The choice of frequency for single-phase alternating-current railway motors

Owing to the success attending the several installations of single-phase alternating-current railway motors in this country and abroad, and the suitability of this type of motive power for the electrification of certain steam lines, the questions have been asked as to whether the 25-cycle frequency thus far universally used is the frequency best adapted for alternating-current motor design and operation, or whether the benefits obtained by the use of a lower frequency are sufficient to justify its introduction. This paper is intended to open a discussion on the relative merits of 25 cycles and a lower frequency, and will touch briefly upon the advantages and disadvantages of the present standard of 25 cycles and any proposed standard of a lower frequency.