Little off topic , but figured this would be the fastest way to get an answer . What is AC // DC current , and the difference between them ?? Thanks in advance for your replies ....

<<<<DON>>>>
Fort Myers Fla.

Alternating Current/Direct Current. There would be a lot to go into so if you have a specific question you should probably ask it. Motors are generally made to work with one of the other due to the differences in supplied current.

.................

This is a good question to direct to Roger Wilson.

DC current is direct current. The type provided by applying a constant voltage to a circuit, i.e. using a battery. Many devices use DC currents from a simple flashlight, to circuits in a PC, and some motors.

AC current is alternating current. This is the type of current provided to your house by the power company. It's called alternating current because the polarity flips in an alternating fashion (sort of the equivalent of flipping the + and - wires on a battery, though a bit smoother), i.e. in the US, your 110V voltage flips the positive and negative 60 times per second. The sewing machine motors used in many power wrappers use AC current.

Some devices that you plug in will use this alternating current directly. Others will use a transformer to step down the circuit as well as some other circuits to modify the alternating signal into a nearly constant DC current.

Beyond this sort of simple explanation, a more specific question could get you pointed in the right direction.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/07/2015 04:52PM by Joe Vanfossen.

Donald,
As Randy said, I would be happy to answer any specific questions.

I have done a lot of work in that particular field.

Roger Wilson

hflier@comcast.net

Donald

Normally when we speak of AC or DC "current" we referring to a type or state of electricity, BUT current is taken as a indication of capacity "amps".

The difference between AC or DC "current" is the method the electricity is delivered or provided.

Joe hit the nail on the head and I would like to add to his comments

In alternating current (AC), the flow of electric charge periodically (60 times a second) reverses direction. In direct current (DC) the flow of electric charge is only in one direction. Alternating current is thought as a wave, where DC current is a straight line. AC current is generally found in homes. DC current generally comes from a battery,

AC voltage can be changed in to DC voltage using transformers and diodes, example a battery charger.
DC voltage can be changed to AC voltage using an "inverter" , plug an inverter into the car cigarette lighter of your car and the output is AC voltage to power household items.

Generally the appliance or item to be used determines the type of voltage and amount of current "amps" required to operate..

To ultra simplify, think of this... GENERALLY

AC electricity comes from the outlet in your house.
DC electricity comes from a battery.

STILL AWAKE?

To sum it up
When we speak of AC or DC "current" we referring to a type of electricity delivered and required by the appliance. A typical home has 120 and or 240 AC Volts with 100 to 200 amp service delivered by a public utility. A typical car uses 12 volts DC with 500 cranking amps delivered by a battery.

Volts AC or DC refers to the LEVEL of power available and the method of delivery as either alternating or direct.

Current (AMPS) AC or DC refers to AVAILABILITY of power provided.

John

Thank you Joe V , and John D .. This is just what the doctor was looking for .. Thanks again !! Have a great weekend .. Fishing of course ..

You may enjoy the following video.

[www.youtube.com]

Don Becker

Thank you Don for posting . I did enjoy the video, was interesting .. thanks again ..

<<<<DON>>>>
Fort Myers Fla.