AC and DC power differ in direction, usage, and efficiency. Learn the basics of how alternating and direct current work and where each is used.

DC current moves in one direction. It is typically used in situations where smaller amounts of power are required, like in small, battery-operated devices. "AC" means "alternating current".

Rectifying ac has other problems, such as the surge current that it will draw (Fig. 1). This is different than inrush current, which dc-dc supplies also have, when you first apply power to them.

Batteries are a part of our everyday life, and power everything from phones to gaming handhelds to laptops, but do those batteries use AC or DC current?

AC and DC describe the flow of two different types of electrical currents. DC is direct current; electricity that flows in one direction. AC is short for alternating current and can change direction.

Your gadgets run on direct current, but the electricity in your home is alternating current. What’s up with that?

Newspapers dubbed it " The War of the Currents," for it pitted the alternative current (AC) approach of George Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla against the direct current (DC) camp of Thomas Edison.

I won’t go into the history of the direct current vs. alternating current war (other than to say: “screw you, Edison!”), but your house runs on alternating current (AC) while most appliances ...