What type of current do most household appliances operate on?

Most household appliances operate on alternating current (AC) because it is the standard form of electricity supplied by utility companies for residential power. AC is used widely because it can be easily transformed to different voltages, which allows it to be transmitted efficiently over long distances. This capability makes it the ideal choice for power distribution in homes where various appliances require different voltage levels.

In contrast, while some appliances such as batteries, solar panels, and electronic devices may use direct current (DC), the majority of household devices like refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other large appliances are designed to run on AC power. Additionally, low-voltage AC might be used for specific applications, such as landscape lighting or doorbells, but it does not represent the main power source for most household appliances. The reference to both AC and DC encompasses a broader range of applications but doesn't reflect the primary operation of typical household appliances.