Electric Current

Electric current is the flow of electricity along a conductor.

There are 2 Types:

1. DIRECT CURRENT (DC): Is a constant, even flowing current that travels in one direction only (a straight line) and is only produced by chemical means.

Examples: Flashlight, cellphones, and cordless tools use the direct current produced by batteries.

An inverter: An apparatus that changes direct current to alternating current

2. ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC): Rapid and interrupted current, flowing first in one direct and then in the opposite direction; produced by mechanical means and changes direction 60 times per second.

Examples: Corded blow dryers, curling ions, electric files, and tables lamps that plug into a wall outlet.

A rectifier: An apparatus that changes alternating current to direct current.

If you move to Europe, they may be AC mostly so you would need a rectifier to plug into DC. Otherwise, if you plug an AC into a DC, your tool can blow up.