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The CURRENT is actually AC coming Directly from the Alternator. A voltage regulator/converter then takes it to DC. For all practical purposes, a typical automobile operates on 12Vdc. The Alternator actutally puts out about 14 Volts to allow for constant charging of the battery.

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14y ago
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4mo ago

A car's 12-volt battery is considered a DC (direct current) power source. This means it provides a constant flow of electricity in one direction, which is needed to power the electrical components of the vehicle.

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12y ago

dc - the voltage is a constant 12 volts nominally in a normal car battery.

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14y ago

The word 'alternator' means 'producer of alternating current'.

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Q: Is a car 12 volt battery ac or dc?
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Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

Can you run 12 volt DC adapter equipment with a 12 volt transformer?

No, a 12-volt DC adapter and a 12-volt transformer are typically used with different types of devices. A 12-volt transformer is used to convert AC power to a low-voltage AC output, while a 12-volt DC adapter is used to step down AC power to a low-voltage DC output. If the equipment requires a 12-volt DC input, you should use a 12-volt DC adapter, not a transformer.


If a battery has 100 amp hours at 12 volts dc how many amp hours will it have with a 120 volt ac inverter connected?

The amp hours capacity of a battery remains the same whether it is connected to a 12-volt DC load or a 120-volt AC inverter. So, the battery would still have 100 amp hours regardless of the inverter voltage.


Can a 12 volt battery charger use to power a 12 volts amplifier?

No, a 12 volt battery charger is not designed to power a 12 volt amplifier. While they both operate at 12 volts, a battery charger is meant to charge a battery and may not provide the necessary current or voltage stability needed for an amplifier to function properly. It is recommended to use a power supply or battery specifically designed for powering amplifiers.


Will a 12 volt auto light-bulb work on 12 volt AC?

Yes, a 12 volt auto light bulb can work on 12 volt AC, but the light output might be slightly lower compared to when using DC. The bulb will still produce light, but it may flicker due to the alternating current.


Is a 9 volt battery ac or DC?

A 9 volt battery is a DC (direct current) power source. It provides a constant voltage output in one direction, unlike AC (alternating current) which flows back and forth.

Related questions

Will a 120 volt AC to 12 volt AC adapter charge a 12 volt car battery?

No, the battery is DC not AC.


Will a 120 volt AC to 12 volt AC adapter charge a car battery?

No, auto batteries are DC not AC.


What size battery does a 1937 Chevy car use?

Any 6 volt battery that will fit the holder and the posts are oriented correctly. That is assuming it has not been converted to 12 volt. If you want an OEM AC/Delco battery then click the link.


110 volt ac car alternator?

I hope not, it'll cook the 12 volt DC system.


Will hooking up two 12 volt computer speakers to a car using an AC adapter that connects to your car's cigarette lighter drain my car's battery?

It depends on whether or not the power port is on when you pull out the key.


Can you run a 12 volt ac water pump with a 12 volt dc adapter?

No. You need 12 volt AC to run a 12 volt AC motor, not 12 volt DC.


What are the differences in a motorhome converter as opposed to a motorhome inverter?

ConverterA converter changes AC house current (120 volt in North America) into 12 volt DC battery power. Current production of Converters are also smart battery chargers to keep your battery up while not over charging it. InverterAn inverter takes 12 volt DC battery power and converts this electricity into 120 volt ac power.


Can you run a 120 volt 5 amp window ac unit off a 12 volt deep cell battery with a 12 volt dc to 120 volt ac power inverter installed on the deep cell battery?

You "could" run a 120V 5A window AC unit off a 12V deep cell battery but, assuming 100% efficiency (something you can never get), you would need an inverter or motor-generator set and 50A out of the battery to run, and maybe 5 or 10 times that to start.


Can you hook a car amplifier to a home stereo?

No you cannot house amps use 120 volt ac car amps use 12 volt dc


Can you charge car battery using 110V AC outlet?

Only if you have a battery charger connected to that 110 volt AC outlet. If you are thinking about connecting live AC current directly to the battery post forget it. That would more than likely cause the battery to explode.


Is car battery ac or DC volts?

Batteries by definition have to be DC. While u can convert DC to AC, with a device called an Inverter, none is built into a car battery. and chances are your car doesn't even have an Inverter anywhere in it. so car is DC. in addition modern cars use 12 volts, and for the record, AC and DC are not a "type of volt," they are types of current, (Direct Current, Alternating Current).


Is a car battery AC or DC volts?

dc - the voltage is a constant 12 volts nominally in a normal car battery.