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When it comes to electricity, it’s either AC or DC. We’ll explain the difference and show you which type of current is best suited for different situations.
AC and DC Current: What’s the Difference?
- The abbreviation AC stands for “Alternating Current.” In German, we call it Wechselstrom. The abbreviation DC stands for “Direct Current,” or Gleichstrom.
- With alternating current (AC), the polarity of the current changes regularly. This creates a balance between negative and positive directions.
- Due to its numerous advantages, AC current is primarily used worldwide. In Germany, too, alternating current comes out of the outlet.
- This alternating current changes its direction (polarity) 50 times per second. The technical term for this is 50 Hz.
AC and DC Power in Everyday Life
- In everyday life, however, we’re also encountering direct current (DC) more and more often. Since rechargeable batteries charge better with direct current, we need DC power for smartphones, laptops, and other devices.
- However, since AC power comes out of the outlet, the DC power must be converted. This is done by a small or large power adapter that connects the outlet to the device.
- You don’t need to worry, though, about accidentally plugging an AC device into a DC power source—or vice versa. The connectors are always designed to prevent such problems from occurring.
