Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What device is most commonly used to change electrical Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC)?

1. Transformer

2. Generator

3. Rectifier

4. Inverter

The correct answer is: Inverter

The device that is most commonly used to change electrical Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC) is called an inverter. An inverter functions by taking the unidirectional flow of electricity from a DC source and converting it into an alternating current, which oscillates back and forth. This conversion is essential for using DC power (such as that from solar panels or batteries) in applications that require AC power (like household appliances and industrial machinery). Inverters are especially important in renewable energy systems, where DC power generated from sources like solar panels needs to be transformed into AC power for widespread use in the electrical grid. They play a critical role in the flexibility and efficiency of energy systems by allowing DC sources to interface with AC infrastructures. While transformers are used to change voltage levels in AC systems, they do not convert DC to AC. Generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, but they typically produce AC directly rather than transforming DC. Rectifiers, on the other hand, convert AC to DC, which is the opposite of what the question asks. Therefore, the inverter is the best and correct choice for converting DC to AC.