Difference Between AC Charger and DC Charger
Main difference
The main difference between AC and DC chargers is that AC chargers are powered by alternating current, that is, the current changes from one side to the other. This is the main reason why we have alternating current, in the power lines, in our homes. On the contrary, DC chargers are powered by direct current, that is, the current does not change or change from one side to the other. In DC chargers, it is simply the positive and negative type of current. So precisely, AC power chargers are a bit complicated than DC power chargers.
AC charger vs. DC charger
When shopping for chargers for a device, there are two types of chargers available, AC charger and DC charger. While they may look the same, they have a different variety of features. AC charger or alternating current technically means an electrical current that reverses direction in a circuit in regular periods of time. The time period of the current is measured in cycles per second or hertz. A DC or direct current charger, on the other hand, means an electrical current that flows in only one direction, so it flows constantly without any interruption and thus does not change from positive to negative poles or frequency. An AC charger is used to convert one AC voltage to another AC voltage. A DC charger differs from an AC charger in that the DC charger converts AC electricity to DC electricity. Both AC and DC chargers have a maximum power output in watts. AC and DC chargers are classified with similar units and technology, but the output of both is different. AC charger can damage and destroy technological devices that were designed for DC chargers due to its constantly reversing electrical current, while similarly DC chargers will also generate excess heat on electrical components that are suitable for AC chargers, which will damage and destroy them. Due to the reversal of electrical current going back and forth, we have AC current in all of our power lines used in our homes, while on the other hand, to charge larger electrical appliances, AC current is converted to DC current and then a DC charger is used. due to its nature of constant electric current.
| Base | AC charger | DC charger |
| Ability | Charge the battery in a shorter period of time | Charge the battery in a longer period of time |
| Use | Plugs and sockets are very convenient and easy to use | The charging units have a special outlet for higher energy production. |
| current type | Gives an alternating current to the device, which means the current keeps changing back and forth | It can supply a constant voltage or current to the battery and it does not change its direction. |
| Location | Mainly used in homes | It is mainly used in companies |
What is AC charger?
The AC charger is supplied with alternating current that continuously changes direction, switching back and forth at regular time intervals. AC chargers are simply a type of external current source, they are placed in a casing that is made of plastic to prevent current leakage. They are battery powered and when plugged into a socket, they are used to charge the battery when the battery runs out. The time taken to charge the device usually depends on the device and all of the good quality AC chargers. AC chargers contain a transformer that transforms the voltage of the electricity coming from the main line into a lower voltage and also contains a stabilizer that converts it to direct current.
What is DC charger?
DC chargers are powered by a direct current which is the current that remains constant and does not change from one side to the other. DC chargers are simply chargers. They do not have built-in regulators or rectifiers to convert electrical current. It has filtering components; these components control the stability of the direct current. DC chargers are basically simple chargers. DC chargers do not change their output based on battery charging time. Technically, all batteries are charged using DC adapters. The most common examples of these are your handheld mobile phones, your tablets and laptops, and many other everyday devices and appliances.
Key differences
- AC chargers charge the battery in a shorter period of time while on the other hand a DC charger takes longer to fully charge the battery.
- AC outlets and plugs are very convenient and easy to use, while DC charging units have a special outlet for higher power output.
- AC chargers give an alternating current to the device, which means the current keeps changing back and forth, while DC chargers can supply a constant voltage or current to the battery and it doesn’t change its direction.
- The expected life of an AC charged battery is longer than that of a DC charged battery, making AC chargers more powerful.
- AC chargers are used more in homes compared to DC chargers.
- AC chargers can damage or destroy some electrical circuits, which are specially designed for DC chargers.
- DC chargers can cause excess heat in some electrical devices which can destroy them, compared to AC chargers.