Voltage & Frequency By Country - World Standard
Explore voltage and frequency standards by country, including common power systems, electrical frequencies, and voltage requirements worldwide.
Introduction
Electrical voltage and frequency vary between countries and regions, so confirming the correct electrical standard is an important step when selecting a diesel generator set. The generator voltage and frequency must be compatible with the local electrical system and the equipment that will be powered.
The GENLITEC Worldwide Voltage and Frequency Guide provides a convenient reference for common electrical standards around the world, helping customers, engineers, contractors and generator distributors confirm the appropriate voltage and frequency for their projects.
What the Guide Covers
The guide provides country and regional reference information for the main electrical specifications that should be considered when configuring a diesel generator set.
Single-phase voltage requirements
Three-phase voltage requirements
50 Hz and 60 Hz power frequency standards
Common electrical configurations used for generator applications
Voltage and Frequency for Generator Selection
Voltage and frequency are fundamental specifications of a diesel generator set. Before ordering a generator, the required voltage and frequency should be confirmed according to the local utility supply, connected equipment and project electrical requirements.
For three-phase applications, it is also important to confirm both the line-to-line voltage and the line-to-neutral voltage. For example, a generator specified as 400/230 V provides approximately 400 V between phases and 230 V between a phase and neutral.
The generator frequency must also match the intended application. A 50 Hz generator and a 60 Hz generator are not interchangeable for all equipment because the operating frequency can affect the speed and performance of motors, pumps, compressors and other electrical loads.
Common Generator Configurations
| 400/230 V, 50 Hz | A common three-phase configuration used in many European, African, Asian and Middle Eastern applications. |
| 415/240 V, 50 Hz | A commonly specified three-phase configuration in a number of markets influenced by British electrical standards. |
| 380/220 V, 50 Hz | A widely encountered legacy and project-specific configuration in various 50 Hz markets. |
| 480/277 V, 60 Hz | A common three-phase configuration for industrial and commercial applications in North American 60 Hz markets. |
How to Confirm the Correct Generator Specification
Country-level voltage and frequency information should be used as a starting point rather than the only basis for generator selection. The actual project requirements should always be confirmed before production.
Check the voltage and frequency required by the connected equipment.
Confirm whether the application requires single-phase or three-phase power.
Confirm the required line-to-line and line-to-neutral voltage for three-phase systems.
Confirm the required frequency, typically 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
Confirm the electrical requirements with the project engineer or local utility when necessary.
Important Notes
Electrical standards can vary within a country depending on the region, utility network, building type and application. Some countries also use more than one voltage level or electrical configuration.
The voltage and frequency information provided in the accompanying guide is intended for general reference only. The actual generator specification should be confirmed based on the project requirements and the electrical equipment to be powered.
For a specific project, GENLITEC can configure the diesel generator set according to the required voltage, frequency, phase, power rating and application conditions.
