A
TRIAC (Triode for Alternating Current) is specifically designed for
AC (Alternating Current) applications. It is a type of semiconductor device that can control the power in both halves of an AC waveform.
Unlike a typical diode or a regular transistor, which can only conduct current in one direction (DC), the TRIAC can conduct current in both directions, making it ideal for AC circuits where the current alternates direction.
It works by being triggered into conduction by a small voltage applied to its gate. Once triggered, it stays on until the current naturally drops to zero (as it happens in AC) and then turns off, ready to be triggered again when needed.
So, to summarize:
TRIACs are used in AC circuits, not DC circuits.