Recreational Vehicle (RV) Technician Practice Test

What is the classification of current supplied by commercial power lines and RV generators?

1. Direct Current

2. Alternating Current

3. Static Current

4. Variable Current

The correct answer is: Alternating Current

Commercial power lines and RV generators supply alternating current (AC). This type of current changes direction periodically, which is a characteristic of how conventional electrical systems are designed for efficiency and stability in transmission over long distances. In most regions, the standard frequency for AC is either 50 or 60 hertz, depending on the country. AC is preferred for commercial applications because it can easily be transformed to higher voltages, which minimizes energy lost as heat while traveling through power lines. Once the power reaches its destination, transformers can reduce the voltage to usable levels for residential or RV use. This versatility allows for more efficient energy distribution compared to direct current (DC), which is primarily used in battery-powered systems and certain electronic devices. Static current does not refer to a flow of electric charge but rather to electric charge at rest, and variable current doesn't accurately describe how electrical current operates in the context of commercial power. Thus, AC is the correct classification in this scenario.