The difference between AC and DC

Het verschil tussen AC en DC

The difference between AC and DC at both 230V and 12V for example

Are you also curious about what the difference is between AC and DC? Then you've come to the right place! We will delve deeper into both types of current and how they work, so that you will soon know exactly what the difference is between the two.

AC or DC: What's the Difference?

First of all, it is important to know what AC and DC mean. AC stands for 'alternating current', or alternating current. DC, on the other hand, stands for 'direct current', or direct current. What exactly is the difference between these two, we explain below.

AC: Alternating Current

Alternating current is an electrical current that alternately changes direction. This happens at a certain frequency, which is indicated in Hertz (Hz). In the Netherlands, for example, the frequency of the power network is 50 Hz. Alternating current is mainly used for transporting electricity over large distances, because it can be easily transformed.

DC: Direct Current

Direct current is an electrical current that flows constantly in the same direction. This is because the voltage does not change. Direct current is mainly used in LED lighting, consumer electronics, such as laptops and mobile phones.

Differences between AC and DC

Below we have listed the most important differences between AC and DC for you:

  • Direction: AC constantly changes direction, while DC continues to flow in the same direction.
  • Voltage: In AC the voltage varies, while in DC the voltage remains constant.
  • Applications: Alternating current is mainly used for transporting electricity over long distances, while direct current is mainly used in consumer electronics and LED lamps.

AC and DC at both 230V and 12V for example

Now that you know the difference between AC and DC, it is also interesting to know how this difference works out at different voltages. We take 230V and 12V as an example.

AC at 230V

At 230V we often speak of mains voltage. This is the voltage that is supplied via the socket. In the Netherlands, the frequency of this is, as mentioned earlier, 50 Hz. The majority of the devices that we use daily, work on mains voltage. Think of refrigerators, washing machines and lighting.

AC at 12V

With 12V we usually talk about low voltage. This is often used in cars, boats and campers . Some examples of devices that work on 12V are navigation systems, radios and lighting .

DC at 230V

Although DC is mainly used in consumer electronics, there are also applications where DC is used at 230V. An example of this is a solar panel installation. This generates DC, which is then converted to AC via an inverter.

DC at 12V

Direct current is often used in mobile equipment that runs on batteries. Think of laptops and mobile phones, which get their power from a battery that supplies direct current.

Conclusion

In short, the difference between AC and DC is that alternating current alternates in direction, while direct current flows in the same direction. AC is mainly used for transporting electricity over long distances, while DC is mainly used in consumer electronics. We have also looked at the difference between AC and DC at different voltages. With this information, you are now fully up to date on AC and DC!

When current changes direction, there is no plus and minus on an LED lamp, but it can also be reversed to work.

With direct current, DC, the lamp does have a plus and a minus and only works in 1 way. If it doesn't work, you have to turn it around.

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