What characteristic does an AC power source have?

An AC power source is characterized by its ability to take power from the main electricity supply, which is typically alternating current. This type of electricity supply is used for residential and industrial applications due to its efficient transmission over long distances and its capability to easily transform voltages using transformers. The alternating current changes direction periodically, which suits the design of many electrical devices and systems.

While batteries generate direct current (DC) and may not provide the characteristic features of an AC source, the ability of AC to interface with existing electrical infrastructures is crucial. Furthermore, transformers are fundamental to the functionality of AC power sources, facilitating the increase or decrease of voltage levels, so they cannot operate independently of them. Additionally, AC power is widely used across various applications, not just limited to welding, encompassing a range of tools and equipment. Thus, the most defining characteristic of an AC power source is that it takes power from the main electricity supply.