--- description: Direct Current (DC) is termed as electricity that is distributed and transmitted in a single direction through a conductor, like in battery. title: What is Direct Current (DC)? - Energy Theory image: https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/What_is_Direct_Current__DC.png --- Close Menu - [About](https://energytheory.com/about-us/) - [EV](https://energytheory.com/category/electric-vehicles/) - [FAQs](https://energytheory.com/category/faqs/) - [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) - [Green](https://energytheory.com/category/green/) - [Renewable](https://energytheory.com/category/renewable/) - [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) - [Energy Economy](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-economy/) - [Energy Services](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-services/) - [Solar](https://energytheory.com/category/solar/) - [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) - [News](https://energytheory.com/category/latest-news/) - Language [![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png)](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish ![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian ![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified) ![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch ![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish ![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German ![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi ![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese ![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish ![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese ![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian [![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png)](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish ![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian ![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified) ![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch ![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish ![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German ![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi ![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese ![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish ![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese ![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) # What is Direct Current (DC)? By [Elliot Clark](https://energytheory.com/author/elliot_clark/)November 17, 20232 Mins Read ![JAN 23 What is Direct Current (DC)?](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/What_is_Direct_Current__DC-1024x683.webp "What is Direct Current (DC)?") The direct current or DC may be termed as the electricity that is** distributed and transmitted in a single direction** through a conductor, typically at a high current and low voltage. DC must be transformed into alternating current, which is the opposite of DC, in order to be used for ordinary 120-volt or 220-volt household equipment. ### **What are the Examples of Direct Current (DC)?** A **battery serves as the best illustration** of Direct Current (DC). Batteries are used in various technology, including TV and AC remote controls, mobile phones, motorcycles, and automobiles. These batteries have plus (+) and minus (-) marks printed on them if you look closely. The positive terminal is indicated by the plus (+) sign on the battery, and the negative terminal is indicated by the minus (-) sign. The movement of electrons (negative charges) from the battery’s negative terminal to its positive terminal begins when it is connected to a circuit. The battery’s charge carriers always go in the same direction. ### **What is Alternating Current (AC) to Direct Current (DC)?** Using **a rectifier**, an electronic device, we can change the electric current from an AC source into Direct Current. Alternating Current (AC) is changed into Direct Current (DC) via a rectifier (DC). While Direct Current (DC) is represented by a straight line in an [oscilloscope](https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/how-to-use-an-oscilloscope/all), Alternating Current (AC) is frequently represented by a sinusoidal waveform. ### **Why Direct Current (DC) is Not Used in Homes?** - Functionally, the DC voltage cannot advance much before it begins to deplete its energy. - [AC current](https://energytheory.com/what-is-alternating-current/) reliably transmits within cities over greater distances and produces more electricity. - Since DC is more difficult to release if touched since the voltage does not exceed zero, it is more dangerous than AC for the same voltage. When DC current is used, muscles contract with a consistent force. - With DC than AC, electrolytic corrosion is more likely. - Due to the voltage not dropping to zero, DC arcs do not quench as quickly. **Must Read:** [What is Activation Voltage?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-activation-voltage/) Share. 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With a background in environmental science, he has a deep understanding of the issues facing our planet and is committed to educating others on how they can make a difference. #### Related Posts [![Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Post-consumer-recycled-PCR-content.png "What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-post-consumer-recycled-pcr-content/ "What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?") #### [What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-post-consumer-recycled-pcr-content/) April 9, 2024 [![Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Heating-Seasonal-Performance-Factor-HSPF.jpg "What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-heating-seasonal-performance-factor-hspf/ "What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?") #### [What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-heating-seasonal-performance-factor-hspf/) February 3, 2024 [![What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/What-is-Annual-Fuel-Utilization-Efficiency-AFUE.jpg "What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency-afue/ "What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?") #### [What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency-afue/) February 2, 2024 Add A Comment Leave A Reply [Cancel Reply](https://energytheory.com/what-is-direct-current-dc/#respond) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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