AC (alternating current) supply is used in homes primarily due to historical reasons, practical considerations, and technical advantages. One of the key reasons AC is used in homes is its efficient transmission over long distances. AC can be easily transformed to higher voltages using transformers, which reduces energy losses during transmission. This capability is crucial for delivering electricity from power plants to residential areas efficiently and economically.
We have AC supply at home because AC voltage can be easily stepped up or down using transformers, allowing it to match the varying voltage requirements of different appliances and devices within a household. For instance, high-voltage AC is transmitted over power lines to reduce losses, and then it’s stepped down to lower voltages suitable for home use. This flexibility in voltage conversion makes AC versatile and practical for powering diverse electrical loads found in homes.
AC is used in homes instead of DC primarily because of its efficiency in long-distance transmission and ease of voltage transformation. In the early days of electricity distribution, AC was chosen for its ability to be easily converted to higher voltages for efficient transmission over power lines and then stepped down to lower voltages suitable for use in homes. This infrastructure established AC as the standard for residential electricity supply.
The use of AC in houses is driven by its compatibility with a wide range of household appliances and devices. AC power can efficiently power everything from lights and refrigerators to computers and air conditioners. The ability to easily regulate voltage levels through transformers ensures that AC electricity can meet the diverse electrical needs of modern homes without requiring significant changes to infrastructure or appliance design.
AC power supply is used for various applications in homes, including lighting, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, cooking, entertainment systems, and powering electronic devices. AC electricity’s ability to be easily distributed and transformed to different voltage levels ensures reliable and efficient operation of these appliances and systems. Additionally, AC power is compatible with the grid infrastructure and the majority of electrical appliances designed for household use, making it the preferred choice for residential applications.