ac power

USAGE SUMMARY

"ac power" is a correct and usable term in written English.
This term is used to describe an alternating current, which is an electrical current that moves in two directions (left and right) and is commonly used in electrical systems. For example, "This machine requires a 10V ac power supply."

✓ Grammatically correct

Technology

Engineering

Electronics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It runs on AC power or batteries.

The New York Times - Tech

This recall involves Hewlett-Packard's LS-15 AC power cord.

The Guardian - Tech

We developed a microcontroller-based device to measure AC power.

Cornell University

The antenna coil captures AC power from the reader's radio frequency signal, and the AC power is converted into DC power at a rectifier circuit.

MIT Technology Review

The iBoom Travel fits most iPods and can run on AC power or AA batteries.

The New York Times - Tech

Concentrated power: Amonix's solar power generator converts 25percentt of sunlight into AC power.

MIT Technology Review

Mühlpfordt, T., Faulwasser, T. & Hagenmeyer, V. Solving stochastic AC power flow via polynomial chaos expansion.

Nature

Other than the possible AC power short, our device should not interfere with anyone else's design.

Cornell University

M. H. Graham, "Surge protection of capacitor used for AC power filtering," U.S. Patent Application.

University of California, Berkeley

There are quite a few commercially available professional AC power measurement devices on the market.

Cornell University

"But we only do this where standard AC power is not available, and in Montauk it is available".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing electrical systems or devices, be specific about the voltage and frequency of the "ac power" to ensure compatibility and safety.

Common error

Avoid using "ac power" and DC power interchangeably. "Ac power" refers to alternating current, while DC power refers to direct current. Using the wrong term can lead to misunderstandings in electrical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ac power" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It identifies the type of electrical power being discussed, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ac power" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote alternating current electricity. As validated by Ludwig, its frequent presence in news, academic, and scientific sources reflects its importance in diverse contexts. While alternatives like "mains power" or "alternating current supply" exist, they offer nuances in meaning. When writing about electrical systems, being precise about the type of power is critical. Avoiding confusion with DC power is essential for clarity. Given its widespread use and clear definition, understanding "ac power" is crucial in both technical and everyday discussions related to electricity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Alternating current power

Adds specificity by explicitly stating "alternating current".

Alternating current supply

Focuses on the supply of alternating current.

Mains power

Refers to the electrical power supplied by the grid, often used in a domestic context.

Electrical mains

Similar to "mains power", specifying the electrical source.

Mains electricity

Similar to "mains power", but uses "electricity" instead.

Line voltage

Emphasizes the voltage level of the ac power supply.

Grid power

Highlights the source of the power as coming from the electrical grid.

Utility power

Indicates the power supplied by a utility company.

Household current

Common term for ac power available in homes.

Wall outlet power

Specifies the power source as a standard wall outlet.

FAQs

How is "ac power" used in a sentence?

"Ac power" is commonly used to describe the type of electricity supplied to homes and businesses. For example, "Most household appliances require "ac power" to operate".

What's the difference between "ac power" and DC power?

"Ac power" refers to alternating current, where the flow of electricity reverses direction periodically. DC power, on the other hand, flows in one direction only. Solar panels generate DC power, which is then converted to "ac power" for household use.

What are some alternative ways to refer to "ac power"?

Depending on the context, you can use terms like "mains power", "line voltage", or "alternating current supply" as alternatives to "ac power".

Why is "ac power" used in most homes instead of DC power?

"Ac power" is more efficient for long-distance transmission and can be easily stepped up or down using transformers, making it suitable for widespread distribution in power grids.