Why is home electrical current distributed only in AC? Why not DC?
AC (alternating current) power is used for power generation and distribution because it has numerous advantages over DC (direct current). Most consumer electronics run on DC, so a power supply is used to convert the AC line voltage to DC and then regulate the DC voltage and current levels as needed for the specific circuit. Both AC and DC transmission systems were used in the early years of power generation, but AC quickly became the predominant system by the beginning of the 20th century. Existing DC distribution systems were gradually converted to AC. Different AC frequencies were also used, until 60Hz (North America) and 50Hz (Europe) were adopted as standards. 25Hz AC power, for example, was also used in North America until the middle of the 20th century. The greatest advantage of AC power lies in its distribution requirements. The lines carrying electrical power from the generating stations to your home do not need to be as heavy a gauge as those required by comparable (voltage an
