteries for the trip and not worry about the voltage, frequency, and the wall plug itself.

The iron will be just fine if it plugs into the wall outlets, directly or through an adapter. In many hotels, they will  provide you with an iron, and you don't need to bring one in the first place.