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direct-current transmission
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direct-current transmission

mechanics
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Quick Summary

Direct current (DC) is an electric charge that flows in only one direction. It is produced by sources such as batteries, fuel cells, rectifiers, and generators with commutators.1

While alternating current (AC) largely replaced DC for commercial power in the late 1880s due to the difficulty of transforming DC for long-distance transmission, advancements in the 1960s made long-distance DC transmission economical again. However, DC typically needs to be converted to AC for final distribution. DC remains essential for certain applications like electroplating.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
2 Britannica Sources
  1. direct current
  2. alternating current

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