Very basically if a 50Hz induction motor is used on a 60Hz supply it will run faster than the stated RPM, likewise a 60HZ on 50HZ slower, the emphasis of course being "induction" motor which is brush-less. Its for that reason you cannot use an American clock on the UK system (even with a voltage reducer on the UK mains supply which is 50Hz.) as the clock would lose 10 minutes every hour. There are other complicated reasons involving loading currents and iron core densities, being higher on lower frequencies, although suffice to say that although with differences of between 50 and 60Hz you are talking fractions, a 60Hz induction device represents more of a short circuit on 50Hz than 60Hz which obviously means a higher current flow.

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