What are the Types of Electric Current?

Current is a type of electricity that flows through wires. There are different types of electric current. Current is measured in amps (A) and volts (V).

Amperes measure how much electrical power is flowing through a wire and volts measure the amount of voltage difference between two points. In simple terms, current measures how fast electrons flow through an electric circuit.

Types of electric current

There are different types of currents that are used for different purposes. The type of current depends on the type of equipment that is powered by it. The different types of currents are as follows:

• Steady Current
• Varying Current
• Direct Current
• Alternating Current
• Instantaneous Current
• Eddy Current

Direct current (DC)

The flow of charge is always in the same direction because a direct current is an electric current that is uni-directional. The direction and amperage of direct currents do not change when compared to alternating currents. It’s used in a lot of household electronic devices, and in all devices that use batteries. DC current can be produced by DC generator.

Alternating current (AC)

A current that is produced by a voltage source whose polarity keeps on reversing with time is called an alternating current (A.C).

AC current is the most commonly used current in modern society. It is created when an alternating current (AC) passes through a transformer. AC current is created by connecting a AC generator to a wall socket. When the switch turns off, the current stops until the switch is turned back on.

Steady Current

In a steady current, the charge has to flow out of the small volume surrounding the point as it flows into the volume.

Varying current

When the magnitude of the current changes with time, it’s called a varying current.

Instantaneous Current

The current was referred to as a value at a particular moment in time. Two types of charging and discharging current are what it is. The rate of flow can be different with time. The time that is considered is very small.