While some devices can run for a limited or extended period of time on a battery, solar energy or some other source, most appliances and electronic devices require an alternating current (AC) to run for extended or indefinite periods of time. This electric current is transmitted through power cords which connect the appliance or device to the source of electricity, which in the average American home, is an electrical outlet.
What is AC?
AC is an acronym which stands for alternating current. Alternating current is generated through power cords. The current is generated in the form of electrons, which flow in one direction, then in the opposite direction. Because the electrons flow in different directions, the current is said to be alternating, hence the name, alternating current, or AC. Power cords are the means of connecting appliances and electronics to AC power sources.
AC vs DC
DC refers to direct current (sometimes also called dry cell, although this is technically not correct). Direct current is generated within a battery. Electrons flow through the semisolid substance within a battery in a single direction, hence the name direct current. When the stored energy within the battery is used up, the battery ceases to generate electron flow, or in popular terms, the battery is said to be "dead."
Grounded AC power cords
In most American appliances and electronics, the AC cord has three prongs. The left prong is slightly larger than the right prong, and the bottom prong is somewhat rounded. In plugs with only two prongs, the left prong is still usually somewhat larger than the right prong. In some instances, a thin sheet of foil is attached to the area where the third prong would usually be located. The left prong and bottom prong, as well as the thin foil, are all designed to ground the cord, or protect users from electric shock by shutting down the appliance in case a wire becomes loose.
North American vs. international electric current
In the United States and Canada, electric current runs at 120 volts for nearly all electronics and appliances. Most of Mexico uses 127 volts. However, in much of the rest of the world, 220 volts, 230 volts, 240 volts, or even 250 volts is the norm. For Americans traveling overseas, this often necessitates purchasing a transformer, which is an adapter which allows appliances geared for 120 volts to run overseas without risking electric shock or burning out the appliance. Some electronic devices, especially laptop computers and cell phones, can be used with AC power overseas without transformers, because they are designed to run on a number of voltages.
North American vs international electrical wall outlets
Most electrical wall outlets in the United States have two flat prong openings with the left prong opening slightly larger than the right, or three prong openings, with two flat prong openings as described above, plus a bottom rounded prong opening. However, wall outlets around the world differ, with much of Europe using two rounded prong openings, for example. The solution, along with a transformer when needed, is to purchase a number of prong adapters so that appliances can be plugged into wall outlets overseas.
Tags: left prong, prong openings, wall outlets, current generated, electric current, larger than