Definition
An electric current that reverses direction at regular intervals, as opposed to direct current (DC) which flows in one direction only. In North America, the standard AC system frequency is 60 hertz — meaning the current completes 60 full cycles per second, reversing direction 120 times per second. Nearly all bulk electric transmission and distribution uses three-phase AC because it enables efficient voltage transformation via transformers, economical long-distance power transfer, and direct connection to synchronous generators and large rotating loads.
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Topic Deck
Electrical Engineering Fundamentals
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Source
FERC Pro Forma OATT / LGIP