I heard on tv that public electricity supply was originally D.C. Why did they send D.C. down the wires instead of A.C.? I thought that elctricity is generated as A.C. in spinning generators, and has to be converted to D.C. Thanks, Hartly.
Originally, Edison promoted DC for only very short town distances, but then Tesla proved that AC could be distributed far and wide, stepped up and down, and merged/synchronised easily between generating stations onto a grid or networked system. Even autos now have alternators to generate AC which is then rectified to charge/maintain the battery. They once used to have dynamos for making DC, like bicycles may still do. DC is converted only in AC mains appliances that need its presence.
ElectronDepot website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.