AC became the standard for household power because it has several advantages over DC when it comes to transmitting electricity over long distances. Alternating current can be easily transformed to higher or lower voltages using transformers, which makes it more efficient for the power grid. High-voltage transmission reduces energy loss, making it ideal for delivering electricity from power plants to our homes.
When you plug in your appliances, they are designed to run on AC power. This is why your light bulbs, refrigerators, and TVs all operate smoothly with the type of electricity supplied by your local utility company. However, it’s worth noting that many modern electronic devices internally convert AC to DC because components like microchips and batteries operate on direct current. That’s why you’ll often find AC adapters and power supplies converting the current for your laptops, phones, and other gadgets.
So, in summary, while your house is powered by AC, there is a little bit of DC action going on inside some of your devices. But for the main event—keeping your lights on and your fridge cold—AC is the reigning champion!