Is High Voltage DC more efficient than AC?
Is High Voltage DC more efficient than AC? According to Siemens it's quite the opposite: Whenever power has to be transmitted over long distances, DC transmission is the most economical solution compared to high-voltage AC. HVDC transmission losses are quoted as less than 3% per 1,000 km, which are 30 to 40% less than with AC lines, at the same voltage levels.
Does Europe use AC or DC?
Current flowing in power lines and normal household electricity that comes from a wall outlet is alternating current. The standard current used in the U.S. is 60 cycles per second (i.e. a frequency of 60 Hz); in Europe and most other parts of the world it is 50 cycles per second (i.e. a frequency of 50 Hz.).