DC (Direct Current) is not used in homes for a few main reasons:
1. **Transmission Losses**: DC is harder to transmit over long distances. The loss of energy during transmission is higher for DC compared to AC (Alternating Current). This happens because DC requires more complex equipment for long-distance transmission, like bigger wires and thicker insulation, leading to higher costs and more energy loss.
2. **Difficulty in Voltage Transformation**: One of the main advantages of AC is that its voltage can be easily stepped up or stepped down using transformers. This makes it easy to transmit electricity at high voltages (which reduces losses) and then step it down to safe, usable levels for homes. With DC, transforming voltage is much more complex and expensive.
3. **Cost and Efficiency of Equipment**: Most electrical devices, including household appliances, are designed to run on AC because itβs easier and cheaper to generate and distribute. Generating DC electricity requires more expensive equipment like batteries or specialized power supplies, which isn't as practical for large-scale distribution in homes.
4. **AC Generators Are Simpler**: AC generators (alternators) are simpler and more cost-effective to build than DC generators. AC can be easily produced at power stations, whereas DC generation often requires specialized equipment, like large batteries or rectifiers.
In summary, AC is much more practical for widespread use in homes due to its efficiency in transmission, ease of voltage conversion, and cheaper generation. DC is still used in specific applications (like in batteries or electronic devices) but is less suited for large-scale power distribution.