Back to Basics: AC Sinusoidal Line Current

Figure 1: A single-phase AC current
vector rotates at 50 or 60 Hz

We've reviewed the basics of AC line voltage in previous posts. Now we'll turn our attention to the other fundamental component of line power. Regardless of whether you call it "grid," "household," "line," "utility," or "mains," AC sinusoidal current is what flows from the power utility's lines into every home and business.