What is the main advantage of using AC over DC for power transmission?

The main advantage of using alternating current (AC) over direct current (DC) for power transmission is that AC can be easily transformed to higher voltages for efficient transmission.

When electricity is transmitted at higher voltages, the current flowing through the transmission lines is reduced, which minimizes energy losses due to heat generated in the conductors. This principle allows for electricity to be transmitted over long distances more efficiently, making AC suitable for widespread electrical distribution systems. Transformers, which are devices specifically designed for this purpose, work effectively with AC, enabling the voltage levels to be increased or decreased as needed for both transmission and usage.

This ability to transform voltage levels is critical for the electrical grid, where power needs to be distributed from generation facilities, often located far from end-users, while maintaining efficiency and minimizing losses. Therefore, the capacity to easily adapt voltage levels is a significant practical advantage of AC in the context of power transmission.