Please note - Our range of counters is no longer available, this FAQ is now for reference only
Electromechanical hour counters use synchronous motors as their timing method. In effect they are counting the number of waves in the AC current form over a period of time. This means that the timing is directly related to the supply frequency, so the timer must be compatible with that frequency.
In the UK and mainland Europe mains frequency is 50Hz, so our electromechanical timers are also 50Hz. Marine and offshore applications (also USA and a number of other non-European countries) generally use 60Hz supplies. 50Hz electromechanical timers will run 20% over speed on such supplies.
Electronic timing devices should be used in these situations as these use an internal crystal as the timing reference, which is completely unaffected by the supply frequency.
Electromechanical hour counters use synchronous motors as their timing method. In effect they are counting the number of waves in the AC current form over a period of time. This means that the timing is directly related to the supply frequency, so the timer must be compatible with that frequency.
In the UK and mainland Europe mains frequency is 50Hz, so our electromechanical timers are also 50Hz. Marine and offshore applications (also USA and a number of other non-European countries) generally use 60Hz supplies. 50Hz electromechanical timers will run 20% over speed on such supplies.
Electronic timing devices should be used in these situations as these use an internal crystal as the timing reference, which is completely unaffected by the supply frequency.