Why Do We Use AC or DC Power?

In today’s video we are going to discuss the two differents types of power we use every day in all sorts of electrical applications: AC power and DC power. More specifically, we want to talk about why we use AC or DC power in various applications. In many cases, you may know you need DC power for your specific scenario, or maybe a transformer to change to the voltage needed for your situation, but why are these changes necessary? Our hope is that by the end of this video, you have a better understanding of why we use components such as: Transformers, power supplies and power converters in so many of our electrical systems today.

Let’s first discuss the basic differences between AC power and DC power. Electrical current is the flow of charged particles, or specifically in the case of AC and DC, the flow of electrons. The main difference between AC and DC power is the actual direction of the electron flow. DC power sees current moving in one direction and is constant. To better illustrate the constant nature of DC power,you can look at a graph, DC power will look like a straight line moving from left to right. AC power on the other hand, changes constantly over time. In this case, current can can flow in both a positive and negative direction. On a graph, this current flow looks like a sine wave, going up and down, alternating between a positive and negative flow. Hence the name Alternating Current. (Example)

With the ability to change the voltage levels, we can easily scale the amount of power that is needed in different applications. For example… The power that is provided to our homes comes in the form of AC power. Typically between 120 and 240 volts. Devices that can be used with AC power are not affected by the alternating characteristics of this form of power. Some common examples are: lightbulbs, many types of heating elements, AC motors, etc. However, some electrical devices are affected by this alternating current, in which case, a different type of power is needed. DC power.

Because DC power is more difficult to generate, and because it is more difficult and expensive to convert AC power to DC power, it is not commonly used as the main power source for most applications. However, it is widely used in many different scenarios and converted when necessary. It is common to see DC power being used in more complex electrical circuits. More specifically, DC power will be used when electrical components require some type of microchip.. or processor.

As you will commonly see, both forms of power will be used simultaneously in many different applications. For example, in an industrial control cabinet, you will typically see AC power being supplied, which will power some of the components within the panel… specifically components that are not affected by the alternating characteristics of AC power. You will then see that AC power being converted to DC power for the devices that are more complex and have some type of microchip or processor that requires DC power function properly.

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[nickolasdaff]

I wanted to understand why complex devices use DC, and found answer in your video( because of one direction and constant flow). Thank you!

[alanjackson]

I wanted to learn this in my teens. I'm 49! Great vis thanks.

[kwazirich]

Thank You man!🙏🏾 You have summarised this Perfectly! 👌🏾👍🏾

[artkade]

This a great video explanation very easy to understand

[storyofwill]

Thank you. I'm so bad at electrics. This make a lot sense.

[ianpatrick]

This is such a great explanation. I didn’t know that most power generated is A/C.

[arunnpp]

Hi gentle man, for industrial Air conditioner some industries using AC circuit (AC supply)and some industries using DC Circuit (DC supply). Can u explain pls

[shanahmed]

Thanks a lot for the explanation. This always irritated not to have understanding when we use DC or AC. even our engineering teacher was unable to make us understand. Thanks again

[shreyasphanipendyala]

This was stupendous! Can you also do a video on electric potential and potential difference?

[harshilsathwara]

Why there is difference between values of Pdc and Pac?
What type of power is consumed, ac or DC?

[amochswohntet]

So basically the only application AC is used for is transmission.
But if this is the case then why isn't it converted to DC at the electrical box instead of the at the device?
Saftey? Precedent?

[jhondelarog]

when we identify that the control circuit source is AC or DC?

[Maher-]

Hi, I have a power supply 12v 20A and want to step down the current to 5Amps using a step down convertor, how can i check the current on the Multimeter?
Hope you can advice me, thanks

[ericstrickler]

Wow thanks! That was super helpful :)

[MajorCulturalDivide]

Why do batteries and AC adapters for the same gadget provide a different voltage?

[redscenestudios]

Im an electrical diploma student graduate in 2008. Only today after wake up from sleep and read about tesla and thomas edison, im really interested to know what the difference between AC and DC. That’s what happen when you study something you dont like. Sorry for my bad english

[desCD]

Awesome video! Can you make a video clarifying Ground Common and Neutral wires and when to reference those wires when troubleshooting.

[crunkwun]

Me: DC power. I'm direct and constant in my mood
My wife: AC power. Mood is up and down and all over the place 🤣

[arindamdutta]

If by any chance we are being able to generate AC on the Moon or by any means we are being able to transmitt AC to the moon, will we be able to use any appliance on the moon??? (the neutral is connected to the moon's surface)

[Soothsayer]

you could also have mentioned the merits and demerits of ac and dc powers.