There are two types of electrical currents: direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). Direct current flows in a single direction along wires. Alternating current flows back and forth, rapidly switching direction many times per second.
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Direct Current (DC) & Alternating Current (AC) Electricity
There are two types of electrical currents that can flow through wires: direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC).
Direct current (DC) electricity flows in the same direction all the time through an electric circuit. The electrons that carry the electricity in a wire mostly move in one direction in a DC circuit. A flashlight with its batteries, bulb, and wires is a common example of a DC circuit.
The outlets in our homes provide alternating current (AC) electricity. The flow of electrons in an AC circuit switches direction very quickly - 60 times every second! The electrons first flow one way, then the other. However, the electrical devices we use don't care which direction the electrons are moving, since the same amount of current flows through a circuit regardless of the direction of the current.
Electric power distribution networks which deliver electricity to our homes are set up to handle alternating current electricity. Space weather storms can cause flows of direct current electricity in the electrical power grid. Since the grid was designed to used AC electricity but not DC electricity, the space weather induced direct currents can damage or destroy some types of equipment, such as voltage transformers.
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