Why DC Current Is Not Used In Homes

linquip.com/blog/why-dc-current-is-not-used-in-homes/

February 11, 2021

The answer to why DC current is not used in homes goes back to the inherent characteristics
of direct currents and their weaknesses compared to Alternating Currents (AC). In fact, AC
currents can be easily transmitted over long distances without much loss. They are also
safer in direct touch at an equal voltage. In this article, we try to explore this issue.

DC and AC Currents Characteristics

Electricity is defined as the current of electrons throughout a conductor like a wire. The
electricity flow is established in two ways, including AC and DC. The principal difference
between AC and DC currents lies within the direction of electrons movement.

DC refers to Direct Current. DC current is defined as a unidirectional current of electricity. In

DC current, the electrons travel from a negative charge zone to a positive charge area
without any change in direction. This state is despite alternating currents in which current can
move in both directions. DC can pass through both conductive and semiconductor materials.

In DC, the current intensity changes along with time, but the current direction stays the
same. According to the definition, DC is the current whose polarity never reverses.

AC and DC symbols (Reference: quora.com)

An alternating current is the flow of charge, which changes its direction periodically.
Consequently, the voltage level turns along with the current. AC is a type of current that is
used to transfer power to places where humans live or travel, like homes, industries, or other
buildings.

An alternator generates AC designed to produce alternating current. Within a magnetic field,

an induced current flows along a loop of spinning wire. The wire rotation comes from
different means, such as any kind of turbines (wind, water, steam, etc.).

1/6
Because of the spinning of the wire and its entrance into various magnetic polarities
periodically, the voltage and the current alternate inside the wire. Therefore, the current can
be in different shapes such as sine, square, triangular, or other waveforms. The most
common current shape is the sine shape.

The sinusoidal form of the AC voltage is expressed by the following equation.

V\left(t\right)=V_p{\mathrm{sin} \left(2\pi ft+\mathrm{\Phi }\right)\ }

V(t) is the voltage, which is a function of time and Vp is the amplitude. The variable f is the
frequency of the wave. Also, t is the independent variable. Finally, Φ is the phase of the sine
wave.

For example, the battery uses DC current to transmit current to the electrical circuit in which
it is present. In a battery system, electrical energy is generated from the chemical energy
stored in the battery. By connecting the battery to the electrical circuit, a constant charge
current is provided from the negative to the positive terminal of the battery.

The following figure shows the difference between AC and DC waveforms.

AC and DC currents waveforms (Reference:

elprocus.com)

DC and AC currents can be converted to each other. An inverter is used to convert DC

current to AC, and a rectifier is used to convert AC current to DC.

Explaining the Reason Why DC Current is Not Used in Homes

Generally, the primary source of direct current is generated by batteries, electrochemical, or
photovoltaic cells. However, AC is the most preferred one in the world. Based on this
scenario, AC is converted to DC.

2/6
The alternating current usually is applied to electricity distribution systems for different
reasons. The most significant reason is the readiness to be converted from one voltage to
another. Doing this with DC is significantly more complicated and expensive. So in order to
transform DC current, AC is generated by electronic circuits, and then, it is transformed with
a transformer and rectifier to DC.

The process of converting AC into DC occurs in successive steps. At first, the power supply
includes a transformer, which is later converted to DC using a rectifier. It restricts the current
from reversing, and a filter is used to remove current pulsations in the rectifier output.

Vast quantities of AC power can be converted to almost any desired voltage, with a very
small loss of energy utilizing an electric transformer, including coils with generated magnetic
fields linked.

All conductors that carry electricity at room temperature have electrical resistance and
therefore heat up during electricity current.

The heat generated is proportional to the electrical resistance and the quadratic power of the
electric current.

P=RI^2

To decrease energy loss, it is essential to retain both resistance and electrical current low. A
lower current is significantly more important than the resistance due to the exponential effect
on losses.

The power is calculated by multiplying volts by amperes.

P=VI

So for specific power, the voltage must be high when the current is kept low. In the following
equation, the numerator of the fraction is constant, but the denominator becomes larger, so
the product of the fraction decreases.

V=\frac{P}{I}

3/6
Huge transformers are used in power transmission lines to control high voltage values to
minimize losses.

However, high voltages are not safe, especially for a man’s life, so leading a high voltage
current into a house is not an acceptable action.

AC power is then quickly and efficiently converted to an almost safe voltage at local
transformers in the place of residence. Doing this with DC is not nearly as easy or cheap.

Power system generator to homes

(Reference: windows2universe.org)

So, here we can summarize all reasons why DC current is not used in homes.

Functionally, the DC voltage cannot move very far unless it starts to lose energy.
AC current is reliable to transfer over longer distances within the cities and generated
more power.
DC is more harmful than AC for the same voltage since it is more troublesome to get
released if touched as the voltage does not exceed zero. Muscles contract with steady
force in the case of DC current.
Electrolytic corrosion is more probable with DC than AC.
DC arcs do not quench as quickly, for the reason of not going the voltage through zero.
AC induction motors are uncomplicated to create and keep. DC motors need a
commutator and brushes or a complex electronic switching system.
With the help of a transformer, AC current can be easily converted from high voltages
to low voltages and vice versa. Thus, a remarkable advantage of AC voltage over DC
is stepping up and down the voltage based on the requirement.
AC production and communication can be performed using fewer substations than DC.

4/6
 If the human body gets shocked with AC, the alternating current enters and exits from
the human body at regular time periods. However, DC constantly causes trouble for the
human body.
The place surrounded by the alternating current is more than DC.

Long-Distance high voltage electricity transmission

(Reference: peoi.org)

Comparison between AC and DC Applications

Alternating current is basically used in the industry of the generation and transportation of
electricity. AC provides power for almost every household around the world. DC is mainly not
applied for these purposes due to some reasons. For example, heat production due to more
power loss compared to AC, more significant dangers of causing a fire, more costs, and
problems from converting high voltage and low current to low voltage and high current with
the help of transformers.

AC is a more popular current in powering electric motors, a machine that converts electrical
energy to mechanical energy. Direct current is common in devices containing batteries
charged by plugging an AC to DC adapter into a power outlet or using a USB cable to
charge. Examples include mobile phones, flashlights, modern TVs, and hybrid cars.

In China, a project has been run in which DC transmission lines carry power to homes with
fewer energy losses than AC. It displays that household usage of DC power is becoming
more popular. Also, Siemens company has established a high voltage direct current line
(HVDC) with a distance of 65 miles. Such projects could make the use of renewable energy
unprecedentedly.

Still, while higher DC voltages usually cause more hazardous power transmissions and the
monitoring of DC grids can be challenging, large AC voltages can be decreased to more
reliable levels when they are transmitted from a power plant.

Conclusion
With all of the above descriptions, experts are testing and presenting the easiest way to
transfer power. Power transmission with AC current has proven itself repeatedly. In addition,
DC voltage is reaching a point that is no longer considered an inefficient method. However,

5/6
AC voltage is still the most reliable way to supply power.

Buy Equipment or Ask for a Service

By using Linquip RFQ Service, you can expect to receive quotations from various suppliers
across multiple industries and regions.

Click Here to Request a Quotation From Suppliers and Service Providers

Read More On Linquip

What Is Conduction Convection and Radiation? (With Example)

Transformer Efficiency: Essential Things You Should Know
Types of Electric Circuits: All Classification with Application
What is the Equivalent Circuit of Transformer?
What are the Advantages of AC over DC?
What are the Disadvantages of Direct Current?
Difference Between Resistance and Impedance- Resistance vs. Impedance
Polarity Test: All You Should Know About
Difference between Capacitor and Inductor- Capacitor vs. Inductor
What are the Advantages of Alternating Current?
What is the Difference between Direct Current and Alternating Current?
What is the benefits of AC in Long-distance Transmission?
What are the Disadvantages of Direct Current?
What is AC Circuit and Its Characterization?
What is Closed Circuit? Definition & Example
What is Open Circuit? Diagram & Example
Types of Resistor: Classification, Application, and Finally Clarification

6/6