Making the Right Choice: AC Switch or DC Switch?

Alternating current (ac) or direct current (dc) circuits, which to pick for your electrical design? A common misunderstanding is that the type of circuit being used holds less or no importance, any switch could be used until its current rating is more than the maximum load in the circuit. Which obviously isn't true. Both the circuit types, the AC or DC circuits carry out very different currents,   therefore, it is very important to figure out which one is optimal for your electric design. The following post will help you in selecting the right circuit for your product.

During transmission, it is common for the electric current to lose power, especially when it's a long-distance transmission. But we need to ensure which circuit is more suitable for distance-based transmission to avoid much loss of power. The circuit movement of a DC switch is quite useful for short-distance transmission like toys, torch etc. Whereas the wiggly motion of an AC switch is favourable for transmitting power across long distances as the minimal movement of electrons saves any loss of power.

All the switches commonly conduct a single function of switching on the device or switching it off. Altogether, they all connect the circuit to create an electric current for the switch to turn on and break the connection for it to turn of. But what is important to note is the speed with which the desired effect is regulated and that speed defines if we need an AC or DC circuit! In the given situation, when a switch is turned off, a voltage spark is created which needs to extinguish. In an AC circuit, the voltage spark extinguishes more quickly than in a DC circuit. This happens because the constant change in magnitude and the direction of flow of current in an AC circuit doesn't allow the power to be at its peak.

Once, we define the switching speed, it is then important to check its compatibility with the nature of your electrical load. The electrical load can be of two types, inductive or resistive load. A major difference between the two types is the fluctuation of the peak current. When an inductive load is switched on, there is a large inrush of current which eventually settles down to a constant running current, therefore higher fluctuation. Whereas a resistive load directly rises to a steady state resulting in lower fluctuation. Also, when the inductive load is switched off, comparatively a higher amount of voltage spark is created than the normal. An incompatibility of your switch rating to your load type, can either cause an immediate breakdown of the switch or can eventually shorten the lifespan of the switch.

Keeping in consideration, the switch type, AC or DC must be chosen but the right decision always involves choosing a certified standard switch by a trusted manufacturer. Gelco Electronics is one such trusted name that provides style with quality.