AC vs. DC

Both AC and DC are acronyms that describe different types of electrical current. While DC was the first to be used by scientists, AC has proved superior.

AC stands for alternating current, in which the electrical charge occasionally reverses flow of direction. Most homes and businesses receive electrical power in an AC wave because it is safer to transmit over long distances and is more powerful than DC.

DC stands for direct current, in which the electrical charge flows only in one direction. The electric power produced by batteries is DC, flowing only in one direction. It loses power the further it travels from its source.

Early electrical devices used DC power, such as those used by Thomas Edison. But those were later outweighed by the advantages of AC power. Nikola Tesla is credited with inventing AC.