AC⚡️DC
Q: What is AC Power?
A: AC refers to an Alternating Current. Alternating current is the flow of charge that changes direction periodically. AC power is the most common method to deliver electricity to houses and office buildings. Generally, an AC electrically powered component will be wired into your homes electrical system or have an electric cord with a plug end to insert into a wall outlet.
Q: What is DC Power?
A: DC refers to Direct Current. With direct current the flow of charge moves in one direction only. DC power is sourced from batteries or solar cells where the power is stored.
Q: Are AC and DC components compatible?
A: No, not really without the use of other components such as transformers or rectifiers.
Q: Why would AC or DC power matter in my irrigation system or the planning of it?
A: If you want to automate your irrigation system, you will need to determine whether you will use an AC or DC power source. A system with an electric valve manifold set-up will require a controller to operate the valves and this must be compatible with the power source. If you plan to use your household electricity you will want to look into AC controllers. AC powered controllers must have AC solenoids on the electric valves. If your landscape or garden is more remote, without a power source nearby, you will want to check out DC controllers (battery operated). DC powered controllers must use DC solenoids on the electric valves.
Q: Are hose-end timers AC or DC?
A: Hose-end timers are battery operated which means that they are DC powered!
Q: How can I tell if a controller is AC or DC?
A: AC power is wired into the property electrical system or plugged into a standard household (110/120V) electrical outlet. Most AC controllers and solenoids are noted as 24VAC. The controller reduces the higher voltage from your homes electrical system to safer low voltage power. A DC system is powered by battery or solar cells and might be noted as 9VDC or 12VDC.
Q: How can I tell if a solenoid is AC or DC?
A: Most often the solenoid will note the power on the unit. With AC solenoids, both wires will be the same color while DC (imagine your car battery), will have different colors for each wire.
Valve with AC Solenoid:
Valve with DC Solenoid:
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