Back when people first began experimenting with electrical current and power sources, there were two schools of thought; AC and DC. These two schools of thought translated into a popular ’80s band centuries later, but that’s another story.
This particular tale has to do with Alternating Current and Direct Current, or AC and DC. Both are used around the world, but only certain countries use AC. The United States is one of the few countries that use AC instead of DC, a direct effect of the work of Mr. Edison. DC is the brainchild of Mr. Tesla, which is the current that most of Europe and the rest of the world use. As such, an AC power source is what you need if you are going to plug in anything in the U.S.
What Happens When You Use the Wrong Power Source
Direct current is more powerful and constant than alternating current. Alternating current is considered “safer” because its flow can be interrupted more easily. So, what happens when you attempt to plug an AC plug into a DC power source or vice versa?
You would probably get an electrical fire the likes of which you have never seen. It’s also possible that you would blow up the object you are trying to plug in or blow several fuses on the breaker box all at once. Unless you have imported a device from somewhere else in the world that calls for DC current, use the AC power source. Be safe and smart with electrical power.
