AC (Alternating Current)
AC (Alternating Current) is the type of electrical current that you get from your standard wall outlet. Unlike DC (Direct Current), which flows consistently in one direction, AC constantly changes direction. Imagine a river flowing back and forth instead of steadily in one direction.
Here are some key points about AC
- Direction: AC constantly reverses its direction, flowing forwards, then backwards, then forwards again, and so on, in a continuous cycle.
- Household Applications: Most household appliances and electronics, including TVs, refrigerators, and lamps, run on AC.
- Wires: AC power typically uses three wires:
- Line: Carries the main flow of electrical current.
- Neutral: Provides a return path for the current.
- Ground: Serves as a safety measure to prevent electric shock in case of equipment failure.
- LEDs: Most LEDs require DC to operate. Therefore, AC power from the wall outlet needs to be converted to lower voltage DC using a power adapter or driver before it can be used with LEDs.
- Frequency: AC is characterized by its frequency, which is the number of times the current changes direction in one second. This is measured in Hertz (Hz). In North America, the standard AC frequency is 60 Hz, meaning the current changes direction 60 times per second. In Europe and other parts of the world, the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
In summary, AC is the electricity that powers most of our homes and businesses. While convenient and efficient for many applications, it requires conversion to DC for use with most LEDs.