The major difference between AC and DC power is that AC power is provided by direct current, which is usually provided through electrical motors. On the other hand, DC power is supplied by alternating current, which is supplied by an alternating current motor. DC power is usually more efficient than AC power. Moreover, AC power outrages DC power when AC power fluctuates due to temperature.
In some countries, residential and commercial electrical usage is still made primarily of AC power. While most people use dc electricity for small home appliances like hair dryers, they may use alternating current for appliances such as refrigerators. However, in larger appliances such as washing machines and air conditioners, DC power is used since they generate much higher voltage than AC power. To understand the differences, it is necessary to know that although DC power and alternating current are both of the same voltage, they are not the same.
AC electricity is referred to as direct current (DC). It is a form of electromagnetic energy produced by electric motors, generators and dynamos. DC electricity runs through a wire or cable. When it encounters a conductive material, it transmits the electric current.
While DC electricity is used to transmit signals and information faster, it does not have any speed limit. This is why many people use DC power for their telephones. However, they need to convert this DC power into an alternating current (AC). AC is faster than DC power since it contains more voltage.
AC electricity, when it hits an object, has the capability to produce a small amount of heat. However, since this electricity is of faster voltage, the heating effect is much less than what happens with DC electricity. It is believed that when this electrical shock happens, your body may be affected in different ways. However, the most common is loss of consciousness, dizziness, muscle cramps and even bleeding. However, these things will take place only if you are not wearing the appropriate safety equipments.
While both are forms of electromagnetic energy, the difference between AC current and DC current is a very slight one. Your electrical appliances are powered by alternating current. You use a transformer to convert this direct current to AC current. This process is called primary direct current or just DC power. If you want to connect the appliance to a wall socket, you would use a direct current appliance. Thus, the difference between AC power and DC power is very minimal.
There are several advantages associated with using alternating current. It is more convenient and easier to handle than direct current. Your electric charges move in only one direction-up. The voltage drop between the two types of voltage is very insignificant.
When your phone rings, its alarm automatically stops working. This is one advantage of ac current. However, if you are on the phone for a long time, the alternating current makes it difficult to hear. Also, when you are talking on the phone, if there are fluctuations in voltage between the two types of power sources, the sound quality is often marred. To solve these drawbacks of ac current, most countries have made it compulsory for all mobile phones to be fitted with an adapter that allows the users to switch from direct current to alternating current.
In order to understand why switching from ac to dc is easier, let us have a look at how electricity is conducted through circuits. When you turn on your appliances, the electric charge flows from the wall outlet to the electrical board. When this process is completed successfully, the voltage levels will be equalized across the two wires. This is why, when your electric charge is suddenly changed from the wall outlet to the board, you may feel an uncomfortable change in the texture of the wire. The only thing that will prevent the voltage levels from changing too much is the resistance across the wire.
An alternative to this type of power supply is the direct current (DC) power supply. This is a very common type of power supply used in most homes. The DC voltage is supplied to the speaker system directly. On the other hand, the alternating current is supplied through a switching system that changes the voltage levels at which the electricity flows.
When it comes to choosing an ac current or dc current, you should first choose the appliance where you are going to use the phone and the frequency that you are going to use it on. Once you know these factors, you can easily find out the appropriate AC voltage or the appropriate DC voltage. If you are not sure about the combination that will be suitable for your device, you can always ask the staff of your nearest appliance store. They will give you some good advises. Once you are done with your shopping, always remember to turn the device on and test it for a while before you use it at home.