50Hz AV receiver running on 60Hz

[Von Garcia]

Hi,

1. Can I use my 50Hz receiver on a 60Hz power source?
2. What are the possible effects of using 50Hz receiver to a 60Hz power source?

Thanks in advance.

 

[lovinthehd]

What receiver is it? Where are you?

 

[Von Garcia]

Hi,

It's Onkyo TX-8270. I'm from Philippines and we're using 60Hz. Apparently, the local dealer ordered the Euro version which is 230V/50Hz. I don't have problem with the voltage, my only concern is the frequency.

 

[Verdinut]

Welcome to AH,

If the Onkyo indicates 50 Hz, it is designed to only work at that proper frequency.
I suggest that you ask your dealer to correct his mistake and order the receiver appropriate for the 60 Hz frequency AC and your usual supplied voltage.

 

[Яusty]

The power rating will be reduced. iirc, I can't remember which is which, but using 50 on 60 vs 60 on 50, one of them is harder on equipment w/transformers. Switching might not care at all.

 

[M Code]

Besides the power supply line voltage & frequency..
AVRs built for export markets utilize different channel spacing for AM and FM tuning sections..
USA is 10kHz for AM & 200kHz for FM, Export is 9kHz for AM & 50kHz for FM.

Just my $0.02...

 

[Von Garcia]

Thanks for the replies.

Does this mean that I should not be using this receiver? I'm already in the process of talking with my dealer but they assured me that the receiver will just works "fine" since the transformers will convert the AC to DC. How true is this?

 

[Яusty]

Yes, it should basically work, if the voltage is correct. The problematic scenario is when people use 100V heating devices in a 120V country, those devices tend to burn out. 50 vs 60 Hz is more subtle, but a high current electric motor can get upset due to over-saturation.

 

[Verdinut]

Thanks for the replies.

Does this mean that I should not be using this receiver? I'm already in the process of talking with my dealer but they assured me that the receiver will just works "fine" since the transformers will convert the AC to DC. How true is this?

Yes, you shouldn't be using it.

 

[MR.MAGOO]

this opens up a whole new can of worms. I'm wondering if some of the audio / video gear I've bought over the years were mislabeled and meant for export to another area not 60hz 120 volt like the USA! And that's why they failed so soon? Internal circuitry meant for someplace else?

 

[PENG]

If the voltage is exactly the same, it is safe to use a 50 Hz rated unit on 60 Hz but not the other way. That is because at 60 Hz the inductive reactance of the transformers will be 20% higher so it will draw less current. Overall, expect a drop in power output, probably between 15-20%.

 

[carlthess40]

Not to mention you’ll void your warranty for using it in the wrong global electric grid area

 

[PENG]

Not to mention you’ll void your warranty for using it in the wrong global electric grid area

Good point, no technical reason if V is same, just 60hz instead of 50hz but it could be an out for the manufacturer regardless.

 

[M Code]

Besides the line voltage & frequency, tuner channel spacing, the biggest drawback of using a 50Hz product in a 60Hz local market is speed stability for the drive motor system. If one is using a turntable, tape deck that is using an AC induction motor rather than a servo design, will likely be out of spec for the playback speed.

Just my $0.02....

 

[PENG]

Besides the line voltage & frequency, tuner channel spacing, the biggest drawback of using a 50Hz product in a 60Hz local market is speed stability for the drive motor system. If one is using a turntable, tape deck that is using an AC induction motor rather than a servo design, will likely be out of spec for the playback speed.

Just my $0.02....

Another good point, though for newer models, even if induction motors are used, I would expect they are driven by frequency converters/inverters/AFD etc., o the effects would be negligible if any. Obviously it is best to get the right power supply specs for the area the unit is used.

 

[lovinthehd]

Hi,

It's Onkyo TX-8270. I'm from Philippines and we're using 60Hz. Apparently, the local dealer ordered the Euro version which is 230V/50Hz. I don't have problem with the voltage, my only concern is the frequency.

If it's not your specification and not the model for your area I'd have the dealer correct it....but seems somewhat safe to use from the comments above, but that warranty part....

 

[TLS Guy]

Europe is 240 to 250 volts single phase 50 HZ.

The Philippines is 220 volts single phase 60 Hz.

This is not an ideal situation, and the radio section will not work correctly.

 

[Von Garcia]

Thanks fo

If it's not your specification and not the model for your area I'd have the dealer correct it....but seems somewhat safe to use from the comments above, but that warranty part....

They will cover the warranty as what they say. But if safety is concern here, I will really have to return it to them.

Thank you all for your inputs.

 

[lovinthehd]

Thanks fo


They will cover the warranty as what they say. But if safety is concern here, I will really have to return it to them.

Thank you all for your inputs.

Who says that Onkyo will cover the warranty? Onkyo or the dealer? Have you seen the confirmation from Onkyo? Why isn't the dealer just getting the correct unit?

 

[Von Garcia]

Guys, good news. They are replacing the unit with another receiver TX-8250 which is rated at 220-230V, 50/60Hz. A perfect match to our 220V/60hz power supply.

Very glad to found this forum. Again, thank you everyone.

Regards!