DC Vs. AC Voltage

Electricity is the flow of electrons through a conductor. Voltage is the pressure exerted by those electrons. AC means alternating current and DC means direct current. Both terms refer to how electricity flows.

Alternating Current

Alternating current flows in two directions in an alternating cycle. Voltage flowing in one direction increases to a peak voltage and decreases back to zero at which point the flow reverses direction, rises to a peak and decreases back to zero.

Direct Current

Direct current is constant and unchanging. The current flow is one direction and at a constant level.

Household Electricity

The electricity supplied to homes in the United States is 120 volts AC at 60 Hertz. The cycle of positive and negative flow is completed 60 times per second.

AC Efficiency

Alternating current is efficient to deliver over long distances. Because the average voltage is zero, the average loss is zero. Thomas Edison wanted to wire the country for DC voltage and later admitted it would have been a mistake.

DC Efficiency

The constant pressure of DC voltage provides exceptional power for devices such as electric motors. This makes it efficient for certain uses, such as the starter motor on an automobile or to run heavy machinery in a factory.

Conversion

DC voltage may be converted to AC voltage using an inverter. AC voltage may be converted to DC voltage by using a rectifier.