AC-DC Supplies

Any electronic equipment designed to function from either Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC) power is described as AC/DC equipment or AC to DC equipment. This means that AC power is converted to DC to produce continuous flow of electricity instead of a fluctuating AC power. Some equipment or appliances, however, is capable running in either AC or DC, thus, they are not termed as AC to DC.  

The basic concept in AC to DC power is that an alternating current is converted to direct current to power equipment that needs a continuous flow of electricity. Most electronic appliances are designed to run with continuous supply of power. Direct current provides such characteristic but since direct currents in batteries are chemically generated, there is scarcity of supply unlike alternating currents that are usually provided by power plants, therefore, unlimited in supply. Converters of AC to DC are typically found in electrical plugs around us. Running electricity (that is, in electrical cables) is AC but the one that powers our coffee makers is already DC.  

As mentioned most appliances run on DC power and as such all “outlet” dependent electronic devices use this kind of power. Home appliances regardless of required power consumption fall under this category. Medical equipment including defibrillators, use AC-DC power. Industrial machineries also use AC-DC supply because the generators need continuous current.