Presented By: Drew Powers

The AC is the abbreviation for alternating current which is the electric charge flow periodically changes directions or polarity. A typical waveform of the AC current is a sine wave but can also vary in certain applications as a triangular or square wave.

Gas or Propane powered engine Direct drive shaft couplers AC generator head GM alternator Industrial V Belt Pulley Horizontal shaft Alternator bracket

If a machine is constructed to rotate a magnetic field around a set of stationary wire coils with the turning of a shaft, AC voltage will be produced across the wire coils as that shaft is rotated. This is the basic operating power of a AC generator which is know as an alternator.

Common examples of Alternating currents are audio and radio signals carried on an electrical wire. With AC it is possible to build electric generators, motors and power distribution systems that are far more efficient than DC, and so we find AC used predominately across the world in high power applications.