What is DC Power Supply Used for?

A power supply converts household A/C electricity to D/C.
••• Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images

Electricity comes in two main forms: alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). DC current has the flow of electricity going in only one direction (forwards), whereas AC current has the electricity going in two directions (backwards and forwards). DC current is easier for smaller devices to utilize and is the most common method of power supply for anything that runs on battery power as well.

Power supplies

Most electrical power from a wall outlet comes in alternating current form

AC to DC conversion

Alternating current must be converted to direct current (DC) by a rectifier.

Uses for DC current

DC current is commonly used to power small electronics

Electronic devices

Many devices, such as computers, stereos, and other smaller electrical appliances have their DC converting rectifier built right into the device.

Batteries

Batteries also supply a DC current, so any device that uses batteries also utilizes a DC power supply.

Related Articles

What Is a 24V Power Source?
What Are the Uses of Direct Current?
How to Make a Simple Circuit
How to Charge a 12V Battery With a DC Motor
What Is a 24V Power Source?
How to Convert 12 Volt to 6 Volt
How to Calculate Potential Difference
How to Calculate Millivolts to Amps
How to Calculate KVA to MVA
How to Figure kW Rating of a 3 Phase Electric Motor
How to Regulate DC Power With Resistors
How to Use a Magnet to Create Electricity
What Are the Uses of Direct Current?
How to Convert mW to mA
How to Convert Ohms to Kilowatts
How to Calculate DC Voltage
What is the Identity Property of Multiplication?
How to: Improper Fractions Into Proper Fractions
Characteristics of Aquatic Plants

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!