If you have just started using electric vehicles, then you must have come across some EV chargers. There are those which are said to be AC chargers and others and DC chargers. So what is the difference? We will look at this in great detail and help you understand the same.
Electricity is generally produced in two main forms at any power plant; AC and DC. Both types of currents are essential for powering most electronics. Being able to understand the difference is paramount as it helps you apply the right type of electricity.
AC is an abbreviation for alternating current while DC is short for direct current. In alternating current, the direction of the flow of electrons changes directions regularly. The frequency at which this change happens is measured in hertz (Hz).
In a direct current, on the other hand, the electrons always flow in one direction. The majority of electronic devices in your home will need alternating current to function. This includes lamps, TVs, and hair dryers.
Let us get into more details about these types of electric currents.
AC Power
AC, as mentioned above is an abbreviation for alternating current. Generally, this is the standard power that is supplied to homes and businesses. In North America, the standard is 60 Hz while in Europe it is 50 Hz.
The main advantage that AC has over DC is that it can be transmitted over long distances without the need for a lot of power. This is because the current can be easily changed to high voltage or low voltage as required.
Alternators are required to generate AC power. The first alternator was invented by Michael Faraday in 1831. The device uses magnets to create a rotating electric field. This, in turn, produces an AC current.
The main disadvantage of using AC is that it is not very efficient when it comes to powering electronic devices. This is because the current has to be converted from AC to DC before it can be used. You have to convert AC power in order to power up your devices with DC voltage.
DC Power
Direct current is the type of electric current that is used in batteries. It is also the kind of power that is produced by solar cells.
The biggest advantage that DC has over AC is that it is more efficient when it comes to powering electronic devices. This is because there is no need to convert the current from AC to DC.
However, the main disadvantage of using DC is that it can only be transmitted over short distances from the DC power sources. This is because the current cannot be easily changed to high voltage or low voltage.
DC power was first discovered by Alessandro Volta in 1800. He created the first battery which could generate a DC current. DC power is usually reliable in terms of being consistent and providing a constant voltage.
So, there you have it! These are the basics of AC and DC power. As you can see, they both have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to understand these concepts so that you can apply the right type of electricity to your devices. Let us now look at how they compare to each other.
Direct Current vs. Alternating Current
Now that you understand power plants will produce the two forms of power, it is important to know the difference. The main difference between direct current and alternating current is that direct current flows in one direction while alternating current changes direction periodically.
Another difference between the two is that direct current is more efficient when it comes to powering electronic devices while alternating current can be transmitted over long distances without the need for a lot of power.
So, which one should you use? It really depends on your needs. If you need to power electronic devices, then direct current is the way to go. However, if you need to transmit power over long distances, then alternating current is the better option.
When To Use DC Power Supply
There are specific devices that will only be powered by a direct current power supply. This includes devices such as:
- Computers
- Televisions
- Printers
- Radios
These electrical devices need dc DC power supplies because they have sensitive electronic components that can be damaged by the changing current of an alternating current. DC power from car batteries is used in powering electric motors.
When To Use AC Power Supply
Alternating current is the standard type of power that is supplied to homes and businesses. This is because it is ideal for high voltage transmission which is carried through the power lines.
However, there are some devices that require AC power in order to function. These include:
- Hairdryers
- Lamps
- Refrigerators
- Air conditioners
These devices need AC power because they have motors that require changing current in order to function.
So, there you have it! These are the basics of AC and DC power. As you can see, they both have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to understand these concepts so that you can apply the right type of electricity to your devices.
When it comes to powering electronic devices, direct current is more efficient because there is no need to convert the current from AC to DC. However, alternating current can be transmitted over long distances without the need for a lot of power.
It really depends on your needs as to which type of power you should use. If you need to power electronic devices, then direct current is the way to go. However, if you need to transmit power over long distances, then alternating current is the better option.
Are EV Chargers DC or AC?
The majority of electric vehicle (EV) chargers are alternating current (AC). However, some newer models are starting to use direct current (DC).
The reason that most EV chargers are AC is that it is the standard type of power that is supplied to homes and businesses. AC can be easily transmitted over long distances without the need for a lot of power.
However, DC is more efficient when it comes to powering electronic devices. This is because there is no need to convert the current from AC voltage to DC.
So, which type of EV charger should you use? It really depends on your needs. If you need to charge your EV quickly, then a DC charger is the way to go. However, if you need to charge your EV over a longer period of time, then an AC charger is the better option.
It is important to note that not all EV chargers are created equal. Some EV chargers are better than others. It is important to do your research in order to find the best EV charger for your needs.
Final Thoughts
With a clear understanding of the difference between AC and DC, it will be much easier to select the right type of electricity for your devices. If you need to power electronic devices, then direct current is the way to go. However, if you need to transmit power over long distances, then alternating current is the better option.
