Different types of batteries are being used in our day-to-day life. From your smartphone, laptops, to vehicles, there is a wide variety of applications that you cannot count on. When it comes to the selection of batteries, the most common phrase we often hear is battery AC or DC?
Undoubtedly, it is an important factor to know about the battery specification so that it can be used for particular equipment and devices. There are some gadgets and tools that work best on AC, while some work the best on DC.
Not being able to distinguish between an AC battery and a DC battery will result in total failure, and you may destroy the device being used.
It is of foremost importance for all of us to identify AC and DC batteries so that we can use them accordingly as per the specifications. But how will you find out if a battery is AC or DC? Well, before we move onto that section, you need to familiarize yourself with what actual AC and DC actually mean. For information related to batteries, continue reading this article and present a detailed overview on the topic.
What do AC and DC stand for?
Types of electricity, AC is a short form for Alternating Current, while DC stands for Direct Current. An electronic circuitry works either on AC or DC power supply. Check out this section if you want to know how a battery works.
Alternating current
AC current is the electrical charge movement that changes course of direction over time. The AC current is usually used in a power transmission line that is used to pass on power over a long distance. Power distribution to your homes is being done using the AC current.
Direct current
DC current is the one that flows in one direction and supplies constant current or voltage. Most of the applications that we use consume DC current that includes cell phones, laptops, flashlights, and electric vehicles.
Are batteries AC or DC?
The flow rate of the electrons through a cable is known as the current. When we talk about AC current, it is primarily being used to transfer power to buildings. Transporting electrical power over a long distance was feasible with AC current; plus, it is an efficient method as you can transfer AC with high voltages and fewer power losses.
Surprisingly, there are no AC batteries as such; it is only the converters that generate AC current out of the DC supply. Some DC batteries allow you to integrate the converter in order to create an AC current. The application of it includes a power grid system that supplies electrical outlets in your homes as the outlets are mostly AC. The same applies to backup generators in homes.
Technically, it is not possible to store AC current in a battery as it changes its direction, and thus you need a converter to make your battery run AC current.
Which one is better?
It all comes down to the type of electricity, and each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. With regard to the power transmission, AC is most suitable as it can supply current over a long distance and without any power loss. Transferring power over a high voltage in an efficient manner is what is achieved through AC.
Power consumption and lower power loss are vital benefits that you have with AC current.
On the other hand, when it comes to management and risk handling, AC is more difficult to work with. Despite being insulated, handling AC is more difficult than DC.
In addition to that, AC power is more vulnerable as it is prone to heating and may cause fire and electric shocks. Talking about AC generators, they are not reliable as compared to DC generators.
Different applications have different requirements, and therefore, both AC and DC are being used. It all depends on the usage and the particular conditions and based on the demands; you choose which battery is more suitable.
Conclusion
The electric system of your home consists of various modules and components where each element has its own importance. Let alone the home appliances; batteries are used in a number of devices, gadgets, and tools. Though you may not notice the specs in the first place, when you face some electrical issues, then you come to know about AC and DC types.
This article is all you need if you want to know about your battery, whether it is AC or DC so that you know what you are dealing with. In this way, you will quickly sort out the battery problems, if any.